THREE DEGREE OUTLINE
The student in this tradition is required to be competent in four areas: Theology of Paganism and Witchcraft, Sociology of Paganism and Witchcraft, Magick, and Divination. Since it is not the purpose or standard of this coven to preach yet another relativistic course, the material contained herein is presented as definitive but not dogmatic. It is also the responsibility of each student to successfully complete whatever exercises appear in these books and to provide written proof here of such successful completion and to celebrate all prescribed rituals in the manner in which they are described.
Note: This material has been updated to reflect the best available information regarding Witchcraft and related subjects. The Druid section is especially large because it has Pan Indo-European roots and many points of crossover both ancient and modern with Witchcraft. You will recognize several authors as contributors to the History Channel and other outlets for learning. Some are professors. All are to be considered.
Warning: Witchcraft is a fertility religion and that's the way we teach it. We do not shy away from the fact that it involves skyclad worship and Sexual Magick, but the former is a choice to be made by the respective coven (as to whether to worship robed, in street clothing or naked) and the latter is in any event a form of Magick reserved for the Inner Court except in such covens and temples that focus primarily on Sacred Sexuality and Sexual Magick. If such discussions are beyond you, you seriously need to consider a path other than Witchcraft.
Definitions
Spirituality is the intellectual awareness of and emotional sensitivity to a thing and of all things. It is also a process whereby a person discovers and defines, actualizes and accepts who and what she or he is and through which said person orients her or himself to the world.
Paganism is a positive and life affirming nature based spiritual path with leaders but no rulers, teachers but no gurus or masters and teaching but no dogma. Pagan isn't something you become - something to which you convert or change. Being Pagan is awakening to who and what you are as a natural being, a Child of Mother Nature.
Reading
In addition to - not instead of - the exercises given each student, weekly class requirements, regular attendance and participation in Esbats and Sabbats, the successful student will read, outline and present said outline here for each of the following books. This is the reading list for all three degrees. You are expected to complete the list before receiving your third degree. It is not comprehensive. In fact, I have removed many of the upper level books and will be reserving them for a master level course.
1. Drawing Down the Moon by Margot Adler
2. Crafting the Art of Magic by Aidan A. Kelly
3. The Triumph of the Moon by Ronald Hutton
4. Magick in Theory and Practice by Aleister Crowley
5. The Magick of Aleister Crowley by Lon Milo DuQuette
6. Green Egg Omelette by Oberon Zell-Ravenheart
7. The Book of Thoth by Aleister Crowley
8. The Spiral Dance by Starhawk
9. A Witches Bible by Janet and Stewart Farrar
10. Buckland's Complete Book of Witchcraft by Raymond Buckland
12. High Magic's Aid by Scire (Gerald Gardner)
13. Witchcraft Today by Gerald Gardner
14. The Meaning of Witchcraft by Gerald Gardner
15. Aradia or the Gospel of the Witches by Charles G. Leland (a new translation by Mario Pazzaglini, Ph.D. and Dina Pazzaglini)
16. People of the Earth by Ellen Evert Hopman and Lawrence Bond
17. Magical Religion and Modern Witchcraft
ed. by James R. Lewis
18. Sex and Rockets: The Occult World of Jack Parsons by John Carter
19. The God of Ecstasy: Sex Roles and the Madness of Dionysos by Arthur Evans
20. Witchcraft from the Inside by Raymond Buckland
21. Earthly Bodies, Magical Selves: Contemporary Pagans and the Search for Community by Sarah M. Pike
22. Greenfire: Making Love With the Goddess by Sirona Knight
23. Moonflower: Erotic Dreaming With the Goddess by Sirona Knight
24. Women of the Light Edited by Kenneth Ray Stubbs, Ph.D.
Druid Section of First Degree
1. The Pagan Religions of the Ancient British Isles by Ronald Hutton
2. Witches, Druids and King Arthur by Ronald Hutton
3. The Druids by Stuart Piggott
4. In the Grove of the Druids: The Druid Teachings of Ross Nichols by Phillip Carr-Gomm
5. Dictionary of Celtic Myth and Legend by Miranda J. Green
6. The World of the Celts by Simon James
7. The Druids by Peter Berresford Ellis
8. The Druid Renaissance Edited by Philip Carr-Gomm
9. Bonewits's Essential Guide to Druidism by Isaac Bonewits
10. The Book of Druidry by Ross Nichols
Outline
Note: Tardiness equals absence. Plan to arrive fifteen minutes early to any coven function. Successful students will be absent for no more than three coven functions in a given year. Exceeding this limit will remove said person from active status and require reapplication. The HP and HPS will determine at that point whether the party may resume membership.
Warning: This coven does not accept disruption or negativity. If the HP or HPS is talking you are expected to remain silent unless and until addressed or a free talk period is indicated. We do not intend to waste our time attempting to talk over people who have indicated a desire to learn. Prove your desire by demonstrating respect. Disrespectful people will be removed from coven membership.
Clothing status
1. Applicant = street clothing.
2. Dedicant = plain white robe when robes are utilized. This will also serve as the robe for Probationers and First Degrees.
3. First Degree = adds cord, pentacle and athame.
4. Second Degree = plain red robe when robes are utilized. This will continue to serve as the robe for Third Degrees.
5. Third Degree = adds gold trim.
6. Priest or Priestess = white robe with red and gold trim when robes are utilized.
1. Coven visit.
2. Application process.
3. Dedication for accepted applicants. Applicant become probationer.
4. Probationer attends and participates in all esbats and sabbats.
5. Probationer attends all classes.
6. Probationer will demonstrate proficiency at casting circle, calling quarters and assisting the priestess or priest in ritual.
7. Probationer will complete all class assignments successfully and actively participate in all classes.
8. First degree after a year and a day.
9. Process repeats for First Degrees preparing for Second Degrees ending with Second Degree after another year and a day.
10. Process repeats for Second Degrees preparing for Third Degrees ending with Third Degree after another year and a day.
11. Process repeats for Third Degrees preparing for Ordination into the Priesthood ending with Ordination after another year and a day.
