Ask Wynnie: A weekly witchy Q&A

     First and foremost, I apologize for the delay in posting. Existential circumstance took hold of my day and prevented me from working on this week's post. Rest assured I will make sure to get things in on time this coming Sunday!
     For our new readers, these weekly Q&A discussions will be posted on Sunday evenings, and will feature questions submitted the previous week, with a submission cutoff of 11:59pm on Saturday! To submit your questions, please email us at CovenantofTheRose@gmail.com, or Wynnie@covenantoftherose.org!
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Techno-Witchery

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Q: I keep hearing about this Second Life thing that witches and pagans are using to connect during the pandemic; do I need an account to participate? And does it cost anything?
A: Awe Second Life, it’s a great program but it can be confusing for those who aren’t familiar. So a basic rundown; Second Life is similar to the sims in that you create an avatar that can be augmented and adjusted to your liking. The main difference, however, is that unlike the Sims, Second life is interactive and players/users from all over the globe can communicate, meet, and otherwise interact with each other virtually. In order to be a part of this, you DO need to make an account, but a basic account is free and allows you to have an avatar. If you decide to upgrade to premium though, you get to choose a virtual house, and get a weekly allowance of sorts that allows you to purchase items for your avatar or virtual home!

Q: My laptop isn’t equipped to run a program like Second Life, isn’t there an easier way?
A: Unfortunately, that can sometimes happen as Second Life is a large program. If you are unable to use the aforementioned, try talking to the host of the event and seeing if they’d be open to also doing it via Google or Microsoft teams!

​Q: I am concerned that I will not feel as connected if I am not in person, am I alone?
A: That is a very legitimate concern for many, but rest assured, event organizers go above and beyond to make sure you feel included and connected. Many of us will even send out a “things you may need” email prior to the event to help. If you are still worried, try reaching out to the host directly to see if they can help in any way. 
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Philosophical Questions 

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​Q: I recently got a call from the goddess, but how do I know Wicca is the right choice for me?
A: That’s a great question! Sometimes the call comes as a surprise, and for those who are less familiar with the goddess and her mysteries, it can feel like a shock. The best way to discover whether or not this is the path for you is to meditate and think on; weigh your options and your conscious and choose the best path for you!
 
Q: I have a calling towards paganism, but the call isn’t coming from any specific direction, how do I decide on a pantheon?
A: Well, there are a couple of ways you can go about this; What is your heritage? Are you Celtic? Norse? Egyptian? Does your heritage have a pantheon that you could explore? If so, start there. If not, or if you simply do not connect with it, start by looking up pantheons one at a time and learning about their gods. For example, if you are reading about Hellenic gods, and Hecate calls to you, explore her path further. If you read about certain gods and do not have a connection, it is OK to move on and keep looking. Explore until you find the fit that is best for you!
 
Q: God’s from multiple paths have called to me; is that OK? Can I cross worship?
A: Absolutely! You can worship whoever calls to you regardless of their origins. The craft is unique and tailored to the witch. 
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Coven Questions 

​Q: The coven I am interested in joining isn’t holding in person gatherings as a result of the virus, but I would still like to join when possible. What should I do?
A: Unfortunately, the virus has limited most covens for the foreseeable future, but many of us will be welcoming new members as soon as it is safe to do so. Until that time, reach out to the leadership of the coven and see if they’re doing any virtual work while in quarantine.
 
Q: I have a dietary restriction or allergy that may be problematic in a coven setting; what should I do?
A: Communication is key in the case of allergies! Most covens will do whatever they can to accommodate the allergy and not cause discomfort, but you need to tell people about the allergy so that can be done. For example, I am allergic to the glue used to make incense cones and sticks, and as a result our coven only uses loose herbal incense. It’s an easy fix, and most allergies are too!