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| The Initiary Tree |
| The Initiatory "Tree" In the Craft there are guidelines and rules as to who can initiate who. In all circumstances a man must be initiated by a woman, and a woman by a man. Except a woman can initiate her daughter or son to the first or second degree if there is no other woman or man as appropriate of the appropriate degree to do so. In exceptional circumstances a man can initiate his daughter to the first degree if the HPs is also the mother of that daughter. First degrees can only initiate others in specific circumstances:- As a 'stand-in' partner to a 2nd or 3rd degree in an 'emergency' situation. Such as if there is no one of higher degree to do this. For example if a far-flung member of the Coven is undergoing initiation and the HPs/HP is absent, and the initiation cannot be reasonably postponed until the HPs/HP can be present. If a coven has ceased to meet and a first degree wishes to elevate a working partner or spouse so that they can work together. In all circumstances, a first degree can only initiate to the first degree. They can be involved in initiations to the 2nd degree as a stand in partner for the person initiating, but cannot be the initiator in these circumstances. In all cases; except that at 2. as above; initiations performed by first degree Witches must be within an established Coven, and should be under the guidance and supervision of a third degree Witch. Those of the second degree can initiate to the first and second degrees within a Coven; in accordance with the guidelines for first degrees. Except that a second degree Witch can temporarily take over the running of a Coven if the 3rd degree HPs or HP retires or leaves the Craft, and there is no third degree High Priestess or High Priest to do so. In which case they should follow the guidelines as at 3. below. Second degree Witches should only 'hive-off' or otherwise found new Covens under very exceptional circumstances, and should seek guidance and peer support from the HPs or HP of another Coven so that they can continue their training and development in a structured and supported way to third degree. If a first or second degree Witch leaves a Coven for negative reasons they do not have the authority to found a new Coven or initiate people in order to form a new Coven. Within that we have to accept that at times there are personality clashes, and so those who do leave their Coven for apparently negative reasons should seek the help and support of their sisters and brothers of the Craft to help them. These guidelines and rules are not dogmatic or inflexible, and their sole purpose is to help the Craft grow and be strong. For example, the stricture against first degree Wiccans performing initiations or founding Covens helps prevent the growth of groups that are led by inexperienced people- if you are considering joining a Coven, would you want that to be led by someone of little experience and with very low levels of expertise and experience in all appropriate areas and subjects? Or would you prefer that to be with people of deep experience and high levels of expertise and wisdom? It's an easy question to answer.... As well as that initiations have a powerful magickal and spiritual component. Which is best- to have your inner power and spiritual connections 'plugged in' by an experienced person or by someone whose ego is greater than their experience? Another question with a very simple answer... It is this magickal and spiritual area which is governed by the cross-gender initiatory practice. BACK |