Many Traditions in the Craft indicate that going skyclad in Ritual is the only way to go.

Light and Shadows holds that when holding a private solitary Ritual that is all right, but not a requirement for rituals in our coven. However �?We strongly suggest being barefoot, if at all possible, to enhance the connection of energies.

While any and/or all of these items below can be purchased, we STRONGLY suggest they be handmade by the person who will be wearing it. This process infuses the magick and intent of the wearer into the robes and helps consecrates them for the purpose of their existence, which is to present yourself to the Lord and Lady in Ritual.

Light and Shadows Ritual garb is a reflection of the station each member is at on his or her Path and training in the Craft in our Coven.

Seekers are those who are those who are merely social members in the outer circle of the coven, and not actual coven "members". They are more like, associative members and their Ritual robes should be gray in color. This in no way reflects the sincerity of their spirituality, but rather reflects the intensity of their dedication to the traditions of Light and Shadows. In wearing gray robes they show they haven’t decided yet, and are still thinking about their level of commitment to our particular brand of practicing the Craft.

Dedicants are those who have made a commitment to study the Craft and go into Training in First Degree. Their Robes are WHITE, and reflect the purity of hope and idealism in learning the Craft. It also can be interpreted as the Maiden aspect of the Goddess, such as a BEGINNING, in service to the Goddess.

Initiates are those who have graduated from their 1st degree training, and have initiated into the Coven of Light and Shadows becoming Priests or Priestesses and welcomed into the inner Circle. Their robes are RED and indicate that the Craft has become a part of your heart and soul and is the lifeblood of your Spirituality. And also is the Mother aspect of the Goddess in that during this phase the maturity of your spirituality is stepped up a notch and you learn the deeper mysteries of nurturing and counseling as well as teaching.

High Priest/Priestesses are those who have graduated from 2^nd Degree training and have made the commitment to help run the business end of the Coven by joining the Council as well as continue on to 3^rd Degree Training. Their robes are BLACK and reflect the Crone aspect of the Goddess in studying even deeper mysteries learning to face, and conquer the Shadows of their inner selves. By achieving a spiritual balance of beauty and strength, power and compassion, honour and humility, mirth and reverence.

Their function is to oversee the 2^nd degree students and counsel all members of the coven. Handling the administrative aspects of the Coven and filtering problems before bringing them to the Arch High Priestess. All in all, either training to be the leader of their own coven by hiving off, or staying as an assistant to the AHPs as an Elder.

The cord or belt a member wears around their waist on their robe is another reflection of their status in the coven.

To know how long a cord should be you measure your height and double it. For instance; if you are 5 feet tall your cord should be 10 feet long.

Usually the cord is a length of braided silk cording, and can be adorned with charms and/or crystals significant to the wearer or the coven.

Seeker’s cords are gray

Dedicant’s cords are white

Initiate’s cords are White and Red

HP/HPS’s cords are White, Red, and Black

Some Covens have their own special design for their cloaks. Much the same way the military have their own special uniform. The Cloak for Light and Shadows is silvery gray, hooded, and has a trim of an embroidered Celtic knot design. On the left breast is the Light and Shadows insignia. If a member is in degree Training, the shields depicting the level of training achieved are placed beneath the Coven insignia.

ASSIGNMENT:

Create or obtain appropriate attire (RED robe and WHITE & RED cord) for your upcoming initiation.

If for some reason you cannot sew your own robes, you can find some patterns on the Covenwear board and order what you need online, find a reputable seamstress to help you, or go to: http://groups.msn.com/WicHavenGrove/wichavenwonders.msnw?action=get_message&mview=0&ID_Message=577&LastModified=4675684127531615039