Overview of practices, tools, rituals, etc.

Many, perhaps most, Witches are solitary practitioners; they perform their rites alone. Others form covens which are informal groups of Wiccans. There is often no hierarchy beyond the coven; there is no state, provincial or national organization. Finally, some covens have a High Priestess and/or Priest democratically elected by the group to that office.
 

The central portion of each meeting may celebrate the full moon, a new moon, a Sabbat or a special Wiccan ceremony. It might include healing, divination (scrying, Tarot cards, Runes, etc.), teaching, consecration of tools, discussion, or other life-affirming, nature based activities. After the major work is completed, food (perhaps cakes and wine) is eaten, and the circle is banished. Because of the increasing concern over addictions to alcohol and other drugs, many covens have replaced wine with juice, water etc.
 

	Dedication, when a person confirms an interest in the craft.
	Initiation, when a person symbolically dies and is reborn as a Wiccan; a new name is adopted.
	Handfasting was originally a marriage for a one year period. Most Wiccans now regard it as creating a permanent partnership.
	Parting of the Ways, which recognizes the end of a marriage.
	Wiccaning, which welcomes a baby into the craft, but does not obligate the child in any way.
	Funeral Ceremony, a requiem for a Wiccan who has died.

Many Wiccans write their own rituals for special occasions in their life. Three examples are given in the web site of Mary Amanda referred to below.
 

Both: "All fruits of the Earth are fruits of your union, "Your Womb, your Dance, Lady and Lord. "Come, join with us, feast with us, enjoy with us."
Priest: "As the athame is to the God,"
Priestess: "So the chalice is to the Goddess."
Both (as the priest lowers the athame into the chalice): "And together, they bring blessedness."

Some Wiccan couples who form a loving, committed and sexually active relationship include an act of sexual intercourse during their Great Rite. Again, this symbolizes the union of the God and Goddess. This is done in private and involves only the two Wiccans.

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