Self Defense

[Zenon]

I have a friend who has recently left a coven I was part of.  She's been feeling paranoid for a month now, because she thinks the coven has done a binding on her, since they still have her measure.

Now most of the people, especially the elders in the coven are fantastic people, but I don't know what to expect, since I was part of coven life for less than a year.

Would they, as the people responsible for the order and secrecy of the group, be willing to perform a magical operation on her?

And besides, has anyone had an experience like this before?

[RedRonin]

I have a personal philosophy that this kind of stuff cannot be done on you unless you're willing to let it happen.  99 times out of 100 this is more the result of an overactive imagination that any malevolent actions on the part of the group.

The first thing to ask is what they would have to gain from any kind of action.  Spellwork of this nature requires a commitment of time and energy and requires somebody to have a modicum of ability.  They're not going to wasting that for the sake of getting their jollies.

Secondly, if the elders of this group are worth spit, then they should be riding herd on their bunch and keeping such mischief at a minimum.

Basically, your friend would probably be just fine if they concentrated on getting on with things and not worrying about them.

[Shadow]

I agree with RedRonin on this one. Takes too much time and effort for the group to do this. Why would they even waste their time.

In my experience groups that require some sort of "vow of secrecey" include the binding when they do the initiation that "takes your measure". Believe it or not, you're working the binding on yourself at that time.

To me, the whole thing is kinda like the secret hand shake at the local moose lodge. If you're good for your word, and you should be, then no one else will learn the secret from you. If you lied from the get go, then the binding you helped preform will have just about as much energy as you put into it, and everyone will soon learn that you're a lier who can't be trusted.

[Lark]

Generally the measure is only used if the person is later acting in a manner which is harmful to the group.  If these people are a reputable group, as you say they are, and if the person who left is doing nothing to harm the group or its members, then it is unlikely that any sort of binding would be cast.

Sounds to me rather like the person who decided to leave the group has some unresolved issues of their own which make them afraid that action might be taken against them.

Heck, the first thing I'd do if I felt uncomfortable about the situation is to go back to the group leaders and politely request the return of their measure.

-Lark-

[RedRonin]

Heck, the first thing I'd do if I felt uncomfortable about the situation is to go back to the group leaders and politely request the return of their measure.

Oh sure.......... use the logical approach..............

What fun is there in that?

[Brijrian]

What is a "measure"? Is it a cord worn in circle?

[Zenon]

The "measure" is a cord with knots that represent the measures of your body... it is a sort of a symbol of yourself.  You give it to the coven as an act of "perfect trust".

Personally, I agree with what you guys say...  She's just being overtly paranoid.  Or, she has unresolved issues with them and is afraid she may be reprimmanded for it, for whatever may be the reason.

[Zenon]

Heck, the first thing I'd do if I felt uncomfortable about the situation is to go back to the group leaders and politely request the return of their measure.

Oh sure.......... use the logical approach..............

What fun is there in that?

Er, wouldn't the group leaders ask why you're asking it back?

[Lark]

Heck, the first thing I'd do if I felt uncomfortable about the situation is to go back to the group leaders and politely request the return of their measure.

Er, wouldn't the group leaders ask why you're asking it back?

Not necessarily.  And if they do she could also tell them that since she is no longer a part of the group she feels that she has the right to have her measure returned.  

-Lark-