Church of the Mystic Moon
Church of the Mystic Moon's Mission Statement
Our mission is to provide a safe and supportive environment for free religious expression while simultaneously promoting the spiritual teachings of the Earth based religion known as Wicca and identifying, developing, and training caring and competent Clergy and ritual leaders to serve the Wiccan community.
We encourage worship in conjunction with the phases of the moon and at the seasonal Sabbats. We believe in the balance between masculine and feminine energies in the Divine form of a God and a Goddess, and teach the practice of laying on of hands for the purposes of healing. We choose to facilitate the practice of the Wiccan religion utilizing these beliefs.
On July 12, 2000, Church of the Mystic Moon became officially incorporated
in the State of Kansas.
If you would like to read them, we have included the Articles of Incorporation of Church of the Mystic Moon.
Church of the Mystic Moon is located in the Kansas City area. The Church follows an eclectic Wiccan
path and we try to expose our members to many traditions of Wicca as well as some shamanism in order
to provide them with a wide, sturdy base on which they can build the spiritual lives. We train our Clergy via
the use of a Degree System (described below) with a combination of written lessons, discussions in
class/meetings and hands-on experience. We hold weekly classes (church meetings) at our Church
(formerly referred to as the
Covenstead or 'Goddess Grove'), as well as celebrating monthly Esbats and
Sabbats together.Our Church is like a family in that we care deeply for each other and offer each other unconditional
love and support. We have our differences, to be sure, but we resolve them calmly and from
the position of love and understanding.
Church of the Mystic Moon's Degree System
All levels of elevation will be given a reading list designed for that level of learning.
All Members of Church of the Mystic Moon must be of legal age (at least 18 years old), or if a minor, must be
accompanied by an established member of the Church who is his or her parent or legal guardian, or
must be a hereditary witch born into the Church.
Dedicate Seeker
This denotes a person who has asked to sit in on a couple of classes to see if this is truly the path
they wish to follow. During this time period, the person should be concerned with learning as much as
they can about the path on their own and deciding whether it is the path for them and if so, they should be
planning their self dedication to the Ancients. If the individual decides to remain with the group, they will be
expected to come to classes, rituals and Sabbats just as the other students do. The individual will remain at
Dedicate Seeker level for a year and a day before they can actually become a Dedicate. During this
time period, the Dedicate Seeker will be given
(and will be expected to read and understand) information on...
- Basic Wiccan Manners
- Wiccan Principles
- Finding a Teacher
- How to find a Coven
Dedicate
This is a person who has been coming to classes for a year and a day, and has gone through a
dedication ritual during which they have sworn an oath to
the God & Goddess and the Church. This period lasts for at least a year and a day and sometimes lasts longer
depending on the individuals progress at this level. Persons at this level
are considered Witches. Knowledge on this level will focus on self and surroundings and the place that
each holds in the grand scheme of things. The bulk of the Dedicate's training will center on the weekly
classes, which the Dedicate is expected to attend to the best of their ability. They are also expected to
attend our rituals and Sabbats. They will be given a list of books to read and other training consists of...
- Learning to work within the elements and knowing what each element means and holds in aspect to life and this path.
- Learning how to ground and center and quiet their minds.
- Learning what the Sabbats are, when they are and their meanings in the relationship to the Craft and the seasonal part of the wheel.
- Learning about the
Magickal
tools.
- Learning about the altar and how to set it up for each Sabbat and Esbat.
- Learning the purpose and meanings to rituals.
- Attending the weekly classes, Full Moon and Sabbat rituals.
During this period, the Dedicate should be making a serious attempt, through classes, assigned
exercises, ritual, reading, etc. to come to an understanding of themselves as a spiritual being in this world
and how this choice of path will relate to your future. Also during this time, the Dedicate will witness rituals,
and may be asked to call quarters, but will not be asked to uphold any major role within ritual.
In order for the Dedicate to
progress to First Degree, they must fulfill the following requirements...
- Demonstrate familiarity with the Elements and with basic correspondences.
- Demonstrate familiarity with basic Magickal tools.
- Demonstrate familiarity with altar arrangements.
- Demonstrate familiarity with the Wheel of the Year, and the names and dates of the Eight Sabbats.
- Demonstrate the ability to ground and center.
- Become familiar with the basics of energy work, and participate in group energy work within ritual setting.
- Find a Magickal name.
- Obtain a Magickal robe (preferably made by the Dedicate).
- Demonstrate by the student's manner of living and interactions with others that the student has an adequate understanding of the conduct and ethical behavior expected of an Initiate in the Church of the Mystic Moon and that he or she is fully prepared in all respects to be made and Initiate.
- Complete any additional requirements given by the High Priest and High Priestess. (This is not designed to be a trick clause. It's purpose is to cover cases where a Dedicate has completed all of the technical requirements, but shows a weak area that needs to be addressed before an Initiation is appropriate)
First Degree
Indicates a Dedicate who has been studying with the Church for at least a year and a day, who has
met all the requirements for First Degree elevation. The training will consist of all facets of the academics
of the Craft and will last for a minimum of a year and a day (often lasts longer, depending on individual's
progress). A First Degree student is not considered clergy. However, because they are considered
competent to do a circle for themselves; they will carry the title of Priest or Priestess. First Degree
students are expected to continue attending the weekly classes as well as the rituals and Sabbats. Other training
consists of...
- Learning about healing.
- Learning about Herbs.
- Learning about Psychic Defense.
- Learning about Totem and Power animals.
- Learning about Divination.
- Choosing one method of Divination to excel in.
- Learning about and working with the Moon phases.
- Learning the History of Witchcraft.
- Learning to work with others in the group on projects.
