Seeker's Bill of Rights

This is an interesting piece-- it's a "Bill of Rights" for students of paganism, written by Charles M. Mars. A lot of this, you would think, would be common sense . . . but you'd be surprised at how many people do crazy things because they've elevated their teachers to "god-like" status.

The Seeker's Bill of Rights
by Charles M. Mars

Seekers on the pagan path are in an extremely vulnerable position. In their quest for following and teaching, they risk encountering those who use our faith to prey on others. To empower the Seekers of our community, a Seeker's Bill of Rights has been drafted. This tool will help to alert Seekers of a problem if a group or teacher violates any of the ten rights described.

It will also serve to remind Seekers that while they do not have "degrees", they are still human beings with rights and dignity.

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1. The Right to Verify Credentials: Seekers shall not be obstructed from substantiating claims made by a teacher or group. In the case of Elders that were inspired to create a new tradition, the Seeker has the right to know the circumstances surrounding the inception of that tradition.
2. The Right to Anonymity: Seekers have the right to keep their involvement in the occult a secret to preserve their personal & professional lives.
3. The Right to Financial Stability: Seekers shall not be required or coerced into taking on any financial burdens on behalf of a teacher or group.
4. The Right to Compensation for Professional Goods and Services: Seekers have the right to be paid for goods produced and/or skilled labor for which they would normally received an income. Seekers shall not be required or coerced into providing discounts or `freebies' on behalf of a teacher or group.
5. The Right to Sexual Freedom: Seekers shall not be required or coerced into sexual relations with unwanted persons, nor shall Seekers be restricted from sexual relations with consenting adults.
6. The Right to Physical Well-Being: Seekers shall not be required or coerced into submitting to any form of physical injury or abuse.
7. The Right to Abide by the Law: Seekers shall not be required or coerced into committing any illegal act.
8. The Right to Consistency: Seekers have the right to expect consistency in policies by a teacher or group. Seekers should be formally informed in a timely manner of any policy change.
9. The Right to Separation with Impunity: Seekers have the right to discontinue association with any teacher or group without fear of harassment or reprisal.
10. The Right to be at Peace with One's Conscience: Seekers shall not be required or coerced into committing any action contrary to their own sense of ethics or morality.

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"The Seeker's Bill of Rights was compiled from experiences other Seekers have suffered at the hands of abusive teachers. Hopefully, this tool will help Seekers everywhere to avoid these pitfalls."-- Charles M. Mars

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