Klatch de Cerridwen: my tradition, your tradition

People are drawn to Wicca for a variety of reasons and they come from all walks of life. Wicca is a stepping stone to the pagan lifestyle and a way to remove one’s restrictions. It is a process of stepping out of one’s comfort zone and into self-realization, and through this process the practitioner finds personal growth.

Wicca in Star Sapphire Tradition is based, like many traditions, on rank and hierarchical structure and appropriate titles are used. Within Star Sapphire, there is a Seeker tier system, to Dedicator, 1st Degree, 2nd Degree and then 3rd to priesthood or chaplaincy. All Initiates follow these advances, all must advance to progress within the competence of each grade.

Dedicator: Symbolizes the exit of the uterus in the North (earth). A dedicator is a sorcerer who commits himself to the study and learning of witchcraft practices with the tradition of the Star for a year and a day. After the time period is up, they must decide whether this is their path or go off to find their true path; whatever the decision, it is respected.

This stage of development is like being in the womb, where it is dark and you are looking for your way. A dedicator has no title, no girdle and is referred to by his magical name (if he has chosen one).

First Degree: Indicated by a green cincture. 1st grade is a witch who has completed one year and one day training and is ready for 1st grade. The first grade is considered to be learning the lessons of the East. Like the sun that rises to illuminate a new day, all things are new, bright with life, and full of wonders. Only those who find Wicca to be their calling and dedicate themselves to improving knowledge within Star Sapphire will be initiated into this grade. A First Degree receives the title of “Sister or Brother.”

Second Degree: Indicated by a red cingulum. Once you are in second grade, it is believed that you are learning the lessons of the South. You are gaining wisdom, you are full of passion and like a phoenix you are reborn within yourself. A 2nd Grade earns the title of “Madam or Wizard.” Being a second grade is being able to teach the lessons of tradition and assist in the teaching of your coven. Also, it is at this level that a witch can choose to separate and start her coven from the grove or another path.

Third Degree: Indicated by a golden cincture. Once you are in 3rd Grade, you will have moved on to the West lessons. The sun is setting and has moved into the night where the world you thought you knew looks different. This is a contemplative time as you mature in your study. A 3rd Degree earns the title of “High Priestess or High Priest” and “Mistress or Lord.”

Wiccans generally meet monthly when the moon is full to honor the goddess who represents the feminine aspect of divinity. The Goddess cycle that occurs monthly is contrasted differently than the God cycle that takes a full solar year to complete. The God changes from boy to youth lover to Holy King eventually becoming his own Father. The eternal sacrifice that is reborn to a new life. The death of the grain in the harvest, or the deer in the wild hunt.

The Star Sapphire tradition was formed in New Westminster BC in 1991 by Lady Raven and Rowanoake, with the support of Lord Nightwing and Lady Wic, Sir Hillwalker, Sir Dwalin, and Bruce Martin (RIP). Sacred Moon Coven started in 2012 in the Okanagan Valley of BC Canada and Cerridwen Cauldron Coven, a training coven with Star Sapphire Tradition. Our lineage has its roots in Gardnerian and Alexandrian Wicca, the Horsa tradition, and the hereditary folk traditions of witchcraft. He draws heavily on roots of family tradition regarding polarity and balance of God / Goddess energies, although his heart draws more on Celtic roots and works in robes. It is a good balance between the different streams of Wicca and witchcraft and interested men are especially encouraged to participate as they may find it more suited to their needs than other Wiccan paths in BC.

As High Priestess of the Star, I was initiated into the third degree under Lady Morgana Spiers and Lord Lunar Wolf, who were the leader of the Star Sapphire (Western) Tradition, at that time. Star Sapphire Trad is for witches who wish to increase their knowledge of the ancient ways of Wicca / Witchcraft and follow their personal ways in a practical setting.