The O.O.O. Mission Statement      

 

 

To practice modern and ancient forms of witchcraft and Magick as a spiritual Path, for the good of the members and the general well being of all.

***The Coven Structure***

 

  1. The Coven is an eclectic closed circle, that on occasion holds open circles especially for very interested parties (by invitation only). At the open circle only standard and well-known rites/magic will be displayed. All other rites are for the closed circle of coven members, which will meet privately. 

 2. No fees are required.   

  3. Any member is free to leave at any time without fear of reprisals; we only ask that members are discreet once left the coven.

 4.    Ideally members are to be over the age of 18, however with parental knowledge minors may attend. Ages 16 to 18, later this age range may form their own groups.

 5. Each new member allotted a mentor to help with studies/vouch for them.

 6. There are no punishments for mistakes in ritual. 

7. The Coven is a non-compulsory skyclad coven; appropriate ritual dress is desirable.   

8. Coven is a degreed coven, incorporating 3 degrees of learning to aim for.  The year and a day rule applies in most case's (but this may be flexible depending on each individual case.) After the first year and a day a simple dedication ritual if the student is ready. Members are awarded degrees when elders agree they are ready.  The award is for level of study and not necessarily Magick competence. Verbal test on degree material qualifies one for degree consideration.

  9. The coven accepts members from other Traditions. However, not necessarily straight into the same degree. Although members with past experience will be moved through the degrees much quicker. 

10.   Structure - The coven has at least a High Priestess, High Priest, A Maiden, A Fetch. These roles are not fixed and each should serve a term. : The HP and HPS direct ritual; the maiden is assistant to the HPS who covers ritual participation.  The fetch (or "puck”) contacts people, organizes moots and acts as messenger for the coven. Fetch is also HPS assistant as is the maiden. And deals with other coven contacts and public. A scribe looks after the coven Book of Shadows, teaching material and reading lists. This role may be split up amongst the members; other roles may be devised as time goes on.

 11.  Coven decisions are taken democratically by the consensus.  Although HP/HPS and elders have final say.

 12. The coven does practice Magick as a group normally, but members may also work as solitaries. When working Magick it is to be explained by the requestor to the rest of the coven what the situation is and why Magick must be done. 

 13. The coven exists for spiritual and friendship purposes.  Any deliberate and constant harassment of anyone by anyone else (including HP and HPS) and anyone who deliberately causes discord will be reprimanded and possibly banished. 

  14. Conflict - When a disagreement or personality clash exists, the matter maybe discussed in private with the HP/HPS or in front of the coven.  Both members will be cautioned to "get along", the aggressor may find himself or herself banished from the group if matters continue. A "talking stick" approach is recommended. 

 15. Coven may have connections with other groups like Pagan Federation or moots, although our members do not have to be members of the PF. 

  16. The measure is given back to the initiate after 1st degree initiation.

  17. New members before initiation decide/given a working circle name followed by –Ori. This signifies being a current member of the OOO  (under review now).

  18. Female and Male members have equal status within the group. 

 19. If one member attacks another member (magically or physically) - this is a serious affair and will be reprimanded. 

  20. The coven will practice handfastings, wiccanings and requiems.

 21. Coven rules will be updated as new situations arise, decisions are taken democratically by the consensus.  Although HP/HPS and elders have final say.

 

The Pact...?  For everyone's protection we agree to these basic rules:

All new members to agree to and understand following points verbally at or before dedication:   

   1. The Coven expects members to abide by the OOO Wiccan Rede.  Works of evil Magicks are forbidden on ethical grounds.  As a warning, evil Magick is usually more harmful to the caster. 

   2. Names, addresses and identity of people within the coven not to be revealed to the general public without permission.  Doing so will result in banishment.  The reason for the secrecy in the modern world is to protect the people, their careers and life outside coven affairs from fanatical parties. 

   3. Works of Magick and secret coven information not to be disclosed to the general public.  One may talk about the Coven in General terms with other known witches (but no specifics).  Avoid telling every one of your activities for your own protection, only those you trust.  Constant gossiping about the coven outside of the coven will result in banishment. 

   4. It is not permitted to smoke within the circle.  Wine is to be drunk, but for those who do not wish to drink wine, appropriate fruit juice will be provided. 

   5. The candidate must appear interested, serious and responsible within reason.  Regular miss-attendance will result in banishing with the assumption the person does not want to return. 

   6. Members expected to contribute to coven expenses (minimal). 

  7. Members expected to study and practice material outside of the coven.  In order for each witch to be effective within the circle. 

  8. New members are to be informally interviewed and all members of the coven must meet and accept them as a member. 

   9. New members to be familiar with basic Wiccan theology and have an open mind about the OOO. 

   10. New members are not to be discriminated against by age, race, gender or disability. 

  11. Bringing the coven into disrepute will lead to banishing. 

  12. Members have freedom of choice, conscience, belief, lifestyle, and sexuality.  The coven does not exist to indoctrinate, manipulate or control anyone.  Members can be allowed to be in other covens, religions and magical organizations, where there’s no conflict of interests. (Note item 3 above).

   13. Everyone has the right to not participate in certain rituals if they do not wish.  Although dedication and initiations into the order, are compulsory. 

   14. Anyone convicted of serious crime or civil offence will be banished. 

   15. Members are not asked to do anything, which goes against their conscience.