Talk:Solitary practitioner/Archive 1

Archive 1

solitary practice vs self-initiation

This article could benefit from citing the belief of some (Here's one example) that while solitary practice may or may not be acceptable, self-initiation remains a contradiction in terms. Self-initiation and solitary practice are not synonymous with one another. -- SwissCelt 10:17, 10 March 2007 (UTC)

Self-initiation may be a contradiction in terms but that argument has never stopped anyone from doing anything. That said, I have no objection to the contradiction being discussed. All religious people have some solitary practices. But solitary practitioners have different issues than practitioners who are members of groups. While solitary practice and self-initiation are different issues. Self-initiation is more of an issue for Solitary practitioners than for members of groups. This article is not about solitary practice it is about solitary practitioners. So issues that are particular to Solitary practitioners should be discussed here.-- Sheherazahde (talk) 19:54, 9 March 2010 (UTC)

Removed Silver Raven Wolf as controversial figure

Anyone can be a controversial figure in any belief system... this sentence also implies that Cunningham is not a controversial figure by some within Wicca. Bear in mind that Wikipedia's policy is neutral point of view as best as possible... 69.245.172.44 11:29, 8 October 2007 (UTC)

I also think that it is not a good idea to emphasize how Silver RavenWolf is a controversial figure, so I removed that part. A Wikipedian had re-added it, but didn't explain why the sentence should be in the article. I think that speaking of controversial figures is simply bad taste here. It has practically nothing to do with this article, which is about solitary practitioners, not about Silver RavenWolf. Complaining about her books in this article only sounds preachy.82.203.170.153 (talk) 00:50, 24 February 2009 (UTC)

Cunningham and RavenWolf

I have a problem with the sentence "The writings of Silver RavenWolf and the late Scott Cunningham are especially popular among modern solitaries." It needs sources. And why to mention especially them? Are they more popular than all the others? And the sentence hints that Wiccans in covens don't read Cunningham or Ravenwolf so much. That requires proof, too. Not all covens are British Traditional Wiccan.

Anyway, Cunningham and RavenWolf are popular authors, so it could be relevant to mention their opinions on self-initiation. If I remember correctly, Scott Cuninngham supports self-initiation. It could be a relevant thing to mention. How about Silver RavenWolf? I haven't read her books, but I guess she also supports it.82.203.170.153 (talk) 00:50, 24 February 2009 (UTC)

Further reading section

This section was probably meant as a list for Wiccan books about solitary practice. I think you need to be cautious with such lists because people tend to use them as a place to advertise books, and add not related books or books by non-notable writers. Before I edited the article, it had The Wiccan Prayer Book: Daily Meditations, Inspirations, Rituals, and Incantations by Mark Ventimiglia. The book is targeted for both solitary practitioners and coven members, so it has no reason to be on the list. I think its inclusion was only advertising. Many, many wiccan books are intended for both solitary practitioners and coven members. This makes me doubt the usefulness of the section. Solitaries make use of also other Wiccan books than those targeted only for them. Still, the list might develop into something spectacular over years, so I left it to the article despite my doubts. 82.203.170.153 (talk) 00:50, 24 February 2009 (UTC)

I originally included books that target solitary practitioners to justify the existence of this page at all. The Religion moderator didn't think "Solitary practitioner" deserved a separate listing. All religions have some practitioners who are alone, but I think the recognition of Solitary Practitioners as a group is significantly different in Wicca and Neo-Paganism than in Christianity. Being a Solitary Practitioner means something different in the Wiccan and Neo-Pagan community than it does in other religions. I'm not sure how to explain exactly what it means, but I think it is worth mentioning as a significant and distinctive feature of the religious movement. That said I have no particular attachment to any book listed, outside of documenting that "Solitary Practitioners" are a feature of Wiccan and Neo-Pagan culture that deserves a listing.-- Sheherazahde (talk) 03:19, 9 March 2010 (UTC)

Only by Wiccans?

The article stated: "Solitary practitioner is the term used in the Wiccan community for a person who---". It is also used by other people. Rae Beth wrote the book Hedge Witch: Guide to Solitary Witchcraft. She proposed the tradition, and doesn't consider it Wiccan. I changed the beginning of the article to include non-Wiccan Witches. Marian Green, whom the article mentions, doesn't identify herself or her practice as Wiccan, either. 82.203.170.153 (talk) 00:50, 24 February 2009 (UTC)