First Degree Initiate

Self Growth / Psychological Profile for First Degree Initiate
The First Degree is a time for the sorting out of the material life, the phase when we commit ourselves to the study and practice of our Craft, pledging ourselves to grow and learn in the name of our Gods. Typically the First Degree initiate has allowed themselves to have a deeper insight into their character than those whom have just come to Wicca, they begin to acknowledge that within themselves they have strengths and weaknesses, and that they must work within themselves to build on their weaknesses whilst maintaining their individual strengths. They begin to understand that the form behind their everyday persona (the masks we assume daily to present to others) is not the whole of their self, but in reality only the Ego (that which we think we are, but in reality, as we will be seen isn't the whole story at all!). In part the First Degree YAAD is a syllabus designed to allow the student to come to know themselves deeper, and to provide them with the Tools necessary for them to develop further in their own personal growth, as evidenced by the first command of the Mysteries, 'To Know Thy Self'. Historically many people were denied access to this level until they had reached a certain point in their lives, that point where they were secure in their profession, settled with a home life and mature enough to be able to honestly appraise themselves and their growth, but nowadays with the fact that many younger folk are gaining a much more mature outlook than even a few years ago, and the explosion of interest in Paganism and Wicca in general this need not be considered the case any longer.
Typical First Degree YAAD Knowledge Requirements
This is by no means an exhaustive list, nor is it meant to be, just one of the formats and syllabus that I've personally come across during my research. Other will no doubt have many different interpretations, which is how it should be, as every Practitioners Path is ,out of necessity, different! 
    Normally the syllabus is delivered in the format of monthly assignments, 13 in total (for the 13 Full Moons of the Lunar Year), which require study, thought and hard work by those students undertaking a YAAD course. Completion of the traditional Year and a Day course satisfactorily will result in those of a Coven being able to undergo an Initiation Ritual, symbolizing the rebirth of the Student into a new form of awareness. 
Awareness of and dedication to the goddess
Basic principles of the Wiccan view of Deity, including the balance of Gender between our views of the God and Goddess, the balance inherent within the Wiccan view and it's impact upon our Worship.
Meditation
Basic techniques, how to overcome problems and including Guided Visualization and meeting the Spirit Guides.
Understanding the altar
Basics principles behind the layout of a Wiccan Altar, what the Tools are and their Correspondances, setting up the Altar and Consecrating the Tools and Supplies.
Understanding the circle
Principles behind how the circle is formed, it's symbology, what form it takes and where it exists, and basic Casting Techniques.
Understanding problems
Understanding problems that may occur and why, both within and without our Magickal workings, our general life and the problems we may encounter from being Wiccan, and how we may use our skills to overcome them.
Knowledge of correspondences
Basic introduction to Correspondances, how they are found, what they are, why we use them, etc.
Overview of magick
What Magick actually consists of, basic Spellcrafting., theory behind it's uses and the Ethics of the use of Magick. 
Knowledge of the sabbats and esbats
Introduction to the correspondances of the Sabbats, the Lore behind them and how and why we celebrate them.
Knowledge of sacred space
Further work upon creating Sacred Space, including Cleansing, Casting and Tool usage.
Basic ritual working
Basics of Ritual, it's format, how we should observe Ritual and why we observe Rituals.
Overview of divination and one speciality
Basics of just what Divination is, how it may be performed, and thorough knowledge of at least one type of Divination, including evidence of growth within it's speciality.

Notes
The symbol for a First Degree Initiate is that of an upright Pentacle, symbolizing that the Initiate has been awakened to the possibilities of Spirit, though as yet has not allowed themselves to know their unconscious well enough that they are able to suborn the Ego and synthesize all the aspects of their psyche into the whole.
    These are the course requirements of the First Degree YAAD classes that the Coven uses for it's First Degree equivalent courses. This is by no means a full list of all that is covered within the course, nor is it indicative of the syllabus that other Covens and Organisations may choose to use for their own YAAD Courses. A Virtual Coven is affiliated with Coven of the Oak Moon (previously White Dragon - incorporating the Association of Online Covens), and the Online YAAD is based upon the same syllabus that Coven of the Oak Moon use for their First Degree Students. All classes are taught in a similar way to those of a real-life Coven, with monthly assignments and Student Chat Sessions being held regularly. Membership of AVC is not a guarantee to be accepted for one of the 3 YAAD courses that are run each year, though a place will never be refused for those that meet the entry criteria and will truly benefit from taking the course.
    The psychological profile is taken from Vivianne Crowley's 'Wicca, A Guide to the Old Religion in the New Millennium', which discusses the subject in much greater depth than I am able here
For further details of the Jungian Psychological viewpoint, please visit the CG Jung Page.

Second Deg ree Witch                           Thrid Degree Witch