Sophia Rising Tradition is now OPEN for applicants

DATE OF FIRST OPEN MEETING: July 5th at 10am at Sacred Space Studio

Remember that there are many reasons for people to be accepted and refused. You might think you are a good fit, when the coven as a whole disagrees. Do not take it personally, we are keeping your and our best interests at heart. The same is also true in reverse. The coven might think you would be the perfect addition, but if you do not feel comfortable for whatever reason, then trust your instincts. Now might not be the right time for you. This group might not be the one. If it is... welcome to an incredible new journey along your and our path.

There are two ways to join a coven of Sophia Rising Tradition (such as Coven of Momiji Moon).

1. By Invitation
2. By Application

 
By Invitation
Someone from the Inner Court of the coven has petitioned for your entry. The coven has discussed it and agreed to invite you. A formal invitation is given to you; your acceptance or refusal follows. If you accept, then you will start the Outer Court with a mentor.


By Application
Applicants must meet one of three criteria in order to apply. If not, then you must both impress us and prove yourself. Prove you have experience and knowledge. Work at earning a reference. Then apply. Applications will be accepted May through July, thus those completing the Outer Court process might be dedicated close to Samhain, the time of the annual dues. Possible requirements:

• Completion of Crescent Moon School's Level 2 program
• 5 years active study with proof/references
• 1 year full community attendance/involvement

Applicants must provide the following:

• Legal and magical name
• Date of birth (must be a legal adult to apply)
• Address, tel #, email address, and Facebook name (skype too if you have it)
• Proof of previous magical training & involvement
• 2 references from the community who can vouch for you and your experience
• reason for applying to this coven / tradition

If your application is accepted for consideration, you will be contacted for a meeting, unless the meeting is OPEN, then anyone may attend but must come with the above information.
If your application is refused, an explanation will be given.

After the meeting, a final notice will be given of acceptance into the Outer Court Process or a refusal with explanation.


Outer Court Process
The Outer Court process costs $25 ($20 to your mentor and $5 to the coven). With a mentor, complete the Outer Court lesson in 3-4 month's time. This includes the reading material for the lesson and the preparation and presentation of personal research. All coven esbats must be attended. And understand that completion does not guarantee dedication.

Introduction to Sophia Rising

From earth we rose like metal and stone,

Into air we breathed in the lessons and started to form,

Through fire we have been tried and challenged and forged like great blades,

Then dropped into the Cauldron of Rebirth to cool and be born anew

Under an ever-changing moon.[1]

Sophia Rising Tradition was born 2014 out of the ashes of Katana Moon when life changes occurred. Katana Moon was founded by Scarlet, Blade, and WinterWolf in 2012. Sophia Rising is the over-arching tradition that is non-denominational, focused first on Traditional Craft and the rise of wisdom and enlightenment of all members. It provides the framework or skeleton upon which each coven builds. It draws many of its roots from the Sacred Order of the Black Forest, through which its founders were forged for a number of years from dedication to third degree.[2] Each coven has its own focus of pantheon, path, and practices. For example: Momiji Moon is a syncretic praxis which combines Euro-Celtic folk religions, traditional Wicca and Witchcraft, and East Asian philosophies (Taoism, Shinto, Buddhism, and Zen).

This tradition holds an Outer, Middle and Inner Court system. The Outer Court consists of basic introductory information and experiences in coven work and lasts about three or four months. The Middle Court consists of foundation lessons and practices for the Dedicant and lasts a year and a day. The Inner Court consists of the traditional three degrees as seen in Gardnerian Wicca and Witchcraft.

Sophia Rising is dedicated to serving its community in the many and varied ways it can. As clergy of the various covens, we offer the design and performance of rituals to celebrate rites of passage: Wiccaning/Baby-Blessing, Coming of Age, Handfasting, Eldering/Croning and Crossing Over. We also offer assistance with workshops and seminars, guest lectures and discussion groups, as well as the performance of house/business/personal cleansings[3] and blessings. Although our practices are predominantly of Traditional Wicca and of Paganism, we will readily custom design a ritual to suit someone’s personal preferences and celebratory practice.

Clergy are not just ritual leaders, mentors or counselors. As clergy of Sophia Rising, we stand ready to work through healing, life challenges, protection, and many other aspects that rise as the needs of the community change. Some of us stand at the forefront while others of us provide the foundations, support network, and protective shields. We are all different people and serve our community best by serving with our own true nature.

Membership in each coven is through invitation or application. These are not open study groups. As our focus is clergy training and community service, we generally do not train individuals new to the Craft. We consider candidates who already have a strong background in Wicca and Paganism and who demonstrate interest in serving their community in some way.

The clergy training process is a commitment of several intensive years, and it involves a willingness for self-transformation. Sophia Rising covens meets for every full, dark and new waxing crescent Esbat, and once a month for lessons, readings and practices. It also meets every Sabbat proper to celebrate together. There is an annual retreat for all member of Sophia Rising Tradition. And, 3^rd Degree Initiates attend a personal retreat of self-care hosting by the other members of the Inner Court.

In Service,

With Honor & Love

Lady Scarlet

High Priestess of Momiji Moon

A Coven of Sophia Rising Tradition

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[1] “Transformation”, by T. Scarlet Jory, 2011

[2] Sacred Order of the Black Forest is also known as BFC (Black Forest Clan) or Tradition of the Black Forest.

[3] Cleansing here refers to the spiritual cleansing/purification process, banishing negativity.