Ariadne's Essay Pages

To Wear the Crown, or the Horns-

Words on what it means to be a High Priest or Priestess.

by Lisa Morgenstern and Raina ap Dragcorum

These words are mine, followed by words belonging to another HPS I admire, one because I agree with both. In preparing this statement for publishing, I found it humbling, and also a reminder of what I need to be doing, and how I need to grow, and re-read such things so that I am reminded of my duties.

I've been thinking a lot lately about just what it means to wear the crown or [Lisa's editor's note; Crown is HPS, Horns are worn by High Priest] the horns. What do you all think are the rights and responsibilities of the leadership, not only for our own covens and our own traditions, but for the pagan/Wiccan community at large. Do we have any rights or responsibilities?

The duties of a High Priestess or Priest, are to lead their coven, to direct the energy raised, to train and teach those in their group who are learning, and to be the spiritual leaders of the group. As Wiccans and Witches, we believe in direct communion with our Gods, we invite them into our circle, to join us in celebration. This invitation, and the 'work' or spellwork we do, to help heal, or make lives easier for those who are needy, or wanting, is the work of a coven. We believe that we can change our lives for the better, through spellwork (prayer), and action on the material plane. We manifest for what we want, and we visualize it coming to us. This is what we teach to our students, along with any dogma or ceremonies that are specific to our tradition. Some witches have a special way that they call quarters, or call to their Gods. This may or may not be a secret part of their Tradition. By doing things the same, by praying together the same, the coven or group can create a good deal of positive energy to manifest for change. And that connection, or sameness, connects the members of a Tradition in many ways.

Learning how to teach your Tradition, is an integral part of my training, as is learning how to lead circles. A lot of people choose to work on their own, or "solitary". This can be someone who studied with a group, then left to be on their own, or someone who has always worked alone.

As far as being empowered, well, we do not believe that we need a Priesthood to intercede with our Gods for us. So, in a way, all Witches and or Wiccans believe in interacting with the Divine themselves. However, there are always those who want or need guidance, who will come and ask for such. A lot of people come into the store looking for said guidance. So in a way, the people who volunteer at the store, do more than just sell products, they also help advise people on a spiritual level, if they ask for said assistance. There is a division of belief on this subject. There are some who say we have no Laity, because we are all our own Priests and Priestesses. Then again, there are others who will say that the Priests and Priestesses have a duty to the non Initiated, or the people who are new to the path. I'm sort of middle of the road on this issue. If asked for help, I will give it... and sometimes, if not asked. But mainly, I prefer to offer assistance if it is asked for, and needed, and I try to respect people's rights to help themselves.

When someone comes into the store where I volunteer my time working, asking for help, rather than work a spell for them (which we will sometimes do gladly and free of charge, btw), we prefer to give them the tools to work for themselves. It can sometimes be a huge ethical dilemna. People may ask for spells to cause harm to another person in some way, such as a love spell for a specific person (which is a no-no for us- we don't do that) or something to hurt someone else. We won't do that, nor will we advise on how. We recommend personal growth and personal responsibilty over manipulative magic. We believe in helping the person to love themselves, by working on themselves, to help them to get what they desire or need.

The community out here, has done a lot of things to help people. We pull together and support one another when one of us is in need. People come for help to our local metaphysical store, and are given direction in the mundane world where to find help, or helped in other ways. We have done some clothing and toy drives for local charities, and when a family locally had their house burn down, and lost everything about two years ago, our community came through with furniture, clothing, all sorts of items for the family. We took the extras to the Domestic Violence Council, Valley Oasis.

When we hold our Pagan Pride Day in September, we will be doing a drive for food for a local food bank as well as a possible clothing drive. The store has participated in a coat Drive at Christmas time, and toys for tots, and the owner will tell you that one year our local store collected more coats than just about anywhere else on the Blvd.

Now, I will say that there are many Traditional Wiccans who feel that they do not owe any service to the community, nor is it a part of their beliefs that they need to serve anyone other than the Gods... but I feel by doing what I do, I am serving the Gods. But, to each their own...

Words from Raina

Well, to quote another hometown boy, "The Buck Stops Here". As leaders, we are the ones who make the rules. We are the ones who are responsible for the spiritual leadership of those down our lines. We must lead wisely, not only in word, but also in deed, for our every action will be studied by others, and either criticized or emulated. As such, we must strive to become in our hearts the Purest Essence of God and Goddess. For we are Their emissaries on this plane. We speak for Them to those who cannot hear. We act for Them to help those who cannot help themselves. We are the protectors of Their Earthly home and children.

We must present ourselves to those outside the faith as calm, thoughtful and caring people, since most outsiders come complete with prejudice and fear. We as individuals will most likely be the yardstick against which all of our faith are measured. This is not always fair or accurate, but when we choose to reveal ourselves, it must be with the knowledge that we suddenly become Every Witch, so we must be cognizant of that fact so that the impressions we leave with others is a good one. Within the Craft, we also are evaluated based on our Traditions. Lest we wish to make a bad name for all of a tradition, we must be the better people in gatherings. Those who pitch in, who volunteer, who offer to help and comfort those in need. Those who seek to quell confrontation rather than encourage it.

Yet, we must stand strong and steadfast. Sometimes we must be an oak and be sturdy and unmovable. Sometimes we must be a willow, flexible enough to bend and weather a storm. But we should never compromise our standards, our beliefs or our selves to gain the favor of others. If we live our lives as though we had the legion of Old Ones at our sides watching us, we wouldn't have to worry about whether we were doing the right thing or not. I awake every day knowing that the path I walk that day has been set since before time started. I don't worry about what will happen, or how I need to think about each step because I know the Goddess is in me and will lead my actions in ways that honor Her. I count on hearing the Voice to remind me of my responsibilities, which are actually very simple.

I live my life as if it were an open book. I don't want anyone to read my life story and think that I was selfish, greedy, rude or incapable of compassion. I want to leave each place I visit a little better than I found it. I want to pass from this incarnation and have people feel a little richer for having known me. I want to touch someone's life every day in a positive way and make someone feel special, even if it is just for one minute, one second in a day. To let someone else know that I acknowledged their existence too, and that they are not alone.

To gain respect we must earn it, and to earn it we must also give it. We must respect ourselves, our covenmates, our teachings, our fellow man, our homes and our planet. And those who can follow that path will cause that ripple that causes others to think before acting rashly. If we can serve as a good example to just one other person in our lives, then we have done our jobs as Priests and Priestesses.

Raina ap Dragcorum
Georgian High Priestess

Permission granted to post this elsewhere, as long as authors are credited.
© 2002, Lisa Morgenstern and Raina ap Dragcorum

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