How to Join the Skull Club

The Book initiates every member of the Skull Club — some in its presence, some by its instruction. All stand equal before the Skull. In the first year (circa 1965) when the first oath was recited, somebody had to speak it first while the rest echoed. That first voice had no one to swear it in. Whoever led the oath joined the club in the act of giving it — and the principle took hold and never left: the member who leads the oath joins with the members who echo it. This is how the club has always grown, and this describes how you will join it now.

The Process

1. Gather your people — or don’t. A few souls you trust make a fine initiation circle. A single voice alone works equally well. No hour governs this. Any day, any time — the Skull always welcomes you in.

2. Create your Secret Name. This constitutes the true act of joining. Have fun with it. Names of bone follow tradition — Green Skull, Streetbones GrooveJoy, Femur. Names that surprise us earn treasured status — Violet Viper and Woman of Water walk among us. You alone conceive your name. Conceive it well.

3. Take the oath. One voice leads — whoever formed the circle, whoever the circle chooses, or you alone. The rest echo. Recite the original oath, the new oath, both, or one of your own making; the club recognizes all of them.

The original oath (circa 1965):
I promise / As a skull member / Never to desert the club / And to be a loyal member / Of the Skull Club.

Another optional oath (2025):
I promise, as a creative free spirit and Skull Club member, to honor the Skull Club, the joy of life, the thrill of the macabre. I share creativity, laughter and eerie delight with fellow members. I grow my imagination with vigor, with boldness, I honor the secrets and mystery of the Skull Club.

4. Celebrate. Tradition holds that the Skull Club theme plays immediately after the oath, and everyone dances.

5. Register your name below. The club keeps its rolls by Secret Name only — your real name stays yours. Once you register, expect an email from the Office of Green Skull.

By registering, you confirm that no one joining is under the age of 18. Younger souls join the old way — in person, with a parent or guardian at their side.

Have pictures, recordings, or an account of your initiation? Send them to greenskull@skullclub.net — the club database welcomes all evidence of ecstatic dancing.