The Occult Society

Societas occulta

The Occult Society  is made up of Members of 

The Occult Network.

Membership is by invitation only

The Occult Society (O.S.) is a private, members-only organisation It is run by Elder Carrie-Anne Grove. OS membership is open to proven Witches and those totally dedicated to Witchcraft, The Occult and the Olde Path. Members of the Occult Network may apply to join the Society but generally membership is by invitation only, 

Who are The Occult Society?

What are Witches and Pagans? 

Who are The Members of the O.S.?

The Occult Society is a a group of people who share key values and beliefs.  We operate globally and members can elect to remain annoymous to others outside the O.S. If you are invited to join Inner Circle of Initiates you will be expected to hold at  least 1st Degree Dedicated Witches of the Traditional Craft and Wiccans or be able to show evidence of previous experience in the study and practice of the occult and its associated paths. We are based in the West Midlands, England. We use the Internet to allow us to expand our connections across the UK and promote Witchcraft/Paganism and the occult and to offer peer-group support for its members. We are a totally non-profit and give our advice and support as part of the Witch ethic. We follow the  wisdom of our Elder in all that we do. Our Outer Circle of friends and students is called The Occult Network and membership is free and open to all. The P.I.N. is also part of the Network and receives support from the O.S. This is mostly for those who feel they don't fit in to Wiccan Covens or Paganism etc.  or feel they need extra support and tuition in the Craft and the occult, especially people with disabilities, social and family constraints and those who need guidance to find their true selves. We will guide you on your path when you need it but we are not your tutors, we are guides. We do not require physical  attendance and use social media and video conferencing. We are a Society that aims to allow everyone, regardless of circumstances to feel they belong somewhere. Of course, those Members wishing to meet up are more than welcome so long as members privacy is absolutely respected.  

What do we do?

We support  The Occult Network and the Pagan Inclusivity Network (PIN)  (we arethe  founders) members as well as those who have not yet found their path. We promote traditional Witchcraft , the occult and Paganism  and fight for human and civil rights as well as against animal cruelty, world government and other things that can prevent people from having an harmonious, spiritual, free and soul enhancing life, with nature and not against it. We help people follow the Olde Path and discover their true selves and their full potential no matter who they are. Via the Occult Network we also offer holistic counselling, teach Witchcraft via the Occult Network and represent ourselves, the occult and Witchcraft to the general public and other Witchcraft/Wiccan/Pagan/occult organisations. As part of the OS members also receive informal counselling from our own Elder Carrie-Anne, a qualified and experienced counsellor who is registered with CCC and has had years of experience. 

Some of Our work:

Fight and guard against religious bigotry and oppression 
Fight to protect the rights and cultures of the people and ensure that people have the right to and freedom to follow their path and make free choices on their lives.
Increase awareness of control and censorship 

Protecting the history and culture of our ancestors from those who seek to rewrite or corrupt them.

Education to help ensure that the old ways and occult traditions live on and evolve in a healthy way.

Where are we?

Our membership is private. You can engage however with our  outward facing arm,  The Occult Network. Spirituality and humanity is global - free of borders, barriers and nationalities. We interact online using Facebook and other platforms. We shall make ourselves known to you if we believe you would make a suitable member of the Occult Society. We monitor the Occult Network and others to seek out people who we would welcome into the Society. 

How can I join?

Anyone over 18 can join our Society and anyone over 16 can be part of The Occult Network for free who has an open heart, is true to themselves and others and willing to follow  our guidelines and the guidance of the Elders, High Priestess and High Priest.  Membership of the O.S.  is only allowed for at least 1st Degree Witches or equivelant and those who are willing to be Initiated into the Society (this will be done usually online). Your previous education and experience will be taken into account when considering your membership and at what level you will be.

Is there a degree system?

Yes. Membership is only considered to those who have already attained a reasonable level of experience such as a Wiccan degree or other standing. All members work up the Occult Society Degree system just like any other order. We have five levels, five degrees. All newcomers will be allocated a degree upon joining based upon their previous experience etc.

Members of a lower degree must follow the instructions and guidance of those higher up. We do not formally teach but encourage your own study of paganism , the occult and witchcraft . We can advise you on how you should study or what organisations may offere you a formal education.

