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Degree System
This is obviously a very very broad overview of the system and not an in depth understanding of it.
We follow a three-degree system:
Dedicant
First Degree
Second Degree
Seekers are those who are interested in Paganism and have self-studied the Craft at least some amount or who are self-affirmed.
A seeker, having taken and completed a series of classes that introduce the basic ethical philosophy, has become qualified
to accept a Dedication riual wherby one publicly declares themselves accepting paganism as a way of life and is prepared to
study further along the path (Lucien).
Dedication qualifies the student to enter into the next area of study, consisting of more classes and assignments which
prepare the dedicant for eventual initiation. These classes teach a system of spiritual exercises, ritual practce, and instruction
(Lucien).
No one will ask you to Dedicate, nor will anyone judge whether or not you're "qualified". Your request must
come from your heart after careful consideration and personal preparation.
After Dedication, the Dedicant can, but is not required to train for Initiation. This step involves more study for information
for your own Path. No longer do you have to do this on your own as you did when a seeker!
Additional areas of study are available for advanced work for those who wish to dedicate their lives to service, study
for the priesthood (to suitable initiates) "Much is demanded of those who feel this vocation; service is expected to
be frist in the life of the priest or preistess. Long hours and much responsibility are the basic requirements" (Lucien).
Once initiated, members are eligible to participate in all activities for as long as they wish to associate themselves.
We do not charge fees for intitation or attendance at rituals.
There is a small fee charged for classes leading to Dedication ($8.00 each class), as the student can afford it.
The charge goes toward the facility, coven organizational membership, and class materials. We will never turn away an
honest, motivated seeker based on inability to pay.
No financial compensation for our teaching is expected or required once a member of the coven. Note: Dedication does
not equate with coven membership.
Lucien, Dianis. (1988) Council of Elders. Temple of Uranus, doc. TPW-HIST @ 1974 Temple of Uranus.
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The choice to Dedicate or Initiate has nothing to do with rank, the" I'm higher or I'm better (more learned, more improtant,
etc.) than someone else" thought pattern. These are life-changing commitments to work on your own spritual path and
development without comparing yourself with anyone else and should not be undertaken without true, personal introspection.
Also, a warning - the karmic ties are never to be taken lightly because you feel you "should" or "why not?"
or "it's cool - I'll be a witch!", or or to create a self-serving feeling of elitism or to revenge a wrong done
to you or...
The best reason to walk the Path towards Dedication is that you want to celebrate the mysteries of personal spirituality
and that you are called to walk this road and to serve those who walk with you on this sometimes rocky, sometimes smooth pathway
towards deep spirituality.
Dedication and Intitation Attendance:
Dedications may be attended by anyone who is least at the Dedicant level. Initations by Intiates only: Second degree
Initiations by First and Second Degree Initiates
Initiates:
Note:
Initiations do not necessarily equate among covens/temples. WhileCircle
of the Ancient Ways Temple honors the training received and hard work you have put forth in other traditions, it is
not guaranteed that Circle of the Ancient Ways Temple will not require further training
toward our own Degree requirements.
Potential members who can demonstrate abilities in all the proficiencies necessary
to attain a level will be accepted at that level.
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Circle of the Ancient Ways Temple prefers a small working group and strives to keep to the
more "traditional number" of less than 13 members. In this way we can create a group bond of trust and friendship between
members.
People who wish join refers a small working group and strives to keep to the more "traditional number" of
less than 13 members. In this way we can create a group bond of trust and friendship between members. People who wish join
Circle of the Ancient Ways Temple on a regular basis for Sabbat rituals, with no commitment or responsibility
to our community, are always welcome as our guests.
We are all adults at this time, though we do allow those under
18 to attend Sabbats if they are with a parent or guardian. Age of child (children) will be taken into consideration for attendance
at Sabbats.
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