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About the Tradition
Core Beliefs
In RavenMyst Circle, we
recognize that every Witch,
regardless of age, sex or rank
is a thriving individual, and
that all are equal in the eyes
of the Gods. Our Gods are those
who came before mankind got
around to naming them. In the
oldest written language, the
Goddess of Earth was called
simply "Ki," which was the
Sumerian word for Earth. The Sky
God was "An," the word for
Heaven. We call on the Lady of
the Oceans, the Goddess of the
Moon, Mother Earth. We call on
the Lord of the Woodlands, the
God of the Sun, Father Sky. If
pressed to describe Her, we
might fall back on Oberon Zell's
"Millennial Gaia," with DNA
strands twining through her hair
and all the living things of the
Universe sprouting upon her
body. For Him, we might turn to
the mythical half-Stag, half-man
known as Pan or Herne, playing
his magickal pipes, which mimic
the breath of life throughout
the forest. Each individual
RavenMyst Circle Witch
identifies with her/his own
ideals, has his/her own patron
and matron deities. We recognize
the Gods both as real
individuals, and as parts of a
greater whole - just as we are
each real individuals and yet
parts of a greater whole. We
believe that all life is sacred
to the Gods and use traditional
methods of casting circles and
calling in quarters.
RavenMyst Circle is a 5
tier tradition consisting of
Dedicant, First Degree, Second
Degree, Third Degree and Elder
levels. All members enter at the
Dedicant level. When they finish
the level one lessons, plus a
year and a day of training,
and/or when their teacher feels
they are ready, they will be
Initiated to the First Degree.
Initiates may elect to remain at
First, or continue their work
and training up through Second
and Third Degree. Thirds who
elect to take our counseling
lessons, a curriculum created
for us by Judy Harrow, will be
given legal clergy status. Legal
clergy will be able to sign
documents pertaining to births,
marriages and passing, in
accordance with laws in their
state. In addition, all Third
Degree members may form covens
of their own.
Organization of Groups
The covens of RavenMyst
Circle share the same
curriculum, circle cast, quarter
calls, totems, Dedication and
Elevation rituals, and many
other things. Yet each coven is
autonomous to the fullest
possible extent.
Newcomers go through a
careful screening process as we
determine whether they will be a
good fit with the group mind. As
a rule, a newcomer will attend
several coven gatherings and/or
open circles before being
invited to Dedicate to one of
our covens.
Dedications and all
Elevations must be performed in
person, even in the Cyber Coven.
Long distance students have a
much more difficult challenge
than local ones do, and while
it's not fair, it is necessary.
We are open to new seekers,
though we do want them to be
aware that we have an extremely
limited number of teachers and,
currently, only one Cyber Coven.
Standards of Conduct
RavenMyst Circle is
incorporated as a Michigan
non-profit organization, and is
in the process of applying for
Federal Tax Exemption. Thus,
RavenMyst Circle was created
with a Guardian Council made up
of the five founders plus two
appointees, but with a plan in
place to hold annual elections
so that the seats of authority
could rotate among the
membership. Anyone of First
Degree or higher may hold office
and vote in the elections. The
Guardian Council ensures fair
policy making and just
governance of the group.About Our Logo
Our logo was created by the very talented artist Kim Perkins-Murillo. You can
see other versions of our logo and other beautiful art work at her website
entitled Magickal Arts.
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Moon Phase
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