Pentacle The Holy Temple of Witchcraft Pentacle

Temple By-Laws

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  1. Statement of Purpose
    1. Our purposes are to:
      1. Live in a manner which honors the Lady and the Lord.
      2. Explore and practice the beliefs and traditions of Witchcraft;
      3. Support one another within the Temple in our healing, growth, and aspirations;
      4. Hold religious rituals on the Sabbats and Esbats, and other special occasions, in order to celebrate the seasons, work Magick, recognize rites of passage, and honor the Lady and Lord;
      5. Honor the Earth and all Her creatures as sacred, and work to heal and protect the environment within our community, throughout our nation, and accross the world;
      6. Teach our beliefs and traditional skills to Members and Students; and
      7. Where appropriate, to educate the general public about Witchcraft.
    2. Committment:
      1. All Members of this Temple must have fully committed themselves to this purpose in their beliefs, their activities, and their lives.
  2. Membership
    1. Qualifications: Membership shall be offered to individuals upon recommendation of the High Priestess, and consensus of all High Council Members of the Temple. No person shall be denied access to membership on the basis of gender, race, ethnic background, sexual preference, disability, or age.
    2. Degrees of Participation and Membership: Participants in the programs sponsored by this Temple may include the following:
      1. Guests: Interested parties who may attend all "Open" Temple activities, and Temple-only activities in the company of an Initiate, with the consent of the Council.
      2. Congregants: Persons who are taking our "Witchcraft 101 Lessons" and participate in and support the "Open" activities of the Temple.
          3. Membership in the Temple itself shall be limited to:
        1. Dedicates: Persons who have dedicated themselves to study the path of Witchcraft and who, with the approval of the High Priestess and High Council, are following the prescribed course of study in this Temple. After one year and a day of participation, a Dedicate may be asked to state his/her intention to qualify for initiation as a Witch or to withdraw from the Temple.
        2. First Degree Initiates: Persons who have been active in the Craft, AND in this Temple, for at least a year and a day, and have met all requirements for initiation as defined by the Temple High Council; and have been recommended by the High Priestess, and approved by a consensus of High Council.
        3. Second Degree Initiates: Persons who have been active in the Craft, AND this Temple, for at least two years and two days, and have met all requirements for Second Degree status as defined by the Temple High Council; and have been recommended by the High Priestess, and approved by a consensus of High Council.
        4. Third Degree Initiates: Persons who have obtained Second Degree status, have demonstrated proficiency in ritual design and leadership, teaching, counseling, group process and administration; have met all requirements for Third Degree status as defined by theHigh Priestess; and have been approved by the High Priestess.
    3. Additional Titles of Recognition: the titles "Mistress of Arts" or "Master of Arts" shall be granted by this Temple in recognition of special achievement. Initiates who have obtained proficiency in the appropriate field and have been approved by the High Council may be designated Mistress or Master of:
      1. Divinatory Arts (general, or specializing in Tarot, astrology, scrying, I Ching, lithomancy, dreamcraft, radiesthesia, etc.)
      2. Herbalism (for healing, amulets/talismans, incenses, oils, etc.)
      3. Healing Arts (specializing in herbal healing, nutrition, energy work, aromatherapy, flower remedies, psychic healing, rebirthing, color therapy, music therapy, stones, or other healing modality)
      4. Familiar Arts (animal Magick, totems, shapeshifting, etc.)
      5. Talismanic Arts (creating amulets and talismans)
      6. Ritual Toolcraft (the crafting of ritual tools in metal, wood, etc.)
      7. Psychic Skills (specializing in astral travel, telepathy, telempathy, clairvoyance, clairsentince, clairaudience, psychometry, etc.)
      8. Incantation (words of power, charms, chants, mantras)
      9. Fascination (trancework, meditation, hypnosis)
      10. Bardic Arts (music, storytelling, drama)

        11. Additional titles may be created by the High Priestess as desired.
    4. Membership Status: A person's membership or participation may be curtailed, suspended, or terminated by decision of the High Priestess and High Council, either for lack of attendance and/or participation, or violation of the laws and rules.
  3. Administration and Operation
    1. Temple Council: This body will be split into three sections; Council, High Council, and Peer Council. These bodies shall handle the ordinary business of the Temple.
      1. Council
        1. Membership: The Council shall consist of all full fledge Temple Members.
        2. Council Scope: The Council shall discuss all matters of:
          1. Program planning and activities.
        3. Facilitation: The High Priestess shall ordinarily chair meetings of the Council. Where she is absent, or chooses to delegate this responsibility, the High Priest (or next in charge) shall chair the meeting.
