PRE-DEDICANT

Pre-Dedicancy to Dedicant Candidate

The Pre-Dedicancy is the starting point for new Coveners unless they have been initiated in another Alexandrian Coven. A Pre-Dedicant is not considered an Initiate nor are they a member of the coven. In order to be offered the chance to become a Dedicant, the candidate must have attended six Esbats and three Sabbats with Synergy, must have attended coven classes, must have met with the HP/S and other coven members as requested, must have the support of significant others, must have a schedule which can accommodate the demands of training, and must be personally and spiritually ready to focus on training. In addition, candidates who join Synergy after receiving initiation in another Alexandrian coven will generally be expected to meet the requirements of a Synergy initiate before progressing in the Synergy system.

A candidate will NOT be accepted as a Pre-Dedicant if he/she:

• Is under 18 years old, unless parents are willing to meet with the HP/S and give full, written consent for training
• Has done little or no self-directed work to explore Wicca as a path
• Uses drugs or alcohol abusively, or is in the first year of recovery from substance abuse
• Is experiencing major problems with education, career, relationships, health, family
• Is primarily interested in forms of spirituality which are not part of Synergy’s practice
• Cannot work respectfully within a hierarchical system
• The HP/S thinks it is not a good match or is not the right time, or other coveners express strong reservations

If the HP/S decides that a prospective Pre-Dedicant is not a good match, she may decide to invite the candidate to open rituals or may help the candidate find open rituals elsewhere.

THE ROLE OF THE PRE-DEDICANT

Pre-Dedicants are not full members of the coven. They are seekers assessing the suitability of the Alexandrian tradition as practiced by Synergy for their personal spiritual path; they are also being evaluated by the HP/S to see if they fit properly within this tradition. As such, Pre-Dedicants will not be asked to pay dues and will not have a significant role in determining coven business such as membership or training policies.

GOALS OF PRE-DEDICANT TRAINING

To introduce the Pre-Dedicant to the basic content of the Alexandrian tradition, so that the Pre-Dedicant may make a fully informed decision as to whether to train for initiation, and so the HP/S can evaluate candidates’ suitability for this spiritual path. To introduce the Pre-Dedicant to Alexandrian literature, basic mythology and ceremonial magick, depending on the background of the Pre-Dedicant.

DUTIES OF THE PRE-DEDICANT

Attendance at all New Moon and Sabbat rituals , as well as coven classes (except in the case of emergency or by prior arrangement) until the beginning of Dedicancy or withdrawal to outer court. This requirement does not include initiations, elevations, Samhain or Provider Cycle rituals, which are open to Initiates only. Other arrangements may be made with the approval of the HP/S.

Participate in the Esbat.

Obtain a black robe to wear in Circle with a cord of any color except white, red, green or black.

Obtain and use a BOS/ magickal journal which can be reviewed by mentor. This book shall include a record of rituals attended, comments on readings, and class notes. The book may also be used as a more reflective journal at the Dedicant’s discretion.

Set up and use a personal altar.

Contribute food for coven gatherings.

Under the supervision of the HPS or Maiden, Pre-Dedicants may be asked to bring cakes, wine or flowers for rituals, set up and take down the Temple, Xerox rituals as necessary or perform other “manual labor” tasks for the coven.

If desired, choose a “magickal” name to be used in Circle and among the larger community.

Required Readings: The Dedicant should read each book, keep notes, and discuss each book with mentor. Substitutions may be made with the agreement of the HP/S.

Janet & Stuart Farrar’s
A Witch’s Bible Compleat
The Witches’ Goddess: Chapters 1-6, 10, 13-23, and the goddesses we invoke in Part III (Gaia, Artemis, Selene, Hecate, Persephone, Demeter, Aprodite, Hestia).
The Witches’ God : Chapters TBA.

Doreen Valiente’s Witchcraft for Tomorrow

Eden Gray’s A Complete Guide to the Tarot

C.J.M. Hopking’s The Practical Kabbalah Guidebook

Required Classes: To be given by the Elders as needed; material may also be covered with mentor. Classes will include the following and will generally have a practice component.
“Alexandrian Coven Historyand Structure”; “The Wheel of the Year”; “Wiccan Ethics and Civics”; “Gods by Whom We Swear”

Mentor: As a candidate approaches readiness to take the Dedicancy oath, he or she should select an Elder of the coven (post-second or above) to work with. The candidate and potential sponsor should meet privately to discuss their compatibility and should formally agree to work together. Prior to making the Dedicancy oath, the pre-Dedicant should also acquire a “working” athame; this doesn’t need to be one’s permanent tool at this stage and may be borrowed.

Proceed to the syllabus section for Dedicant.

blessings!