Third Degree Initiate

Self Growth / Psychological Profile for Third Degree Initiate
The Third Degree Initiate has reached a point in their psychological development where they have attained the balance necessary to move beyond the Ego and have integrated the Anima / Animus into their psyche to the point where they are completely balanced emotionally, having allowed the different aspects of their character to become totally integrated, thus allowing the Ego to be suborned to the will of the True self. Some term this allowing the Ego to die, and in some respects this is the case indeed, though for many this is still an aspect that will still require work for some time to come. Traditionally many folk are Initiated into the Third Degree when they 'hive off' from an existing Coven to form a new Coven, thus giving them the authority (within that Tradition) to Initiate others to the First, Second and Third Degree levels. This can be summed up by the third command of the Mysteries, 'To Be'. 

Typical Third 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 accross 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!
Able to lead in ritual
Fully conversant with all forms of Ritual, able to write and perform Rituals with ease, able to perform formal Rituals with minimal preparation in an emergency. Able to perform Handfastings, Wiccaning etc.
Adept at two forms of divination
Fully conversant with 2 forms of Divination, with good knowledge of all other forms.
Taught others to 1st Degree level
Has completed formal training of YAAD Student to at least First Degree Equivalent Level.
Thorough counselling experience (with both Pagans via some form of external activity not connected with Paganism)
Extensive counselling skills, demonstrated in both a Pagan and non-Pagan environment.
Extensive healing skills
Extensive healing skills in a variety of differing methods, evidenced by thorough knowledge. 

Notes
     The symbol for a Third Degree Initiate is that of an upright Pentacle, surmounted by a small upright triangle, the symbol designed to mean that the Ego and will has been suborned to the control of the True Self. Spirit truly now has control over the whole.
    Those whom have attained the Third Degree Level may form their own Covens, and should that Coven then 'hive off' more than twice, some say the Third Degree HPS may choose to take the title of Witch Queen, though this term is rather egotistical and something I've not as yet found any Third Degree HPS to have taken up. Generally those whom have been at Third Degree for a while (usually more than 5 years), and may thus have taken part in Coven meetings of other HPS , may then choose to be considered an Elder of the Craft.
  These are the course requirements of the Third Degree YAAD classes that the Allwitch Virtual Coven uses for it's Third 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 YAAD courses that are run once 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, though the interpretation and any mistakes are my own. Please refer to that book for more thorough information! 
For further details of the Jungian Psychological viewpoint, please visit the CG Jung Page

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