A Handbook for Wiccan Clergy

By Kevin M. Gardner

This is THE handbook for Clergy of
the Wiccan faith. Additionally, this work would also prove to be a great aid to
all other Pagan paths. There is currently no other book of this sort on the
market. With Handfasting, and funeral services, guided meditations and
spiritual messages this book will be used again and again. A Handbook For
Wiccan Clergy" is a valuable tool for all High Priests and High
Priestesses of whatever tradition to have and utilize. Far from being a Wiccan
101, or "spell" book, this work is only intended for advanced
practitioners.

"A Handbook For Wiccan
Clergy," continues to pull in rave reviews, HealingWolf of FaDraSha has
said; "This is a "must have" book for more advanced witches. If
you ever counsel others or act as high priest(ess), you'll want this great
reference book." Edain McCoy has also read this work and has proclaimed it
as "Wonderful" and It is well past time that a book of this type
should be available. Serpent Stone said; "This book is a wonderful guide
for both new and experienced Priests and Priestesses, and covers areas as
varied as Rites of Passage, mythology (including techniques and rituals for
connecting with the ideas, teaching and energies of the myth), meditations,
personal growth and awareness, and pastoral counseling. All of these are areas
that have been sadly lacking in any comprehensive volume before this, but which
are essential to working effectively as clergy." And most recently from
Marlevane's Book Reviews This book gets right down to business. Kevin (Temple
of Ishtar) writes this book geared towards rituals for performing all rites of
passages. No Wiccan Priest or Priestess should be without this book in their
collections! This book is a real gem to the Pagan world and to all magickal
practitioners."

• Language: English
• Publisher: AuthorHouse
• Release date: Oct 26, 2007
• ISBN: 9781467863018

Kevin M. Gardner

  For much of my life, I have lived and worked in rural areas in tune with the seasons and tides of nature. Even as a child, I recognized the divine hand in everything that surrounded me. As a country boy, I knew and understood that life can only exist through death. I graduated high school in 1974, and set out on my own, trying to make my way in the world. Along the way I discovered the Craft, and like most who are drawn to the Wiccan faith, I knew that I had always been Wiccan. I just didn’t know what it was called.     In 1978, I joined the Army Military Police, was stationed in Panama where in November, I helped clean up a mess created by Reverend Jim Jones. The experience molded me, and showed me how a charismatic religious leader can lead others down the wrong path. I was forced to take life, and I came to understand that all of us have that darker nature. Finally coming to terms with my own darkness, I found it was the source of our strength. But it must be balanced with our light. We all possess the power and capacity to kill, crush and destroy, but when balanced with love and compassion, that power can be channeled into positive directions.     Initiated in 1980, I began teaching and training others in 1986, while continuing my own Craft education, study & practice. In 1997, I began teaching more advanced courses and developed a Clergy course for advanced practitioners in 2006. Early in 2008, I accepted a Bishop’s appointment with Four Winds Fellowship, an interfaith organization, and a Clergy position with the U.S. Federal Prison system. Additionally, I have had articles published in Fate, Pan Gaia, Circle & Blessed Bee magazines.

Book preview

Part I

THE MILESTONES OF LIFE

Rites of Passage and Rituals

Chapter 1

Fertility and Birth

As Wicca is a religion that celebrates the fertility of land, nature, mind, body, and in fact, of all things, a sexual union is considered by us to be a sacred act. The union of the male and female is the generating moment of all life. And as the act of generating a child is a Holy act, the fruit of that union is a precious jewel of the Goddess. To practitioners of the Wiccan faith, the birth of a child is a time for celebration, joy, and giving thanks to the Goddess for this wondrous gift of new life. This special time can strengthen the bonds between a man and woman as well as their extended families. For most women, pregnancy is a time of radiant good health, as she literally glows with the extra power and intensity of the life force during gestation. Sometimes both parents seem to glow with the wonder and awareness of new life, as they under-go a transformative experience and become connected to the Primal powers of Creation.

Giving birth is also a physical and psychological transformation for the woman as she passes from her Maiden stage to Motherhood. Thus our rituals not only celebrate the arrival of new life by welcoming the child, they also incorporate the acknowledgment of the responsibilities of this rite of Passage. We of the Old Religion also walk a path in the higher realms, so we know that there are ever-present dangers on both the physical and psychic planes for the unwary, and unprotected. For these reasons our Rituals of giving thanks for the birth of the child also invite blessings and protection for the infant until he or she is able to protect his/herself.

