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Lineage Book of Shadows The Coven is your support and magickal family. Theows – Non-member allowed to attend ritual meetings, but only by invitation – and with consent of all members.
Neophyte – One
who wishes to become a member. They are required to go through training
period called “CEORL” Teaching will be on a 1 on 1 basis, and the teacher is of the opposite sex. Gesith – Once initiated as a member – this name applies to all. It is possible for a Gesith to leave or stay on their own decision. (2004 Current day thought~ In the Saxon tradition, non-initiates, or cowans, are referred to as Theows (pronounced thoe) and are permitted to attend ritual meetings by invitation. A neophyte training to enter a coven is known as a Ceorl (pronounced cawl), and once initiated becomes a Gesith. As there is no degree structure for further advancement all Saxon Wiccans are known as Gesiths. Once Gesith has been attained, he or she may break away and form a new coven, or start their own coven by doing a simple self-dedication rite before initiating others to join them. The Book of Shadows is called The Tree, and is usually bound in a green cover)
Summoner –
Protector of the High Priestess. Always male – working towards 2nd
degree. Notes: Although it is unusual for homosexuals to be involved in a heterosexual religion it is quite permissible and can be a happy comfortable blend. (In circle the person takes on the energy of their physical state.) OFFICERS IN A COVEN Scribe – Male or Female - Coven’s secretary: handles inter-coven correspondence, advises members of meeting time and place, keeps minutes of meetings at the back of “The TREE”. List members of coven, notables such as Handfasting, Handparting, etc. Plus noted any member who leaves for any reason. Scribe should be chosen on basis of handwriting, because “The TREE” must be handwritten. (The tree is like a family tree). Theign (Thain) – This position is part guard, part watchman and part sergeant at arms. The Theign carries a spear, a hunting horn and if available, a shield as symbols of office. - Spear 6ft long – metal head - Shield – wooden or leather cover (some are studded) 2 ft diameter - Horn – is blown to bring people together.
Maiden – is
also person in training as High Priestess. One other member not always the same one - each time is given the task ensuring there is always incense burning and seeing that the candles do not burn all the way down during circle. During Ritual:
High Priestess
stands before Alter Others stand spread around circle. Coven Hierarchy
High Priestess High Priest Can only hold meetings. ************************************************************************ Witch Etiquette Wiccan customs: To show our love and respect when greeting High Priestess, kiss her on left cheek and bid her Merry Meet – Kiss her on left cheek and bid her Merry Part, Blessed Be when leaving. Embrace High Priestess and Priest when departing. Address High Priestess and Priest as Lady or Lord. When greeting any Wiccan, bid them Bright Blessing, or Merry Meet. (Remember, Wiccans like to leave blessings!) ************************************************************************ Covens: Covens are 13 or 26 people (double coven) It’s preferred equal male/female, and if made up of couples it’s really a strong working group. Large groups for Sabbats are okay. 13 stand for 13 Full Moons 12 signs of the zodiac, plus spirit Never even numbers~ Coven circle should never be without a High Priestess. New covens maybe formed with blessing of High Priestess. No duty is paid to High Priestess, but viewed as Grandmother to new coven. All Celtic Covens have totem animals that are living or having been alive at one time. Degrees are 1st, 2nd and 3rd. ************************************************************************ Circle Attire: Red, Green and Black are the traditional color of robes. The High Priestess can also wear silver or gold. In our coven you can wear your own personal color. Black robes are worn for crossing over and at Samhain we wear black robes with a hood. The High Priestess wears an amber-jet necklace (with 42 beads) that her magical partner has made for her. The Priest can wear a Horned Helmet in winter on request of the High Priestess. The Maiden wears a shell necklace. The rest of the coven can wear jewelry of choice. ************************************************************************ Other Tidbits: Your Book of Shadows is destroyed at death or can be handed over to another.
Cone of Power:
Psychic Power: is raised by rune chant and dance. From there energy can be
directed thru visualization directly to the High Priestess, she will then
send it off. ************************************************************************* The Tools: Athame/Sword – both in the south/fire/will. They are used to cast the circle by the High Priestess. Wand or Staff – Represents east/air/masculine, it communicates by invocation, not command. A Willow Wand should be cut from tree at sunrise on a Wednesday (which is ruled by Mercury). Cup/Chalice – Represents west/water/feminine, emotions, deep feeling, and intuition. We use it to hold wine that has been consecrated then passed around to each member.
Pentacle –
Represents north/earth symbol, earth mother, and feminine. Censor – Represents east/air. Use it for an incense holder. The incense is aromatic smoke that raises to the Goddess and God. White Handled Knife – Used to cut candles and inscribe symbols. Boline – Used to cut herbs.
Cords – 9 foot
long, knotted at ends: female/male: cord magi’s by color: Silver Cord – Moon Magic; Goddess and High Priestess of Coven Gold Cord – Solar Magic; High Priest Rainbow Cord – All energies woven into one. Broom/Besom – “Symbol of the Craft” It’s used to jump over at Handfastings, and sweeping negativity our of house and circle area.
Cauldron –
Feminine, the Cauldron of Immortality, renewal rebirth, more adaptable
that Chalice – can hold all elements. Bell – Used for calling, welcoming and getting attention from Deity and the Quarters; it’s their invitation to join the circle. |