Frequently asked questions
Why Déa Noctism?
Our tradition’s name literally means “Goddess of Night”, and is a testament to the core of our beliefs: all things proceed from and return to She Who is Night, who Dreams all that is, was, or may be. The tradition’s name is a reminder that the Goddess of Night is at the heart of all that we do, and it is She who brings us together.
Are you a type of Wicca or Druidry?
No, Déa Noctism is not a Wiccan or Druid tradition, although it shares some similarities in some mythologic inspiration and reverence for nature. We do not follow the Wiccan ritual format, wheel of the year, or Coven structure. Nor do we recognize a God counterpart to our Mother Goddess. And while our tradition shares several similarities with druidry- most notably the concept of the Awen- our theology, cosmology, and orthodoxy set us apart from our respected Druid friends. While we are happy to share space and love of nature with groups and people of all faiths, Dèa Noctism is its own distinct religious tradition.
Is anyone allowed to follow this religion?
Yes! The Night belongs to all Her children, and Déa Noctism is but one path to connecting with Her. This tradition is open to people of any race, gender, sexual orientation, culture, age, and background. Clerical initiation alone must go through the established priestesshood, while worship, study, and practice of this tradition can otherwise be done solitary or within a group.
Do you hate light?
A shockingly frequent question, but the answer is and always will be no! While we do not worship Light- particularly as a banisher of Darkness, as Darkness is not something we consider unwelcome and worthy of banishment- we recognize and celebrate it as a gift from the Great Mother. Blessed is the Light that illuminates Her Dream and allows us to see and experience this world. All lights are, after all, born of Her dreaming and are expressions of Her own Awen. We do disavow idolizing Light above Night, as one would reject praising the art for existing rather than the artist for creating it. We celebrate the many blessings of the Goddess of Night without forgetting that it is She who is the Dreamer and the source of all that we adore.