Also common with Wiccans are Godparents who help the parents care for and assist in raising the child. Godparents are sometimes baby-sitters when the child’s parents need a break or some quality alone time. Godparents also fulfill another role, in the advent of the unfortunate death of both parents. They would assume full guardianship and responsibility of the child. Godparents are often aunts, uncles, or grandparents to the child, but they also may be very close and trusted friends of the mother and father. Sometimes relationships break up, and until the problems are ironed out, very often the child would be placed into the care of the Godparents so that he/she is spared much of the pain and uncertainty that can go on at such times.

WICCANING RITUAL

As the Rite begins, the High Priest (HP) and High Priestess (HPS) stand behind the Altar, he on the right, she on the left. The Maiden Priestess (Mp) who is the assistant to the High Priestess stands to the right of the High Priest and the Red Priest (Rp) who is the High Priest’s assistant stands to the Left of the High Priestess. The Parents, while holding the child, stand before the altar with the mother opposite the High Priest, and the father opposite the High Priestess. There should be holy water and burning incense upon the altar, the Ceremonial Sword, and bell should be at hand, and the Red Priest should be holding a staff or wand.

Mp: We here give welcome and our warmest greetings to this small one who is new to us. And we present this Sacred Child to the Old Gods. Sentinels, summon now the Guardians!

East: Winds of the East! Lords and Ladies of the Watchtowers of Air, who grant us freshness, life, and joy. Come and extend now your blessings and protection to this Sacred child.

South: Flame and Sun of the south! Lords and Ladies of the Watchtowers of fire, bringers of warmth, life, and growth in all things. Come and extend now your blessings and protection to this Sacred child.

West: Rivers, Streams, and oceans of the west! Lords and Ladies of the nurturing, life-giving waters of the Sacred Womb from whence all life emerges. Come and extend now your blessings and protection to this Sacred child.

North: O’ mighty mountains and meadows green. Lords and Ladies of the Watchtowers of Earth who nurture and sustain us. Come and extend now your blessings and protection to this Sacred child.

HP: O’ Lord of light and life! We ask your presence here to strengthen, protect and guide this child away from the wrong path in this life.

HPS: O’ Lady of the starry skies, and the green Earth. We ask your presence here to protect, nurture and shelter this child. Grant (him/her) the gifts of wisdom, wonder and joy in life.

Maiden sounds nine notes on the bell.

Rp: Who shall come before the Gods and speak for this child?

Mother: Before all those gathered here, our friends, and Wise Ones. Before those who are seen and those who are unseen. Here before the Elemental Kings and Queens, and before the Mighty Dead. Here in this time and place in the presence of the Gods. I present (name) who was conceived and brought forth in love.

Mp: Does anyone else come forth before the Gods to speak for this small one?

Father: Before all those gathered here, our friends, and Wise Ones. Before those who are seen and those who are unseen. Here before the Elemental Kings and Queens, and before the Mighty Dead. Here in this time and place in the presence of the Gods. I present (name) who was conceived and brought forth in love.

Both parents hold the child above the altar while the High Priest smudges him/her with the incense and performs the blessing.

HP: May the blessings and protection of our joyous and gentile Lord, grant thee wisdom and joy (name).

The High Priestess dips her fingers in the Holy water, and then gently caresses the baby’s face as she anoints the child, and performs the blessing.

HPS: May the blessings and power of the Maiden, Mother and wise Crone be upon thee (name).

Maiden sounds 7 notes on the bell.

The High Priest takes up the sword, and holds it out to the parents. The High Priestess also helps to hold the sword either by grasping the handle or placing her hand over his.

HP: Place your hands upon this blade consecrated to our Lord and Lady, and heed well our words. Bringing a new life into this world, and then linking that life to the Ancient Ways is never something that should be done lightly.

HPS: I charge you both to teach (name) the ways of the Craft, that he/she may learn to respect all life. But to always make time for fun and play, so that (name) will know joy.

HP: "I charge you both to give (name) a stable, warm and loving home. To teach him/her gentleness and how to work out differences so that his/her life will know harmony.

HPS: I charge you both to respect (name) as a unique individual. Remembering that a child’s ways often mask a sharp intellect and a small body may contain a very old soul.

HP: I charge you both to have patience with your child as he/she will often make mistakes in the process of growth and learning. To listen when (child) speaks giving fair consideration to circumstances and (child’s) perspective when he/she stumbles on life’s path, and to use wisdom in punishment, and understanding in guidance.

