Merry Meet and Welcome to our web site - we’re glad you found us!

Our local chapter is located in Rochester, New York where NEC of W.I.C.C.A. is headquartered. We are a collective group of Wiccans/Witches and Pagans who share some of the same ideals and goals: serve and be actively involved in the pagan community, educate the public about our belief system, project a positive image of Pagans/Witches and Wiccans, help bring about religious tolerance and understanding, promote harmony within our community, teach those who seek our ways, hold open Sabbat rituals, and provide networking.

The concept for Northeast Council of W.I.C.C.A. was born in 1991 by five area witches, including our founder and President Emeritus Debbie Guite. NEC of W.I.C.C.A. was formally established in 1996, and re-organized in 2000 when the first Local Chapter in Rochester established a Board of Directors, goals, objectives and Bylaws. We began offering memberships to the local pagan community in August 2002. Many were involved in the re-organization and it was due to their dedication, endless hours of work and expertise that NEC was formally re-organized.

What is different about our group? NEC of W.I.C.C.A. is member-driven–this means that our members make decisions – they are the governing body - working cooperatively together. We are not a coven. Our membership is comprised of solitaries, pagan-friendly business owners, Witches and Wiccans from covens, and from other pagan organizations.

The Executive Board is currently comprised of the Executive Director, Member Services Director, Finance Director, and Media Director to help keep our organization running smoothly and solvent.  They work for and report to the membership.

Northeast Council of W.I.C.C.A. currently sponsors: MidMoon Community Outreach (reaching out to the Pagan community in times of need: birth of child, handfasting, hospitalization, loss of loved one, etc. We give a gift, a basket of hand-made items, or a plant); Kuan-Yin’s Cupboard (a Pagan food pantry housed at Casa Bella Luna, 2888 Dewey Ave., Rochester, NY), Rochester Pagan Pride Day (since 2001 – organizing and hosting fundraisers and working on the team). We contribute annually to: Central New York PPD, Buffalo/Niagara Metro PPD, Adirondack PPD, Chemung County (Elmira) PPD, and Glens Falls PPD. NEC enjoys a cooperative working relationship with Othala Grove Spiritual Center, Sanctuary of the Crescent Moon, Psychic’s Thyme, Meddy's Musings, Casa Bella Luna, The Circle of All Paths, The Web Path Center, and the New York State Pagan Alliance to name a few local groups.

NEC offers comprehensive Wicca 101 and Witchcraft 201 courses. We are also offering Witch Crafting fun nights held every Friday evening starting on May 9, 2008 (please see the "Council" Events page for more information).

Upcoming Events:

• Northeast Council of W.I.C.C.A. has offered open Sabbat celebrations since 2002. We encourage members to write and conduct our open Sabbat celebrations.  (for a complete listing please see the "Council" Events page)

• -NEC Presents an open ritual for April at Psychic's Thyme entitled - "Healing and Cleansing the Waters of the Genesee River" - on Sunday, April 13th from 2-4PM - refreshments following ritual.  All are welcomed to attend.

• -Magickal Cooking Workshop and Kitchen Witch Cook-Off Contest presented by Trish Telesco will be held on Sunday, May 4, 2008 at Camp Eastman - Kusak Lodge, Lakeshore Blvd. (this is an adult workshop)  from 12 Noon to 5PM Tickets $20.00/person are available at Psychic's Thyme, 439 Monroe Ave., Rochester, NY and at Casa Bella Luna, 2888 Dewey Ave., Rochester, NY or by contacting Linda Hanley at her e-mail below.  Trish will also be presenting a second workshop that day entitled "Divining with Food and Edible Items" - both workshops, rituals, beverages and snacks are included in the price.  Trish will also be presenting a short ritual honoring Mothers and Mother Goddesses after the workshops. Trish will have her books on hand for sale.  See the NEC Council Events page for more details.  (proceeds to benefit NEC and Rochester Pagan Pride Day)

• -Mini-Medieval Faire and Summer Solstice celebration - Saturday, June 21, 2008 at Ben's Barn in Shortsville (same location as last year).  There will be merchants, diviners, entertainment, raffles, silent auction, children's activities, and food for your enjoyment.  Tickets $5.00/person will go on sale in May at Psychic's Thyme and Casa Bella Luna.  (proceeds to benefit NEC and Rochester Pagan Pride Day)

• -4th Annual Rochester Witches' Ball sponsored by NEC and Psychic's Thyme - Saturday, October 25, 2008 at The New Dutch Mill,   2901 Dewey Ave., Rochester, NY from 6-11PM. Fantastic buffet menu, DJ, auction, dancing, door prizes.  You won't want to miss this event.  First floor, handicap accessible.

• -5th Annual Community Samhain celebration to be held on Saturday, November 1, 2008 hosted by Larry and Barbara Kiser. More information forthcoming. (please check the NEC Events "Council" section)

• One of our members has recently started a crocheting and knitting group. We will be making items to donate to local charities. Alternatives for Battered Women will be receiving our first batch of hand-made items.  The group meets periodically - if interested in coming out to knit or crochet, please contact Donna at meadow@salataonline.com for further information.

We are a busy group of Pagans, Witches and Wiccans! Consider joining us in our efforts to continue to educate, foster respect and promote unity among Pagans in the Greater Rochester area.

This web site is very user-friendly and provides information about:

1. Networking with others in and around the Rochester area, as well as New York State and various cities throughout the northeastern United States

2. Pagan-related news articles

3. Classes, workshops, metaphysical shops, events, open circles, groups/organizations and covens

4. Information about Northeast Council of W.I.C.C.A.