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| Degrees |
| First Degree Is for those newly coming into the Craft. As you will see elsewhere in the information about Initiation, this brings the new Witch into the Coven, connects them with the Coven group-mind, connects them to the Inner Plane power sources which that Coven and Tradition works with, and Initiates- starts them on their path in a powerful and guided way. There are a number of approaches to this. Some Covens and some traditions take rather a "Bring 'em in and let the Goddess sort them out" type of approach, by initiating people very quickly, and before they have gained much knowledge and experience of the Craft and it's principles. On the basis that they can and will learn all they need to know thereafter. Others; including Galdraheim; require that before anyone is initiated first degree that they have gained at least some knowledge and experience, have learnt basics such as generally used chants, circle principles, simple energy work, Coven etiquette, etc. This way they can then learn much more, more quickly by training and learning with a sponsor of either 2nd or 3rd degree, and have a basic foundation on which to do so. 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 �Witches Rune�. * Has developed basic visualization skills. * Can �Ground and centre�. 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. Continue for info on 2nd Degree or 3rd degree |