Post by jadedsage on Aug 10, 2004 14:02:15 GMT -5
by L. Lisa Lawrence (sacredoakcircle@wildcelticrose.net)
Introduction
Taibhsear is a living growing tradition that honors the Gods, Goddesses and Nature Spirits through: ritual, magick, healing, shamanic journey, study, divination and environmental awareness. It is highly individual in nature.
The word Taibhsear is Scot's Gaelic for "vision seer". We have chosen a word from Western tradition to describe a set of practices including, but not limited to: healing, journeying, and divination, rather than using the word "shaman".
We are not a Wiccan tradition in the purest sense of the word, as we do not claim lineage through Gerald Gardner.
History
The tradition was formalized in Puyallup Washington on Beltaine in 1999 by Maeve, Arianne, Brid and Manannan as a way for individuals following Shamanic, Faery and some solitary Witchcraft paths with an interest in Celtic lore to experience the benefits of group working and coven structure while still maintaining their unique practices and gifts. Although some of the tradition founders studied and worked in various paths and traditions for 15 years or more, we try not to take ourselves too seriously. We like to joke about being "an ancient and unbroken line since 1999."
Rather than seeking recognition from another tradition or person, the goddess Morrigane was drawn down by the High Priestess of Sacred Oak Circle and asked to bless the formation of the tradition and subsequent initiations. Since then, several groups have formed, and some practice as solitaries choosing to circle with others at the sabbats. At this time, the only teaching circles are in the Pacific Northwest.
Philosophy
We believe that all aspects of God, Goddess and the Shining Ones are representations of the one great energy in the universe. It is for this reason that we do not condone disrespect of other religious paths. We study and practice heavily in the Celtic pantheon but do not close our minds or hearts to others, as we are all of mixed heritage.
Our groups are diverse. Men and women share equally in service to the Gods and the Shining Ones. It is not necessary to have a "working partner" of the opposite sex. We feel that the divine feminine and masculine lives within each of us, and that we do not require another person to complete that which resides within us. We must learn to look into ourselves for that power. The "sacred marriage" is made between ourselves and the land. We do honor "fertility" in all its forms, creative, intellectual and spiritual. We leave the physical honoring of this to each individual in the privacy of his or her own homes/lives. We do not work sky clad. We're not prudes, we just don't feel that it's necessary and besides, it gets darn cold up here in the Pacific Northwest. It is our contention that the Gods and the Shining Ones don't care what we wear if we are sincere and respectful.
We honor the fey as the spirits and guardians of the land and as our originals. Any harm we bring to the earth or to others, we also bring on ourselves, and strive to act accordingly with this principle. In addition to spiritual work, Taibhsears are expected to actively work to heal the earth and her inhabitants. This can be as simple as establishing green practices at home, or as involved as volunteering for an environmental organization.
Role of Clergy
All High Priestesses and Priests are legally ordained clergy and perform the usual rites of passage and ceremonies. In addition to these legal roles, they are also required to have formal training in counseling and more important, to know when to refer a troubled covener for professional help.
The position of High Priestess or Priest does not denote authority or power, but rather responsibility, accountability and servitude. If someone forgets to do their ritual preparation, it is the responsibility of the High Priest or High Priestess to pick up the slack. High Priests and High Priestesses show up early, stay late, sweep and take out the trash. This position is marked by a bracelet woven of three metals which is worn at all times. This bracelet or "cuff" represents and reminds the wearer of the bondage of the oath they have taken.
Organization of Groups
Our tradition and covens have a designated High Priestess or Priest. Covens are peer groups, in which each member shares equally in leadership, teaching and ritual facilitation. The designation of High Priestess or Priest is to ensure accountability. In the event of a dispute the High Priestess or Priest steps in to settle the matter. If it is unlikely that this action will be sufficient, a council of at least three elders is called.
We do not work in a 1st, 2nd and 3rd degree system. Rather, we have a dedicant level, "Seeker", and three paths within the tradition, "Seer - Healer - Warrior". Once initiated a Taibhsear may choose to follow any one or all three of these paths.
Initiation is not achieved by the High Priestess or Priest passing power to the seeker, but rather by the seeker journeying inworld and calling upon his or her power and connection to the land, the ancestors, deity and the fey. When this has been accomplished, the inner circle welcomes the new Taibhsear and he or she will ritually blend their energies with that of the group, and take their formal oaths.
Taibhsear dedicants or "seekers" are required to study for a full turn of the wheel before applying for initiation to the inner circle. The course of study includes, but is not limited to: energy work, healing, divination, journeying, and Celtic Lore. There are books that are required reading, not because they are to be taken as fact or even as a representation of the Taibhsear tradition, but because they are a good jumping off point for discussion. Each student is expected to seek out and utilize several different research tools in the course of their study and to be prepared to discuss their findings with the rest of the group. Teaching is done in person only. We do not dispute the validity of one line or mail order teaching for some materials. We have found that our teaching method relies heavily on shared experiences and energy work which needs to be done in person.