HPS: I charge you both to lead (name) through the accomplishments and trials of life; to tell your child the stories of the Old Gods, and teach him/her the history of the Craft. Show (name) how to strive for perfection, and offer him/her new challenges and horizons so that he/she may go far in life. Shall you accept these charges?

Parents: We do. Yes (Or other appropriate answer)

HPS: If you are ready to assume these duties as the parents of (name), then take these vows by repeating after me: We (your names), as the parents of (name), and as followers of the Craft of the Wise now give our sacred vow before the Immortal Gods. To accept these charges, and to assume the responsibilities of parents to our child; May the Guides and Gods grant us the strength and wisdom to honor our pledge.

The Red Priest now raps the floor three times with the staff, or the altar if using the wand, and says:

Rp: Those who would be Godparents to this child, come forth and stand here before the altar.

Hps: (Their names) are you ready to assume the duties and responsibilities of being the Godparents of (name), to aid the parents in his/her up-bringing, and to help teach him/her the ways of the Old Religion? And if the Fates and Gods take the mother and father from this world, art thou ready to take this child into your care and raise him/her as if he/she were your own?

Godparents: Yes. (Or other appropriate answer)

The High Priest takes up the sword, and holds it out to the godparents. Again the High Priestess helps to hold the sword either by grasping the handle or placing her hand over his.

HP: Place your hands upon this blade consecrated to our Lord and Lady, and swear now before the Gods of Nature.

HPS: If you are ready to assume these duties as Godparents of (name), then take these vows by repeating after me: We (your names), as the Godparents of (name), and as followers of the Craft of the Wise do now give our sacred vow before the Immortal Gods. To assist (name of the parents) in raising and guiding this child, and if the Fates and Gods remove the parents from this world, we would then accept the responsibilities of parents to (name of child); May the Guides and Gods grant us the strength and wisdom to honor our pledge.

Red Priest again raps three times with the staff or wand and says:

Rp: I call upon our friends and honored guests assembled in this sacred place, to now come forward and present their blessings for this child, who is now blessed and protected by the Gods.

At this time anyone that wishes to do so may now come forward and give their blessings, or a small token gift, as they feel proper. When everyone has bestowed their blessings, the parents hold the child over the altar as the final dedications are given.

HP: O’ mighty Lord and hearty consort to the Goddess, who gives us wisdom, joy, and the challenge of learning new things. We ask that you bestow your love and protection upon this child for by this rite (name) has been dedicated to thee and to the Craft of the Wise.

HPS: O’ Gracious Goddess from whose Sacred Womb all life emerges, and whose triple aspect sees the birth, life and ending of all things. We ask that you bestow your love and protection upon this child, for by this rite (name) has been dedicated to thee and to the Craft of the Wise. So Mote it Be!

All: So Mote it Be!

HP: This rite is ended. Merry Meet Merry Part and Merry Meet again!

Chapter 2

Puberty

As a child raised in a Wiccan household reaches puberty, leaving childhood behind and entering adolescence, this important rite of passage is joyfully celebrated. The changes of their young bodies are never hidden or looked upon in embarrassment. Typically this phase of life begins with a girl’s first menstruation, or when a boys voice begins to change, usually between the ages of 11 and 15, depending upon the child.

With the coming of her first menses, a girl makes the transformation to womanhood. She suddenly possesses the power of bringing forth life, becoming the vehicle of life. Thus she becomes identified with the Earth Goddess who gives birth and nourishment to life. The boy’s transformation to adolescence is not as dramatic. But for both sexes this can be a very confusing time in their lives. Helping the young person to understand that they are a part of something greater than themselves helps to smooth this transition for them.

As they enter adolescence, the young men and women are taught about the sacredness of sex, and given more responsibilities in order to prepare them for adulthood. The Rituals of this rite of passage help the adolescent to put his/her childhood behind, and look forward to the day that he/she will be able to accept the responsibilities and authority of becoming an adult. This in a sense becomes a kind of rebirth, as they die to their child nature and are reborn into adolescence. Careful planning and sensitivity to the child, helps to convey reassurance, strengthens their sense of identity, and positively affirms their place in society. Giving the first fruits back to the God-dess and taking vows of responsibility to their new power of creation helps to instill in them the sacredness of sex and confidence of their role in life.

