Mystic Moon Coven's Degree System
The original outline for the following was written by Shanem Falconfire,
founder of Crescent Moon Coven. With his basic information, my own ideas and Dreamweaver's input, the final product was born. It has since been revised even further to what you see here.
All Members of 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 Coven who is his or her parent or legal guardian, or
must be a hereditary witch born into the Coven.
Dedicate Seeker
This denotes a person who has attended several classes and has asked the Elder High Priest and Elder High Priestess to Dedicate. The individual will remain at Dedicate Seeker level for at least a year and a day (counted from the first class they attended) before they can actually be Dedicated. During this time period, the person will be assigned a mentor to help them learn Mystic Moon's tradition concerning ritual and general behavior. The Dedicate Seeker should be concerned with expanding the knowledge base about the path, confirming to themselves that this is the path for them, finding a
Magickal name, and planning a self-dedication to the God & Goddess. The bulk of the Dedicate Seeker's training will center on the weekly classes, which they are expected to attend to the best of their ability. They will be given a suggested list of books to read. Dedicate Seekers will be asked to stand outside of the first three Esbat rituals they attend after which, they may stand in circle, but will not be asked to take any active role in ritual for the remainder of their year and a day. Dedicate Seeker Information consists of information on...
Basic Wiccan Manners
Wiccan Principles
Finding a Teacher
How to find a Coven
Responsibilities of Dedicate Seekers
In addition to the areas of study outlined above, the student at this level also has these other responsibilities to meet…
1. Develop a working relationship with the Elder High Priest and Elder High Priestess.
2. Develop a working relationship with their mentor.
3. Learn about and practice ritual etiquette.
4. Observe, learn about and practice accepted general behavior.
5. Discover their magickal name.
6. Plan and perform a Self-Dedication to the God & Goddess in their own home.
7. Make or purchase suitable ritual attire.
8. Attend weekly classes.
9. Attend rituals (even when not allowed to stand inside the circle).
10. Attend Sabbats.
11. Read as many of the books on the Dedicate Seeker Reading List as possible.
Prior to a Dedicate Seeker being allowed to progress to Dedicate elevation, they must first fulfill the following requirements…
____ Been a Dedicate Seeker for a minimum of a year and a day.
____ Made their wish to Dedicate known to the Elder High Priest and Elder High Priestess after the period of a year and a day has elapsed.
____ Sufficiently answered all questions put to them during their "Hot Seat".
____ Developed a good working relationship with their mentor and also with the Elder High Priest and Elder High Priestess.
____ Developed a basic working knowledge of the Mystic Moon Tradition.
____ Completed a self-dedication to the God & Goddess outside the coven setting.
____ Demonstrated by their manner of interactions with others during ritual that they have an adequate understanding of the conduct and ethical behavior expected of a member of Mystic Moon Coven.
____ Begun learning to ground and center by observing and participating in class meditations as well as practicing on their own.
____ Found a Magickal name.
____ Obtained a Magickal robe/attire (preferably made by the Dedicate Seeker).
____ Completed any additional requirements given by the Elder High Priest/ess. (This is not designed to be a trick clause. Its purpose is to cover cases where a student has completed all of the technical requirements, but shows a weak area that needs to be addressed before elevation is appropriate.)
Dedicate
This denotes 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 Coven. This period lasts at least a year and a day (sometimes lasts longer depending on the individual's progress at this level). Knowledge on this level will focus on self, 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, ritual, and the written lessons. Dedicates will be asked to take a more active role in ritual (i.e.: smudging, calling a quarter, etc.), but will not be asked to uphold any major role within ritual. Dedicates are expected to attend classes, rituals and Sabbats. They will be given a suggested list of books to read. Other training consists of...
Learning what each element means, what place the elements hold in aspect to life and this path and how to work with the elements.
Developing proficiency in grounding, centering and quieting 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 the Wiccan Rede (short version).
Learning about the altar and how to set it up for each Sabbat and Esbat.
Learning the purpose and meanings to rituals.
Learning how to call a quarter and why it is done.
Attending the weekly classes as well as Esbats and Sabbats.
Attending Dedication rituals held by the coven.
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 their future.
