Witches of the Blackberry Field Oracle

FAQ

What do you mean by personal growth and well-being?

We believe in the enhancement of mind, body, and spirit. We do not intend to "cross the Abyss," or experience 'Nirvana', or any other forms of enlightenment. We are here to achieve harmony and balance with 'Malkuth', (the Kingdom). However study, and practice of theurgical texts is part of our tradition, and forms the very foundational stones of the WBBF.

Does it cost money to be a Blackberry Witch?

No, there are no joining fees or dues. Although we take donations, they are not mandatory. We ask that members who can afford to help do so. 

How old do I have to be to join the Blackberry Witches?

The Blackberry Witches are a group for neo-pagans aged 20 years old and up. Parents may bring their children at their own discretion to public celebrations of the seasons. Dark Moons are just for members. 

I am a transgendered person. Will the Blackberry Witches welcome me?

Absolutely. We welcome anyone who can act respectfully towards the Bramble, and all women (cisgendered and transgendered) are invited to Dark Moons.

Who is the Dark Mother?

We have a division for end of life care, which means it's necessary for us to have teachings that pertain to Dark Goddesses, and the transitions at the end of life. Usually these Divine Guides are known to be psycopomps, but they also bring Light to the soul of the individual making their way to their destinations. All Goddesses of rebirth and afterlife, of the infinite and the Creative Force of the universe are aspects of the Dark Mother. She equates with Binah on the Kabbalistic Tree, Saturn in astrological terms, and Kali Ma in Hinduism, to name a few. It should also be noted we do recognize Hermes, and Hermanubis as psycopomps, but they don't fill the role as a Divine Mother. We can talk more about those differences in class...

Why do you work with Hekate? Is she another aspect of the Dark Mother?

The theology of Hekate has been under much dispute in pagan circles for some time. Certainly she has darker aspects, but we believe that she is also an avatar of Light; and a bridge between the darkness and the light. It is because of this bridging that we feel she should be our Matron as we seek to find harmony within ourselves and the world around us.

Do I have to take Hekate as my personal matron to join the Blackberry Witches?

No. You do not even have to have a personal matron to join the Blackberry Witches. You must, however, accept that she is matron of our tradition and our divine teacher.

What type of teachings do you practice?

We perform cleansing rites at each of our events, and our work focuses on personal growth and emotional well-being. One on one mentorship usually has a focus on folklore, Hellenic, pab-Gaelic, and American folk magic, in addition to healing practices of Cunning Folks. 

What are the Chaldean Oracles? Why are you based on them?

The Chaldean Oracles is a poem believed to have been written in 2^ndCentury Babylon about the nature of Creation. Few mystic traditions have chosen to use the Chaldean Oracles, and we feel that the type of gnosis they provide can be healthy and provide personal growth.

For more information, see the Wikipedia page on the Chaldean Oracles.

Why are your dark moons only for women? 

The Blackberry Witches began as an all-female organization because we wanted to be able to address women's topics, that pertain to our development and integration of our individual persons.  It was decided after our inception that we needed the balance provided by having mixed-gender events to achieve our goals of a community for growth. We maintain some all-female content because we value women's rights, and their need to meet with other women in our community.