Are there any Wicca training facilities on the West Coast?
Merry Meet. I had to giggle a little at your phrasing because we don't have "training facilities" in general. However, there are are a lot of different options for people who want to learn the religion of Wicca. There are a few brick-and-mortar type Wiccan religious institutions/temples, but generally speaking, Wiccan covens meet at private residences and privately held lands. Here are a few of the many options available to all seekers: 1. The first thing I tell people is to check for Wiccan clergy at WitchVox.org. Take a look at their local groups page to find some credentialed clergy who run legitimate covens. Take a look at the "Traditions" page first to familiarize yourself with the many Wiccan Traditions so you can find one that feels like it is comfortable for you . Wicca is not the same everywhere you go. Be SURE to check that clergy are licensed and have a good reputation. 2. You can attend Pagan festivals to familiarize yourself with Wicca and other Pagan religions, take classes, attend rituals, and talk with lots of Wiccans and other Pagans. Search "Pagan festivals" and you'll get lots of hits. I like Free Spirit Gathering in Maryland in June and there is also Paganicon coming up in the Minneapolis area in March (I'm teaching a class there...come say hi!). There are others such as Pagan Spirit Gathering and Winter Witch Camp. These are nice because they can give you an overview of options all in one place. 3. You can check to see if you local Unitarian Universalist Church has a CUUPS chapter. They give public Wiccan rituals and classes. 4. Check out Covenant of the Goddess, which I know has a chapter in California. They are a respected licensing body and they can put you in touch with local groups of different stripes. Oh, and this crap about Wicca being something for women only is completely ridiculous. My Tradition has lots of men. Wicca is for everyone who feels drawn to it. And the wiccawitchcraft.net site is a Christian propaganda site that offers half truths about Wicca and is obviously written by people who have no grasp of what Wicca actually is.