Responsibilities of Dedicate Seekers
In addition to the areas of study outlined above, the student at this level also has these other responsibilities to meet…
1. Complete the Dedicate series of lessons and tests.
2. Learn more about their inner self.
3. Learn and live by the Wiccan Rede.
4. Attend weekly classes.
5. Attend rituals.
6. Attend Sabbats.
7. Learn about the elements and their connection and/or interaction with the quarters.
8. Learn the purpose and meaning of ritual.
9. Occasionally call a quarter or take some other responsibility within ritual.
10. Practice thinking before they act in all situations.
11. Read as many of the books on the Dedicate Reading List as possible.
Prior to a Dedicate being allowed to progress to First Degree elevation, they must first fulfill the following requirements…
____ Been a Dedicate for a minimum of a year and a day.
____ Completed all of the Dedicate level requirements.
____ Demonstrated familiarity with the Elements and their basic correspondences.
____ Demonstrated familiarity with basic Magickal tools.
____ Demonstrated familiarity with altar arrangements.
____ Demonstrated their ability to effectively call a quarter as well as understanding the reasons for doing so.
____ Demonstrated familiarity with the Wheel of the Year, and the names and dates of the Eight Sabbats.
____ Demonstrated the ability to ground and center in a variety of situations.
____ Learned the Wiccan Rede (short form).
____ Become familiar with the basics of energy work, and participate in group energy work within ritual setting.
____ Demonstrated by their manner of living and interactions with others that they have an adequate understanding of the conduct and ethical behavior expected of a First Degree Witch in the Mystic Moon Coven and show that they are fully prepared in all respects to be made First Degree.
____ Completed any additional requirements given by the Elder High Priest and Elder High Priestess. (This is not designed to be a trick clause. Its purpose is to cover cases where a student has completed all of the technical requirements, but shows a weak area that needs to be addressed before elevation is appropriate.)
First Degree
Indicates an individual who has been studying with the coven as a Dedicate for at least a year and a day, and 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 cast a circle and hold ritual 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. They are also expected to take on major roles within ritual and will begin learning to write their own Esbats. They will be given a suggested list of books to read. 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 become proficient 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 (long version).
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.
Responsibilities of First Degree Initiates
In addition to the areas of study outlined above, the student at this level also has these other responsibilities to meet…
1. Complete the First Degree series of lessons and tests.
2. Attend weekly classes.
3. Attend rituals.
4. Attend Sabbats.
5. Choose one specific method of Divination to study and become proficient in.
6. Learn more about the in-depth theories and practices of the Craft.
7. Learn how to write rituals and practice doing so.
8. Hold personal rituals in their own home on a regular basis.
9. Give serious thought to whether to proceed into the Priesthood.
10. Be an example to the Dedicates and Dedicate Seekers by acting in an appropriate manner both in class and in ritual.
11. Read as many of the books on the First Degree Reading List as possible.
Prior to a person being allowed to proceed on to Second Degree (and be appointed Clergy), they must have fulfilled the following minimum requirements…
____ Been at First Degree for a minimum of a year and a day.
____ Completed all First Degree requirements.
____ Demonstrated ability to bless, and consecrate material to prepare it for ritual use.
____ Demonstrated a willingness and ability to actively participate in rituals by taking a more active role in rituals.
____ Led at least one guided meditation in group setting.
____ Demonstrated familiarity with the principles of ritual by designing and conducting, under supervision of the Elder High Priest/ess, an Esbat ritual.
____ Cast a circle for group ritual, in the presence of the entire coven.
____ Established a working relationship with at least one Aspect of the God and one Aspect of the Goddess.
____ Become proficient in a method of divination (Initiate's choice).
____ Learned the Wiccan Rede (long version).
____ Learned the Charge of the Goddess.
____ Demonstrated familiarity with the ethics involved in spellworking.
____ Demonstrated familiarity with the basic spellworking correspondences.
____Undertaken a core area of study in a
Magickal subject approved by the Elder High Priest/ess 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 internal work).
____ Demonstrated by their manner of living and interactions with others that the student has an adequate understanding of the conduct and ethical behavior expected of a Second Degree Witch in the Mystic Moon Coven and that he or she is fully prepared in all respects to be made Second Degree and a member of the clergy.
____ Completed any additional requirements given by the Elder High Priest and Elder High Priestess. (This is not designed to be a trick clause. Its purpose is to cover cases where a student has completed all of the technical requirements, but shows a weak area that needs to be addressed before elevation is appropriate.)
Second Degree (Priesthood)
This denotes a person who has completed all previous levels of requirement 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. 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 and since Second degree students are learning to be teachers, they must have taught us, as a coven, something before elevation to this Degree. They should attend all classes, rituals, and activities held by this coven and having already learned how to write ritual, will now learn how to manipulate the energy of ritual to benefit those in circle. They will be given a suggested list of books to read. The Second Degree student will, toward the later stages, be invited to sit on 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 coven for specific group dynamics.
Studying Rites of Passage.
Being mentors to Dedicate Seekers
Helping with the training of 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 all coven members, both inner and outer circle.