        4. Method of Operation: The Temple Council shall make decisions by consensus. When consensus cannot be reached, the Council may refer the decision to the High Priestess, who shall consider all that has been discussed and make the decision. The High Priestess has final say in all matters, and may override a Council decision if needed.
        5. Meetings: The Council shall meet once a month on a regular basis, or as called by an Initiate.
        6. Quorum: A quorum for the Council shall be the High Priestess and three-quarters of the active Temple Membership must be present.
      2. High Council
        1. Membership: The High Council shall consist of all Temple Office Holders.
        2. High Council Scope: The High Council shall discuss all matters of:
          1. Dedication, initiation, and membership generally;
          2. Finance and budget; and
          3. Outreach, networking, and affiliations.
        3. Facilitation: The High Priestess shall ordinarily chair meetings of the High Council. Where she is absent, or chooses to delegate this responsibility, the High Priest (or next in charge) shall chair the meeting.
        4. Method of Operation: The Temple High Council shall make decisions by consensus. When consensus cannot be reached, the High Council may refer the decision to the High Priestess, who shall consider all that has been discussed and make the decision. The High Priestess has final say in all matters, and may override a High Council decision if needed.
        5. Meetings: The High Council shall meet once a month on a regular basis, or as called by an Initiate.
        6. Quorum: A quorum for the High Council shall be the High Priestess and three-quarters of the Temple Office Holders must be present.
      3. Peer Council
        1. Membership: The Peer Council shall consist of the five Temple Members elected to serve on the Peer Council.
        2. Peer Council Scope: The Peer Council shall discuss all matters of:
          1. Conflict resolution between all Temple Members and Students.
        3. Facilitation: The High Priestess shall ordinarily chair meetings of the High Council. Where she is absent, or chooses to delegate this responsibility, the Chairman of the Peer Council shall chair the meeting.
        4. Method of Operation: The Peer Council shall make decisions by consensus. When consensus cannot be reached, the Peer Council may refer the decision to the High Priestess, who shall consider all that has been discussed and make the decision. The High Priestess has final say in all matters, and may override a Peer Council decision if needed.
        5. Meetings: The Peer Council shall meet once a month on a regular basis, or as called by an Initiate.
        6. Quorum: A quorum for the Peer Council shall be the High Priestess and four out of five of the Peer Council Officers must be present.
    2. Offices and Duties: Because some Temples may have as little as 3 members, Temple Members may hold more than one office. The High Priest (if applicable), the Maiden, and the Summoner will be appointed by the High Priestess, and the term of Office will be until the High Priestess appoints another person. Any other Office except for temporary Offices will be voted upon by Council, with the term being the length of one year. The elections will be held two weeks prior to the ending of the terms. The following offices shall be filled by the High Priestess and the High Council whenever a vacancy occurs.
      1. High Priestess: Chairs the Temple Council and High Council; works with the Training Coordinator to coordinate the Teaching Program; provides counseling as necessary; leads the rituals or provides the resources for those doing so; supervises the work of other officers; directs the initiation of candidates to the priesthood; supervises the work for candidates for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Degree status; represents the Craft to the Temple and public; enhances the inner strength and harmony of the Temple; provides overall guidance to the work of the Temple; exercises final authority regarding ritual, initiation, ordination, all other religious matters, and all Temple decisions.
      2. High Priest: Chairs the Temple Council and High Council in the absence of the High Priestess; helps to lead the rituals or provide resources to those doing so; assists in supervising the work of other officers; leads in the defense of the Temple where worldly dangers threaten it; supports and encourages the High Priestess in the performance of her duties; if there is no High Priest in the Temple, these duties will fall upon the Summoner.
      3. Maiden: Assists the High Priestess with rituals and her other responsibilities; assumes the duties of the High Priestess in her absence.
      4. Summoner: Assists the High Priest with rituals and his other responsibilities; assumes the duties of the High Priest in his absence; if the Temple has no High Priest, the Summoner takes his responsibilities; also, if a Temple has no High Priest, the Summoner may be male OR female. If there is a High Priest, the Summoner MUST be male.
