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What You Need to Know About Cults

The freedom of religion is a wonderful thing. However, regardless of how caring and nurturing a religious group may seem to be, there is a fundamental truth that all must follow. Each religion must have a fundamental respect for the individual. The following are fundamental rights that should never be broken:

• Every individual has the absolute right to determine his or her own beliefs according to conscience.



• Every individual has the right to the privacy of their beliefs.



• Every individual has the freedom to associate with others both within and outside their religious faith without any hindrance.

Cults Will Ignore Your Rights !

• Cults harm people by using psychological manipulation to gain dominance over their members' lives.



• They harm people by pressuring them to donate large sums of money.



• They harm people by creating a wedge between the member and their friends and family who are not members of the religious group.



• They harm people by making people believe that the only truth in life is found only within the cult, usually only in the words of the cult leader.

While Paganism is not a cult, people can claim to be Pagans or Wiccans when in fact they are NOT real Pagans or Wiccans!

In paganism and in Wicca, the individual is encouraged to become self-reliant and to think in an clear and independent manner. Only in the freedom of being self, can the soul truly thrive.

Learn the Signs of a Cult

Before you become involved with any group, know the signs of a cult so you can know when to leave before getting involved. Read Bonewits' Cult Danger Evaluation Frame. (Recommended)

Be Careful of All Groups

Also be careful of groups you contact over the Internet, as some of these folks will be unethical, and NOT what they seem to be. In general, there is a lot of information on the Internet that is inaccurate. Always approach individuals and groups with caution. Do research before you commit yourself.

Don't trust what any group says until you verify from independant sources that they are what they say they are. One place to search any group is on Covens, Groups, and Organizations at Witches' Voice.

You should also visit The International Cultic Studies Association (ICSA) (Recommended) for important information on cults and psychological manipulation.