The Clan O'Sliabh ~ It's Origins and Today

Clan O’Sliabh was formed in 1990 in Perth Western Australia, as the result of two events. Firstly my then wife and High Priestess Tanith agree that I could no longer work with her in running the Coven of Lothlorien, which we had formed many years before. There were many things I felt were wrong in the Wiccan system being used in Perth at that time. I took over twelve months to rewrite the laws to ensure people were protected from abuses which had occurred at various times since I took control of the original Coven in the 1970’s in Perth. The second event was the separation prior to the divorce of my marriage to Tanith. I had developed the power link and the formulae for many of the basic rites I use in the Clan.

The Clan was originally suspended when my then wife and I got married. After moving to Queensland, and after our divorce, I met my current wife and working partner. Initially I wasn’t interested in forming a group, but preferred to teach my wife and simply work modified Clan Workings as a couple with out a group…… More recently, I have felt it is time to expand and look for persons suitable to possibly join us within the Clan.

Clan O’Sliabh, is essentially Wicca based. There are differences to the original Alexanderian / Gardinarian Wiccan Coven in Perth in the 1970’s. The Clan differs in several ways. We tend towards the Celtic Magicks. The Clan uses 4 main Initiation Degrees, each being of two levels ~ one Shamanic; the other ceremonial. There is also the Primary Initiation which is the Joining of the Clan. This is not seen as a grading initiation but an entry portal of a new brother or sister.  Members do not automatically qualify for their next Initiation after a Year and a Day. Each initiation is hard earned. Each initiation is an initiation into an element and until the candidate proves Mastery of the element they are already initiated into they will not be considered for the next stage. When a member reaches the 4th Degree, they do not automatically be given approval to form their own Clan. There are few people who would be granted that privilege. It is the hope that the Clan will remain together and thus through bonding by Magick, will develop in knowledge and power. Once a Female reaches the 4th Degree the Clan is not handed over to her. We are not a matriarchal system. The Clan does not use the Book of Shadows, but rather the Codicis ex Veneficium or Books of Sorcery. (Spells / counter spells; curses / counter curses ~ The good, the bad and the ugly, all are there so members learn to help/heal, attack, if necessary, and defend)

I make no apologies that the clan is somewhat eclectic. We prefer our magick to be on the primitive side (bringing it closer to the way rites and workings we believe were done originally) . We do not teach any watered down version of one based upon Judeo/Christian Moralities. (Blessings to those who uphold such values …. And I both respect and defend their right to do so …. It is just not my way) . We are honest and up front about our beliefs, attitudes and Clan Laws about Drugs, Sex, and Nudity etc. The whole ideology is that when we are celebrating the Great Sabbats and the Luna Rites we are worshiping our Gods and Goddesses. At other times we are either working to help or are studying to become Occult Scientists. (I am happy to discuss this ideology at any time if I am asked to do so) . I have always considered a good group to be an extended family where all help one another.

Drugs ~ We have a Zero Tolerance Policy regarding drugs other than legal drugs, I.E. tobacco, alcohol (in moderation) and prescribed medication or over the counter legal medications.  I will state here and now that all forms of illegal substances are forbidden in the Clan Home or meetings. Any member found in possession and or using it will be banned for life.

Nudity ~ generally in many rituals, we allow the choice to be robes or skyclad (naked) up to the individual. We are well aware that there are times when it is embarrassing for a female member to be undressed and for this reason we make no insistences. However, those performing or assisting in an Initiation and the Initiate will be skyclad (naked). This is mandatory. There are other rites when those participating in the rite will also be skyclad (naked).

Sex ~ There are various forms of sex used in magick from symbolic sex (Athame’ in Cup) and standing naked face to face body to body with a Talisman or Athame’ pinned between the two people to a simple laying on without penetration, penetration  only to complete copulation. We use all these forms according to the requirements of the rite. We are open in that we use sex magick and that every initiation is a physical sexual initiation using copulation to orgasm. We insist on safe sex practices for this reason. We have no issues with group sex if it is warranted and the whole group agrees.

Having said all this regarding sex, there is one cardinal rule which is applied. No-one is forced in any way or persuaded to perform sexual acts. All sexual activities must be done consensually with a full understanding of the reasons and alternatives. Unless it is agreed otherwise all sexual acts are between male and female. However we do accept same sex relationships.

Sacrifice ~ We do not nor ever will consider either human or animal sacrifice. Blood spots are taken as initiations, but in all other areas it is more usual if blood is needed to use your own blood. The Sacrifices we use are those readily accepted in all religions. The giving up of things you like for a period. For example, prior to initiations and some rituals specified members will refrain from smoking, drinking, sex,  alcohol, eating red meat and similar as a matter of purification.

 

As I commented earlier, we are upfront and open about such matters in respect to your philosophy, attitudes, requirements and practices. All of these are discussed at pre-initiation discussions as they were in one of our Outer Courts.

Over the years I have shared circles, rituals and festivals with many wonderful people. I have seen that in the modern formats of Wicca (for example), there is an underlying mentality based largely on the Judeo-Christian up bringing that many have had and that still abounds in today's society. I, on a personal basis yearned to be able to practice magick in a format more closely linked with the ancient styles of workings. Whilst blood sacrifice with the killing of an animal is not necessary, other aspects such as the open use of sex rites for either worship of the mating of the Horned God and the Goddess or the raising of raw power to be most efficient and should be acceptable when those present are of a like mind. In addition to this, once one throws off the shackles of society’s morality, you are able to embrace a more natural view and perspective as shared with many other cultures. Thus, it is vital to be able to maintain a strict balance between what is necessary for rites to be performed and an excess of hormonal driven desires. I will, there for not tolerate any who I find attempting to manipulate any part of the Clan for their own sexual gratification. Those who have truly mastered themselves, and are in tune with the Gods and Goddesses have no need of such games.