COVEN BY-LAWS
Section I - Mundane
While, as a coven, we firmly believe that each individual will follow the Esoteric Laws to the best of their abilities, being guided by the Spirit; we do find it legally necessary, as well as practical, to set forth a set of By-Laws, in an attempt to avoid any differences of opinion or interpretation.
Build a framework now we must,
Allowing Love, Protecting Trust
Coven Structure
10. Members who leave the Coven
1. General Membership
a. First degree or Witch:
Any member who has completed the initiation stage and been voted into the Coven shall be deemed to be Level 1 with the full rights and responsibilities of a Coven Member until such time as their own actions shall allow or require them to be placed into another status, as set forth in these By-Laws.
At no time shall a Level 1 member be less than 19 years of age. (See exception to this in the section on Minor Children of Coven Members.)
They may sponsor a new member after three months at this level.
First Level Members who are (legal) Minors may not be sponsors.
They are expected to grow and help others to achieve higher states as their abilities allow.
Any 1st degree may not advance to a 2nd degree level until they have lead at least 1 moon and Sabbat.
At such time as a Level 1 member expresses interest in advancing to Level 2, they shall submit to the 3rd degrees a formal request for consideration. They shall be given a competency review upon completion. Need to show that they have a basic understanding of Coven practices and an understanding of a variety of “magickal” practices as well as the people skills to be a teacher, an organizer, or a leader of the Coven. The Officers shall then vote as whether to grant Level 2 status, status. A reasonable response will be given with in 2 weeks of summiting letter.
*All Members who are new to the Courts of Chaos Coven will come in at this level, regardless of age or experience.
b. Second degree Priestess or Priest Of the Coven:
A First degree member who has shown by their actions, commitment, and interest, and is physically, mentally, and spiritually able is eligible to advance to Level 2 upon fulfilling the required minimum standard of One year as a Level 1 member in good standing.
Promotion to Level 2, shall in no way however be granted merely on the basis of time served.
Persons eligible for Level 2, and indeed to maintain it, must exhibit a desire that the Coven as a whole shall grow and prosper; as these members will be looked up to by others.
This desire must be exhibited by their regular attendance at Coven meetings and functions, and by their willingness to give aid and guidance to others within the Coven.
Responsibilities of this new position include:
Leading, writing of Rituals and events, 2 moons and one Sabbat.
Ministering \ Counseling of others \with out gossiping
Minimum age requirement of 21 years of age
Develop a special relationship with at lest one God-Goddess aspect.
Learn basic first aide (suggestion)
Advancing knowledge of magikal tools and their workings.
A summary of what the Coven is looking for in a Level 3 member is as follows:
1. Understanding of the powers you intend to manipulate
- How they are raised
- How they are channeled
- How they are grounded
2. Adept at designing rituals involving all sensory modes
- A repertoire of songs, chants, dances, gestures, or
mantras
- The availability of, or the resources to make, incenses
and oils
- Invocations and spells
- Visual effects and symbols
- Meditations and postures
- And, most importantly, the skill to combine all these
into a powerful, focused pattern or ritual
3. Clarity of purpose
4. Firm ethics
5. Understand timing
- Where a given practice or ritual ‘fits’ within the cycles
of the moon, the wheel of the year, and the dance of
the spheres
- How to pace a ritual once it has begun so energy is
raised, peaked, focused, released, and grounded at
the appropriate times
6. Understand the Laws of Magick
- This does not mean understanding the Coven Rules of
Magick
7. A good understanding of the correspondences between
colors, metals, plants, planets, elements, directions,
animals, and so on ad infinitum
8. Good judgment of when ritual is appropriate, and when
it is not
9. Willingness and availability to play an active part in the
growth of the Coven and its members
At such time as the 3rd degrees of the coven notice the attributes within a Level 2 member, they will approach that member with the offer. There will be no applicants, reviews, requests, etc.
<<You either have advanced to that level or you haven’t, and it should be quite obvious to all who know you.>>
c. Third degree High Priestess, High Priest
By its very nature, Level 3 defies all attempts to constrain it within time limits or allowances. However a potential candidate should be a second degree for “One year and a day” before the council gives notice. And the candidate will be at least 25 years of age.
A 3rd degree will be known with in the pagan community as well as with in the coven, as a High Priest / Priestess. This role is a very public role and their for people whom wish to stay “In the broom closet” should not consider this advancement.
The teaching of classes (minimum of 1 per year, with no repeating)
Classes are to include but not limited to coven mates, other like minded people with in or out of the coven structure. However classes MUST be offered to all coven mates, other like minded people are optional.
Must lead and or guide at least 1 sabbat and 2 moons per calender year.
*After “One year and a day” the New High Priest\Priestess will be able to “hive off” and form a new Circle within the Coven.