- Starting their own Book of Shadows.
- Learning about the Quarters and their aspects.
- Learning how to dowse.
- Learning how to find Sacred Sites.
- Participating in rituals (calling quarters, etc.).
- Learning the Goddess Charge.
- Learning the Wiccan Rede (short form).
- Undertaking a core area of study in a magickal subject approved by the HP and HPS. (examples are herbalism, shamanism, healing, meditation, making various magickal tools - incense, clothing, candles, etc.,)
- Teaching at least one class on the chosen core area of study.
- Attending weekly classes and rituals.
During this time period, the First Degree student should seriously be considering whether the
Priesthood, and the training involved with it, is the correct path for them. A person may remain at First
Degree forever if they wish... there is no requirement to continue into the Priesthood, after all, not
everyone is called into the Priesthood.
If a person chooses to proceed on to the Priesthood, they will be free to do so, providing that they
have fulfilled the following requirements...
- The person must have been at First Degree level for a minimum of a year and a day.
- Demonstrate ability to bless, and consecrate material to prepare it for ritual use.
- Demonstrate a willingness and ability to actively participate in rituals by attending as many as possible within the Church.
- Lead a guided meditation in group setting.
- Demonstrate familiarity with the principles of ritual by designing and conducting, under supervision of the HP or HPS, a simple celebratory ritual.
- Cast a circle for group ritual, in the presence of the entire Church.
- Establish a working relationship with at least one Aspect of the God and one Aspect of the Goddess.
- Become proficient in a method of divination (Individual's choice).
- Learned the Wiccan Rede (short form).
- Learned the Charge of the Goddess.
- Undertaken a core area of study in a magickal subject approved by the HP and HPS and taught at least one class on that subject.
- Started (and kept up) a personal Book of Shadows.
- Demonstrated comparative maturity and growth (usually accomplished through individual or internal work).
- Complete any additional requirements given by the High Priest and High Priestess.
(This is not designed to be a trick clause. It's purpose is to cover cases where an Initiate has completed all of the technical requirements, but shows a weak area that needs to be addressed
before elevation to the Priesthood is appropriate)
Second Degree (Priesthood)
Indicates a person who has completed all previous levels of requirements and has demonstrated a
maturity and level of responsibility required for the Priesthood. Persons who achieve this level will carry
the title of High Priest or High Priestess and will be eligible for Ministerial Credentials. Second degree
students are also considered teachers, and must have taught us, as a Church, something before
elevation to this Degree. They should attend all classes, rituals, and activities held by this Church. The
Second Degree student will, toward the later stages, be invited to sit on Church of the Mystic Moon's Council. Other
training will consist of...
- Learning the in-depth history of the Sabbats.
- Gaining an in depth understanding of different traditions.
- Working with energy and focusing it precisely.
- Doing assignments within the Church for specific group dynamics.
- Studying Rites of Passage.
- Helping with Dedicates and First Degree students.
- Learning to deal with issues within the group.
- Taking an active part in rituals.
- Learning to do rituals for the group when needed.
- Developing a teaching Book of Shadows for each level of elevation.
- Maintaining the respect of the Church member, the HP, HPS, and Elders.
- Learning about other religions in order to gain an understanding of them.
- Being separated for short periods from the group for inner teaching to be learned and implemented.
- Working on a research paper of at least 10 typed pages on the magickal subject of their choice.
During this period, the High Priest or High Priestess should be concentrating on learning how to
deal with people individually and within a group setting. They will be focusing on sharpening their
counseling and teaching skills. In order for the High Priest or High Priestess to proceed to Third Degree,
they must fulfill the following requirements...
- Has been in the Priesthood for at least a year and a day.
- Demonstrated a willingness and ability to observed and participate in all functions within the ritual circle, such as… acquiring the ability to channel forces properly during ritual.
- Behaving in ritual as is appropriate to the role they have for that ritual (i.e. helping to guide other when appropriate, lending energy when necessary, etc.)
- Assisted in preparation for ritual functions.
- Demonstrated growth within the Craft.
- Assisted Dedicates and First Degree students when asked to.
- Contributed the required research paper.
- Contributed to ideas for Church gatherings and helped to arrange them.
- Demonstrated qualities of sincerity, honesty, integrity, and respect.
- Has been (and continues to be) ethical in dealing with people.
- Communicates in a positive way with people.
- When aware of conflicts within the Church, has brought them to the attention of the Elder High Priest & Elder High Priestess of Church of the Mystic Moon, even if that's where the conflict is.
- Has been prepared to accept (and has accepted) the responsibility of a ritual.
- Contributed in some manner to each Sabbat, either by supplies, food, or time. Supplies are considered incense, candles or other magickal items required.
(Time is considered arriving early to help set up or staying late to help clean up afterwards).
- Has taught at least 3 classes while at Second Degree.
- Complete any additional requirements given by the High Priest and High Priestess.
(This is not designed to be a trick clause. It's purpose is to cover cases where a member of the
Priesthood has completed all of the technical requirements, but shows a weak area that needs to be
addressed before elevation to Eldership is appropriate.)
Third Degree
At this point, the Second Degree student has proven that they are mature enough
and responsible enough to choose students of their own and be answering directly to the God &
Goddess. The person at this level has the right to choose whether to stay with the Church of the Mystic Moon,
hive off and start a Church of their own, or hive off and remain a solitary Wiccan.
Eldership
This elevation is in recognition of the progress and teaching ability of the person and will be made
by Church of the Mystic Moon's Council.
Bylaws for Church of the Mystic Moon...
If you have any questions or would like more information, feel free
to contact us at
angelus820@
hotmail.com
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©2000-2007 Rev. Angel Shultz