The Holy Temple of Witchcraft

Temple Compact

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In order to foster a mutual understanding and promote the smooth running of our Temple, we who are members of the Temple now known as "The Holy Temple of Witchcraft" do, on this date, August 8th, 2005, create this compact. We consent to work and worship according to these rules, until such a time comes that the High Priestess & the High Council choose to ammend them. Because we cherish what we are building together, we further agree to swear our Sacred Oath to uphold this compact. This Oath is no less dear to us than the vows we make to the Lady and Lord of whom we are each a reflection...

Temple members will keep the secrecy of the Temple, the Craft, and of the Circle. Anything taught to you will be kept to yourself. You are to keep all information about fellow Temple members to yourself. And you must also keep our Circle and Ritual locations secret. You cannot tell any of the above information to anyone, not even your mate or spouse.

Learning and practicing of the Craft is a privilege for which people should not have to pay for, but as with any organization, there are operating expenses. There is a small cost for our Witchcraft 101 Lessons. Please see our Training Policies for the cost. We ask that all members of our Temple make a monthly "Temple Offering", if they are able. We do not specify an amount, and only ask Members to donate what they are able. We will use these funds to purchase ritual supplies such as candles and incense, rent meeting sites, purchase needed supplies for lessons, needed supplies for literature, etc.

Our Temple will follow an Eclectic path, allowing each member to choose how their Deities manifest unto them. We will observe all eight of the Sabbats, and the thirteen Full Moon Esbats. Anyone who wishes to apply to or join our Temple will be able to choose their own Path.

Temple Members will be expected to follow ritual dress guidelines. The only jewelry that will be permitted during Circle will be wedding bands and the initiatory necklace given to each member. During rituals, members will either be skyclad, have ritual robes on, or other clothing approved by or designated by the High Priestess. This dress will be decided upon ahead of time by the High Priestess. Certain circumstances such as weather, ritual, or ritual location is how the High Priestess will determine the dress.

The location of our rituals will not always be in the same place. Locations will be announced before each meeting.

The High Priestess and the Maiden will be responsible for the transporting of ritual items and set up. The Pursewarden will be responsible for the purchasing of ritual items after getting consent from the High Priestess.

Our Temple is a Heirarchial Temple with a Degree system. Only someone with a Third Degree can teach new comers.

The High Priestess will have the final say on all matters. Anything and everything related to the Temple will have the High Priestess' approval. The Herald will be the High Priestess' medium to the Temple. All matters must be brought before the High Priestess. The Herald will also be responsible for relaying messages from the High Priestess to all Temple members.

Other positions of Office in this Temple include the High Priest (if applicable), Maiden, Summoner, Scribe, Pursewarden, Herald, Training Coordinator, and Guide. Please see the Temple By-Laws for information regarding all Office Positions and their election processes.

Our Temple's Governing Body will be split into three seperate sections. The High Council will consist of the High Priestess and all Office Holders, and will meet once a month with the date being set by the High Priestess. The Council will be all Temple Members (rank of Dedicate or higher), and will meet once a month with the date being set by the High Priestess. The Peer Council will consist of those Temple Members and Students elected to serve, and will meet once a month with the date being set by the High Priestess. See the Temple By-Laws for information on which Council handles the different Temple affairs.

When a newcomer approaches the Temple to join, the newcomer will go through our Witchcraft 101 Lessons. Afterwards, the High Priestess and the High Council will go over the Student's Record. If the High Priestess and High Council decide the newcomer would be a good Temple Member Candidate, they will extend the newcomer an application for our 1st Degree Lessons. After the application is submitted, the High Priestess will hold an interview with the newcomer. After the interview, the High Priestess and High Council will make a final decision about letting the newcomer enroll in our 1st Degree Lessons. If the decision is yes, the newcomer will be assigned a teacher and their year and a day training will begin.

After the student's year and a day training AND when their teacher believes they are ready, the student will be brought before the High Council and tested. If the High Council believes the student is truly ready, the student will be prepared for their First Degree Initiation into the title of Witch. The student will then be asked if they wish to continue their training. If the student does not wish to continue on, they will remain as a Witch in our Temple. If they do wish to continue on, they will go through the application process for our 2nd Degree Lessons (which is the same application process as used for our 1st Degree Lessons). If accepted, they will continue learning for another year and a day.

After their second year and a day AND when their teacher agrees they are ready, the student will once again be brought before the High Council and tested. If the student passes, the student will be prepared for their Second Degree Initiation into the title of Priest/ess. The Student will then be asked if they wish to continue their training. If they do not wish to continue on, they will remain as a Priest/ess in the Temple. If they do wish to continue on, the Student will meet with the High Priestess, and the High Priestess will decide if the Student will be accepted into 3rd Degree Lessons. A member who has achieved a Second Degree can only be elevated to Third Degreee status by the High Priestess after they have received the appropriate training.

Our Temple will have an Outer and Inner Circle. The Outer Circle will consist of Congregants (Students in our Witchcraft 101 Lessons), newcomers, guests, and interested parties. The Inner Circle will include Dedicates, and Members with a First Degree or higher. The Inner Circle members of our Temple are expected to be present for all Sabbat and Esbat rituals, and must attend a minimum 75% of these events each year. The Outer Circle of members are only allowed to attend the "Open Temple" events and those rituals they are invited to. If a Temple Member is unable to attend a meeting or event, they will need to let the High Priestess know.

Any Magickal requests made by a Temple Member that is a reasonable request shall be granted. If an outsider asks for a Magickal request, the request will go before the Council and be voted upon. Also, for any spells to help or heal a person, there must be permission granted from that person or the spell will not be granted.

Conflicts between members should try to be resolved first by the parties involved. If the parties involved cannot reach a solution, they are to take the matter before the Peer Council. (Please see the Temple By-Laws for more information on the Peer Council). The decision of the Peer Council will be final. If the Peer Council cannot come up with a solution, the matter will be referred to the High Priestess. Once the High Priestess makes a decision on the matter, it is final.

There are no rules against dating other Temple Members. But if two member of the Temple decide to enter into a relationship, they need to let the High Priestess know.

There will be no form of gossip tolerated in the Circle, or out of the Circle.

There will be no toleration of racism, sexism, or sexual prejudice. Everyone is welcome to apply to our Temple no matter what race, religion, sex, color, ethnicity, sexual orientation, handicap, or background they may have.

No minor ages 16-18, will be allowed to join our Temple without a notarized letter of permission from BOTH parents (even if they are divorced) or guardians, and without the High Priestess meeting/talking to their parents or guardians. The ONLY exception to this rule is for the minor children of existing Temple Members. No minor under the age of 16 will be allowed to join our Temple, and there are NO acceptions to this rule!

No Temple Member shall "act" on behalf of the Temple for any political activity including any legislation matter. This is illegal for any Temple or Church to participate in. Any Temple member that claims they are representing the Temple in such matters will automatically be banned from the Temple and will not be allowed to come back.

Signed: High Priestess Kiradikash
Signed: Entire High Council