This group is for members of the Coven of the World Tree (which is still in a conceptual stage). Hopefully we can start off as a fellowship or working coven and then graduate to a teaching coven someday. We plan to practice our own brand Seax Wica. This may end up differing from Buckland's idea specifically on the topic of secrecy/ secret teachings. While we would strive to honor the self initiated fully, and integrate the democratic process, there will still be some distinct secret teachings kept by this group for those who wish to seek them. Founding members have also taken up the study and practice of ceremonial magick.

Some of our teachers were influenced by the Gardnerian tradition (even possibly by the Central Valley Wiccan tradition but a complete liturgy to the third degree has not been provided or their lineage was unknown/unrevealed) so, what has been passed on to us in that respect is fragmentary. Other, current teachers, are apart of the American Celtic tradition.

The structure of Seax-Wicca is as follows and may be integrated into our system more fully as we progress:
"- A Theow is an interested non-initiate (somewhat like Cowen)
- A Ceorl is a neophyte, one undergoing training
- A Gesith is an initiate" (Pagan-News.com 2002-2006).

It is our personal goal to honor the gods of our ancestors, Woden and Freya, within a Wiccan context (not to discourage people who are working with different pantheons from participation as the world tree or tree of life is a symbol relevant to many paths and traditions). We also hope to promote non-ethnocentric diversity along with a well rounded practice of Witchcraft and Paganism.

Degree Requirements


Material requirements for initiation are in parentheses.

     Main elemental ritual tools (everything minus white robe) 
      should be secured and consecrated within the first year of study. 
      
      *Theow blessing & orientation may be done in the winter: 
      Candidate shows some serious interest in group participation 
      (choose and decorate an altar stone). 
      
      *Ceorl dedication may be done in the spring: 
      (Neophyte-Dedication letter signed with sigil of magical name, 
      
      pillar candle , thurible/censor, not a stick burner). 
      
      -Gift to student: Mjolnir pendant
      
      *Thane/ other office consecration may be done in the summer: 
      
      Lead the Sabbat/Blot ritual (choose a wand, athame, seax, sword or spear for 
      casting circle). 
      
      The right and obligation of the Thane is to summon and guard the circle 
   and may be required to serve for six months to a year.  
      
      -Gift to student: Cingulum
      
      *Gesith initiation may be done in the fall: 
      Lead the Esbat ritual (water dish or other tool for asperging,  chalice, white robe). 
      
      *Heah Gesith  (High priest-priestess) confirmation: Start/Lead a coven. 
      
      This is a position that will be acquired through election and may be integrated into a may king/queen crowning. 
      
      
      The structure of Seax-Wicca is as follows:
      "- A Theow is an interested non-initiate (somewhat like Cowen)
      - A Ceorl is a neophyte, one undergoing training
      - A Gesith is an initiate" (Pagan-News.com 2002-2006).
      
      There is a word to say about the Hierophantic task. Behold! there are
      three ordeals in one, and it may be given in three ways. The gross
      must pass through fire; let the fine be tried in intellect, and the
      lofty chosen ones in the highest. Thus ye have star & star, system &
      system; let not one know well the other!
      
      -Liber Vel Legis chapter 1 vs. 50.
      
    
     Syllabus 
      
      This is a work in progress and may be changed as we go. 
      
      First quarter, indoor activities (Yule to Eostara). 
 ~Astrology and Mythology.
     Delineation, (progression), and generation of a natal chart. 
     Legends, Folktales, story telling  (choose your story assignment). 
     Mythology section: Survey from African to Germanic & Saxon.
      
          Week 1: African
          Week 2: Egyptian
          
          Week 3: Mesopotamian
          Week 4: Greco-Roman
          
          Week 5: Indian  
          Week 6: Chinese 
          Week 7: Native American  
         
          Week 8:  Scandinavian
          Week 9:  Celtic
          Week 10: Germanic & Saxon  
      
          Know your patron god. 
      
      Film: Power of Myth 
     
    Second quarter, spring activities (Eostara to Litha).
 ~Magick and the Sacred fires. 
 101 sessions, history of the sacred fires (Frazier), wheel of the year (Eight 
 Sabbats for Witches, movie: "Dark secret of Harvest Home" if  available), tools 
 (acquire 4 elemental tools and consecrate them, see degree requirements), spells 
 and charms. Discuss gatherings, inter-coven etiquette and the five basic
 elements of ritual.  Plant your herb garden.
      


   Third Quarter, summer activities (Litha to Mabon).
 ~Healing and Herbalism 

 Tree lore (gem and mineral show, herb 

& tree identification walk). Herbalism practicum: six basic types of herbal preparations. 

Discuss gems and minerals, Aromatherapy, Oils and Incense. 

Films: The Fountain & The Wicker Man.    
      

    Fourth Quarter, fall activities (Mabon to Yule)
  ~Oracles and Ancestors 
  Discuss divination (tarot, runes and scrying), Seidr
  trances, possession, channeling, ancestral shrines, necromancy, astral 
  projection and other paranormal topics, working with daemons, angels and 
  entities (See Laws of Magick, Golden Dawn),the duel arcane and magical
  protections.   Harvest herbs. 
      
     http://groups.yahoo.com/group/covenoftheworldtree/