NOTRE DAME DE L'HERBE MOUILLEE
By Anna Shook

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I saw the World Religions of Asheville class as the perfect opportunity for me to branch off and intensely study a religion that was of particular interest to me. I chose to study a Wiccan coven in Asheville, North Carolina, Notre Dame L'Herbe Mouille. I had several reasons for this. First, I sought to SEEK some understanding of my own spiritual path. I hoped to explore and dispel any stereotypes of this "mysterious" religion, and to learn about the magical aspect of this spiritual religion. Paganism may be defined as a spiritual path that has more than one god. Some Pagans see tbeir religion as a celebration of connection to the earth. Wicca, a branch of Paganism is defined as:
The ancient practice and a modern form of Witchcraft, which celebrates the balance of life and birth, growth and death: the unique beauty of the four seasons and the energy of the moon's changing phases. It is a sense of connectedness, of cherishing all the forms in which life manifests.(Harlow 17.) This paper is a personal account of my experiences with Wicca, specifically with Notre Dame L'Herbe Mouille. It is my contention that the Notre Dame De L'Herbe Mouillee coven functions as a means of satisfying its practitioners' needs for connection to the earth and for channeling energy for healing and social change.

I went into this coven not really knowing what was calling me to be there. What I found was a very open, caring community. My first experience was insightful and raised many questions in my mind. I arrived fifteen minutes late to the small crème house with a cauldron on the porch and a festive maypole in the yard. I was greeted by the daughter of Lady Byron Ballard, who is the High Priestess of the coven, and kindly welcomed into the warm house. They offered me tea, and disregarded the fact that I was running late. The members of the coven were gathered inside, with their children scattered about the floor. All were busy catching up on the latest news, while the children worked on their bunny masks for the celebration of the upcoming holiday, Ostara (the celebration of spring, Rebirth, and Fertility). This is only one in a celebration of many holidays where festivities take place. These holidays provide practitioners with an opportunity to celebrate the harvest, the dead of winter, and the return of light and life. An example of this is Litha; Litha is a holiday that celebrates great magical power. Some rituals include ringing a cauldron with flowers, plunging a sword into the cauldron, drying herbs, and leaping over bonfires. (Cunningham 65-67) These traditions compose an important part of the Wiccan Religion. They allow covens to celebrate ancient traditions.

We don't feel a difference between God and us, we are part of that and that is part of us-so that we can be in a circle and say to someone-You are Goddess, that's not sacreligious. It is acknowledging that we are all connected on a cellular level. We are not different; we are not separate. I like to think this is how our ancestors felt; they didn't feel separate from the world they lived in…. I love to think that the feeling they had is a feeling I have and that is a basic primal need to be part of all of it that's around us. (Ballard, Interview 1)

Through the people I encountered, my ideas of Majick moved beyond the book definitions and gave me a more personalized view. I found myself relating and forming a bond with the people with whom I attended circle. Among the circle was Lady Byron, the high priestess, who is a bubbly, outspoken woman. She was very tenacious and ready to share her love and passion for the Wiccan religion. "To worship something you have to be separate from it, and below it. I celebrate what that life force is that flows through the planets, through all of us, and out into the stars. I celebrate that and my connection to that. I choose to call it Goddess." (Ballard, Interview 1)

I noticed that the coven members were very dramatic and theatrical in their forms of self-expression. Their laughter and expressive personalities filled the house. One reason for this behavior is the way that the coven was formed.

Our coven formed five years ago. A lot of us were doing theatre together. We did the play Mothersongs and the very last part of that play was a modern Wiccan ritual. We did it and we loved doing it so much that we would get together when we were not rehearsing and do that ritual because it just felt good. And initially it was just a group of women, and our partners or husbands would come and they would hang out on the porch. We would go do ritual in the back yard, and then we'd all eat. Slowly the guys were drawn into it too, so that we became a mixed gender group. (Ballard, Interview 1) Practicing a religion with people who are so lively and charismatic really adds to the Majick of Wicca.

