About the Shield Wall
You've always known that community is important.
And it's not just showing up to the same events, nodding at familiar faces. Community is more than that. It's where people support each other, follow through with their promises, and show up for each other when it counts. Something that makes you feel less alone in the world just by its existence.
It's what people are supposed to do for each other.
The Shield Wall is the heart of what Weavers of the Web is built for.
It's not a ranking system, or a hierarchy, or a loyalty program or a list of hoops to jump through just to be allowed to belong. (Psst: You belong already!!)
It is a set of promises — eight of them — that we make, to each other and to ourselves. Promises about how we show up. How we hold space. How we do the hard things. How we remember the people who would otherwise be forgotten. How we receive love when it's offered, instead of deflecting it.
Each oath is anchored to one of the eight sabbats in our tradition, one symbol, one color. Together, they form a rainbow shield. Not a wall that keeps people out, but a wall that says: inside here, we are safe. Inside here, we do not abandon each other. Inside here, you are not too much, not too broken, not too late.
We built this because we needed it too.
The Oaths
Each one connects to the Mysteries of the Wheel of the Year and describes a simple guiding ideal we can use when we face decisions and choices in our lives.
I will hold safe space for all, even those who have been rejected.
Imbolc / Preparing
Safe space doesn't always mean the same space, but everybody deserves safe space for themselves. Here at Weavers we strive to include as many people as possible in our circles, while at the same time keeping our circles safe for everyone within them. Sometimes this means asking someone to leave, but more often it means learning how to love and accept our beautiful differences.
I will chose life before death, even for myself.
Ostara / Spring Equinox
The whole world is being reborn around us at the Spring Equinox, and now is the time to celebrate life! Whenever we have the opportunity to choose, we want to choose actions that support life. We know that life is rough sometimes, but we also firmly believe it can get better.
If you or anybody you know is struggling, please reach out to one of our clergy, or call 988 to reach the 24/7 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.
I will seek inclusion over division and love over hate.
Beltaine / Sacred Partnership
It's the First of May, and outdoor rituals are full of people coming together, forming new partnerships and creating new light in the world. Sometimes there's friction when opposites attract, but here we seek to find ways through those moments of discomfort to broaden our understanding of community and "us."
I will do the hard things, knowing I might fail.
Litha / Summer Solstice
The six-pointed star represents the union of opposing forces, now in balance and working together toward a common goal. In our tradition, this is the symbol of manifestation, of challenges and overcoming obstacles. Every time we try new things and fail, we have an opportunity to learn and do better next time ... and we always have the chance of success! It's a win-win situation.
I will choose to help because it strengthens our community.
Lammas / First Harvest
The harvest season is the time when the community comes together. It takes teamwork and sacrifice to make sure all the food is safely brought into storage before the winter storms come. In this season, we give thanks to our community for the help we've received, and promise to give back when it's our turn.
I will let go of fear and walk forward into the unknown.
Mabon / Autumn Equinox
What comes to life must return to the grave eventually, and at this sabbat we cross back into the dark half of the year together. This "Little Death" gives us an opportunity to reckon our personal harvest for the year, let go of what needs to fall away, and continue living in the face of the certain losses we will face along the path. Loss is inevitable, but so is life!
I will remember those who would have been forgotten.
Samhain / Final Harvest
That which is remembered, lives. Samhain is our chance to reconnect with the dead and lost. At Weavers, we always include altars and special recognition for veterans, animals, and our Chosen Ancestors of heart and mind. And when we remember them, they are never forgotten.
I will accept the love and honor of my community.
Yule / Winter Solstice
Some say this is the hardest oath of them all, but we take it just as seriously as the rest. You must be able to receive in order to give freely, and here within the Shield Wall, we hope it becomes easier then ever to understand and believe just how much you are loved!
What's next?
Taking the Oaths is only the start.
The Realms
From basic first aid and safety, to the spellcraft and esoterica of witchcraft, to the leadership and guidance of the clergy path, each Realm focuses on different elements of building and maintaining our community.
How To Volunteer
We have many opportunities available for helping keep our community the thriving "third place" it is today. From physical tasks to ritual tasks, we're making on-ramps for everybody and every role.
How To Join
Ready to make it official? Oaths are taken at our Sabbat rituals and Shield Wall ceremonies throughout the year. Come as you are. Stay as long as you like.