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[from http://www.oakgrove.org/GreenPages/bos/0351.txt ]

Subject: What is a First Degree?

          Many  persons feel that the first degree initiation is  somethin
g
          that  a person receives simply because this group or that  wishe
s
          to accept a person into their circle (Gardenarian, Alexandrian,

          etc.).

          In the my tradition, as a first degree, you ARE a priest/ess, an
d
          as  such  you carry responsibilities.  In  some  traditions,  th
e
          knowledge  you have gained during your first degree studies  wil
l
          qualify you for a third degree in that tradition.  But let's loo
k
          at it a minute.

          As I have stated, as a first degree, you ARE a priest/ess.   Wha
t
          does this mean?  In other faiths, you must go to seminary or  it
s
          equivalent for a period of at least 5 years to obtain this  goal
.
          When  you  leave  there, you are knowledgeable in  not  only  th
e
          beliefs  of  your  faith,  but  also  it's  history,  sects,  an
d
          doctrines.  You have been trained to be a counselor, helper,  an
d
          friend  to your parishioners.  You have had training  in  dealin
g
          with  problems  within  your church,  your  community,  and  "th
e
          enemy".  Basically, you have been given the trust of your  churc
h
          to be knowledgeable, loving, caring, and trustworthy.

          Should a Priest/ess in the craft be expected to be any less?   A
s
          an Isian, the answer is a resounding NO!

          During  your first degree studies, you are the equivalent  of  a
n
          Associate  Pastor/Minister/Whatever.  You are now in training  t
o
          eventually  have your own coven, or if you wish to  be  solitary
,
          you  are  in training to be able to defend your religion  to  th
e
          outside world if the need arises.

          What are the responsibilities of a First Degree in my tradition?


          As always, in the this tradition, you are required to  constantl
y
          be learning and growing.  This does not mean that you have to  b
e
          constantly be learning about the craft, but about yourself,  you
r
          community, Mother Earth, etc.  This responsibility does not ceas
e
          even   when   you  receive  your  third  degree.    This   is
a
          responsibility to yourself.

















                         Last amended June 11, 1989  --  Page NEXTRECORD




   351


          Some of your responsibilities to the coven are listed below:
          1.) To grow within the craft.
          2.)  Observe  and  participate in all circle  functions  of  you
r
          degree or lower.
          3.)  To  assist in preparation for all circle functions  of  you
r
          degree or lower.
          4.)  To assist any student of a lessor grade in  his/her  studie
s
          when asked by this student for assistance.
          5.)  To contribute at least one research paper of 10 pages (5  i
f
          single spaced) or more on the craft subject of your choice.
          6.) Contribute in some manner to each sabbat or public  gatherin
g
          either  by  time, monies for supplies, or bringing  something  t
o
          share  either during or after event.  Time could be  by  arrivin
g
          early to help set up, staying a little later and helping to clea
n
          up  after, preparing and sharing a workshop (if open workshop  i
s
          scheduled),  making  phone calls to remind people of  the  event
,
          etc.
          7.)  Contribute  to ideas for coven gatherings and  help  arrang
e
          same. (Remember, all things do not happen at Covenstead!)
          8.)  Be aware of any conflicts within Circle, and bring  this  t
o
          the  attention of the HP/HPS (even if that's where  the  conflic
t
          is!)
          9.)  Be  prepared  to accept the responsibility of  a  circle  o
r
          ritual should something happen to your HP/S.

          To  some  people, this may seem like a lot of  expectations,  bu
t
          keep  in mind.  We are not are not training  "week-end  witches.
"
          You are in training to be a Priest/ess of Wicca.

          Your  first degree is something to be proud of.  You have  worke
d
          hard  and long to receive it, and your HP/S has found you  worth
y
          of same.

          May the Lord and Lady smile on your efforts.