As the ceremony began, Lady Byron got everyone to head down a magical path leading toward the altar. An older member asked me if I needed a coat and, after assuring him that I did not, I followed the sounds of drums down the north path. One of the girls protected a bed of flowers from being walked upon, and then came to join us as we formed a circle. I asked Lady Byron if she would mind my placing of a personal candle among hers upon the altar. She kindly accepted my contribution, lighting the candles despite the struggling wind's attempts to blow them out. Lady Byron anointed us with oil while chanting "Blessed be." She walked to the left and smudged us with sage. A calming energy filled the air. The coven started chanting and singing, and the children were participating in the rituals and enjoying worship. The children are actively involved in the coven and make up a larger portion of the circle than the adults. Sometimes the energy from the children makes it hard to focus, but the energy from adults and children usually balances out. I talked to several of the children who were raised in "the craft." Hannah, a five-year old, says she likes circle because "you honor the people that are sick." (Hannah, Interview 2) Geneva, who is eleven, says, "circle is fun, but sometimes it gets a little boring when the grown-ups chant for a long time."(Geneva, Interview 2). Overall, I got the sense that all were included in the feeling of community, even the children, who played an active part in generating a sense of unity to the circle.

Wiccans receive criticism for their secrecy, supposedly a "lack of community," and for apparently having a false sense of reality. It is to my understanding that Wiccans receive more criticism than some major religions, and I would like to address these issues. Secrecy stems from being persecuted, and many Wiccans still practice behind closed doors. Lady Byron told me of an experience when the coven was first established.

My neighbors out here started out being a little dubious and one of the neighbors called the police department. When we were having circles down in the woods. She said there were these robed figures and there were candles and there was chanting. They sent an officer out and she arrived wanting to know more about the Pagan ritual we were doing. Now they know we are the neighborhood witches and that we are normal people and safe and we are not gonna do anything to harm them. We are not evil or satanic. I've let the neighbors know that we don't want to disturb them and we're not gonna be out at two in the morning drumming and howling at the moon. (Ballard, Interview 1)

Wicca is open to all, but some shy away from it because of certain stereotypes about the craft or witches. I have found it to be a rather individualistic religion. Wiccans believe that religion should be found through self-exploration not through solicitation. Wiccans trust that if their lifestyle is one that will suit others, individuals will find it on their own time and through their own path. Wicca is not right for all, but I enjoyed my experience and found Lady Byron's coven to be very open and inviting throughout my project.

I have begun to understand their connection (as well as mine) to the Earth, the moon, and the cycles of many seasons. I find myself more aware of my surroundings. The energy that I feel being drawn to me during circle is something I cannot manifest as easily on my own. Lady Byron and her coven made me feel welcome. When I was sick and missed a week, the coven sent me healing energy. I feel that I am well looked after, although I am not a member. Unity is something this community strives for in everyday life.

As outsiders become more open to and accepting of Wicca, people will begin to participate in events that are open to the public. This will enable the public to grasp a better understanding of why Wiccans choose this particular path. "Once in a while you get shown the light, in the strangest of places if you look at it right."(Grateful Dead, "Scarlet Begonias") As we begin to acknowledge and understand the philosophy of Wicca, the sense of community within the circle could gain strength and expand outwards. Tolerance and respect for different types of religious paths that people choose are necessitates for building a bridge to Oneness. Many faiths could be part of one collective faith and community.

When people do not have a clear understanding of any belief, religious or otherwise, they tend to become scared and intimidated because of their lack of knowledge. I am thankful that I was able to educate myself about Wicca and erase any stereotypes such as witches were "satanic" or evil. Lady Byron's coven holds open, full moon Pagan circles every month. This is an opportunity for anyone who is skeptical about Wicca to come, feel, and be part of this community.

I did not at all encounter a lack of community with Lady Byron's coven. In spite of the fact that I was not a member, I was made to feel as if I were a part of this community. This is unusual for me, as I usually find myself feeling out of place when participating in an organized religion. I felt no pressure to accept and practice the coven's religion; however, I was encouraged to ask questions, and explore their rituals. An example of their accommodating nature was when, upon discovering that my friend Laurie (whom I brought to circle) was a vegan, they consciously acknowledged this and promised to bring more vegan dishes to the next potluck. It was wonderful to have this community accept me and work closely with me throughout my exploration of religion and life.