Crone / sage
A)
Crone/Sage cannot hold a HPS/HP position of a circle, as they are to be teachers
and Elders
B)
A
Crone/Sage does not fit into the Degree system
C)
Description of a Crone/Sage
I)45 years of age minimum
II) Acceptance of position
III) For woman menses has ceased
D)
Joining as a Crone/Sage
I)will be treated
as a new dedicant ( use first degree status)
II) after year and a day ,Ineateion
as a Crone/Sage ( special rite)
III) After 1 year and a day as
full member, Crone/Sage can hold
Council and Office positions
2. Initiates
Sponsor responsibilities
Interrupted sponsorship
Application
d. A Year and A Day
e. Initiation
a. Sponsor responsibilities
We feel that the Sponsor / Dedicant relationship should be one of close friendship; a bond of two people, each learning from and guiding the other.
In addition to the set of responsibilities set forth in the original section of Sponsor responsibilities:
Purchase of a copy of Buckland’s “Complete Book of Witchcraft” (UBBBB) for the Dedicant.
Purchase of a blank 5x9 hard cover book, and
Being present whenever the Dedicant is in attendance at Coven functions.
We are now clarifying the additional responsibilities that we expect from a Sponsor:
Prior to attending their first Coven event, the Sponsor is responsible for sharing certain required information with the Dedicant. This information is intended to help the Dedicant feel at home within the Coven and should include, at a minimum, the following: a general outline of our rites, a copy of the Coven Song, a basic understanding of practices and etiquette within a circle, and any other information they feel would help the Dedicant “belong” in the group.
A Sponsor should be in contact with the Dedicant at least once each week, and should physically meet with the Dedicant at least twice per month, in order to maintain open lines of communication (this does not include time spent together at Coven functions),
The Sponsor is responsible for keeping the Dedicant informed of all Coven activities, including who is required/allowed to attend, what the purpose of the activity is, when and where it will be held, what should be brought with, why the activity is being held, and how to best prepare for it so as to get the most out of it.
The Sponsor is responsible for keeping track of the Dedicant’s participation within the Coven, ensuring that the minimum participation requirements (8 full moon rites, and 6 Sabbats) are being met.
A sponsor should monitor and guide the Dedicant’s progress on their spiritual path, including but not limited to their progress through UBBBB, which includes the tracking of the chapter tests therein, which must be completed before the Dedicant’s initiation, and offer them council and aid whenever needed. The Sponsor should have knowledge of this progress and be able to speak freely of it.
The Sponsor is responsible for reporting the progress of the Dedicant to the council, as well as any problems or concerns the Dedicant may have.
The Sponsor as well as the Dedicant is responsible for the Dedicant’s following of the Coven rules, By-Laws, and rules of conduct regarding behavior. The Sponsor should lead by example, and expect the Dedicant to follow that lead. As with any Coven member, the Sponsor should not degrade, bad mouth, or seek to harm the Dedicant in any way, physically, mentally or spiritually. This behavioral expectation extends to the Dedicant’s actions towards other Coven members and other Dedicants.
In the event that disciplinary action needs to be taken against the Dedicant, the actions of the Sponsor will be taken into account as well, and may result in disciplinary action against the Sponsor if it is found that they are responsible for the Dedicant’s actions, or if they could have done something to ameliorate the situation before it got out of hand.
A dedicates first 6 months are spent working with your sponcer and completing (among other stuff) UBBBB. The month 7 -10 are spent with alternating male female HP/3rd/HPS/3rd. Last 2 months are spent with the sponcer. This swap out period allows for the teaching and familiarizing with other coven mates.
b. Interrupted Sponsorship
1. By the Dedicant
If a Dedicant drops out for any reason during their Year and a Day, they shall begin again at the beginning if they can find a sponsor willing to take them.
2. By the Sponsor
If the sponsoring member is unable to finish sponsorship for any reason, the I nitiate must select a second degree or higher member and approach them about continuing their initiation under them. If no other member can or is available, they can revert to the HP or HPS (who may take up to two additional initiates under these circumstances). Their only other recourse is to pause their Year and a Day until an acceptable sponsor is available.
I.Any member who is currently sponsoring a Dedicant when they opt to leave general membership shall have the following additional restrictions placed on them if they return to general membership at any point in the future:
II. The standard waiting period of three months before taking on a Dedicant following such an absence will not begin until the soonest of a) their previous Dedicant being accepted or denied into membership, or b) a period of 90 days has past. (This makes the waiting period a minimum of 7 months - 3 months minimum until Dedicant is accepted, regular 1 month waiting period following having a Dedicant, and the standard waiting period of 3 months for being absent.)
III. A second instance of dropping out of general coven membership while having a Dedicant will result in the ineligibility of returning to general coven membership. Their only option in returning to the Coven will be as a Dedicant and even that only after a year and a day away from the Coven, and will be subject to a Council vote before being accepted as a Dedicant.
c. Application
Finding a “sponsor”.
