What is a First Degree Priest/ess?

Many persons feel that the first degree initiation is something that a person receives simply because this group or that wishes to accept a person into their circle (Gardenarian, Alexandrian, etc.). In the my tradition, as a first degree, you ARE a priest/ess, and as such you carry responsibilities. In some traditions, the knowledge you have gained during your first degree studies will qualify you for a third degree in that tradition. But let's look at it a minute.

As I have stated, as a first degree, you ARE a priest/ess. What does this mean? In other faiths, you must go to seminary or its equivalent for a period of at least 5 years to obtain this goal. When you leave there, you are knowledgeable in not only the  beliefs of your faith, but also it's history, sects, and doctrines. You have been trained to be a counselor, helper, and friend to your parishioners. You have had training in dealing with problems within your church, your community, and "the enemy". Basically, you have been given the trust of your church to be knowledgeable, loving, caring, and trustworthy.

Should a Priest/ess in the craft be expected to be any less? As I see it... the answer is a resounding NO! During your first degree studies, you are the equivalant of the more poplular thought  of an Associate Pastor/Minister/Whatever. You are now in training to eventually have your own coven, or if you wish to be solitary, you are in training to be able to defend your beliefs to the outside world if the need arises.

What are the responsibilities of a First Degree? 
           
 As always, you are required to constantly be learning and growing.  This does not mean that you have to be constantly be learning about the craft, but about yourself,  your community, Mother Earth, etc.  This responsibility does not cease even   when   you  receive  your third  degree. This is a  responsibility to yourself. 
           
 Some of your responsibilities to the coven are listed below:
1.) To grow within the craft. 
2.) Observe  and  participate in all circle  functions of your degree or lower.
3.) To assist in preparation for all circle functions of your degree or lower.
4.)  To assist any student of a lessor grade in his/her studies when asked by this student for assistance.
5.)  To develop andcontribute at least one course of study as a workshop of interest or a study to teach others in the coven.

6.) Contribute in some manner to each sabbat or public gathering either by time, monies for supplies, or bringing something  to share either during or after event.  Time could be by arriving early to help set up, staying a little later and helping to clean 
up after, preparing and sharing a workshop (if open workshop  is scheduled),  making  phone calls to remind people of  the  event, etc. f\For the Online things, it is important to make your ideas known and attend meetings as you are part of the inner Circle that keeps our coven strong and moving forward. are now an intricate part of the workings of L&S and as such your responsibility grows.
7.)  Contribute to ideas for coven gatherings and help arrange same. (Remember, all things do not happen at the Covenstead!) 
8.)  Be aware of any conflicts within Circle, and bring this to the  attention of the HP/HPS (even if that's where the  conflict is!)   
9.)  Be  prepared  to accept the responsibility of a circle or ritual should something happen to your HP/S. or another Priest/ess that cannot do an assigned ritual ..make sure you have everyone's phone numbers written OFF the computer in case there is a reason you cannot access it.  A special address book just for this is very wise.

To  some  people, this may seem like a lot of expectations, but keep in mind.  We are not are not training  "week-end  witches."  You are in training to be a Priest/ess of Wicca.   
          
Your first degree is something to be proud of.  You have worked hard and long to receive it, and your HP/S has found you  worthy of same.  

Your second degree training is much more in learning about yourself and how to be confident in leading and helping others to learn in the path of the wise. 
           
          May the Lord and Lady smile on your efforts.