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| The Realm System |
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Utilizing the Five Elements of our Religion, we allow members to advance through a series of levels in order for them to find their own belief system, practices and customs within the scope of Paganism. It is our different and separate beliefs that make up our Diversity and it was with this in mind that we developed our training method, The Realm System.
Many of our members asked if we could train them in the Craft of the Wise. We were very reluctant to do so, for we feared that this may cause us to unwittingly lead the seeker away from finding their own Spiritual Path. After much consideration, we were able to develop a training system which allowed members to learn and grow within their own Spiritual Path and yet still train them to be productive members of the church. If possible, we ask the new member to choose another member to be their "sponsor". The "sponsor" is merely someone who has been through various levels of the Realm System and are able to monitor the progress of the trainee.
The Realm System is divided into five levels of advancement, each level being named after the Five Elements of our existence - Earth, Air, Fire, Water, Spirit. The first three Realms were designed to mirror the three common degrees found in the Wiccan Religion. Therefore, a First Realm graduate would equate to a First Degree in Wicca and so on. The Fourth Realm was developed as a training course for those members who wished to become legal clergy of Summerland Grove, while the Fifth Realm is for members who wish to become Elders of the Church. We tried to develop the system with a non-rigid format so that we would be able to incorporate the individual lessons each member requires.
Advancement through the Realm System is not a requirement of the church unless
the member is seeking Legal Ordination with Summerland Grove. It is simply
a training tool that some members requested while other members are happy training
within their own coven or group.
The Realm of Earth is the first level of advancement in our church. It is designed to allow a person to become an active member of the church with a general understanding of what Wicca and Paganism is about. During this time the member will be exposed to rituals, magic, ethics and history, as well as practices involved within our church.
The color for this Realm will be that of Green. Members of this Realm shall
be known as Seekers and may either be referred to as such or as First or Earth
Realm Members. This will be equivalent to a First Degree in an eclectic Wiccan
Coven.
The Second level of advancement is the Realm of Air. The actual training of the member begins in this phase and is focused on learning the many facets of our Religion. Here they can become well acquainted with Paganism and Wicca, developing a richer understanding of their diversity and hopefully themselves. It is in this Realm that each student learns of their own unique religious path.
The color for this Realm will be Yellow. Members of this Realm shall be known
as Students and may either be referred to as such or as Second or Air Realm
Members. This will be equivalent to a Second Degree in an eclectic Wiccan Coven.
The Realm of Fire is our third level of advancement and is intended to help the member find their own spiritual path, develop their own customs and practices, and identify with their own Deities as they see fit. It also tries to help foster a habit of networking with the larger Pagan Community.
The color for this Realm will be Red. Members of this Realm shall be known
as Dedicants and may either be referred to as such or as Third or Fire Realm
Members. This will be equivalent to a Third Degree in an eclectic Wiccan Coven.
By advancing to our Fourth level, the Realm of Water, the member is stating that they wish to train as a High Priest or High Priestess of their chosen path as well as that of the church. Their training here will hopefully help them succeed in the Priesthood and make them wonderful leaders for our community.
The color for this Realm will be Blue. Members of this Realm shall be known as a High Priest/ess and may either be referred to as such or as Fourth or Water Realm Members.This Realm is for Legal Clergy of the Church only.
The Fifth Realm or level of our training is not one to be entered into lightly and requires serious study. The Realm of Spirit is reserved for members of our Clergy and is a lifelong commitment, not only to the church, but to Paganism, the Old Gods, and the Pagan Community as a whole. By satisfying certain requirements, and undergoing serious training in both secular and religious studies, the member can become a lifetime Elder to the church. Our Clergy do not get paid, so there is no monetary reward for this service. Only the satisfaction of serving others in the Pagan Community, in the form of Clergy, is our reward.
The color for this Realm will be Black or White. Members of this Realm shall be known as an Elder and may either be referred to as such or as Fifth or Spirit Realm Members.
Each Realm System member will also be required to learn other lessons, depending on their individual needs and talents. Some have said that our Training system is far to simple to be of any good. We feel differently, because we have been through it. The lessons we learn do not stop at the Fifth Realm. Our lessons are lifelong. The Realm System is meant to be a stepping stone in order to begin our life lessons. Like a Black Belt in the Martial Arts, the Fifth Realm is not the end of your training...only the beginning.
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