Path of the Seeker
Every person's spiritual path is a unique exploration of the plan
that the divine has for the individual. To assist in this process for seekers who
feel called to this particular path, Foxwood recognizes a hierarchical level of
development within this tradition. Although we do honor the levels of growth
and achievement among our membership, we do so with the knowledge that we are
all seekers and students no matter how long we travel on this path.
Introductory Student
Foxwood
provides an Introduction to the Old Religion class aimed at providing accurate
information on traditional witchcraft to interested seekers. This program incorporates
a series of classes designed to foster spiritual growth and self exploration.
This is not necessarily aimed at eventual initiation into Foxwood, and is
therefore open to any person who expresses a sincere desire to learn about
Foxwood's teachings about the Craft.
Before
becoming a student, a seeker should express interest in taking classes with
Foxwood. Generally, a student will go through an interview process, which
provides the seeker the opportunity to ask questions of one of the coordinators
and for the coordinator to get a feel for the seeker's goals for a path of
study. If both parties believe that study would be a beneficial experience, the
seeker will be informed about the date and time of the "Intro to
Intro" and "Laws and Ethics" classes. These two class sessions
are required before a student can participate in the remainder of the first
year's classes.
Class
dates, times, and duration are decided between the coordinators to best meet
the needs of the students. Each class is led by at least two coordinators. In
addition, classes may also have guest teachers from Foxwood's initiatory body.
Topics include, but are not limited to, Craft history and traditions,
wortcunning, divination, ritual practices and tools, and explorations of spiritual
philosophy and practices within traditional witchcraft.
For
information on how to contact Foxwood about upcoming classes, click here.
Dedicate
For
those who wish to continue their studies with Foxwood beyond the introductory
class, a student may petition to become a dedicate. A dedicate is an individual
who has successfully completed the initial eight- to twelve-month introductory
class of Foxwood' s teachings, attended at least one open ritual at Foxwood,
attained a guide from the initiate body, performed the Foxwood "Pilgrimage
to the Elements" rites, and been accepted through participation in the
dedication rite. Once these milestones have been accomplished, the student is
recognized as a dedicate and has the option to begin the next year of classes.
Initiate (First Degree)
For
those who decide to pursue initiation within Foxwood, the following steps are
required. An individual must have successfully completed the introductory student
and dedicate years of classes and all associated requirements, been accepted by
an initiate sponsor, petitioned the Elders for initiation, performed the
necessary rites in the initiatory process, and received a traditional
initiation into Foxwood. At such a time, an individual is a first-degree member
of Foxwood Temple.
Ongoing
classes and training opportunities are provided for the initiate members of
Foxwood. Foxwood provides a structured training for clergy for those initiate
members aspiring to higher service. These classes are often open to members of
other like traditions and Temples for the training of their clergy.
In
general, the time from introductory class through first degree initiation is no
less than two-and-a-half years. This process can be much longer or, in some
cases, may not result in initiation at all.
Priest(ess) (Second Degree)
Through
spiritual growth and development over many years, some first-degree initiates
may be called to the level of service of the second degree. An individual who
has received the second-degree elevation is a teacher and apprentice to the
Elders, recognized as clergy (associate ordination), and has taken the oaths of
service to the Old Religion, Foxwood and its students, and the community at
large.
High Priest(ess) (Third Degree)
Continuing
growth, development, and service throughout additional years may bring some
second-degree initiates to the level of service of the third degree. An
individual who has received the third-degree elevation at Foxwood is recognized
as a guide to all who receive teachings at or from Foxwood and/or traditional
initiatory witchcraft. This individual is a recognized fully ordained member of
clergy, and this level of commitment requires the most focus on service.
Elder
High
priests and high priestesses may be recognized as elders both in the line and
in the community at large as a result of their years of service and spiritual
acknowledgment through certain rites.
Founding Elder
As
the elder who was moved to plant the seeds for this particular tradition, Lord
Orion holds a special place within Foxwood as its Founding Elder.
* Main Page
* Who Are We? * What Is It? (What we believe)
* What Is Our Place In
It? (Contact Foxwood) *
* FAQ * Path
of the Seeker * L.
Circe *
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©2008 by FTOR. All rights reserved. For questions or feedback, please contact FTOR.