Correctional Guidelines for Prisoners regarding Wicca

Suggested Guidelines Governing Wicca in
Correctional Facilities

The following guidelines suggest ways to reconcile teachings of the Craft with the obligation to maintain safety and security. They are based on an overview of policies currently in effect in thirty States:

For Daily Meditation:

  1.   Special clothing;
This need can be met through the use of ordinary garments if those garments are clean, are worn at no other times, and are free of metal parts.
  2.   A salt circle;
A container of table salt is satisfactory for casting the tradition protective circle of salt.
  3.   Confidence that no disturbance or interruption will occur.
A private place such as a chapel is sufficient for meditation, even if attended by the necessary monitor, bearing in mind that State guidelines universally stipulate respect for each inmate's religious beliefs and activities.

Paraphernalia such as candles, incense, athames (ceremonial knives), literature, and music are not essential to meditation.

For Monthly Meetings:

No full Circle is possible in institutions for two reasons:
1. A monitor must be present at all religious gatherings.
2. All religious gatherings must be open to all population.

When power is raised, the presence (however benign) of untrained persons is detrimental.
Meetings in the form of lectures or discussion groups are possible within facilities.

There is a great deal more information about Wicca on this site including the following which we enclose in our Chaplain's Packets:
Army Pamphlet #165-13 Extract
Washington State Handbook of Religious Practices Extract
Our cover letter including Dettmer v. Landon quote





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Mail: PO Box 297-IN, Hinton, WV 25951-0297 USA

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Most recently updated: September 13, 2006 c.e.

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