      5. Scribe: Keeps minutes of Council, High Council, and Peer Council Meetings; handles correspondence as requested; keeps records of Temple projects, rituals, and activities; collects songs and chants; collects lore and legends; preserves and passes on the old lore, Temple history, and traditions; keeps an inventory of all printed or audio materials owned by the Temple; cares for the materials, keeping them safe and organized, and repairing bindings, etc. as needed; assists Temple Members to find appropriate information and resources for their Craft work; keeps track of materials, checking them in and out to Temple Members; recommends new materials for acquisition by the Temple; creates and maintains recommended reading lists on various relevant topics.
      6. Pursewarden: Collects money; keeps accounts; makes purchases for the Temple and it's programs, or reimburses others for authorized purchases; makes sure all Temple money spent and received is handled properly; coordinates fundraising projects; keeps files and records related to the Temple's legal status; prepares a monthly statement to submit to the High Priestess.
      7. Herald: Notifies Temple Members of meetings and other important information; keeps a contact list for mailings or phone calls and notifies Temple Members/Students and Congregants/Area Pagans of events and activities; maintains working relationships with local newspapers, radio, and television station staff; creates and distributes news releases, "Temple News" updates and public service announcements to the area media and possibly to the internet; participates in occassional interviews with the media or makes arrangements for other Temple leaders to do so; creates flyers, posters, or banners for open Temple events; edits the Temple newsletter, if there is one, and maintains the mailing list. Note that the whole Temple can help with folding, addressing, stamping, and other tasks if the newsletter goes to a large readership.
      8. Training Coordinator: Gets to know each of the new Students or Dedicates; have an idea of the progress Students or Dedicates making and what their special needs are; keeps written records as to who has taken what training and to help arrange make-up work if a Dedicate misses a class or a workshop; works with the Archivist and others in creating and updating recommended/required reading lists, and getting the books stocked in the Temple library; encourages the Dedicates to do the necessary reading; makes recommendations for improving the Temple Training System.
      9. Guide: Meets regularly with the young people of the Temple, encouraging their input and responsibility for their own programs whenever fashionable; finds and mobilizes the resources necessary for the youth program to succeed, including but not limited to the energies of parents; facilitates the growth of the young people in the Spirit of Witchcraft ethics and ideals; makes sure that appropriate standards of conduct and safety are enforced at youth events; obtains and files signed permission slips from both parents or guardians of participating youth; works with the High Priestess and High Council to integrate youth activities into the overall Temple program, and the Summoner to keep Temple Members informed of youth plans and needs.
      10. Ritual Leaders, Project Leaders, and Trip Leaders: Coordinate design, logistics, and implementation of Temple events. These positions are vacated at the conclusion of each event. A team may share responsibility for any given event.
      11. Additional Offices may be created by the High Priestess as she deems necessary.
      12. Additonal, temporary Offices may be created by the High Priestess and High Council as they deem necessary.
        1. Who is Eligible to Run for Temple Offices: Only those Members who live close enough to attend "Physical" Temple gatherings, and are the rank of Dedicate or higher are eligible to run for Temple Offices, except for the Peer Council. Anyone can run for Peer Council.
        2. Temple Office Terms: Regular Temple Office Terms will last for one calendar year. (Nov 1st-Oct 31st). Peer Council terms will last for six months. (Nov 1st-Apr 30th, May 1st-Oct 31st)
        3. Temple Office's Elections
          1. Regular Temple Offices: (The Offices of High Priest, Maiden, and Summoner are not elected!) Three weeks before the start of the next Regular Temple Office term, High Council will talk to each eligible Temple Member to have them think about if they would like to run for a Regular Temple Office, and which one(s) they are interested in running for. Two weeks before the start of the new Regular Temple Office term, the High Council will talk to these eligible Members and get an election ballot drawn up, along with posting the possibilities on the Temple Forum. One week before the start of the new Reguler Temple Office term, election ballots will be posted on the Temple Forum for ALL Temple Members to vote on. Election winners will be announced the night before the start of the new term.
            1. Other: Temple Members are allowed to hold more than one Regular Temple Office, especially if there are not enough eligible Temple Members to cover all Regular Temple Offices. If there have been no new Members become eligible to hold Regular Temple Office since the prior election, and current Regular Temple Office Holders AND all Temple Members agree, the next election will not be held and prior Regular Temple Office Holders will keep their Offices.
