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Forward to Chapter IV

"This chapter describes some of the more controversial practices of the old path taught in the earliest days of the Church and School of Wicca. No formal initiation into a group that practices the great rite should be done before the candidate attains the age of eighteen. We still recommend that the hymen be broken surgically by a physician rather then being a cause of pain during a first sexual experience. We would now recommend too the use of condoms rather then IUDs for contraception and for prevention of sexually transmitted diseases. AIDS has moved our thinking along.
    Since very few females coming to initiation are virgin, the use of the phallus is usually dropped.  This was included as part of Craft heritage in line with the age-old practice universal among preliterate societies, as described in Auel's "Clan of the Cave Bear".  It was still practiced in many groups in Great Britain through the 1970's.  For those who are interested in the roots of the practice and the baton de commandment, we recommend "Roots of Civilization" by Marshak.  

    It is now become common practice in the marriage (handfasting) rite for participants - the bridal couple - to write their own script for the service.  The service was given in "The Witch's Bible" should be used as a guideline so that those working on their own script will not omit important steps and pledges.

    Initiation services are meant to bring into the group people whom the group can trust to do their part, both in the kin group of the coven and in circle work.  All to often unqualified people are initiated and then the coven is surprised when they fail to display adult behavior or pull their own weight.

    We Frosts have been criticized for recommending that children be introduced to Craft procedures at an early age.  We strongly believe that hiding your Craft procedures from your children is a mistake that can lead to problems as well as to a later lack of communication between the generation.

    Today many fathers are afraid even to bathe their own children for fear of later lawsuits centered around molestation.  In such a social climate it is more difficult then ever before for parents to teach children good sexual information and etiquette; but it is never appropriate for parents to play ostrich, by avoiding the subject.

    It is true that a few good things have come out of the AIDS epidemic.  One is more sex information in schools; but that instruction is of a mechanical Tab A, Slot B nature, accompanied by the refrain, "Keep stiff upper lip and a boy scout grip. Behave as if you're smooth below the waist." It does not provide the knowledge necessary to be a competent and caring lover; that is still the responsibility of the parents.

    Before any Wiccan service a participant may object to what is proposed.  The objector may step aside from the anticipated meeting; or; depending on the feeling of the flamen ca, an objection may mean that the service cannot be held.  Similarly candidates, especially children, can decline to participate.  The Craft is not a police-state religion saying "Live on my terms or go to hell," but one in which freedom of expression is encouraged.

    The six-month live-in before handfasting has given way to a documented live-in of at least a year and a day.

    In all marriages handfastings performed in a Wiccan setting, Craft practice requires that the partners enter into a prenuptial agreement specifying the term of the contract; thus handfasting does not become a life sentence.

    Closed rings prevent the flow of psychic energy; thus any ring that symbolizes handfasting should not take the form of a closed circle.