COVEN RANK AND REQUIREMENTS ñ ALEXANDRIAN TRADITION Adapted for Coven Synchronos by Vinnie Russo, 1993, from original material plus prior work by Covens Symbios and Amalthea. © copyright 1993 by Coven Synchronos ñ all rights reserved Note: free (non-commerical) individual use of this document is granted, provided that this attribution header is reproduced in full. Permission to publish any portion is NOT granted. ___________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________ Like traditional Alexandrian covens, we have three degrees of rank: First, Second and Third. In addition, there is a "pre-degree" rank of Dedicant. These ranks and their requirements are listed below. DEDICATION REQUIREMENTS A Dedicant to our group is one who has begun his/her sojourn into the Craft and has decided that s/he wishes to explore further through this Coven. This is the starting place for new Coveners, unless they have been initiated in another Alexandrian Coven. Because this is a beginning stage, a Dedicant is not considered an Initiate of the coven. The bulk of a Dedicant's training centers on classes which s/he is expected to attend to the best of his/her ability. As Dedication is a commitment to learn with the Coven, there are some requirements before someone may become a Dedicant. The pre-Dedication requirements are as follows: * That the person desiring to Dedicate would meet the following pre-Dedication requirements: * Complete the reading list for pre-Dedicants - Drawing Down the Moon ñ by Margot Adler - True Magick, A Beginner's Guide ñ by Amber K * Attending one Esbat and one Sabbat * Attending at least one other coven's ritual(s) * Attending the pre-dedication classes (listed on the following page) * Acquiring a blank book to be used as a Book of Shadows (for the Lunar rituals, Dedication ritual and Initiations, etc.) * Acquiring a large three-ring binder to be used for class notes and handouts, spells, recipes, etc. (Grimoire) * Acquiring a blank book to be used as a magical journal (meditations, dreams, thought, your spiritual journey) * The pre-Dedicant must ask the High Priest/ess for Dedication. They will then bring the request to the entire coven for a group decision. * The pre-Dedicant must attend a minimum of one additional Esbat or Sabbat AFTER requesting Dedication. * After meeting these pre-Dedicant requirements, the individual would take the Dedcant's Oath as part of a regular Esbat Circle, during a waxing moon, before all coven members. An example of the Oath is below: I, (name), do this day, before all here gathered, declare myself formally Dedicated as a student to Coven Synchronos. I promise to seriously undertake the study of the Old Religion, and to reflect upon the inner meaning of Initation as a Priest/ess of Wicca. Any coven secrets entrusted to me during my time as a Dedicant will dutifully be guarded and I will respect Coven Law. I promise to attend classes and Esbats faithfully, and to join the Coven in celebrating the Sabbats. Finally, should it ever become necessary for me to leave the Coven, I promise to return to this Circle in order to properly part from the Coven. All this I swear as a solemn oath in the Presence of the Great Goddess and the Horned God. DURING THE TIME OF DEDICATION: A) The Dedicant would make a serious attempt, through classes, assigned exercises, meditation, ritual, reading, and intellect to come to some understanding of him/herself as a spiritual ñ as well as intellectual, physical and emotional ñ being in this world. B) The Dedicant would seriously consider, throughout the time of Dedicancy, the following: whether the Wiccan priest/esshood is the correct spiritual path for his/her life to follow; and whether this is the proper place for him/her to undertake the training for the Wiccan priest/esshood. C) If the Dedicant hasn't completed the requirements for Initiation by the end of the first three months, a reaffirmation of the Dedican't choice to pursue the priest/esshood would be done at the regular Esbat Circle. This will be done at the end of the six month interval, as well, if all requirements have not been met. D) And that A & B would preferably culminate in formal entry into training in the Wiccan priest/esshood ñ First