The Background
The McFarland Dianic Tradition is inspired mainly by Celtic, especially Welsh, mythology, although they are eclectic enough to recognize the Goddess as manifested in all cultures worldwide. They celebrate thirteen moons throughout the year. Each moon has its own special ritual and “mystery” which can be revealed only to those who are initiates to our tradition. Each moon is associated with a tree from the Celtic ogham tree alphabet as described in Robert Graves' classic book The White Goddess.
The McFarland Dianic Tradition also celebrates the solstices and equinoxes and the Celtic Cross-quarter holidays, Samhain, Yule, Imbolc and Beltaine. Before initiation a seeker must study with a High Priestess for a year and a day. The study group is called a “Grove”, based on the sacred groves that were places of worship for the ancient people of northern Europe. After initiation the seeker is considered a priest or priestess. When a priestess is ready for more advanced training, she undergoes “Passage” for a year and a day participating in rituals which celebrate the solar mysteries. After completing “Passage” she is then considered a High Priestess and is authorized to teach and initiate others and start her own circle or coven. Forming a new coven is called “hiving”. After Hiving, each High Priestess is considered autonomous. Some men in the tradition have the honor of being named "High Priests." Although the provision for this is not widely agreed upon, we consider a priest a "High Priest" when he has participated in the hiving ritual.
An Elder in The McFarland Dianic Tradition is considered such by the consensus of our community. There is no ritual to specify the position. There is a Council of Elders that can be reached for questions and ethical discussion.
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