Spirit Flame Tradition of The Craft

Many times the term clergy scares off those who desire training because it seems intimidating or suggests that one must change their entire life and move into a secluded cave somewhere.

This short article is designed to touch on the very tip of what Spirit Flame considers to be Pagan Clergy or The Priesthood. As we consider this to be a completely personal calling there could be a  lot more involved than what is mentioned here OR a whole lot less. The choice is one for the individual and many times their family and loved ones. Never fear, however, as to where the path is; Spirit will always show the way to those who have answered The Call.

Why The Need For A PriestHood?

Since time immemorial the Priesthood has been the keepers of The Mysteries, organized the community's worship and celebration cycle according to Tradition and have been available to The People for transitional and celebratory rituals as well as for counseling and guidance. The Priesthood--or Clergy--serves the People of the community and the Gods that those people worship. The Priesthood Lights The Way.

Spirit Flame believes that Clergy should be available not only to a particular Coven or Tradition but to the community as a whole--those of other Traditions as well as Solitaries that follow no particlar path at all. However, we do not train in 'cookie-cutter' fashion. Each person who comes to us is a vibrant and intelligent being with their own unique gifts to offer. While one person may thrive as an organizer of large public venues and rituals the next person may be very reserved, still 'in the broom closet' and interested only in providing Oracle services to the home coven. The next person may be somewhere in between and adore providing handfastings and wiccanings. To Each Their Own.

While our training is extensive and comprehensive only You and Spirit know the best way for you to utilize this training. Be aware, too, that The Path will change and evolve as the Witch does--Balance will be achieved by nothing remaining static.

The Different Roles of the Priesthood in Spirit Flame:

* Counselor-- part of our training involves Pastoral Counseling training. This does not mean that you are licensed to be a counselor but that you will be provided and tested on the basic counseling techniques as well as basic psychological theory. You WILL need this and it is a required part of our training.

* Teacher -- We encourage those who have attained the 3rd degree cords to begin their own covens within the Tradition and train others. We also encourage anyone who has attained the first degree cords to hold public workshops, Wicca 101 courses or begin study groups.

* Artist -- The Universe is created by thought, word, and deed over and over again. In this way we are each an artist of our own world and of other's worlds as well. We ask that all Spirit Flame Witches Create With Positive Intent through Ritual, Spell Work, Poetry, Painting, Cooking, Spell Craft, Painting, etc.

*Role Model -- while we are human and will certainly stumble and make mistakes Spirit Flame Witches --as members of The Priesthood--are held to a very high standard in how they handle their personal affairs. Its not the mistakes, its how they are handled that we feel is important. We expect Personal Responsability and Honor to be lived as cornerstones of each member's life. We will not tolerate infractions involving violence, crimes against children,abuse of animals or humans within our midst. We expect our members to not engage in these behaviors nor allow these behaviors to be a direct part of their home life for any amount of time.

*Oracle -- For centuries witches and wise-folk have been called apon to provide readings and oracle services to the community. Spirit Flame asks that any monetary exchange be done honorably.

*Friend -- While we do believe that pearls should not be cast before swine, we also feel that 99.9% of the folks within the pagan community are honorable and friendly and so too should we be.

One person may cycle through some, if not all, of these roles within any given period of time. Some may become a part of the Witch much as his or her eye-colour, some may be a fleeting call never to be revisited. Rest-assured, Spirit will send you where you are most needed and for the mutual benefit of all.

Why Me?

Why Not? There is often the misconception that one must be 'pure as the driven snow' to be Clergy. Pah! Spirit works in wonderous ways and uses our strengths as well as our weaknesses to teach not only others but us as well. Here's an example:

Witch Miriam (let's call her...) has had a rough time in the past getting a handle on her abuse of alcohol (or other substance...). While she has certainly worked hard and has attended support groups regularly the siren call of the drink has remained her constant companion. However, she has not picked up the bottle--so to speak. Miriam feels that she has not been strong enough or deligent enough because the desire to drink ( or use) has not gone away. Spirt however, moves differently....

When Witch Miriam dedicates herself to becoming Clergy guess what 'issues' and people keep cropping up and popping up at her front door? Yup-- substance abuse issues. Spirit is congratulating Miriam on her strength and dedication in removing a harmful substance from her life by sending her those who are struggeling with the same issue. She is in a unique wayto help and Spirit set up the situations not only that she may help but that she may BE helped as well--all is connected.

We all have our 'issues'--We want each of members to look these square in the face and use them to help others--be it substance abuse, divorce, unruly children, a death in family, etc. Life is Life, its how its lived that makes all the difference. Our Members choose to live pro-actively and with positive intention.

This is what it means to Be In Service. This is what it means to be clergy. This is what Spirit Flame Teaches.

Will you heed The Call?