Degree Initiation. Equally valid, if a Dedicant finds the burden of the Priest/esshood unacceptable, s/he could opt to become part of the Outer Circle ñ and take up further training at some time in the future if desired. The bulk of a Dedicant's training centers on classes, which s/he is expected to attend to the best of his/her ability. S/he should also attend the rituals which are open to Dedicants. Rituals which are open to Dedicants are New Moon Esbats and Sabbats. PRE-DEDICATION/DEDICANT CLASSES: WICCAN MYTHOLOGY I (overview/summary) Phases of the Moon (Lunar Cycles) The Wheel of the Year (The 8 Sabbats) Songs For a Lost Harvest Coven Mythology WICCAN HISTORY A Modest History of Wicca A Letter Regarding Tradition Traditions ñ WLPA Newsletter "Myth of Wicca" theory from Drawing Down the Moon Alexandrian Family Tree INITIATION 1 Notes on Initiation Sponsors and Initiators ALEXANDRIAN/GARDNARIAN COVEN STRUCTURE Syllabus & Rank and Requirements Coven rolls of the High Priestess and High Priest, the Elders, Apprentices and Neophytes. WICCAN COURTESY Eight Words the Ancient Law FulfillÖ Things to not do and things to be expected (within our Circles) Ethics and Civics in Wicca The Witch's Word BEGINNING VISUALIZATION GUIDED MEDITATION 1 Quarter Visualizations Spiral Dance exercises for visualization (pages 62-68) Guided mediation; how, why? POWER AND ENERGY 1 Power passing, sensing, using, "grounding & centering", etc. SELF BLESSING The Self Blessing 1 The Self Blessing 2 FIRST DEGREE REQUIREMENTS A First degree Initiate is defined here as a Witch who has been initiated into the Craft; specifically into Alexandrian Wicca. A member of our Coven who holds First degree is considered a Witch and Initiate/Apprentice, even if s/he received First degree in another Alexandrian coven. To receive First degree initiation is to have committed one's life to the Craft in general and to apprenticeship with a coven practicing Alexandrian Wicca. An Initiate's training is heavy on classes, but increasingly will involve active participation in the rituals as an Officer or Acting Priest/ess. S/he is therefore expected to attend as many Esbats and Sabbats as possible. All coven rituals (except second & third degree initiations) are open to the First degree Initiate. The minimum requirements for First degree initiation into the Coven are: * The Dedicant must ask the High Priest/ess for initiation. They, in turn, will discuss this request with the Elders and get input as needed from the other First Degree Initiates of the Coven. The Elders will then make a collective decision. It should be noted, then, that initiation does not automatically follow from the Dedicant's request. However, if the Dedicant's request for initiation is denied, s/he should receive an adequate explanation from the High Priest/ess. * The Dedicant must have either (a) completed all prior requirements; or (b) received First degree initiation in another Alexandrian coven, which the person has since left. In the case of (b), the High Priest/ess will contact the High Priest/ess of the other coven to vouch for the accuracy of the Initiate's claim. * The Dedicant must have attended all required classes and a minimum of 6 Esbats (New Moons), and 3 Sabbats. At least 4 of the Esbats must have been attended consecutively. Minimum time that this can be accomplished in is six months. * The Dedicant must have read, as a minimum: - The book(s) require of pre-Dedicants - The Witches Way & 8 Sabbats for Witches by the Farrars (or A Witches Bible Complete by the Farrars) - Lammas Night by Kurtz - Spiral Dance by Starhawk * the Dedicant should continue to keep the following: (a) A magickal journal (containing observations from his/her personal and magickal life which are relevant to his/her spiritual work); (b) A Grimoire (the Craft manual which includes neat class notes, written reactions to books read, bits of lore, and class handouts); and (c) The actual Book of Shadows (the book or rituals which s/he has done, written or participated in). The Dedicant should be prepared to share information from their "notebooks" as appropriate. * The Dedicant must have memorized the Coven's Esbat rite and be able to join in on the invocation form memory. * The