Puberty Rite

The Circle is cast and the quarters are called in the usual way, while the young person (s) await the summons in an adjoining room. There should be a burning brazier, or small container of rubbing alcohol, or natural charcoal to be lit for the burning of the tokens of sexual maturity, here referred to as the fruits of the body, placed safely in the cauldron, or on firebrick within the circle. One may consider also having a fire extinguisher handy in case of accident. All within the circle are anointed, and when all is ready, the Summoner (S) goes forth to prepare the young person by tying a ribbon or light cord around his/her wrist, then escorts the youth (Y) who is to undergo this rite of passage to the Circle threshold. If the young person is male, the High Priestess (HPS) presides, if female, the High Priest (HP) presides over the Rites, so I have chosen the designation of HP/S to designate for the appropriate clergy member.

HP/S: (To Summoner) "Whom have you brought to our Circle?

S: I have brought (name) who has completed the journey of childhood, and now wishes to begin the next phase of life.

HP/S: Is (he/she) willing to accept the responsibilities of adolescence?

S: Yes, my (Lady/Lord)

HP/S: Then we welcome (name of youth) into our Circle.

The Summoner and Youth now enter the circle, the gate is closed, and if the sacred flame has not already been ignited, it may be lit at this point.

HP/S: (To Youth) Have you the fruits of your body?

Y: Yes, my (Lady/Lord)

HP/S: What do they symbolize?

Y: They symbolize the gift of the life force.

HP/S: Are you ready to make your vows?

Y: Yes, my (Lady/Lord)

HP/S: Then approach the sacred flame and do so before casting in the fruits of your body.

Y: My body is a Holy Temple, and an embodiment of the forces of life and procreation. I know that the sex act is a Holy and Sacred Act. So, I now vow before the Lord, the Lady, and the members of this Coven (group, & etc), that I will not engage in frivolous sex, and that I shall never (release my sperm/conceive) irresponsibly.

HP/S: Return now the fruits of your body to the Gods.

Youth casts the fruits, or tokens into the sacred fire.

ALL: Gracious Goddess, and Ancient Lord! We pray that the life force will be made strong in this young (man/lady) and we ask that You will grant (him/her) the strength and wisdom to keep (his/her) Sacred Pledge.

The HP/S now takes up the incense and smudges the youth saying:

HP/S: May the Winds blow away your immaturity, and grant you a quick mind, an eventful life and joy.

HP/S: (Takes up a candle and gazing into Y’s eyes just above the flame says;) May the flame burn away your immaturity, and grant you growth and passion.

HP/S: (Takes up the consecrated water and sprinkles Y, saying,) May the Waters fresh and clean wash away your immaturity, and grant you compassion and love.

HP/S: (Takes up the consecrated salt, and sprinkles Y while saying,) May the Earth absorb your immaturity, and grant you fertility of mind, and firmness in what you know to be right.

The HP/S takes up the sacred oil and anoints the forehead of the Youth, as the Coven recites the following.

ALL: O Lovely Lady of the Starry Heavens! O Ancient Lord of the Universe! We ask that you grant (name) the gifts of wisdom, inspiration and wonder. Help (name) to cut the ties to (his/her) childhood, and yet allow (him/her) to retain the child within so that (he/she) will always know joy and delight.

Y now cuts the binding form his/her wrist with an athame or scissors. Power is then raised and sent into the youth, by chanting either of the following three times.

For a Lad: Herne! Herne! Herne! Lord of Forest free and wild! Impart your wisdom to this child. O’ compassionate hunter of the skies of night; help this young man to know right! Field and Forest, tree and bower, fill (name) with your power! Teach him the Magicks of land and sea, and in his heart may he call to Thee!

For a Lass: Dana! Dana! Dana! Mother Goddess who reigns above; help this young one to know love! Lovely Lady of waters and deep blue skies, teach this child to be wise! Field, and forest, tree and bower, fill (name) with your power! Teach her the Magicks of land and sea, and in her heart may she call to Thee!

Cakes And Wine Ceremony

The youth is now congratulated by the coven. The Circle is closed in the usual way, and a festive celebration marking this occasion is held in the youth’s honor. This may entail the giving of gifts, a dance, or other activities.

Chapter 3

Coming Of Age

This Rite of Passage celebrates the putting behind of adolescence and assuming the full responsibility of becoming an adult. This is a very important step in a young person’s life, and is again a kind of rebirth in that they are reborn into full adulthood. This rite of passage, usually observed between the 18th and 21rst birthdays, is a psychological transformation that everyone experiences. It is here that we finally shake off our dependency of being under parental protection and supervision. Evolving out of this condition of psychological immaturity and assuming self-responsibility is an important