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, 3rd
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
No comments:
Post a Comment