Reclaiming Basics & History

Reclaiming (formerly known as the Reclaiming Collective) is an international community of individuals working to combine spirituality and political activism. Reclaiming, which was founded amid the peace and anti-nuclear movements of the late 1970s and early 1980s, combines Earth-based spirituality with direct action politics around progressive social, political, and economic issues. Those who practice Reclaiming hold the "Principles of Unity" as part of their core values.

Reclaiming's spiritual approach is polytheistic honoring the God, Goddess, and other forms of Mystery who are understood as the Immanent Life Force, not as a transcendent deity. Theologically, Reclaiming is very diverse. A common thread is an active honoring and defending of the Earth, as well as connection to the 5 Elements: Earth, Air, Fire, Water and Spirit.

The focus of Reclaiming teaching and rituals is empowering the individual and the community to take action as individuals and on a Universal scale, honoring diversity in the definition of "activism". Reclaiming rituals are ecstatic and inclusive, placing value on connection and group participation.

Reclaiming originated about 1980 in the San Francisco Bay Area, blending the influences of Victor and Cora Anderson's Feri Tradition of Witchcraft, Dianic Witchcraft as taught by Z. Budapest, and the feminist, peace and environmental movements. Its structure has evolved as it has grown, moving from the Reclaiming Collective to its newest support structure; BIRCH.

Today, Reclaiming has several dozen affiliated communities across the U.S., Canada, and Europe. Week-long intensives called "Witchcamps" bring Reclaiming people together in about a dozen regions. Core classes such as "Elements of Magic," "Rites of Passage," "Iron Pentacle" and "Pearl Pentacle" share practical skills in personal empowerment and group process. Reclaiming has also produced several CDs of pagan chants and songs, and publishes a magazine called "Reclaiming Quarterly."

Relevant Links:

Reclaiming Core Values

The Principles of Unity
This statement of core values came out of the hard work done at the Collective Annual Retreat, November 8, 1997.

The 5-Point Agenda by Starhawk

The Charge of the Goddess
Traditional by Doreen Valiente, as adapted by Starhawk

Reclaiming Current Direction

BIRCH, the Broad Intra-Reclaiming Council of Hubs

A Working Definition of Reclaiming by Starhawk

Reclaiming Style Ritual

Structure of a Ritual by Vibra Willow

Etiquette of Ritual, Reclaiming Style by M. Macha Nightmare Circle Etiquette by M. Macha Nightmare

Reclaiming History

Reclaiming History, Structure and the Future by Jodi Logan and Patti Martin

A Brief History of Reclaiming by Vibra Willow

Reclaiming Tradition Witchcraft by M. Macha Nightmare

Witchcraft and Neo-paganism

Phases of the Moon by Vibra Willow

Wheel of the Year

Witchcraft Glossary