Lilyth's Path

Tomorrow several of my brethren from Sacred Mists will be initiating into our Tradition.

This is something that as an Initiated Priestess I take very seriously and to heart. The path of a Priest and Priestess is not an easy one and may not always be what you expect it to be.

A part of the curriculum is to write an essay detailing what you believe a Priest or Priestess to be.

Many years ago I wrote this:
Miriam-Webster defines a priestess as:

Pronunciation: ‘prEs-t&s
Function: noun
Date: 1693
1 : a woman authorized to perform the sacred rites of a religion
2 : a woman regarded as a leader (as of a movement)

A priestess is by her very nature a nurturing leader. One to who people look to for advice, lessons, and information in general. As priestesses it is our divine duty to work in the service of the Lord and Lady in any way that they may seem fit be it as a teacher; knowing not only the ways, but the history of our ways and the ways of other traditions or sects; someone to help stamp out misinformation, a leader in the Sacred Rites, a knowledge base for those seeking. For me to be a priestess is to be a mother to all those under the service of the Lord and Lady, to be an advocate of our causes, to lead and to be led, to teach and be taught. A priestess is a physical representation of the Goddess and must be true to herself and the Craft, must love and be loved. As we grow within the Craft and within ourselves we take on more and more of the Goddesses aspects both light and dark seeking to bridge the gap and balance our lives more effectively. We must be in tune with the world around us, be wise and yet child like at the same time, remembering the powers which bind us to the world and to each other.

When I wrote the above I was very new to Wicca and boy does it show and my goodness how I have grown.

What is a Priest or Priestess of the Sacred Mists Tradition?
Each person who gathers as a part of the Sacred Mists Community regardless of whether initiated or not.

As a Priest or Priestess of Sacred Mists you have walked a path very similar to everyone around you. You were led or guided to join Sacred Mists, you have walked a thorned, brambled path that was filled with difficult decisions, this one no less than any others you have faced and no more than others yet to come. Within your spirit you have found a joy and dedication to a Path and Tradition at Sacred Mists. You are called to become a Priest or Priestess of this Tradition. What does this really mean?

You are dedicated to the Spiritual well-being of yourself, your Circle, your Coven-mates and Sacred Mists in General. You find the Tradition to be one that you can follow with the whole of your spirit. You embrace the Eclectic Nature of Sacred Mists. As you walk and continue your education with Sacred Mists you will teach, you will mentor, you will befriend new and old friends alike. You will uphold the integrity of Sacred Mists through your actions both public, on the forums and in your community.

In addition to all this you may hold yourself as accountable for your education, for your path, for your Circle and will count yourself as a Brother or Sister to each Coven and Circle Member of heart and spirit.

Each of my fellow students, whether they think I know them or not has touched me in some way and I am grateful for that and thankful for their part in my path and my part in theirs.

This I wrote today as I prepare myself to be present for tomorrow’s Initiations at Sacred Mists.  As a Third Degree Dedicant, this is something I truly take very seriously and to heart.  It is important for both my growth and their growth to be present and to be available always.  Willing to lend an ear, willing to learn, to teach, and be taught.