Welcome to Gaia! ::

Sounds like you've been listening to the crusaders who regular M&R, eh?

It's a very simple question that has been made rediculously complicated because it's a controversial issue. No matter what anyone tells you, including me, you're going to have to make up your own mind on it. What you decide will depend on what you value. I say the question is simple because when you boil it down, nobody has ownership over language and you can really call yourself whatever you want, regardless of whether or not you fit what that word is 'supposed' to mean in someone else's mind. There will be no day where everyone agrees on one definition of any word, much less a definition for a religious group. Such groups constantly bicker about what is and isn't acceptable to do in order to still consider yourself part of a group, whether that group be a group of Christians or a group of Celtic Recons.

The term "Wicca" has multiple definitions. Wicca can refer to a traditional form such as Gardnerian Wicca which some will insist is the only valid Wicca. Wicca can refer to a fifteen-year-old ecclectic who has studied a dozen different 101 books which some will refer to as "fluffy." Wicca can even refer to Satanism which some will consider "misinformed." Alas, these are simply the ways in which people use the word and are all correct definitions in different contexts. What is important is to be aware of those different ways in which the word is used and acknowledge them.

M&R is the Morality & Religion subforum in Extended Discussion; wow, I just assumed you'd run into the regs there. And perhaps you did, but in a different forum. Usually the people who ask this question have been snagged by them at some point.

Really the best thing you can do though is read and do your own research. If that leads to a different conclusion than someone else, so be it, eh? Personally though I would put off the urge to label yourself or your experiences. Be what you are and just experience what comes to you. Sometimes labels can obscure what is really there. Of course, labels too can bring clarity and understanding; but this only happens if the terminology used is more standardized. Lingo in the Neopagan community really lacks that standardization which creates problems. Ask people for a definition of just about any Neopagan concept and you'll get many different takes on it. xd

You don't need to be in a coven to consider yourself Wiccan. I myself, while not wiccan, am a solitary. Just because you don't belong to a group doesn't make you any less of a witch/wiccan than someone in a coven is. I personally find it much easier to learn and practice outside of a coven. I avoid the drama and learn at my own pace. Don't let anyone make you feel bad or talk down to you because you don't belong to a coven.

well i didn't see M&R but someone said that to me in a different guild here. . . well, it's nice to learn what people thinks, different perspectives and such.

thanks for sharing >3

Most covens that haven't been simply formed by a group of teenies will not initiate someone under eighteen, whether they're lineaged to Gardner or not. That's just common sense to avoid trouble with the legal guardians of minors.

Hate to spoil the party but yes you must be Initiated by a Wiccan to be Wiccan (its what is called a Closed Religion I think, don't quote me on that though) and yes you must be over 18, or 17 in some countries, because of state laws. If there is no coven or Initiates in your area, I'm sorry but you'll just have to wait for your luck to change. From the point of view of the religion.
However, there is nothing to stop you following the tradition, Initiated or not.. you can be a Dedicant to Wicca (most people will not argue your right to call yourself that) or simply ecclectic, and draw from different traditions that you like.

I'm sorry but thats the way the religion is, no more than you are technically Catholic until you are baptised. But there is nothing to stop you believing or behaving as such.

In terms of finding covens, try be more specific, sometimes people come out of the woodwork when they know you know your stuff. For example if you were looking for a Correllian Wiccan or meeting rather than just a general meeting people might realise how serious you are.

Good luck!!

ooooh i see. . .now it makes sense O.o

*goes researching*