I felt roused when I came across some interesting discussions on witchcraft early last year.Looking around the web it was difficult to find anything that related to pre-modern witchcraft and only after spotting ARDDHU being slated in a forum debate was I able to satisfy my curiousity.
Having been wise enough to realise anyone slagging off another must have a vested interest in doing so,and it transpired as sour-grapes in this case,far from putting me off it had increased my appetite for insights into the fascinating world of old witchcraft.All that was left was to contact the people but this was for me a daunting task!
My initial fears were that I would be ignored or worse that I might be contacted by dangerous individuals.It was an unecessary worry.My e-mail was answered promptly and with friendly advice on what to do next,I admit to being pleasantly surprised at how efficient the service was.
I decided to join and had to give a valid postal address to ensure I was who I said.Within a few days the application form arrived,I answered what seemed simple yes/no type questions and sent it off with my dosh.A couple of days later I was contacted to say I had been accepted and anyone who wanted to be part of something secret and realised that dream will know just what it felt like to be finally admitted into it!Sorta gives you the Bling if only until you come back to earth!
I got my first part of the course and was a little disappointed to find it contained only basic information but then,it was tough to answer!Having posted it back there was a delay on returning it due to ARDDHU attempting to resolve an attack upon them in a forum yet again.Later I learnt this was commonplace and it echoed something I had read once,that witches are not liked!I did think God!What was I getting involved in?!Yet somehow the more frequent the attacks the greater the excitement.I began to get a buzz as I felt I was under attack by proxy!
The coursework follows the theme of send it,get it back with comments from the tutor.Mine had red pen pointing out the errors of my ways but also some juicy bits of info added to boot.Number 2 was the same,I got ticked off for lack of elaboration on what I had answered and it was'nt until the fourth paper that I began to see signs that this was definitely something more than Wicca in disguise.
Later parts of the course began to reach soul searching difficulty and it was there I learnt the limits of book witchcraft.Here I was beginning to see glimpses of that secret world of witchcraft that we all think might exist but somehow dont want to believe it does.Who were these people ripping into my life?What did they look like and what will happen if I meet up with them later?Always a worry!
My invitation to meet up actually came before my final paper arrived and I learnt I was to travel to a venue in Worcestershire.This was some distance from my home but the venue was no ordinary one in some field or woodland.No,this was luxury that included full board with a cordon bleu menu!!I couldnt wait!
Arriving at the venue I was greeted by a woman much younger than myself who made every effort to welcome me.Much younger but much more wise and experienced than I'd bargained for.Overall the people were younger than expected,averaging late twenties/early thirties.All were reasonably fashion conscious and attractive.Not that it made any difference,just that it made me realise these were people similar to me and did'nt wear the pointy hat!
After the initial introductions were over everyone crowded into the small bar and the atmosphere was great!
Next day there were talks and workshops all presented professionally and time to mix with others on the same quest.I made a long standing friend during that socialising and owe it to ARDDHU for that enrichment of my life.
That evening was the dreaded ritual we were all to take part in,and I was'nt surprised to find myself sneaking into a wooded area at midnite while carrying bits of timber to be used in the ritual fire.
Then it got creepy.A circle was cast amidst an eerie silence which itself spooked me out.We stood within the circle,when there was a sudden break.A dog could be heard barking in the valley distant and this was taken as a signal the atmosphere was about to change.There was another period of silence before the proverbial owl hooting and weird cracking of branches in the trees disturbed it and you got this feeling that something was about to happen.Nerves kicking in?You bet!
What followed was extraordinary and I still have problems even today in accepting what appeared to me to be a glimpse of another world,a world like the one I was in yet somehow a reflection of it.One person even passed out with fear during the ritual and it worries me that she now runs her own course on witchcraft.It is a worry when I can count myself lucky I was with people who knew what they were doing.I dread to think of the consequences for those brought into witchcraft rites by people who themselves should'nt be there.
I eventually crossed over and entered the gates.Today my path is a solitary one yet there are times I miss the ARDDHU days(and nights especially!)Its been a long time and much water has passed under the bridge so I guess it best to hope others will experience what I had and gain confidence to become a witch alone.
I rate ARDDHU course as follows(5 stars max.)-
Content *****
Guidance *****
Accessibility **
Quality of instruction *****
Tutor *****
Ongoing support *****
Course level:Difficult/advanced in parts.
Confidentiality:High/Paranoid at times.
Lineage:Some checkable
Cost:c.75 pounds sterling in 2008
Value for money:Excellent
PRO'S :
In depth teaching and instruction,ongoing support,the chance to experience old witchcraft,friendship,the excitement of being involved.
CON'S:
Not for the feint hearted.Ongoing commitment to witchcraft expected so don't apply if you think you can do it in your spare time or have plans to rest in Heaven.Seriously scary rites.