Any full member may sponsor one person (or committed couple if there is a lack of available sponsors)
The Application Process:
When genuine interest is shown, the potential Initiate shall be given a copy of the entire Coven Bylaws, including the Coven Application for Membership.
Upon receiving the completed Application, the COVEN shall review it, and set up an interview with the potential Initiate.
Provided there is a willing sponsor, a simple majority vote of the COVEN is all that is required to approve a Dedicant.
If accepted, a welcoming interview to set Dedication date and to go over the by-laws will be held.
Dedication ceremony
“One year and a day” trial period, before initiation as a first degree.
Upon completion of the “Year and a Day”, the Coven must have a simple majority vote to approve the Dedicant into the Coven.
All potential Initiates must be at least 18 years of age. The exceptions to this are covered in the Minor Children of Coven Members.
d. A Year and A Day
A period of one year and one day must elapse between the dedication and the initiation ceremonies.
This period of time is required so that the initiate has a proper amount of time to avoid making a fad, impromptu, or coerced decision to join the Coven.
It also serves to provide stability to other Coven Members.
e. Initiation Ceremony
First Degree, Coven only no guest or dedicants
Second Degree,Full coven dedicant and invited guests
The Second Degree Initiation Ceremony is to be written by the Initiate prior to the ceremony, and will vary on an individual basis. The Initiate is to have full control over all aspects of the ceremony, including but not limited to who is invited, where it will be held, and what will happen during the ceremony.
Third Degree, Open public community event
4. Coven Officers
The Coven Officers are required by law in order to incorporate as a legal church. The offices of President, Vice President, and Secretary are required, and must be held, while any others are optional, and may be held by anyone approved by the Coven.
Officer positions are a one year term, with no limits on how many terms someone may serve. Officer posts will renew automatically unless someone wishes to step down, or someone wishes to run against an incumbent. In either of these cases, there will be an election held on Samhain. Any stepping down or challenge to a position must be tendered by Lughnashad.
Current Officers
| President |
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| Vice President |
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| Secretary |
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| Treasurer |
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| Man At Arms |
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The Coven Officers are legally and financially responsible for the actions of The Courts of Chaos Coven as a whole.
They shall be responsible for submitting an annual budget to the Council for approval, no later than the first week of the second month of the fiscal year.
The fiscal year for Courts of Chaos Coven currently begins on May 1st, and will continue to do so, until the incorporation paperwork is filed.
5. Absentee Members
After 3 months of non-activity with the Coven, any member shall be considered an absentee member, at which time, they shall lose their power to vote, and eligibility to hold Council or Officer positions. These powers shall be restored after the second month of resumed Coven activity. Council or Officer positions must be reappointed or elected providing they are still open.
Absentee Members shall not be held responsible for the paying of Coven Dues.
Exception to these guidelines shall be provided for members on a case-by-case basis upon petition to the Council.
6. Associated Solo Practitioners (at this time we are not taking any)
Associated Solo Practitioners are those like minded individuals, who, while not wishing to be a permanent member of the Coven, do on occasion, wish to participate in group ritual or activity with the Coven.
Upon being sponsored by a current coven member, these individuals must fill out an application and be unanimously approved by the Council. At that time they will have an open-ended invitation to join the Coven for group ritual or to attend Coven functions or activities for the period of one calendar year. At the beginning of each successive calendar year, their actions during the previous years activities will be reviewed by the Coven Council and a simple majority vote taken to determine whether or not that status shall continue to be honored by the Coven during the next year.
They are not expected or required to pay dues, but gifts to help with the operating expenses of group activities in which they are involved would be appreciated. They will be responsible for the payment of any activity fees for activities in which they participate.
They do not have voting rights, and may not hold Officer or Council positions; they will, however, place themselves under Coven rule and agree to abide by Coven laws during such time as they are on Coven Property or attending a Coven sponsored activity.
Note: There is no limit to the number of Associated Soloists that a member may sponsor, nor does sponsoring an Associated Soloists limit sponsorship of an Initiate.
The Minor Children of Associated Soloists have the same status as a Minor Child of a full Member.
7. Visitors / Guests
A Visitor or Guest must be accompanied by a sponsoring member, and must be approved by a simple majority vote of the Coven for each activity they wish to participate in.
They shall not be expected nor coerced to pay any dues or give any gifts. However, if they are attending a Coven sponsored activity, which has an activity fee, either they or the sponsoring member shall be responsible for providing it.
II.A.7.i Visitors: A visitor is defined as any non-ritual-participating person who is present during a coven activity or function. (i.e.- someone who is there for the social gathering)
II.A.7.ii Guests: A Guest is defined as any person who is not
associated with the Coven, but who wishes limited
participation on an event by event basis.
