Becoming an Initiate of a Gardnerian Coven as a First-degree initiate, you are welcomed as a Witch and Priest/ess/X of the Wicca, where you will begin to undertake ritual practice and instruction to fulfill your calling and work with the Gods of our Tradition. Unlike any other system we do not believe that you need to sit amongst the congregation and be preached to, but stand upon your own two feet as an equal in the circle, to take your calling in your own hands and work the tradition, to enter the deeper mysteries and move forward onto the Second and Third Degree of the Tradition.
Before you become an Initiate, you must first embark on a period of work commonly called ‘A year and a day’; this however is anywhere between eight to eighteen months, depending on each individual’s progress and engagement of the work. During this period, you will be a Probation to Priesthood and begin work and study with us, this work is always undertaken on a one-to-one mentorship, so that we can tailor your journey to your level of experience, your personal learning style and your availability. Unlike many other covens that will run a basic ABC course, we allow you to engage in self-directed study under the mentorship of our covens High PriestX David.
The work you will begin with will allow you to explore the Gardnerian tradition, its philosophy and theology, its practical nature, and ultimately how you can begin to develop a relationship with the Divine in its many incarnations, manifestations, and avatars. This work is all centered around a very tangible practice of magical exercises, designed to strengthen your personal practice and self, in preparation to undergo the Initiation ritual and enter into the Coven.
The Probation period is 100% FREE, the Coven takes no money from probationers, however it must be noted that probationer’s financial responsibility is the burden of each probationer, this needs to be seen as an investment into yourself and your development as a member of the Danum Coven. Each probationer may incur a moderate or large financial cost personally, that you must be prepared for, this cost can be due to travel, food and accommodation for your experience, and into books and materials during your membership.
So if you want to take a step onto this path with us, and become the Priest/ess/X that you’ve been called to be, then get in contact and become a probationer with the Danum Coven.
What does Priesthood within the Gardnerian Tradition actually qualify me to do?
As a First-degree initiate you are recognized Witch and Priest/ess/X of the Wicca and as a member of the tradition. Upon becoming a member of the coven this is where you are giving instruction and training to develop and strengthen your relationship with the Divine and Gods of our Tradition. You begin the study of our Books of Shadows and participation in our rituals. This is the degree where you learn all core aspects of the tradition and learn within the support system of the coven.
The attainment of the First-degree however does not qualify you to be a Priest/ess/X outside of yourself or the Coven, this is achieved at your Second-degree which elevates you and acknowledges your work as an initiate. Where you begin work in helping others develop and take on more responsibility in our coven, or even potentially hive off and start your own coven, as a qualified Priest/ess/X of the Wicca. This degree shows you have mastered the techniques of the tradition and are capable of self-sustained practice of the tradition, as well as a deep understanding and relationship with the spirits of our tradition.
The Third degree, which is personal advancement and inner development to a deeper understanding of all aspects of the tradition. You are fully developed as an initiate and are now fully aware of the mysteries.