Today's Craft community is ever changing and dynamic and many of its members are mobile and the connections to a local Coven or Grove is sometimes lost. The strength of a disciplined long-term training program is often unavailable to an individual. They are, seemingly, being initiated and/or elevated without having a truly solid background in training or experience. Our approach to requirements for the degrees is in accordance with the time honored Craft admonition of "To Know, To Do, and To Be". As a 1st degree, the individual should Know (especially his or herself). As a 2nd degree, the individual should Do. As a 3rd degree, the individual should Be.
Minimums for Initiation:
Dedicant:
The individual must be of the age of accountability (generally 18). If under
legal age, written parental approval must be obtained before individual may
join any training group or allowed to attend a ritual.
First Degree:
One must be adept at meditation.
One must thoroughly understand the basic symbology of the Circle, including:
a) The Quarters and their calls
b) Altar tools, layout, and position.
c) Circle protocol and etiquette.
1. Know the sacred elements.
2. Know the history and philosophy of the Craft.
3. Know the pantheon of our Tradition.
4. Know the Sabbats.
5. Know the Esbats.
6. Have an introduction to healing arts.
7. General knowledge of the power symbols. (May include runes).
8. Know how to cast sacred space and perform basic ritual.
9. Be knowledgeable of one form of divination.
10. Have a thorough knowledge of Tradition Law, and live it.
11. Serve as a dedicant for a year and a day.
12. Be adept at conducting ritual.
13. Be free of substance abuse.
14. Be capable of self-sufficiency in life or actively pursuing such goals.
Second Degree:
1. Able to write a complete ritual for all Sabbats, Esbats and for Magical
workings, including healing, prosperity, etc.
2. Be adept at one form of divination and knowledgeable of another.
3. Be adept at teaching.
4. A basic understanding of Astrology and Numerology.
5. Know the theories of magic.
6. Have a basic knowledge of Herbalism.
7. Be adept at one healing art.
8. Should have served as a 1st degree for a year and a day
9. Has completed work on the history, metaphysics or other aspect of Magick.
Third Degree:
1. Has demonstrated proficiency in all requirements
of 1st and 2nd degree.
2. Has demonstrated the ability to serve as High Priest/ess
3. Has successfully trained dedicants to their 1st degrees.
4. Has demonstrated proficiency at conducting ritual.
5. Should have served as 2nd degree for at least 1 year
6. Is adept at personal counseling
Conferring Degrees:
1. Only HP/HPS can confer another Elder
2. An elder can confer all degrees to properly trained and deserving candidates.
3. A 3rd degree can dedicate novices and confer 1st, 2nd and 3rd degrees with
the HPS
4. A 2nd degree can dedicate novices and confer a 1st degree with the HPS
Requirements for Elder:
1. We use Age 50 as an arbitrary marker for Croning and Saging. Simple age does not define one as an Elder. While such maturity is of vital importance, it alone is not enough. Most important are the requirements of leadership, dedication and recognition by the greater community.
2. As to experience, obviously the individual must have served the community as a Priest/ess selflessly for a considerable number of years in an exemplary fashion. During such time, the individual has gained the full range of the challenges of life. Thus he or she has that experience to pass on to others.
3. The individual has dedicated her or his life to the Craft and the community. The individual has, through their long years of demonstrated dedication and service, achieved recognition of the Craft Leadership and members for her or his wisdom, leadership abilities and dedication in a manner that sets them apart. Only through the general acceptance of the community as a leader of advanced wisdom and accomplishments that raises them above the norm should an individual be considered a Craft Elder.
Law
Law is essentially an aspect of culture. Each society
possesses its own distinct culture of standard modes of action. The Craft,
as a culture of its own, came to recognize what we shall call "Universal
Laws" as those actions and reactions that naturally function within our
Universe. Other laws were established to specify the authority of the Priesthood,
interaction of the group, and most importantly, the method of operation of
the Coven.
Coven Law as the mode of operations should be understood as both internal
and external to a specific group. "Code of Honor" is how we should
interact with others on a personal basis.
Universal Law:
Honor is the Law and Love is the Bond.
So it harm none, live according to Will.
Whatever action you take will return to your own life.
Judge not the path of others for all paths are sacred.
Revere all living things for all life is sacred.
Reveal no sacred teachings to the unworthy, lest it be used against you.
Observe the Sacred Days in Holy Rite.
In all things be truthful.
Honesty, respect and courage are the marks of the truly wise.
Coven Law:
The HPS has supreme authority in the Coven.
The HP/HPS represent the Gods and serve as spiritual Mother and Father.
The Elders are the teachers of your teachers and your Grandmother and Grandfather.
Do not reveal the names and identities of others to outsiders.
Answer the call of brother or sister in need.
If a member betrays the group they must return all sacred material and be
banned.
None may enter or leave the Circle without the HP/HPS.
You must be clean in body, mind and spirit to enter the Circle
Persons under the influence of drugs or alcohol are not permitted in sacred
space.
Coven business stays within the Coven.
Allow no dissention among you.
Only the HP/HPS may determine who is ready for initiation or elevation.
You shall not seek the student of another. However, there are times when, for a variety of reasons, a student needs to find another teacher. In such cases, generally accepted protocol is for the new teacher to co-ordinate with the former instructor, in so far as practical.
Code of Honor:
Chivalry must be followed by all (Honesty, bravery,
generosity and kindness).
One's oath is one's sacred pledge. Pledge sparingly, for it must be as iron.
Speak ill of no other, for all truth may not be known.
Do not gossip or spread rumors..
Be honest with all - and demand the same.
Logical thought must always rule over emotional reaction. Keep your wits.
Wisdom brings power. Apply discretion in its use.
Give friendship and support to your brother or sister.
Do not betray the secrets of others, lest your own secrets be lost.
Have pride in yourself.
In all things, moderation.
Revere the God(s) and Goddess(es) of our tradition.
Respect the religion of others.
Accept personal responsibility.
Respect the Laws of the Gods, humankind, and Nature.
Be loyal to your Coven, your HP/HPS, Elders, and your Craft brothers and sisters.
Revere the Natural World.
Honor your succession of teachers and your Ancestors.