Visitor and Guest are only allowed at Sabbats and Classes.
8. Minor Children of Coven Members
Any child attending a Coven sponsored activity (including ritual) must have a Permission Form on file with the Coven.
Exceptions to the age limit of Initiates
In the event that a minor child of a Coven Member wishes to join the Coven, they must be at least 13 years of age, and have the written permission of their parent or legal guardian.
At then time of dedication the minor becomes a FULL member of the coven and such rites and responsibility of the coven. At that time they have every rite to attend any and all coven events, classes etc. While we understand that some parents may not wish their child to attend some events, THEY HAVE THE RIGHT TO BE their and no questions shall be asked. In the event that the child has attended a event with out their family's permission, that becomes a parental issues and should be handled on the home front, not on the coven level.
Age of ascension:
Around the age of 13 the child must chose a sponsor (with the guidance of parents, Sorry parents my not be selected)
Upon selection of sponsor a formal interview with coven and minor shall be scheduled. While in attendance parents may be asked to leave the meeting for part of the interview.
Simple majority vote (parents vote will not be recorded)
Dedication rite will be scheduled pending vote.
Having a minor member shall not effect sponsorship availability.
At dedication minor become a member of the coven and are expected to follow the rules and guidelines of the coven. See section
II. A. 2. Initiates / c. Application
Upon finishing their Initiation, they shall be a 1st Level Member with all rights and privileges thereof, except for the right to apply for 2nd Level. They may apply to 2nd Level once they have reached the age of 20, but cannot be initiated into 2nd Level until they turn 21. Dedicants may be taken after their 18th birthday.
9. Outcast Members
Any former Member, Initiate, or Associated Solo who was cast out of the coven for any reason, must wait at least a year and a day before they may reapply to the Coven for membership. If reapplication for membership is considered, they shall begin the entire process from the beginning.
10. Members who leave us
Any Member who voluntarily leaves the Coven for any reason, must wait at least a year and a day before they may reapply to the Coven for membership.
For reapplication for membership is considered:
Formal interview with the coven. At this time all topics public, private, or other wise are open for discussion.
Simple majority vote
Reinstatement of full privileges. If no probation is given
II. Coven Property
1. Real Properties
2. Monies
3. Goods
4. Belongings
5. Coven Budget
Each year during the third week of January, the Coven Treasurer will issue a form stating all gifts, dues, etc. that apply for each Member (or any other party with gifts in excess of $100.00) so that they may have a record of them for their taxes. Note: Activity Fees are not reported on this form due to current tax restrictions.
II. 1. Real Property
a. Land
b. Buildings
II. 2. Monies
All activity fees shall be as follows.
$5.00 per person regardless of activity
(unless specified 1 mo. Prior to event)
This includes guests, children, and each member attending.
II. 3. Goods
Goods is the term applied to all expendable items held by the Coven. Examples of these are : Candles, Incense, Herbs, Etc.
These goods are to be supplied by the Coven, using the allocated funds from the Coven Budget, and shall remain the sole property of the Coven, their use for any purpose shall be at the discretion of the Coven Council.
II. 4. Belongings
A complete list of all items owned by the Coven shall be kept by the Coven Treasurer, and will be available for viewing upon request.
1)
C3 Library
A)
Each Circle will have its own library
B)
The library will be kept with the librarian: unless a secure office is kept by
the circle.
C)
Full Members can check out books; two at a time. No fees for Circle members: if
a book is Lost, Damaged or Stolen, No further books are lent to that members
until the Item is replaced.
D)
Dedicants have access to books at a $10.00 a year fee and One book at a time
E)
Non-members Can gain access by a $20.00 a year fee and a one book at a time
check out
F)
A
book donation can replace the yearly fee
G)
A
damaged book is to be replaced or book fee for the year is revoked (i.e. water
damage, dog eared pages, writing etc.)
H)
Book check out is valid to the next open Sabbat
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Autographed |
Full members only*@ |
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Out of Print |
Full members only* |
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Reference ( cost over$40.00) |
With a full members Ok*& |
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All other |
Open to public |
Book levels
·
*
Barrowing between circles allowed
·
@
If ruined a copy that is signed is replaced signed
·
&
approving member takes on financial responsibility
II. 5. Coven Budget
The following is the outline of a Coven Budget proposed on
3-28-2004 by the Officers :
Fixed expenses
web hosting $5.00 per mo web hosting ($60.00 per year)
Section III – Provisions for Changes
MEMBERS.Allow 2-4 weeks or until next scheduled meeting.Discussion at said meeting upon topic, and simple majority vote. No tabling, vote will occur and either a yes or no vote will be achieved.
Commited (married) couple or Parent/ child living in the same house shall have their vote count as one
Proxy voting Does not exist. either there or your not.
In the time of a dead lock vote should rank be used to break the vote