Holidays
Taibhsears celebrate the wheel of the year by recognizing: Winter Solstice, Brigid, Spring Equinox, Beltaine, MidSummer, Lughnasadh, Autumn Equinox and Samhain. Specific legends or ritual reenactments are not limited to a specific holiday or date on the calendar, but are practiced when the shift in the seasons is felt.
Standards of Conduct
Taibhsears and seekers are expected to follow a code of ethics. Failure to follow this code will result in counseling and potential removal from the class or coven.
I WILL DO NO HARM TO MYSELF OR OTHERS
I WILL NOT ENTER A CIRCLE FALSELY
I WILL BE HONEST IN MY DEALINGS WITH OTHERS
I WILL NOT USE MY ABILITIES TO MANIPULATE OTHERS
I WILL NOT INFLUENCE ANYONE TO DO THAT WHICH IS ILLEGAL OR DISHONORABLE
I WILL BRING HEALING TO ALL WHO WISH IT
I WILL NOT ENGAGE IN PARANOIA, IDLE COMMUNITY GOSSIP OR 'WITCH WARS'
I WILL NOT ENGAGE IN REVENGE MAGICK
I WILL IN SOME WAY, WORK TO PROTECT AND HEAL THE EARTH AND HER INHABITANTS
I WILL RESPECT OTHER INDIVIDUALS, PATHS AND BELIEF SYSTEMS
I WILL NOT DISCUSS CIRCLE BUSINESS NOR REVEAL THE IDENTITY OF CIRCLE MEMBERS TO THOSE OUTSIDE OF THE CIRCLE
I KNOW THAT I AM RESPONSIBLE FOR MY ACTIONS, AND WILL HOLD MYSELF TO THE HIGHEST STANDARDS
Ways of Worship
To us, group ritual is a chance to share experiences and energy. The ritual structure is not rigid, nor is it the main purpose of the path. We do have some elements of ritual structure that are unique to our tradition, but the real work we do is inworld and highly individual.
When working in group, we use a neo-pagan style including calling directions and/or elements and the Goddess and God. Ritual roles are marked on stones and drawn from the cauldron, in effect, "letting the gods decide" who should invoke a particular energy for a ritual. We do not believe that energy is "good" or "bad" so we do not generally banish negative energy before casting a circle. Taibhsears are taught to work energy with their hands, mind and bodies. The use of ritual tools is optional and left up to the individual.
Reading and Other References
Our recommended reading list and other information is available on the mother coven's web site at www.wildcelticrose.net/sacredoakcircle
Introduction
Taibhsear is a living growing tradition that honors the Gods, Goddesses and Nature Spirits through: ritual, magick, healing, shamanic journey, study, divination and environmental awareness. It is highly individual in nature.
The word Taibhsear is Scot's Gaelic for "vision seer". We have chosen a word from Western tradition to describe a set of practices including, but not limited to: healing, journeying, and divination, rather than using the word "shaman".
We are not a Wiccan tradition in the purest sense of the word, as we do not claim lineage through Gerald Gardner.
History
The tradition was formalized in Puyallup Washington on Beltaine in 1999 by Maeve, Arianne, Brid and Manannan as a way for individuals following Shamanic, Faery and some solitary Witchcraft paths with an interest in Celtic lore to experience the benefits of group working and coven structure while still maintaining their unique practices and gifts. Although some of the tradition founders studied and worked in various paths and traditions for 15 years or more, we try not to take ourselves too seriously. We like to joke about being "an ancient and unbroken line since 1999."
Rather than seeking recognition from another tradition or person, the goddess Morrigane was drawn down by the High Priestess of Sacred Oak Circle and asked to bless the formation of the tradition and subsequent initiations. Since then, several groups have formed, and some practice as solitaries choosing to circle with others at the sabbats. At this time, the only teaching circles are in the Pacific Northwest.
Philosophy
We believe that all aspects of God, Goddess and the Shining Ones are representations of the one great energy in the universe. It is for this reason that we do not condone disrespect of other religious paths. We study and practice heavily in the Celtic pantheon but do not close our minds or hearts to others, as we are all of mixed heritage.
Our groups are diverse. Men and women share equally in service to the Gods and the Shining Ones. It is not necessary to have a "working partner" of the opposite sex. We feel that the divine feminine and masculine lives within each of us, and that we do not require another person to complete that which resides within us. We must learn to look into ourselves for that power. The "sacred marriage" is made between ourselves and the land. We do honor "fertility" in all its forms, creative, intellectual and spiritual. We leave the physical honoring of this to each individual in the privacy of his or her own homes/lives. We do not work sky clad. We're not prudes, we just don't feel that it's necessary and besides, it gets darn cold up here in the Pacific Northwest. It is our contention that the Gods and the Shining Ones don't care what we wear if we are sincere and respectful.
