Membership

Membership is open to all regardless of race, sex or sexual orientation. We do require that dedicants and initiates be at least 18 years of age. Members must live in the State of Vermont or in close driving distance. We are not an internet based Coven. Coven of the Whispering Oak is not for profit and as such there are no membership fees. We are a drug free Coven. Any member found using elicit drugs during a Coven activity will be asked to leave immediately.

Each member of the coven will follow the below described process of advancement unless the Coven Council chooses to advance membership based on past training (must be proved satisfactorily prior to initiation)

DEDICANT: New members will participate in a Dedication Ritual. They will also be assigned to a Coven mentor to act as a point of contact during the dedicant period (Typically lasting a year and one day.) Dedicants are members of the Coven and are as such are invited to participate in any Coven activities. Dedicants do not have a vote with-in the Coven.

First Degree: After one year and one day of study, the dedicant can choose to seek initiation into the Coven. Some of the requirements for this are: Learning use of ritual tools, perform cleansing and blessing ceremony in your home, learn and follow the Wiccan Rede, start a BOS, serve as mentor for dedicants, and lead at least one esbat for the Coven. Upon full initiation into Whispering Oak, the first degree initiate will become a full voting member of the coven.

Second Degree: Following another Year and one day, the first degree student may seek initiation to Second Degree. Some requirements are: Continue to lead esbat and sabbat rituals as assigned my the HP or HPS, learn magical uses of additional tools, learn divination (tarot, runes etc.), learn basic counciling skills, serve as a mentor for first degree coveners, and assist in at least three rites of passage.

Third Degree: After another year and a day, the Second Degree covener may seek initiation into the Third Degree. Some requirements are: Design and lead at least one large community esbat ritual or festival, help organize and teach part of the Wicca 101 introductory classes, serving on the Coven Council, and mentoring at least one second degree Coven member.

Each initiated member of Coven of the Whispering Oak is encouraged to accept a job within the Coven (scribe, purse warden, Archivist, Summoner etc.) While serving in these roles a Coven member may ask the Coven Council to appoint a dedicant to assist in these jobs in an apprenticeship role.