Our pagan outer court in Memphis, Tennessee is a place to introduce and welcome new people to the Craft.  The concept of an outer court for introducing pagans to the Craft of the Wise is a relatively new one, and one I feel is worthwhile. The pagan outer court is a place and a time where you can get to know the people in the coven.  It is where you can discover the way we practice the Craft.  It is where you can discover our particular approach, philosophy, and methods and determine whether or not they are right for you.

In our outer court, we celebrate an esbat every full moon and the sabbats.  Our sabbat celebrations are times to party and have fun, and rarely do we do any work on sabbats unless it is absolutely necessary.  Sabbats are times to explore and appreciate the turning year, and to grow closer to the cycles of nature through our ceremonies.  Esbats, on the other hand, are times for us to develop and grow as Witches.  We cast the circle, and then either study and practice some aspect of the Craft, or do some magical working.  Though esbats, too, are fun and joyful celebrations, we look at these as times to develop and better ourselves.  There is a time for work and a time for play, and we honor the need for balance in this, too, as a part of our Craft.

After period of regularly attending pagan outer court functions, you may ask to be initiated into the coven (typically a year).  However, if after a few meetings with the outer court, you decide that this path is not for you, we happily encourage you to continue seeking in other directions in hopes that you find your place.  The outer court is the place where you can make this decision.

Initiation is a profound and transformative experience.  It is not to be taken lightly.  When one chooses to be initiated, he is choosing devote their heart, mind, spirit, and body to the pursuit of the Craft.  It is not to be rushed; you will have the entire rest of your life to practice the Craft.  Taking the time to ensure you have made the right decision will mean that should you decide to pursue initiation, you will know very firmly in your heart and mind that you have made the correct choice for yourself.