          2. Peer Council Offices: Three weeks before the start of the next Peer Council term, a "Possible Nominations" list will be opened on the Temple Forum. Temple Members and Students that would like to serve on the next Peer Council term can place their names on this list so that they can be considered for nomination. Two weeks before the start of the next Peer Council term, a "Nominations" list will be opened on the Temple Forum for Temple Members and Students to nominate who they would like to see run for the Peer Council election. Members and Students cannot nominate themselves, and they can only nominate other Temple Members and Students who have placed their names on the "Possible Nominations" list. One week before the start of the next Peer Council term, election ballots will be posted on the Temple Forum for ALL Temple Members to vote on. Election winners will be announced the night before the start of the new term.
            1. Other: There will be five Temple Members and Students elected to the Peer Council each term. No Temple Member or Student may hold Peer Council Office for more than one term each Temple year, unless there are not enough nominations for the next Peer Council term to make five Members.
  4. Meeting Schedule
    1. Rituals
      1. Full Moon Esbats shall normally be held on the evening of the Full Moon.
      2. Sabbats will be held on the weekend before the date the Sabbat falls on, unless the Sabbat falls on a weekend. Friday will be the Temple's "Open" Sabbat Ritual, if there is to be one. Saturday will be the Temple's "Physical" Sabbat Ritual. Sunday will be the Temple's "Online" Sabbat Ritual. Except Samhain shall always be celebrated on the night of October 31st.
      3. Once scheduled, a date shall not be changed unless two or more Members request it, AND only if the entire membership can attend on the proposed alternative date.
      4. During clement weather, rituals shall normally be held outdoors at a site established by the High Priestess. During inclement weather, rituals shall normally be held in the Temple homestead, at other members' homes, or in a public place selected by the High Priestess.
    2. Classes
      1. Introductory seminars and other classes open to the public shall be offered at such times and places as the High Priestess decides.
      2. Classes for Dedicates and Members shall be held on a schedule determined by the High Priestess.
      3. The curricula shall be established by the High Priestess and High Council.
      4. Special classes which are part of an M.A. or ordination program shall be arranged according to the needs of those involved.
      5. Classes shall be held on the Temple website. If a class is scheduled to be done "in-person", the location will be decided by the High Priestess.
      6. There will be a non-refundable $10 charge to sign up for our Witchcraft 101 Lessons. If a Student is un-enrolled due to lack of attendance, there will be a $5 fee to be re-enrolled, and a Student will only be allowed to do this once. No fees shall be charged to our Temple Members and Students for other classes that are part of the regular curriculum of our Temple. For any classes/workshops open to the public, the cost will be set at a reasonable price to help cover location, supplies, etc.
    3. Field trips and special events shall be held at such times and places as the High Priestess and High Council decides.
  5. Attendance
    1. Full Moon Esbats shall be open only to Initiates. (1st Degree or Higher)
    2. Sabbats shall be open only to Dedicates, initiates, and approved guests. The High Priestess and High Council may schedule a second, open to public, celebration on or near selected Sabbats.
    3. Classes shall be designated open only to Dedicates and Initiates of this Temple, or open to all within the community, by the High Priestess.
    4. Dedicates and Initiates are expected to participate in Esbats, Sabbats, Council Meetings, Temple Meetings, and classes. If any attends fewer than 75% of these events, their status shall be subject to review by the High Priestess and High Council. Second and Third Degree Initiates are excused from the 75% rule ONLY in recognition of the work they are expected to perform for the wider Pagan community. (This 75% rule is for each seperate type of event. Members must attend 75% of the Sabbats, 75% of the Esbats, 75% of the Council Meetings, etc. This is not 75% for everything overall.)
  6. Finances
    1. Temple income shall include donations, profits from fundraising projects, and interest from banking accounts, if any, established by the High Priestess.
    2. The budget shall be established and disbursements approved by the High Priestess.
    3. The Pursewarden shall make a full monthly report of income and expenses to the High Priestess.
    4. All required forms and reports shall be filed with the state and federal governments to maintain the Temple's legal status.
    5. In the event that the Temple would have to close, all funds belonging to the Temple, after all Temple debts are paid, will be donated to another non-profit group of the High Priestess' choice.
  7. Privacy of Members
    1. The names, addresses, telephone numbers, and other information relating to individual Members shall be considered confidential and may not be disclosed to Non-Members without the permission of the individual involved.
    2. Disclosure of confidential information may, at the discretion of the High Priestess and High Council, be considered a violation of Temple laws and be grounds for expulsion from membership.
  8. Revising the By-Laws
    1. Any part of these By-laws may be amended by the decision of the High Priestess.

Signed: High Priestess Kiradikash
Signed: Entire High Council