It's easy for a community to get stuck in its ways and be intimidated by new ideas. However, I found this coven accepted my differences and treated me as an equal. I find, even at Warren Wilson College, that people have difficulty adapting to new ideas. I was impressed at how heart felt and conscious this community was. We must find harmony and balance within new concepts and ideas. We must love and cherish the interconnectedness of the circle.

At first, I did not understand how all Wiccans, such as solitary practitioners, were able to find a sense of community within themselves. During my last interview, I was able to understand that even solitary practitioners find a sense of community within their surroundings and through nature. They feel the completeness in everything around them and do not need, necessarily, a group of like-minded people with whom to express their views. They feel complete without worshipping within a human community. (Bard, Interview 2)

We recognize both outer worlds and inner, or psychological worlds-sometimes known as the Spiritual World, the Collective Unconscious, the inner planes, etc.-and we see in the interaction of these two dimensions the bases for paranormal phenomena and magical exercises. We neglect neither dimension for the other, seeing both as necessary for our fulfillment. We practice Rites to attune ourselves with the natural rhythm of life forces marked by the Phases of the Moon and the seasonal Quarters and Cross-Quarters. (Council of American Witches)

I have always had a strong sense of community within nature. Exploring the Wiccan practice has enabled me to develop an even stronger connection with the world. It is a form of religion in which I love and cherish the earth around me, the Goddess within me, and the holiness of life. However, I still feel free to define religion on my own terms. Going to circle on the weekends has allowed me to help and heal others, find a sense of individuality, and has allowed me to grow in my own direction while still being guided by the rhythms of the earth.

The Majickal aspect of Wicca fascinates me. A question that many people ask or ponder is "Does Majick really work?" I believe that Coven magic does work as I have seen and felt the energy that can rise from within. If Majick and Wicca are truly a part of one's path, Majick claims to be able to lead your heart and soul to a light that you know is right for you.

There are three major styles of Majick: ceremonial Majick, hermetic Majick, and nature Majick. Ceremonial focuses primarily on spiritual development-with special emphasis placed upon the robes, colors, and tools used during the ritual. Hermetic Majick can achieve its results without material accessories such as robes and tools. It relies on the psychic and spiritual awakening alone. Nature Majick practices outdoors and emphasizes connection with the earth, water, wind, moon and other cycles of life. (Amber K. 43-68)

A few laws of Majick that I learned are: "Energy is abundant, Everything is connected, the Possibilities are always infinite and finally the path lies within you."(Amber K. 101) Energy is here now waiting to be placed out into positive aspects of life. The laws of Majick describe the lack of appreciation among society of the overpowering energy within us. This is true, as we are often off in our own bubble, disconnected from what is important. Every decision made greatly affects everything around us. We are one unit. We should live each day recognizing the incomplete parts that form this unit. Majik is just one of one the many ways to reconnect with what we have lost.

Effective majik works like this: The middle self chooses a purpose in harmony with its true will; it communicates this purpose to the younger self in a special way, at the same time raising power; the Younger self "boosts" the power and channels it to the higher self, along with a clear image of the goal; and the higher self uses the power to manifest the desired result. Middle self experiences the result, and the circle is complete. (Amber K. 61-63)

I felt a complete oneness within myself while worshipping with Coven Notre Dame De L' Herbe Mouille. Wicca has allowed me to celebrate life through singing, dancing, feasting, chanting, and drumming. I have learned to channel out my energy in some new and different forms. Wicca has shown me a power within myself, where I celebrate and worship life. The circle is a place where I feel comfortable letting go, and letting the Goddess within overtake me.

The goddess is associated with the moon, the ocean, birth, and death.

The Goddess is the universal mother. She is often one of three aspects-the mother, the maiden, and the crone. She is at once the unploughed field, the full harvest and the dormant, frost covered Earth She gives birth to abundance. She has domination over the earth, sea and moon, Her creatures are varied and numerous. (Cunningham 13)

The Bee, Scorpion, horse, wren, dolphin, and owl are just a few of her numerous creatures. "Wicca is composed of two deities, one goddess, and one god. These two gods work together to form balance and encompass all things." (Ballard, Interview 1)

The God is associated with the sun, hunt, harvest, and all wild animals. We see the god in the sun. We could not live without sunlight; it rises and sets in a repetitive cycle that we depend on every day. Along with the goddess, the god celebrates and rules sex. Sex is accepted as a natural part of Nature. Symbols used to worship the God are the arrow, the magical wand, the diamond and the sword. Creatures that represent the God are the snake, the dragon, the lizard, the shark and most commonly known, the Bull. (Cunningham 14)

Lady Byron's coven does not follow this pattern of Gods and Goddesse as it is Dianic, which means that it worships Deity in female, not male form.

