Essential Skills for first Degree

This listing details the requirements that are expected of those who are entering the Craft. Many people first set out on a Wiccan path with much of this already part of their lives, some have only a basic grasp of these principles and practices. What is important is that all strive to achieve these skills and principles to the best of their ability.

The usual period of training before first degree initiation is the traditional 'year and a day'. We are flexible in this- if a new candidate has already undergone training in another Coven which has disbanded, or if they've had to move away from their Coven, or if they have already developed good skills and resources as detailed below, then the probationary period can be shortened appropriately.

It must be said here that a major reason why we have a probationary period is to give people time in which we can truly get to know them, and them us- no matter how magickally adept any person is, if they feel they are above temple cleaning or running the occasional coven  errand, or if they try dominating other coveners or make other consistent breaches of circle etiquette, then we want to be able to 'weed them out' before they get in.

* Knows and accepts the fundamental Laws and tenets of the Craft and is sincerely dedicated to treading the Wiccan Way in kinship with nature, other beings of all planes, and all that is, in full awareness and acceptance of the principle of personal responsibility. 

* Understands the Coven principles and basic circle etiquette, etc as detailed elsewhere.

* Has rapport with other Coveners (or with your 2nd/3rd Degree Sponsor) 

* Has gathered together the basic Witches tools of- Athame, Cords, Robe and a robe belt.

* Has learned the “Wiccan Rede�?

* Has developed basic visualisation skills.

* Can “Ground and center�? That is, can gather and hold personal power and sense of connectedness within rituals in a reasonably balanced way, and can still the mind to a quiet and focused level.

* Can enter the twilight-altered state of consciousness in which magic happens. 

* Can sense true Power Flow (i.e. senses it if it is there and doesn't if it isn't) and channels Power for magickal work (with guidance).  

* Is acquainted with the theory of the Elements, similar basic Wiccan theories and principles, and can tap the basic elemental energies for such as consecrating working tools. 

* Has participated in Wiccan rituals and experienced true group rapport.


The intent for first degree Wiccans is to demonstrate an understanding of, and commitment to, the Wiccan way of living, and having the basic skills to be able to participate in Circles rather than passively observing.

We set these criteria so as to ensure that we work with people who truly do want to walk this path: Wicca is a path for those who want to walk it, and our main initial criteria in regard to anyone who seeks to join our circle is very simply- "Would you do this even if if you never met another Witch to do it with"? 

Quite simply, anyone who has to be made to do anything within this: Won't be- we teach in the sense of encouraging people, of providing resources and guidance to help them, and not in the sense of making people learn when they're not willing to do so. Our favourite kind of trainee is one who stretches us, and who when we give them material to learn is back very quickly asking for more, and who wants to learn everything they possibly can.