Cottonwood Star Coven is committed to doing the work of decolonisation and inclusion, even if it is difficult and makes us uncomfortable.
Decolonisation
Wicca and the western occult tradition are problematic. To put it bluntly. There are no two ways about it. The occult world is full of ideas, concepts and actions that are appropriative and colonial in nature.
Moreover, as a magical system founded on the practices of European colonizers, we need to acknowledge the harms of western colonialism in this land and other communities. When connecting with the beings in this space (plants, animals, spirits, and humans), we need to remember to do so respectfully and build our own relationships without appropriating those belonging to others.
How then can we move beyond the damages done by our esoteric forebearers? Is the answer to just toss the baby with the bathwater? Can we save part of the practices that have been handed down?
There are no easy answers to these questions and individuals will have different takes on best practices within decolonising esoteric traditions. There are no clear maps for this work. We all have to approach it from where we are, with the knowledge we have, constantly cycling back to build another layer of awareness.
Inclusion
Cottonwood Star is inclusive and open to community members from all walks of life. LGBTQI+, BIPOC, and neuro-divergent members are welcome. Much of the public criticism of Wicca centers on the issue of gender polarity. However, in our practice, we are actively looking to find ways to move beyond a sex/gender-based binary. Science has proven this to be flawed logic. Since Divinity is infinitely complex, it follows that reducing it to a gender binary is also flawed logic. We don’t have all the answers, but we know that life is far more complex than the male-female binary. Our practice, therefore, is also more complex.
Likewise, while Wicca originated in England, it is not meant to be a religion that excludes anyone. All are welcome. While we are currently unpacking European centered myths at the moment as part of our decolonisation process; this will evolve over time.
In Cottonwood Star, we are actively looking at traditional lineage practices, methods of teaching and identity within the craft in light of contemporary discourse and worldviews, in an effort to build a safe, culturally relevant practice. We still have work to do, but we are trying approach the work mindfully.