Dedicant must have obtained an appropriate robe and an Athame (since the athame is both the primary tool used and is the symbol of the Witch's will). * The Dedicant must have chosen a Craft name that they will be known as within the Circle. * The Dedicant must complete any additional requirements given by the High Priest/ess. Please note: this is not designed to be a "trick" clause. Its purpose is to cover cases where a Dedicant has completed all of the technical requirements, but shows a weak area that needs to be addressed before a First degree initiation is appropriate. Since one of the requirements before second degree initiation is work on the self, "additional" requirements are often precursors to second degree work which would have to be tackled anyway. PRE-FIRST DEGREE CLASSES: RITUAL NOTES 1 The How and Why of Ritual Tips and Techniques for Ritual Notes on Esbats Casting a Circle (our way and eclectics) WICCAN TOOLS/WEAPONS 1 What are the tools and what are their correspondences Ritual trappings and items (garb and jewelry) The Wiccan Circle, The Wiccan Temple THE PERSONALITY 1 Beginning Affirmations The Three Selves Developing Your Magical Persona Magical Names, Magical Personas INITIATION 2 The Training and Work of an Initiate (handout and continuing talks about the Work) Traditional Wiccan Covens: Their structure and Work. The Meaning of Initiation WICCAN MYTHOLOGY 2 (overview and summary) Provider Cycle & The Crops Living & Spirituality in the material world MEDITATION The How and Why of Meditation Arachne's Weekend With The Hawthorne Clan (or ñ What I learned about Meditation on my twilight vacation) Relaxation And Safe Space Self Centered Mind SECOND DEGREE REQUIREMENTS A Second degree Initiate is a Witch Priest/ess and Elder of Alexandrian Wicca. This person has completed his/her apprenticeship, and can now be considered an Elder of the Alexandrian tradition and of the Coven. The Second degree Priest/ess is fully committed to the Craft, has integrated Craft ways into his/her life, and has reached a level where s/he is ready to take on the responsibility of a leader. S/he gives service to the coven and to the community, shares his/herself in a healthy m acts as a mentor and example of Pagan clergy, and leads and guides others to the best of their and his/her abilities. A Second degree Priest/ess will begin to help train others in our Coven. After a period of a year and a day, s/he may hive off and form his/her own coven, under the auspices of the High Priest/ess. A Priest/ess' training covers three general areas: (a) Attendance of classes and a study of a core area of specialization. (b) Active participation in the rituals as an Officer or Acting Priest/ess. (c) Personal work on the individual self (a.k.a. confronting the Guardian). All Coven rituals except (another person's Third Degree Initiation) are open to the Second Degree Priest/ess. THE REQUIREMENTS FOR SECOND DEGREE INITIATION INTO THE COVEN ARE: * The Initiate/Apprentice must have been at First Degree in the Coven for a minimum period of a year and a day. Often the stage between the First and Second degrees take several years to complete. The Initiate is ready for Second Degree when the Elders decide so. * The Initiate/Apprentice must have either (a) completed all requirements for First degree in our Coven; or (b) received second degree initiation in another Alexandrian coven, which the person has since left. In the case of (b), the High Priest/ess will contact the High Priest/ess of the other coven to vouch for the accuracy of the Initiate's claim. * The Initiate/Apprentice must have demonstrated a willingness and ability to actively participate in rituals: by attending as many as possible (this does not mean becoming a religious zealot, but it does mean putting a high-enough priority on ritual that demonstrates its importance to the Initiate); by being willing to both take on Priest/ess roles in ritual and allowing others, in turn, to take these roles; by acquiring the ability to channel forces properly during ritual; by behaving in ritual as is appropriate to the role s/he has for that ritual (e.g., lending energy, leading the ritual, helping to guide others when appropriate, etc.). * The