For Seekers

Before contacting a Hawkfire, Seekers are strongly encouraged to read or listen to the audiobook of Traditional Wicca: A Seeker’s Guide by Thorn Mooney. Hawkfire is an initiatory, Gardnerian Wiccan Coven, and this book provides an excellent overview of what this means, and why a Seeker may (or may not) wish to pursue this particular magical practice.

This is copied from the landing page but is worth repeating. Before sending an inquiry email to Wren Robin at wrencaprimulg@gmail.com, consider the following:

Hawkfire is a feminist, anti-racist, and intersectional coven. Coven leadership is committed to social and environmental justice broadly. This includes maintaining these ideals through inclusive practice. Race, gender identity, sexuality, education, mental health history, physical ability, and socioeconomic background should not preclude one’s involvement in the Craft, and Hawkfire is committed to this ideal.
Seekers must have maintained an occult or magical practice for at least six months before applying.
Seekers should have a basic familiarity with Wicca as a modern magical practice in the Western Mystery Tradition. This includes a basic familiarity with The Wheel of the Year (the Sabbats), the concept of the ritual circle, and group (coven) based practice (versus solitary).
It helps if the Seeker has already observed a few Sabbats on their own.
Seekers unfamiliar with initiatory Wicca are strongly encouraged to read Traditional Wicca: A Seeker’s Guide by Thorn Mooney before sending a Seeker letter. Please see the Resources post for additional recommendations for those unfamiliar with these concepts.
Rituals and training are conducted online, however….
Seekers should strive to attend in-person ritual training in Charlotte, North Carolina once or (preferably) twice a year.
Because time zones are challenging, it is better if Seekers live within GMT -8 and -2 time zones, but we will not exclude a further Seeker if they are a good fit.
Hawkfire Coven has a uniquely technophilic bend. While most members are “technology casual,” Hawkfire may be a better fit for those interested in bridging initiatory Witchcraft with diverse technologies.

Hybrid (online and in-person) training is not ideal. Wren Robin is committed to accessible and equitable craft training, however. Seekers struggling to find a Coven that serves their particular interests within the context of Craft training are welcome to reach out.

Writing a Seeker Letter

Seekers are also encouraged to read How to Write a Coven Enquiry Letter by Yvonne Aburrow.

Seeker letters should be emailed to High Priestess Wren Robin at wrencaprimulg@gmail.com. All sincere and thoughtful letters will receive a response, although patience is appreciated.

Seekers are strongly encouraged to provide as much detailed information about their lives, circumstances, and experiences as possible, but preferably no longer than two or three pages. It is helpful to describe your interest in initiatory witchcraft as well as previous experiences and interests in witchcraft, paganism, magic, and/or the occult.

Below is a (ridiculously long) list of questions you may wish to address in your letter. Don’t try to answer them all! But consider them when writing your letter.

Again, the more concrete and specific information you can provide a Coven leader, the easier it will be for them to assess your suitability for their particular Coven.

It can be helpful to think of the Seeker letter as a magical object or magical act. It’s a work of practical correspondence and needs to be grounded in facts and information, but it should also strive for radically self-honesty.

Personal Information

What’s your legal name?
What’s your craft name? (Not everyone has a craft name, and not every tradition requires it.)
Preferred pronouns.
Present gender identity.
Current age.
City, State.
Your email (for Craft matters).
Phone number (for Craft matters).

Practical Life Circumstances

Do you have a spouse/partner/significant other?
How do they feel about you being in Craft training? (Note: For Hawkfire, Seekers must let their partners know they are in Craft training and that skyclad ritual will eventually be part of ritual practice.)
Briefly describe any caregiving responsibilities.
Do you drive and, if so, how many miles are you able to travel (one-way) for craft training and how often? (Note: If you’re far enough you’d need to fly to the covenstead in Charlotte, NC, indicate how often you think you could manage this.)
Are you comfortable drinking alcohol for ritual or being around alcohol if you do not drink?
Do you have any allergies? Any food restrictions?
Do you have any physical restrictions, limitations, or medical conditions that require accommodations? (Note: Providing accommodations is not a limiting factor, but it is useful to address up front.)
Do you have mental/emotional health challenges you are currently working with or have dealt with in the past? If they are current, how would you describe their impact on your ability to take care of yourself and your responsibilities? What are you currently doing to make sure you can live your life to your best potential (i.e. therapy, medication, support groups, etc.) (Note: This is a very sensitive question. You may wish to discuss this during a call with the covenleader later in the interview process. Mental health challenges do not prohibit Craft training. However, it is imperative there is an open line of communication between the Seeker, covenleaders, and medical professionals to assure the wellness is a top priority.)

Why Hawkfire and Initiatory Wicca?

Hawkfire is a hybrid coven, meeting both online and in person – but mostly online. Why are you interested in Hawkfire specifically? (Despite this, because of this, etc…)
Why do you want to study initiatory Wicca specifically?
What are your thoughts on race, ethnicity, class, and income disparities when it comes to Witchcraft, Wicca, Occultism, and Craft training?
Have you ever practiced magic skyclad? Whether you have or haven’t, what are your thoughts and feelings about skyclad practice?
Describe your ideal Craft teacher.
Describe your ideal Coven.
Have you sought or are you seeking with other Covens (Gardnerian or otherwise)? If so, how did that go/how are things going?
Which Sabbats have you celebrated in the past, if any?
Have you cast a spell before? What did you do and how did it go?
Have you cast a circle before? What did you do and how did it go?
Have you ever been to a group ritual, open circle, or other Pagan or Occult group practice? If so, what was it like?
What books about Wicca have you read? What about podcasts or vlogs?

Background Experiences and Ideas About Magic and Religion Broadly

What was your childhood religious upbringing? Describe how (or if!) it changed?
When and how did you become interested in magic and witchcraft? How about Wicca?
What are your thoughts about deity?
What are your thoughts about reincarnation or what comes after death?
What are your thoughts about land spirits, ghosts, fairies, familiars, and other spirit forms?
What is your definition of magic?
What is your definition of witchcraft?
What is your definition of religion?
What books about magic and/or the occult have your read?
Do you have any hobbies / other interests?
What witchcraft or occult social media accounts do you frequent?
What witchcraft or occult podcasts, vlogs, blogs, or other on-line resources do you frequent?
What movies, graphic novels, books, or TV shows have influenced your ideas about Witchcraft and the Occult?

Miscellaneous

What questions do you have for me?
Is there anything else about you I should know?