whether it is necessary to be committed to or a follower of any religion to be involved in rites or rituals? What of many secret socieites like the Theosophical Society which has many parallels to many Pagan groups today? The Freemasons came out of this group and none can say that is a religion. Ritual does mean rite of passage which many pagan, neo-pagan and new age groups embrace - this sometimes involves magic or some form of ritual. For example many use the wheel of the year as a starting point. I donot think it is as clearcut as occult being "black" or "dark"- I feel the stereotypical witch, wizard or even shaman conjours up a picture of the black arts. Do what thou wilt and harm none is my way of living as it is many others.