Initiate/Apprentice must have attended all Coven classes that are required. * The Initiate/Apprentice must have undertaken a core area of study approved by the coven Elders, and taught at least one class on the subject to the Coven. Some examples are Herbalism, shamanic techniques, healing, meditation/yoga, ceremonial magick, candle making, incense making, making of ritual clothing, etc. ñ It should be something magickal in nature that the person is interested in and actively practices, not an "armchair" study. * Proficiency in at lest one form of divination. * The Initiate/Apprentice must have spent a minimum of three months in a community/service activity, approved by the coven Elders. Since the true goal of an Initiate is to serve the Gods, and since it is too easy (and too common) for Pagans to be self-absorbed, community service is requirement for our Coven. Examples are reading to the blind, answering an AIDS telephone hotline, working in a battered women's shelter, volunteering at a hospital, serving food at a soup kitchen, etc.; the service will be jointly agreed upon between the Initiate and the Elders before it is performed. The only exception is if the Initiate already works in a community service capacity. * The Initiate/Apprentice must demonstrate comparative maturity and growth, usually accomplished through individual or internal work. See item 13. * The Initiate/Apprentice must have read, as a minimum: - The book required of the "lower" degrees - Real Magic by Isaac Bonewits - Sea Priestess by Dion Fortune - Moon Magic by Dion Fortune - The Way of Wyrd by Brian Bates - Psychic Self-Defense by Dion Fortune - Harvest Home by Thomas Tryon * The Initiate/Apprentice should have continued with his/her journal, grimoire and Book of Shadows. * The Initiate/Apprentice must own at least four main ritual tools (athame, wand, chalice, pentacle. * The Initiate/Apprentice must have written a ritual which will be performed by the Coven. The ritual should be written in a style similar to those performed by us, created by the Initiate, with guidance, modifications and approval of the Elders. * The Initiate/Apprentice must complete and additional requirement given by the High Priest/ess. Again, this is not a trick clause, but is designed to help the Initiate with any shortcomings in his/her personal growth (see item 7 above). The requirements will vary for different Initiates, but will usually be the very thing s/he needs to tackle and is avoiding due to fear or discomfort. Counseling is one example of additional requirement. PRE-SECOND DEGREE CLASSES: DO, DON'T AND PROTECTION OOPS! Magical Mistakes in Theory and Practice Psychic Self-Defense RITUAL NOTES 2 The Full Moon Approach Esbat Officer's Duties "Setting the table for tea" ñ Altar/ritual set up and staging WICCAN TOOLS/WEAPONS 2 A Beginners Guide to the Elemental Weapons/Tools Also, The Coven Regalia "The Skull" Continue talks and discuss prefs. Of tools/styles of tools, etc. DIVINATION A Brief Summary of Divination Techniques A Reader's Digest Guide to the Tarot Astrology ñ The Houses; For the Astrological Beginner; Symbols; Signs of the Zodiac Scrying ñ Thoth's article from TIDES WICCAN HERBALISM Wiccan Herbalism History of Wise Woman Healing Blazing Star herbal School According to Ancient LoreÖ WITCH STUFF 1 ñ Exercises Occult/Mental Exercises Starhawk's exercises for group dynamics WITCH STUFF 2 ñ Psychism Psychic Healing, Aura reading/sensing Psychism ñ telepathy, dÈjý vu, clairvoyance, mediumship, etc. Astral Travel & Dream Work WITCH STUFF 3 ñ Songs & Chants Fire, Water, Earth and Air Clotho's Web (High, High, High) The Holy and the Ivy May Day Bay Area Pagan Assembly ñ Yuletide Songfest WITCH STUFF 4 ñ Practical skills Candle making, paper making, etc. CREATING TALISMANS AND AMULETS Magic Loading of Talismans, Amulets and Gems SPELL WORK & TRADITIONAL "WITCH MAGIC" What is spell casting? Ethics? Methods; candles, images, cords, power of words, timing, etc. Correspondences; color, flower, herb, god/dess, gem, etc. The Witches Pyramid To Know, To Will, To Dare, To Shut Up 8 FOLD PATH Trance/astral work Wine, incense, etc. The Dance, movement, chant, music, etc. Rites, spells, etc. Meditation and concentration Cords Scourge