A series of articles on covens...Article One: The Coven Court
© Christy Huelsenbeck
In the Noletirian tradition, we utilize the 'Court' of the Coven. This consists of an Outer Court and Inner Court.
The Outer Court consists of those who are learning our ways. That includes any person who comes to classes, but wishes to remain a solitary practitioner and all apprentices seeking initiation. Members of the Outer Court are restriced from attending certain coven functions and cannot vote in any coven matter.
The Inner Court consists of all those who are members of the coven. First, Second and Third degree are all members of the Inner Court. Inner Court has complete privledges and responsibilities of membership and may attend all coven functions. The exception to this is as follows: To attend an initiation of the Second or Third degree you must already attain that degree.
The Counsel of Elders is comprised of initiates holding the rank of Third degree, elevated to this position by the High Priestess, High Priest and voted upon by the other elder members. This is also a part of the Inner Court and access to meetings are restricted to those attaining that rank.
The coven is led by the High Priestess and the High Priest. Each are equal in rank and have various functions within it.
The High Pirestess will chose a Maiden to be her 'Second in Command'. The Maiden will perform acts as called upon by the High Priestess. She will also be responsible for all altar preparation and assignment of duties to ther coven members, as specified by the High Priestess.
The High Priest will chose a Thane to be his 'Second in Command'. The Thane will perform acts as called upon by the High Priest. He shall maintain the security of the coven and it's rites. He will also be responsible for all correspondance between local covens and groups as specified by the High Priestes.
The High Priestess and High Priest shall elect a Scribe to keep official documents of the coven, as well as rituals, member profiles and all other functions as described by the leaders. The Scribe must maintain a rank of Third Degree and sit on the Counsel of Elders, to be able to perform those duties completely.
This is the system we utilize and recommend to anyone who is forming a coven in the Noletirian tradition. Of course, all knowledge must be tempered with wisdom and all covens must decide what works best for themselves.
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