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.
Taking on a special assignment geared toward benefiting the student as well as the coven and the community as a whole.
Working on a research paper of at least 10 typed pages (1 inch margins, single-spaced) on the magickal subject of their choice.
Responsibilities of Second Degree Initiates
In addition to the areas of study outlined above, the student at this level also has these other responsibilities to meet…
1. Complete the Second Degree series of lessons and tests.
2. Complete the 'special' assignment.
3. Attend weekly classes.
4. Attend rituals.
5. Attend Sabbats.
6. Know the Mystic Moon Tradition.
7. Become mentor to at least one Dedicate Seeker.
8. Occasionally plan and facilitate an Esbat.
9. Occasionally plan and facilitate a Sabbat celebration
10. Read as many of the books on the Second Degree Reading List as possible.
11. Begin creating a teaching Book of Shadows, which should consist of some form of lessons for prospective students.
12. Toward the latter part of this level… sit on the Council of Mystic Moon.
13. Toward the latter part of this level… take on students of their own, as okayed by the Elder High Priest and Elder High Priestess.
14. Be a living example of appropriate behavior for all other Mystic Moon members.
Before the Individual is elevated to Third Degree and autonomy, they must fulfill the following minimum requirements…
____ Been in the Priesthood for at least a year and a day.
____ Completed all Second Degree lessons, assignments and tests.
____ Demonstrated a willingness and ability to observe and participate in all functions within the ritual circle, such as developing the ability to channel energy properly during ritual.
____ Behaved in ritual as is appropriate to the role they had for that ritual (i.e. helping to guide others when appropriate, lending energy when necessary, etc.)
____ Assisted in preparation for ritual functions.
____ Demonstrated an in-depth understanding of the Wheel of the Year and the celebration of each Sabbat.
____ Demonstrated growth within the Craft.
____ Assisted Dedicate Seekers as assigned within the mentor program.
____ Assisted Dedicates and First Degree students when needed.
____ Contributed the required research paper.
____ Contributed to ideas for coven 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 coven has brought them to the attention of the Elder High Priest/ess of Mystic Moon, even if that's where the conflict is.
____ Has (and continues to) study and learn about the integral workings of the various Rites of Passage.
____ Has started (and continually improves) their own 'Teaching' Book of Shadows.
____ 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.
____ Demonstrate by their manner of living and interactions with others that the student has an adequate understanding of the conduct and ethical behavior expected of a Third Degree Witch in the Mystic Moon Coven and that they are fully prepared in all respects to be made Third Degree and given their autonomy.
____Demonstrate familiarity with advanced spellworking correspondences.
____Has completed the required 'time away' from the coven.
____Demonstrate that the 'time away' provided them with a greater perspective of what is required to be Third Degree within the community
____Complete any additional requirements given by the Elder High Priest and Elder High Priestess. (This is not designed to be a trick clause. Its 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 autonomy is appropriate.)
Third Degree
At this point, the Initiate 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 Mother Coven, hive off and start a coven of their own, or hive off and remain solitary.
Even though the Third Degree student is considered autonomous, they do still bear some responsibility to the coven.
Responsibilities of Third Degree Initiates
In addition to the areas of study outlined above, the student at this level also has these other responsibilities to meet…
1. Be a living example of appropriate behavior for all Mystic Moon members and the community as a whole.
2. Decide whether to be a solitary practitioner or to start a coven of their own.
3. If a separate coven is formed, the High Priest or High Priestess should make an effort to include their coven in Mystic Moon's Sabbats at least occasionally.
4. Occasionally attend Mystic Moon's weekly classes, rituals and Sabbats.
5. Occasionally volunteer to lead a class for Mystic Moon so the students may benefit from your knowledge and wisdom.
6. Sit on the Council of Mystic Moon.
7. Attend Council Meetings in February and August.
Eldership
This elevation is in recognition of the progress and teaching ability of the person and will be made by Mystic Moon's Council.
Even though Elders may or may not have a coven or their own, we believe that Elders of Mystic Moon still bear some responsibility to the coven and its members.
Responsibilities of Elders
In addition to the areas of study outlined above, the student at this level also has these other responsibilities to meet…
1. Be a living example of appropriate behavior for all Mystic Moon members and the community as a whole.
2. Occasionally attend Mystic Moon's weekly classes, rituals and Sabbats.
3. Occasionally volunteer to lead a class for Mystic Moon so the students may benefit from your knowledge and wisdom.
4. Be available to members of Mystic Moon for visiting, networking, counseling, or mentoring.
5. Sit on the Council of Mystic Moon.
6. Attend Council Meetings in February and August.
