What can I expect as a member of Light and Shadows?
Training
We are a teaching Grove with years of experience offering support and guidance from the beginning Pagan level to the Third Degree Priestess and Priest. The Inner Coven is open only to Initiates, but the outer Grove offers open Circles and legal clergy.
New Seekers are given an opportunity to join Light & Shadows online main group and get to look around the boards and see if this is what they would like to be a part of which is the basic principles of the Wiccan religion and beliefs by participating in Wicca 101 classes.
No commitment is made by either side. It is a time for seekers to decide if they wish to study the Wiccan path and for us to decide if the individual will fit in with the group.
By the first August after becoming a Seeker, the Seeker can ask to be a part of the Coven and the Inner Circle will make the decision as to whether they will be accepted into training for 1st Degree or not.
If so, they may take a Pagan Dedication. This dedication is a serious step in their path and the Seeker must go through a week or more of "assignments" and activities in preparation for this step in their life.
During this time, they need to decide if they are ready to go through with an agreement that the person wishes to continue to study and that we agree to train them for their 1st Degree for the next year and a day.
1st Degree Training
If accepted into our Grove, the Pagan/Seeker then becomes a Neophyte and will be asked to join the 1st Degree Study Group where they will be in training and required to do the following :
<DIR> <DIR> Do assignments that are posted in the time scheduled.
Do all "hands-on" assignments and post pictures of finished projects.
Attend at LEAST 7 Esbat and 4 Sabbat Rituals in that year and a day.
Attend once monthly training chats at scheduled times
<DIR> <DIR> During this year and a day, they must set up for , do and write an essay about each Esbat and Sabbat as they are performed
Take a picture of their home altar that has been prepared for that ritual as proof that it was done, Send it to Lady Majyk as well as post it in their personal board on the 1st Degree board.
</DIR></DIR></DIR></DIR> This must be done during the year and a day they are in 1st Degree. At the end of the training period the student must pass a rigorous written examination before their request for initiation to the Coven will be considered and become a 2nd Degree Priest/ess.
This same rules goes on for each degree of training.
2nd Degree Training
Having received a well rounded education in the Craft in 1st Degree, this Degree will be using the skills they have learned, to teach and council the 1st Degree trainees as well as make important decisions in their progression as Priest/esses.
2nd Degree Priest/esses will be responsible for writing, promoting, and performing and/or participating in at least two Esbat rituals, and know how to manipulate the energy of ritual to benefit those in circle
.
Second Degree students will be trained to refine and hone their skills and strengths and gifts for a Path Specialty to practice, such as Divination, Green Witching, Outlinking, Dreamweaving, Protection, Healing, Arts and Crafts & Business management, or Teaching.
Speciality training will consist of...
Learning the in-depth history of the Sabbats.
Gaining an in depth understanding of different traditions.
Working with energy and focusing it precisely.
Doing assignments within the coven for specific group dynamics.
Studying Rites of Passage.
Being tutors to Dedicate Seekers Helping with the training of Dedicates and First Degree students.
Learning to deal with issues within the group.
Taking an active part in rituals.
Learning to do rituals for the group when needed.
Developing a teaching Book of Shadows for each level of elevation.
Maintaining the respect of all coven members, both inner and outer circle.
Learning about other religions in order to gain an understanding of them.
Being separated for short periods from the group for inner teaching to be learned and implemented.
Taking on a special assignment geared toward benefiting the student as well as the coven and the community as a whole.
Working on a research paper.
In addition to the areas of study outlined above, the student at this level also has these other responsibilities to meet�?
1. Complete the Second Degree series of lessons and tests.
2. Complete the 'special' assignment.
3. Attend weekly classes.
4. Attend all rituals.
5. Attend all Sabbats.
6. Know the Covens Tradition.
7. Become tutor to at least one Dedicate Seeker.
8. Occasionally plan and facilitate an Esbat.
9. Occasionally plan and assist in a Sabbat celebration
10. Read as many of the books on the Second Degree Reading List as possible.
11. Begin creating a teaching Book of Shadows, which should consist of some form of lessons for prospective students.
12. Toward the latter part of this level�?sit on the Council.
13. Toward the latter part of this level�?take on students in real life in their own communities, as okayed by the Elder High Priest and Elder High Priestess.
14. Be a living example of appropriate behavior for all other members.
3rd Degree Training
Before the Individual is elevated to Third Degree and autonomy, they must fulfill the following minimum requirements�?
Been in the Priesthood for at least a year and a day.
Completed all Second Degree lessons, assignments and tests.
Demonstrated a willingness and ability to observe and participate in all functions within the ritual circle, such as developing the ability to channel energy properly during ritual.
Behaved in ritual as is appropriate to the role they had for that ritual (i.e. helping to guide others when appropriate, lending energy when necessary, etc.)
Assisted in preparation for ritual functions.
Demonstrated an in-depth understanding of the Wheel of the Year and the celebration of each Sabbat. Demonstrated growth within the Craft.
Assisted Dedicate Seekers as assigned within the Tutor program.
Assisted Dedicates and First Degree students when needed.
Contributed the required research paper.
Contributed to ideas for coven gatherings and helped to arrange them.
Demonstrated qualities of sincerity, honesty, integrity, and respect.
Has been (and continues to be) ethical in dealing with people.
Communicates in a positive way with people.
When aware of conflicts within the coven has brought them to the attention of the Elder High Priest/ess of their coven, even if that's where the conflict is.
Has (and continues to) study and learn about the integral workings of the various Rites of Passage.
Has started (and continually improves) their own 'Teaching' Book of Shadows.
Has been prepared to accept (and has accepted) the responsibility of a ritual.
Contributed in some manner to a real life Sabbat, either by supplies, food, or time. Supplies are considered incense, candles or other magickal items required. Time is considered arriving early to help set up or staying late to help clean up afterwards.
Has taught at least 3 classes while at Second Degree.
Demonstrate by their manner of living and interactions with others that the student has an adequate understanding of the conduct and ethical behavior expected of a Third Degree Witch in the coven and that they are fully prepared in all respects to be made Third Degree and given their autonomy.
Demonstrate familiarity with advanced spellworking correspondences.
Has completed the required 'time away' from the coven.
Demonstrate that the 'time away' provided them with a greater perspective of what is required to be Third Degree within the community
Complete any additional requirements given by the Elder High Priest and Elder High Priestess. (This is not designed to be a trick clause. Its purpose is to cover cases where a member of the Priesthood has completed all of the technical requirements, but shows a weak area that needs to be addressed before elevation to autonomy is appropriate.)
With the skills and experience learned in 2nd Degree, now is the time to utilize your Special gifts to a fine edge of professionalism and decorum worthy of a High Priest/ess and to learn the intricacies of being a successful leader of your own coven.
At the end of your training you can choose to hive off and start your own Coven, or elect to stay as an Elder and continue to help this coven run smoothly, practice your Craft, and counsel 2nd Degree trainees in choosing their Path Specialty.
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