Year
One
We
now offer two programs within the Apple Branch. One is for women
only and has been in existence for several years. This year we are
beginning a mixed group - that is, we will welcome men and those women
whose desire is to work in mixed gender Circles. There will be
opportunities for both groups to work together but that option will
remain one of personal choice.
Each
student must make a commitment to complete assignments and attend the 13 Lunar rituals.
Sabbats ought to be observed as well but in all cases
communication is vital. Certainly
exceptions can be made and we wish to be flexible but attendance is
a measure of commitment that is watched.
The list below reflects areas of study a student may wish to
explore but is not limited to just these. Each may self-design
their
own course of study tailoring it to meet the goals as a priestess or
priest.
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Terminology
used in the modern Craft
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Feminism,
feminist theory, and power structures
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Consensus
process
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Ethics
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Study
of bias, isms, and anti-oppression
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Grounding
& Centering
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Cleansing
self, others, space
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Circle
casting on-going
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Three
Month focus on each Element
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Wheel
of the Year Traditional -in their Season
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Wheel
of the Year Womens Cycles-in their Season
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Holding
energy in Circle on-going
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Ritual
Creation and priestessing the Rites on-going
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Meditation
several types
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Ecstatic
Dance
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Intro
to Astrology
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Intro
to Runes
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Celtic Trees (done throughout the year in their Season)
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Magic/Spell
Casting
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Comparative
Religion
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Color
magical and healing uses
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Understanding
and working with your Chakras
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Healing
with Crystals & Gemstones
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Magic
with Crystals & Gemstones
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Healing
with herbs
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Magical
Incense Making
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Songs
& Chants
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Energy
Work/Hands on Healing
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Shamanic
Journey work/power animals
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Divination
intro into numerology, scrying, tarot, palmistry
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A
good amount of the reading list must be completed.
Some students may not be able to complete all of this in one
year. That is fine!
What is important is the commitment made, goals set, and
accomplished. Time may be
self-paced.
Year
Two
The
Student must commit to the entire year and each on-line Moon is
required attendance.
Further
study on areas of choice, monitored study reports and papers are
written.
Year
Three
Lunar
Rites
Solar Rites
each on the Day appropriate
Each
of the students will facilitate for the Lunar rituals in their third
year for those who are in second year.
Third
Year Students work with me in setting goals and outline the entire year
and will include public ritual at least four times and teach on-going
classes creating setting up and teaching in location of their
choice. At all classes and
rituals they hand out survey sheets to be completed by those attending
with comments and questions being answered about content
performance and energy of rites. Goals
must be met and on time. Students
are encouraged to set up an on-going study group so that a group is
available to work with. They
are all informed that this is a part of her training.
They also help with the teaching of first year students.
Each
student is encouraged to volunteer to do rituals for festivals and
events in the community.
Further
study on areas of choice.
Reading
list should be relatively completed.
Each
student must do public service work as a part of their commitment to
Goddess. This work is to be
documented as well.
Time frames
are optional it is a schedule worked out between teacher and student
goals are set commitments made and followed through.
These time frames are minimums set for completion.
The process could take much longer depending on how much time
each person has available to devote to the work.
By
the time the work is completed, each student will have done the work of
the Tradition and will be considered for ordination.
It depends on the level of commitment and what plans are made for
doing the work. Priestesses and Priests who have hived off from The Branch, establish their own
guidelines and teaching policies, which may even include calling
themselves by another name, or they may establish their own tradition,
independent of The Branch. That
is the beauty of autonomy.
Fees
are $30.00 per month for the on-line studies. The first three
months are "pay as you go." After that each student is
required to pay for three months at a time.
Those
students who are interested in ordination must find a way to meet with
me at least once before completion of studies.
For
those students who work with me in person, guidelines are a bit
different. Also, requirements for completion are always dependent
on what knowledge you bring with you. We have some women who join
us who are fully trained in another tradition and now seek to learn
ours. Past studies are certainly accepted. What is critical
to acceptance is a desire to work with the Sacred Trees.
If
you are interested in working with us, please let us hear from you.
Many blessings
Bendis