Any gardnerian DUers?

[Dervill Crow]

I'm just curious, as I'm a seeker.

[Dead_Parrot]

1. Ish...

...I'm leaning more to pantheism these days, and the robes are getting a little snug :o, but it's still a part of me... Anything I can help with?

[LiberalEsto]

2. Robes?

I thought Gardnerians were sky-clad.

[Dead_Parrot]

3. Ah, but...

You've evidently never done a Yule celebration in the north of England. Now there was a ritual that lasted 20 seconds... Things are in danger of falling off if it's snowing. You've either got to robe up or move indoors, and it's tricky to worship nature while relying on the gas heating.

Besides, robes can give you pockets for the Sacred Bic. :) A lot of groups - in the UK, at least - have dropped the nudity altogether, apart from initiations: A shame, but that's evolution I guess...

[LiberalEsto]

4. Sounds logical

I never got into Gardnerian stuff because I wasn't into being sky-clad or getting my fanny whipped. Don't like being cold, and don't like pain.

I was trained in Celtic and did some Dianic, but have been a solitary for many years. Am learning about the Earth Religion of my Estonian ancestors.

BB

[mrgorth]

5. What is gardnerian

and why would they whip your tushy?

[LiberalEsto]

6. Followers of Gerald Gardner

of Great Britain, who "revived" witchcraft after the last laws against it were removed in the 1950s. He said it was the survival of an ancient religion. Gardnerians practice in the nude. I'm not sure about why they do ritual whipping.

[Dervill Crow]

7. I think perhaps pain alters your mental state and enhances the energy?

I dunno - guess that's why they call it a mystery religion. You don't "get" the mysteries until you experience them.

The first outer court circle I attended there was a scourge in the room. I think the HP just brought it to see how the potential dedicants reacted to it. I know I felt my eyes get a bit wider.

[Dead_Parrot]

9. You're right about the energy...

...Think of the flesh hooks used in some Sufi rituals (or the American Sun-Dance, for that matter) and be grateful it's not a pointy stick. Another thing Crowley brought back from his travels...

This is more of a "regular ritual" use, though. The main reason it stays in the initiation is as a measure of trust on behalf of the initiate: If you're not prepared to be almost tied-up and scourged by the group, you're either not ready or it's the wrong group.

Besides, it's always a laugh... :)

[Cerridwen]

8. I've studied (tho not in depth) Gardnerian and Alexandrian and

several other of the traditions.

They've always felt a bit too hierarchical and structured - more like a Pagan response to christianity than exploring alternative spiritual paths.

But, that's just my take and your mileage may vary.

:D