SOP_NUMBER: 106.12
TITLE: Wicca (Witchcraft) Guidelines
REFERENCE_CODE: VA01-0012
DIVISION: Inmate Services Division (Chaplaincy Services)
TOPIC_AREA: 106 Policy-Chaplaincy
EFFECTIVE_DATE: 2022-11-08
WORD_COUNT: 578
POWERDMS_URL: https://public.powerdms.com/GADOC/documents/106463
URL: https://gps.press/sop-data/106.12/
SUMMARY:
This policy establishes guidelines for religious accommodation of incarcerated individuals who practice Wicca. It specifies approved religious paraphernalia (including Books of Shadows, tarot cards, and athames), authorized religious practices (individual rituals and group study), and restrictions on use of religious items to intimidate others. The policy ensures that Wiccan practitioners receive professional respect while maintaining facility security and safety.
KEY_TOPICS: Wicca, witchcraft, religious accommodation, religious paraphernalia, Book of Shadows, tarot cards, athame, religious freedom, chaplaincy services, inmate religious practices, ceremonial items, religious study groups
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|GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS
Standard Operating Procedures|Col2|Col3|
|---|---|---|
|**Policy Name:**WICCA (Witchcraft)|**Policy Name:**WICCA (Witchcraft)|**Policy Name:**WICCA (Witchcraft)|
|**Policy Number:** 106.12|**Effective Date:** 11/08/2022|**Page Number:**1 of 3|
|**Authority:**
Commissioner
|**Originating Division:**
Inmate Services Division
(Chaplaincy Services)|**Access Listing:**
Level II: Required Offender
Access|
**I.** **Introduction and Summary:**
To give approved religious paraphernalia and authorized practices.
**II.** **Authority:**
A. United States Constitution, First and Fourteenth Amendments;
B. Religious Freedom Restoration Act of 1993;
C. ACA Standards for Adult Correctional Institutions - Fifth Edition;
D. GDC SOP: 106.11, Religious Accommodations; and
E. Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990.
**III.** **Definitions:** None.
**IV.** **Statement of Policy and Applicable Procedures:**
A. Approved Religious Paraphernalia:
1. Religious Writing:
a. Book of Shadows: This will be identified by the offender and may be
handwritten, photocopied, mimeographed, or professionally printed.
b. A reasonable number of other books on the history, rituals, and/or
ceremonies may be permitted.
2. Protective covering for the Book of Shadows: The offender may be loaned one
(1) standard issue white towel for this purpose or permitted to purchase 1
through a vendor.
|GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS
Standard Operating Procedures|Col2|Col3|
|---|---|---|
|**Policy Name:**WICCA (Witchcraft)|**Policy Name:**WICCA (Witchcraft)|**Policy Name:**WICCA (Witchcraft)|
|**Policy Number:** 106.12|**Effective Date:** 11/08/2022|**Page Number:**2 of 3|
|**Authority:**
Commissioner
|**Originating Division:**
Inmate Services Division
(Chaplaincy Services)|**Access Listing:**
Level II: Required Offender
Access|
NOTE: A loaned item may not be marked by the offender in any form or
fashion.
3. Tarot Cards: One pack of 78 cards. The cards are not to include depictions of
violent acts or graphic sex.
4. Athame: Photo or cardboard drawing of this ceremonial knife, not longer than
8 ½ inches.
5. Candles and/or Incense: These items may be approved for use on special days
but will not be retained by the offender. The Chaplain or other designated staff
member will keep these items in a secured location.
6. The items approved for use by a WICCA offender are to be treated with
professional respect but are subject to routine searches. An offender will make
these items available as is the case with all other personal property. Any
Wiccan items other than those specifically approved in this procedure will be
considered contraband and handled accordingly.
B. Approved Practices:
1. Any rituals/ceremonies will be handled individually in the offender’s cell or
other approved location within the facility using only the religious
paraphernalia authorized in this procedure.
2. Meetings for religious study may be handled through special “ministerial”
visits or through group study, provided a Community Volunteer is available.
3. A Wiccan offender will not attempt to use his/her religious practice in order to
intimidate or threaten another offender or staff member. Such behavior may
result in disciplinary action.
|GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS
Standard Operating Procedures|Col2|Col3|
|---|---|---|
|**Policy Name:**WICCA (Witchcraft)|**Policy Name:**WICCA (Witchcraft)|**Policy Name:**WICCA (Witchcraft)|
|**Policy Number:** 106.12|**Effective Date:** 11/08/2022|**Page Number:**3 of 3|
|**Authority:**
Commissioner
|**Originating Division:**
Inmate Services Division
(Chaplaincy Services)|**Access Listing:**
Level II: Required Offender
Access|
4. Any special requests related to the observance of special days should be
coordinated through the Chaplain’s office and will require facility/center
review and approval. Questions concerning the appropriateness of any
offender’s request should be directed to the Director of Chaplaincy.
5. It may be necessary to revise this procedure as the need arises. Should you
have any questions or need clarification about various aspects of WICCA,
please direct your inquiries to the Director of Chaplaincy.
**V.** **Attachments:** None.
**VI. Record Retention of Forms Relevant to this Policy:** None.