This was brought to us by  wise, wonderful friend s Pin & My Lady Cougra. Since I noted we are getting a lot of people new to witchery and/or paganism - hi new folks! - I wanted to get these good, common sense guidelines up and running for you all.   These come from another comm I am involved with - the first comm ever became involved with - and is taken verbatim to honor those who put in the time and effort to create the list.  I am not advertising for that comm, just so we have no misunderstandings. You may have seen similar elsewhere.   We, the Management of The ~~INN~~ at the ~*Grove*~ (and A Spiritual Retreat and Silver Dragons), strive to provide a safe place for Pagans of all paths to gather and learn.  Unfortunately, there are people out there who do not have the interests of others at heart.  The following information is some of the "warning signs" that all should be aware of, in the interests of protecting yourselves from those who wish to serve their own interests, which is not what Paganism is about.   1.  Do NOT involve yourself with a person or group of people who agree to initiate you immediately into their circle or coven.  Most true practitioners require time investments on the part of the initiate prior to being allowed to join their group.   2.  Do NOT listen to anyone who tells you that the only way to practice is to be skyclad (nude).  Although some paths do practice and worship skyclad, it is not required, nor is it necessary.   3.  Do NOT donate money to an unfamiliar Pagan "organization" without doing some research to verify their validity.    4.  Do NOT involve yourself with a group which sets limits on a maximum age limit, as it is discriminatory.  Many Pagan groups do have a minimum age, as they do not teach to minors, but should never have a maximum age restriction.   5.  Do NOT give out your drivers license number, credit card numbers, social security numbers, your physical address or any other personal information.    6.  Do NOT accept being told that a photograph of yourself is the only way to become involved with an organization.  Pagans do not discriminate on age, gender, nationality, physical appearance or sexual orientation.   7.  Do NOT listen to anyone who tells you that your path is wrong, as no path is wrong.  Paganism, especially nowadays, incorporates many Eclectic practices from a variety of paths.  One is free to blend paths to create one which is most comfortable to the individual.   8.  Do NOT accept the word of anyone claiming to be an "expert" without first checking the background of the person.  There are many famous, gifted experts in the field of Paganism....all of which information is available with a little web surfing.    9. Do NOT listen to those who seek to change you, as we are all gifted in our own ways by the Goddess.  Learning is essential, but to change ones core beliefs and go against what you feel is right is not wise.    10. Do NOT do anything immoral or illegal.  If you feel uncomfortable, it probably isn't a good idea to carry fourth with the plans that are in progress.    11.  Do NOT accept the idea that Pagans must take drugs to practice, as this is untrue.    12.  Use common sense, or if unsure, ask someone you know and trust.    I hope this will help all of those who a re new to the path that they are on...                    back