The Great Rite THE TEMPLE The mobile Wiccan temple The stable Magickal one Physical construction Astral/Etheric construction RITUAL WRITING Types of ritual Ritual set up, altar set up Roles of the individual Outline to use as a guide Blocking and "special effects" Use of poetry and drama THE PERSONALITY 2 Further development of the Person and Persona Faults and strong points "Becoming"/Integration THE QABALAH Introduction to the Qabalah (Qabalistic Tarot's summary) Uses for Wiccans, etc. Overview of the Paths & Sephiroth, placement of the Gods, etc. CEREMONIAL MAGIC Our use of CM today Overview from The Clan of the Otter D&S's "Art and Philosophy of CM ñ Fireheart" POWER AND ENERGY 2 Channeling divine forces THE WORKINGS OF A COVEN 1 Group soul and group mind Coven Tools Group focus and aim WICCAN MYTHOLOGY 3 (Review of prior material and closer inspection of these topics) Phases of the Moon (Lunar Cycles) The Wheel of the Year (The 8 Sabbats) Songs For a Lost Harvest Provider Cycle & The Crops Living & Spirituality in the material world Coven Mythology SELF-DEFENSE CLASS Enroll for minimum of 3 months in a "self-defense" OR a physically challenging activity (yoga, etc.) THIRD DEGREE REQUIREMENTS A Third Degree Initiate is a Witch and a High Priest/ess of Alexandrian Wicca. The "journeyman" stage is complete, and this Elder is now a master of his/her Craft. Like the Second Degree Priest/ess, s/he is fully committed to the Craft and has integrated Craft into his/her life, giving service to the Coven and to the community, sharing him/herself in a healthy manner, acting as a mentor and example of Pagan clergy, and leading and guiding others to the best of their and his/her abilities. The major difference of the Third Degree Initiate is that s/he has completed leadership training and is deemed fully able to begin his/her own coven; indeed, s/he is strongly encouraged to do so at this point since this is how our tradition is spread. S/he may hive off and from his/her own coven at any time, and when s/he does so, s/he is considered completely independent of the home Coven. Of course, s/he is always welcome to visit the home Coven and it is hoped that s/he and the home Coven will stay on good terms. During his/her tenure as a Second Degree Priest/ess, and as a Third Degree Priest/ess within our Coven, s/he will continue to actively participate in rituals, continue personal work on the individual self, and contribute to teaching classes on an as-needed basis. All Coven rituals are open to the Third Degree Priest/ess while s/he remains a member of the home Coven. The requirements for Third Degree Initiation in our Coven are: * The Priest/ess must have been at Second Degree in the Coven for a minimum period of a year and a day. There is no maximum period specification. The Priest/ess is ready for Third Degree Initiation once the requirements are met and s/he feels ready for it. S/he must ask the High Priest/ess for Initiation. * The Elder must continue to demonstrate qualities of sincerity, integrity, honesty, and respect; be ethical and communicate in a positive way with people. * The Priest/ess must continue to demonstrate a willingness and ability to actively participate in rituals. * The Priest/ess must have helped to teach classes to those of the previous degrees. These classes will be assigned and observed by the Third Degree Elders. * No reading list currently exists for the Third Degree candidate. However, it is recommended that s/he read whatever s/he can get his/her hands on. * The Third Degree candidate must complete any additional requirements given by the High Priest/ess. Again, this is not a trick clause, but is designed to help with any shortcomings in person growth (at this stage, it would likely be in some area that the Priest/ess is already tackling.) * Regular attendance of classes and continuation of specialty. PRE-THIRD DEGREE CLASSES: Third degree classes are very individualized. Here are some examples of what they might be like - - - THE WORKINGS OF A COVEN 2 INTRODUCTORY COUNSELING PSYCHOLOGY/SOCIOLOGY FIRST AID AND CPR CERTIFICATION INDIVIDUAL STUDY ñ Defferent types of Cowan and Pagan religions WICCAN RITES OF PASSAGE Birth Coming of Age Marriage Initiation Death