We honor the fey as the spirits and guardians of the land and as our originals. Any harm we bring to the earth or to others, we also bring on ourselves, and strive to act accordingly with this principle. In addition to spiritual work, Taibhsears are expected to actively work to heal the earth and her inhabitants. This can be as simple as establishing green practices at home, or as involved as volunteering for an environmental organization.
Role of Clergy
All High Priestesses and Priests are legally ordained clergy and perform the usual rites of passage and ceremonies. In addition to these legal roles, they are also required to have formal training in counseling and more important, to know when to refer a troubled covener for professional help.
The position of High Priestess or Priest does not denote authority or power, but rather responsibility, accountability and servitude. If someone forgets to do their ritual preparation, it is the responsibility of the High Priest or High Priestess to pick up the slack. High Priests and High Priestesses show up early, stay late, sweep and take out the trash. This position is marked by a bracelet woven of three metals which is worn at all times. This bracelet or "cuff" represents and reminds the wearer of the bondage of the oath they have taken.
Organization of Groups
Our tradition and covens have a designated High Priestess or Priest. Covens are peer groups, in which each member shares equally in leadership, teaching and ritual facilitation. The designation of High Priestess or Priest is to ensure accountability. In the event of a dispute the High Priestess or Priest steps in to settle the matter. If it is unlikely that this action will be sufficient, a council of at least three elders is called.
We do not work in a 1st, 2nd and 3rd degree system. Rather, we have a dedicant level, "Seeker", and three paths within the tradition, "Seer - Healer - Warrior". Once initiated a Taibhsear may choose to follow any one or all three of these paths.
Initiation is not achieved by the High Priestess or Priest passing power to the seeker, but rather by the seeker journeying inworld and calling upon his or her power and connection to the land, the ancestors, deity and the fey. When this has been accomplished, the inner circle welcomes the new Taibhsear and he or she will ritually blend their energies with that of the group, and take their formal oaths.
Taibhsear dedicants or "seekers" are required to study for a full turn of the wheel before applying for initiation to the inner circle. The course of study includes, but is not limited to: energy work, healing, divination, journeying, and Celtic Lore. There are books that are required reading, not because they are to be taken as fact or even as a representation of the Taibhsear tradition, but because they are a good jumping off point for discussion. Each student is expected to seek out and utilize several different research tools in the course of their study and to be prepared to discuss their findings with the rest of the group. Teaching is done in person only. We do not dispute the validity of one line or mail order teaching for some materials. We have found that our teaching method relies heavily on shared experiences and energy work which needs to be done in person.
Holidays
Taibhsears celebrate the wheel of the year by recognizing: Winter Solstice, Brigid, Spring Equinox, Beltaine, MidSummer, Lughnasadh, Autumn Equinox and Samhain. Specific legends or ritual reenactments are not limited to a specific holiday or date on the calendar, but are practiced when the shift in the seasons is felt.
Standards of Conduct
Taibhsears and seekers are expected to follow a code of ethics. Failure to follow this code will result in counseling and potential removal from the class or coven.
I WILL DO NO HARM TO MYSELF OR OTHERS
I WILL NOT ENTER A CIRCLE FALSELY
I WILL BE HONEST IN MY DEALINGS WITH OTHERS
I WILL NOT USE MY ABILITIES TO MANIPULATE OTHERS
I WILL NOT INFLUENCE ANYONE TO DO THAT WHICH IS ILLEGAL OR DISHONORABLE
I WILL BRING HEALING TO ALL WHO WISH IT
I WILL NOT ENGAGE IN PARANOIA, IDLE COMMUNITY GOSSIP OR 'WITCH WARS'
I WILL NOT ENGAGE IN REVENGE MAGICK
I WILL IN SOME WAY, WORK TO PROTECT AND HEAL THE EARTH AND HER INHABITANTS
I WILL RESPECT OTHER INDIVIDUALS, PATHS AND BELIEF SYSTEMS
I WILL NOT DISCUSS CIRCLE BUSINESS NOR REVEAL THE IDENTITY OF CIRCLE MEMBERS TO THOSE OUTSIDE OF THE CIRCLE
I KNOW THAT I AM RESPONSIBLE FOR MY ACTIONS, AND WILL HOLD MYSELF TO THE HIGHEST STANDARDS
Ways of Worship
To us, group ritual is a chance to share experiences and energy. The ritual structure is not rigid, nor is it the main purpose of the path. We do have some elements of ritual structure that are unique to our tradition, but the real work we do is inworld and highly individual.
When working in group, we use a neo-pagan style including calling directions and/or elements and the Goddess and God. Ritual roles are marked on stones and drawn from the cauldron, in effect, "letting the gods decide" who should invoke a particular energy for a ritual. We do not believe that energy is "good" or "bad" so we do not generally banish negative energy before casting a circle. Taibhsears are taught to work energy with their hands, mind and bodies. The use of ritual tools is optional and left up to the individual.
Reading and Other References
Our recommended reading list and other information is available on the mother coven's web site at www.wildcelticrose.net/sacredoakcircle