Within the Coven of the Wicca of the Ancient Harmony we have very high standards of training for our priesthood. We hold a firm belief in two very important factors: the first being that our clergy have a comparable education in Wiccan history, theology and practice as those of our counterparts in mainstream religions; secondly, we also hold fast to the concept that the calling to the religious-life is a vocation of service.

As a literary coven, Novices are taught to unfold the mysteries through a variety of techniques from the formal structured transcribing of the Book of Shadows to include in-depth research and the writing of essays/commentaries on all portions of this book. In addition, Novices must create original material on key aspects within the Book of Shadows. This requires the student to learn to put into words the conceptual mysteries which they learn. Discussion with one's teacher is in the forefront of our teaching process and students always have access to them as this is a priority that all teachers must embrace.

To provide a well-rounded education Novices are expected to develop knowledge in a variety of occult sciences, including Qabala, astrology, and tarot, among others.

We place a great emphasis on the concept that 'a Witch is only as good as his or her word'. We are taught to accept the actions of our words and deeds as well as the repercussions thereof and thus maintain high standards for personal ethics and responsibility.

Novices are taught to make changes in their lives, in order to flow with the natural cycles of the earth and the Universe. The Universe exists through its manifest nature of constant change. This guides the Novice in learning to work both "above and below", coming to understand the astral and its interrelationship with the manifest world. Through ritual, meditation, visualization and astral work, the student learns to become one with the earth, the moon and sun as they dance their circles. Novices are trained in a variety of ritual forms. They learn to craft their own rituals to find that balance of freedom and form. They learn to unfold their own creativity, opening it as a lotus bud and bringing it to bloom. And above all, they are trained to pass on the mysteries of initiation, of hand-fasting, of life and death.

Dedicated Novices are held to vows of secrecy concerning this Work. This allows them space to grow and unfold naturally without being under the scrutiny of others during this formative period. It creates a 'buffer zone' in which they may learn and make mistakes without having to worry about publicly justifying their own shortcomings or the trials they must endure through difficult periods of change which inevitably will come with such Work.

It may take a Novice anywhere from two to five years to become a first degree initiate and up to 7 to become a second degree initiate. This is based upon many factors within a particular student's life; from how busy their mundane lives are, as well as how long it takes the student to fully be molded through experience, change and growth that the Universe inevitably will bring their way. No Novice will be initiated until they have met all the requirements and fully understand that the calling to Priesthood is a privilege, not a given right.

A Seekers Quest

As Traditional covens normally function as heirararchical, initiatory, mystery based traditions; coven membership is usually solely composed of its initiated priesthood. There is no such thing as a 'laity' or spectators in Traditional Craft. This is one significant reason that most Traditional coven's rituals are not open to non-initiates. Due to these restrictions Traditional covens may form a separate study group or ritual circle for seekers and non-initiates for the purpose of training and education. This type of training group is referred to as an Outer Court (as opposed to the Inner Court of the coven priesthood). This gives an opportunity to both the seeker and the coven's priesthood to interact and get to know each other before either would make any decisions regarding formal training into initiation and oath-bound material. In some cases, larger Covens may maintain an Outer Court that consists of a community of associated non-initiate members/friends who would attend open rituals or take part in that group's social functions and so forth. Typically, any Outer Court is designed to 'fit' the functioning and goals of the coven it is associated with, so it is quite common to find a variety of differences from one coven's Outer Court to another. Each knows what works best for their coven.

The Ancient Harmony Outer Court consists of its training which is a structured cycle of classes, lectures, group study, written assignments, debate, as well as ritual and ritual form. It will present a generic typical style of study and practice associated with Traditional Mystery traditions. This helps the student come to some understanding of the work involved should they choose to seek initiatory training toward Priesthood. We feel it very important that seekers into Traditional Craft discern if this is the right path for them. They may decide that their needs may be better suited to solitary work, or their spiritual/personal needs may be better fulfilled in a different path, Tradition, or coven. Also important in the learning process is the development of relationships with other seekers as well as with the coven Priesthood and Dedicated Novices. Although Traditional Wicca may sound like all hard work and study we do recognize that balance of mirth and reverence and take joy in the laughing, bonding, and fun times with friends as well.

Applicants must be self-motivated, be able to set aside the necessary time in their lives, and be willing to make a commitment in being involved in the Outer Court and its meetings and functions. Accepted applicants are required to participate in an 'Introduction to Wiccan Theology' course prior to beginning Outer Court studies.

After completing the Introduction Course as well as a cycle of Outer Court classes, seekers may petition the coven priesthood requesting formal training into the Mysteries. If accepted, students begin working through the Novice Supplicant portion of the training. Having this completed, they will then be formally Dedicated into our coven and take their vows of secrecy. Once Dedicated, Novices begin the formal initiatory training. (Note: we do not use the format of two pre-degrees- such as Dedicant and Neophyte as some covens/Traditions do.) For many reasons, Outer Court training or membership does not guarantee initiatory training.

NOTE: As of Sept. 2010 we are accepting applications for Outer Court Training. We currently have openings for two seekers.

For further information please contact the Covenstead.