Your standing within and outside of the OS will reflect your current experience and knowledge in your chosen path:

As a peer organisation we base our rankings of members via traditional and proven hierarchical systems.

Occultist ranks vary widely by tradition, but often follow hierarchical structures like the Golden Dawn's elemental grades (Neophyte, Zelator, Theoricus, Practicus, Philosophus) or general paths from initiate to master, involving stages like Neophyte, Disciple, Adept, Priest/Priestess, focusing on mastery of specific elements (Earth, Air, Fire, Water) or spiritual concepts, with ranks often tied to skill, experience, and roles (Researcher, Chaplain, Tutor) within a group. 

Common Hierarchical Structures

• Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn: A famous system with 10 grades (e.g., 0=0 Neophyte, 1=10 Zelator, 2=9 Theoricus, etc.) linked to the Tree of Life and elements, requiring exams for advancement.
•  Witchcraft/Pagan Traditions: May progress from Neophyte to Practicus (3 years), Adeptus, or roles like Lunar/Sol High Priest(ess) or Zodiphyte (graduate).
•  Esoteric Orders (e.g., O.T.O.):Often use triads (Man of Earth, Lover's, Hermit's) or degrees (e.g., 1st, 2nd, 3rd Degree). 

General Progression & Roles

• Initiate/Neophyte: Beginner, learning basic principles, often probationary.
• Disciple/Practicus/Adept: Experienced members, trusted with more complex tasks, moving from elemental study to deeper magic (e.g., shadow work, ritual setup).
• Teacher/Priest(ess): Advanced members leading rituals, instructing others, holding positions of trust.
• Specialised Roles: Within groups, members might become Researchers (documenting),  High Priest/ess (spiritual guidance), or Bard etc.

Suggested study paths for progression 

• Elemental Focus:Advancement often involves mastering Earth, Air, Fire, Water, Spirit.
• Tree of Life Grades can correspond to positions on the Kabbalistic Tree of Life.
• Ceremonial vs. Natural Magic: Some traditions separate ranks based on magical focus (e.g., aristocratic ceremonial vs. working-class natural magic). 

You should follow the study path of your chosen discipline and evidence of successful advancement will enable you to increase your standing within the Occult Society and beyond. We expect you to behave and have a level of understanding according to the rank you have within organisations. Self-Initiates and Solitary Witches and practioners are expected to demonstrate their level of understanding before a rank within the OS is established.

What is expected of members?

 We ask but a few simple things that cost nothing but mean so much to everyone: i) On each Sabbat and Full Moon remember the O.S. and its members. Open your heart and connect with us in any way you feel comfortable with and able to do. For example, light a candle, burn incense or simple have a moments quiet contemplation. Send light to everyone in the Society and anyone who you feel needs it for healing, strength or direction. ii) Send light and energy to those in need, especially within the Society itself iii) Help each other both practically and spiritually iv) Be a listening ear, free of judgement, condemnation or prejudices v) Share your strengths, skills, ideas and resources with the OS vii) Promote Witchcraft, paganism, the occult and the Craft of the Wise and present it always in a good light viii) Follow the Wiccan Rede and Witches Rune or your specific moral code such as the 7 Tenets always iX) Respect and follow the guidance of your higher degrees X) Do not abuse the powers you have or use them to control, hurt, frighten or upset others. If you are willing to do these things, we welcome you with open arms and pure hearts. We do not tolerate any forms of abuse, mental or physical and any breach of good conduct will not be taken lightly and you will be asked to leave the Society.

All members of The Occult Society must respect the authority of the Elders, High Priestess and High Priest and accept their guidance. That is the only hierarchy and everyone has the right to an opinion and to express themselves openly and without prejudice or judgement. We agree to do no harm but only seek to improve the lives of ourselves, our loved ones and those around us without exploitation or deceit. We do not tolerate cruelty, animal ritual sacrifice or any activity that is immoral or illegal . Members agree to treat each other with mutual love and respect regardless of gender, sexuality ,ethnicity , social or cultural background. Members agree to work within the group to help promote itself and the old path. 

Members MUST NOT disclose the identity or works of Occult Society Members. Any breach of people's safety or identity disclosure will be result in you being instantly discharged from the OS.