Wiccans believe they have a direct link to the God and the Goddess, and that the practitioner is capable of reaching the higher source without intermediaries. When I was at circle, I felt an incredible connection with the people of the earth, and the energy surrounding me, radiating directly into my core. I think this experience has helped me to realize that I have the power inside me to change things-to improve my self as well as the world.

Some people feel that Wiccans do not do much to help others or affect social change in a positive manner. I think that Lady Byron is working towards positive change.

Our particular group is real open-we do a lot of public stuff; the full moon open Pagan circles. I write an occasional column in the Mountain Express [newspaper.] We actively seek positive publicity. I do indigent burials at Riverside cemetery. People who have died either in a city or a county facility. They have no family left and there is nobody really to bury them. That is something we do in the community. We also do things like the roundtable discussion at Warren Wilson, and I come out to the religion class and talk about what we do. We are very out and very open and we talk about it all the time. I usually wear a pentacle of some kind and I do that for two reasons. One is so other Pagans can identify me, and know I am somebody they can talk too and also so people will ask. So that Christians will ask, anybody who's interested and maybe thinks they know what a pentacle is. They can see that on this middle-aged woman who works in a bookstore who has a child in an elementary school, and who is a pretty safe person to approach. I'm willing to take the time out to talk to people, and to do it a non-threatening way, as much as I can and explain what it means and what the path is so that they know. (Ballard, Interview 1)

Chanting and sending healing energy back to the earth are just two very powerful events that can improve our earth according to Wiccan belief. Lady Byron's coven actively practices honoring the earth, which sustains them. In a less powerful manner, the coven cycles their religious energy throughout their social surroundings. "What are Wiccans doing to promote social change?" I asked Terry and Doug Bard (one of the few married couples in the circle) how they felt they affected social change. We create a cone of energy to heal others and heal Mother Earth. If we think there is a particular person or place we need to call in to our circle we do. We do these rituals knowing our group can affect social change in a positive way. Not only is our coven doing them, but other ones and other ones and before you know it, it is working. (Terry Bard, Interview 3)

I also asked Terry if she felt we would ever be able to have a building bridge between Wiccans and Christians, and she responded: without tolerance, we will continue to have that gap." (Bard, Interview 3)

If I had not participated in these rituals I would be skeptical of Wicca, but after leaving the circle feeling cleansed and healed, I can see how Wicca empowers its followers. One issue that I continue to wrestle with is reincarnation. Most Wiccans believe in reincarnation although there is no prescribed set of beliefs for what happens to you when you die. Some feel they reach "Summerland." This is not a final destination, but a place to incorporate your past experiences with what is ahead. Some Wiccans believe that there are lessons you learn in each lifetime, others do not believe in the typical sense of what reincarnation is and instead think of it as a transformation process. Between each incarnation, which we experience, we establish lessons we should learn in our next incarnation. Certain events in our lives have been "predestined" by our own choice, so that we may learn these lessons. (Keller, Matt PG 2)

I believe that Notre Dame De L'Herbe Mouillee has created a strong sense of community, love, respect, oneness and understanding of their beliefs. Whether the individual relates to others in a coven or to nature in solitary partitioning, I have come to respect the spirit of community in the craft. Similar to other religions, Wicca entails a strong sense of connection with the individual and his or her surroundings, as well as a tight connection within the Self. Practicing the craft gives one a fresh feeling of unity-as well as diversity-in which the individual plays a large part as he or she connects with others and the world. All religions have flaws, and Wicca is not excluded from this, but I feel that the positive things that are worked towards and accomplished outweigh most flaws.

I believe there are many aspects of Wicca that are open and unexplored. I know that I will never fully understand this or any other religion so I choose not to make any final decisions on whether Wicca is the "right" religion for me. I have just touched on the surface and only future experiences will lead me further on my as yet unexplored paths.