Correllian Ministry

Correllian Ministry

by Rev. Don Lewis-Highcorrell

Copyright © 2004 Rev. Don Lewis.

First Degree Clergy of the Correllian Tradition

Orientation  

Welcome! 

 

We greet you with Perfect Love and Perfect Trust and welcome you in that spirit to your new status as First-Degree Clergy of the Correllian Tradition! 

What does it mean to be a Priestess or Priest of the First Degree? The First Degree of Clergy is the entry level of the Correllian Priesthood. As a First-Degree Priestess or Priest, you have dedicated yourself to the Old Gods, and to a life on a Spiritual path. 

No matter what else you do in life, you will always retain the special spiritual connection opened by initiation. Even if you try to turn away from Spirit, she will call you back to her ways.

 

As a First-Degree Cleric you may pursue a solitary path, or you may become part of the Clergy of a particular Temple. If you choose to be attached to a particular Temple, know that each Correllian Temple –while it must recognize your initiatory status- has the right to either accept or reject your application to join their Temple Clergy, or to ask for additional studies or qualifications before accepting you. You may use your First-Degree training to enrich your spiritual life, or as a step in your personal studies.

 

You may choose to become a specialist in one or more areas, such as herbalism, and use your knowledge to enrich your life or the lives of others. You may teach classes or pursue a path of service in a ministerial Order dedicated to a special focus such as music, healing, or social work.

  

You may also, if you choose, continue your Clerical studies, and become Second or eventually even Third-Degree Clergy. From there you might one day become a Temple Head, Elder, or Officer of the Tradition –possibly even one of the joint Heads of the Tradition. It depends upon your personal goals, energy, and dedication.

 

Once you have achieved Clerical status in the Correllian Tradition, only in very rare circumstances can it be taken from you. Recognition of Clerical status may be withdrawn only from Clergy who have been forsworn –who have profaned their Clerical vows or who have intentionally broken or forsaken them, or who have acted to betray or dishonor the Tradition.

 

As a Member of the Correllian Clergy You Are Expected To;

 

Honor Deity always, Both as Goddess and as God. Revere the sacred Spark of Life, which is within you and within all things. Revere also the sacred Dance of Life, which is manifest as the physical world.

 

Honor the Earth, Nature, and Her processes. All life is sacred, and all the Universe is One Being, whose soul is Gaia. All which exists is eternally and inseparably connected through the Spirit of the Goddess and the Dance of the God.

 

Honor the Divinity within you. Do not pollute your sacredness with hatred, nor with falsehood. Be honorable, fair, and truthful in all things. Strive always to act from your Higher Self, in Perfect Love and Perfect Trust.

 

Honor the Divinity within others. We are all sacred, all manifestations of Deity. Therefore, follow always the Wiccan Rede: “Do As You Will, But Harm None.”

 

Honor your Tradition. You are an initiate of the Correllian Tradition –honor it and respect its tenets. The Tradition is a family, bound by love and honor –uphold and defend it always, even as the Tradition supports you.

 

Honor your fellow Correllian Clergy –remember that they have worked hard for their status, just as you have. Show them always the respect to which Correllian Clergy are entitled.

 

Honor the Elders of the Tradition and the leadership of the Tradition –remember that they have spent many years working for the good of the Tradition and the advancement of Pagans everywhere.

 Honor your fellow Pagans. Remember always –A Pagan is a Pagan. Our faith comes down to us through many cultures and Traditions. We are as a thousand mirrors reflecting the image of Deity from a thousand angles. We have many differences, yet we must never let these stand between us but embrace one another as a single people. Remember that your fellow Pagans, no matter what their background, are on a spiritual path just as you are. Remember that your fellow Pagan Clergy, though their training and views may be different, have worked just as hard for their rank, and believe just as deeply in the tenets of their Traditions, as you yourself. Therefore, while you may sometimes disagree or come into conflict with other Clergy, you should always show them the same civility and respect which you expect to receive yourself.