Our Structure
Tradition Structure
The CTG is comprised of a Council of Elders, covens, groves, and outer court or "training" covens. Each coven is independent and autonomous unto itself, and may have groves and outer courts attached to it. There is no individual who functions in a papal mode. Though there may be those who hold the title of Queen or King, this gives them no additional rights over the covens downline from them, though the giving of respect to them is expected.
The Council of Elders
The Council of Elders is currently comprised of two elder women (both Queens of the Tradition) and one elder male (a King of the Tradition). These three are the founding Elders of the CTG, and as such deserve a significant level of respect for the amount of hard work and time they have devoted and continue to devote to the CTG, much as grandparents would be given respect though they may operate outside the decision-making forum of the traditional nuclear family unit. However, they have no "control" over individual covens, though they do serve individually and collectively as guides for the greater Tradition relative to interpretation of our lore.
The Council's primary function is to preserve the lineage of the Cauldron, our Book of Shadows. Though anyone may add rituals, recipes, spellcraft, etc. to their personal or coven grimoire, no one may add or remove from the Book without the agreement of the Council. Additions, changes or deletions are only made by unanimous vote of the Council. This does not preclude an individual or coven from using other material for personal or coven practice; it does assist in keeping the Book in a form that will be easily recognizable intra-traditionally. The Council's secondary function is to arbitrate differences that cannot be resolved in any other manner, but only if the High Priest, High Priestess, and/or Elder(s) of the coven bring such a matter to the attention of the Council. It is not the Council's charter to intrude in independent coven matters, unless assistance is sought. As such, any arbitration which may be requested is rendered in the form of advice, and is non-binding.
The Coven
Covens are led by a High Priestess and/or a High Priest, and are limited to the initiated Gwyddonaid of various degrees only. Covens meet regularly for the Esbats and Sabbats, as well as other teaching and training gatherings.
The Grove
Groves are led by a Priestess and or Priest, usually those who have attained the second (Initiate) or third (Adept) degree. Groves are always attached to and under the responsibility of a parent coven. Groves are limited to initiated Gwyddonaid only.
The Outer Court
Outer Court or "training" covens are for non-initiates, and are always attached to a parent coven. Outer Courts are usually taught by a High Priestess and/or High Priest, but they may be taught by those of the Adept degree under the auspices of a High Priestess/High Priest. Membership in an Outer Court is by application and interview only.
Coven Structure
The hierarchy of the CTG and the structure of its covens is somewhat unique to the modern Craft. Our roots stem from the family practice of Lady Gwen Thompson. Over the years, this practice absorbed a great deal of influence from other sects of British Traditional Craft, Rosicrucianism, ceremonial magick, as well as the neo-Pagan movement of the 1970s. Nonetheless, we consider the family model the most apropos when discussing both coven and Tradition hierarchy. As such, each coven is considered to be unique, autonomous and independent, with foci being determined by its leadership within the framework of the Tradition. However, due to being influenced by both the pre- and post-Gardnerian Wicca movements, as well as popular occultism of the 1960s and 1970s, there are practices in the CTG (such as initiation and elevation) which are not generally found in strict family practices.
Coven Hierarchy
Within the CTG, the High Priestess and High Priest function equally as leaders, guides and "parents" to the coven, both in esoteric and, at times, exoteric roles. As "first among equals," they are responsible for the safety, training and spiritual well-being of their students and initiates. As such, they are the authorities not only within the circle, but also when it comes to issues related to the Gwyddonaid or which affects the individual Gwyddon's perception or behavior within the coven or Tradition structure. No one else should or shall correct, berate, judge or otherwise chastise a brother or sister; any corrections, when and if necessary, should come from the High Priest or High Priestess. However, the High Priestess and High Priest must always be mindful to not overstep their bounds by intruding into a coven member's personal life, unless that person's behavior is affecting their progress, another member of the coven, or if help has been specifically sought.
Perhaps the most relevant dictum comes from the Rede of the Wicca itself: "Speak little, listen much." This does not mean to sit by docilely and not participate; it does mean to listen with true hearing to what is being said, and often to what is not being said.
As High Priestesses and High Priests in the CTG, we do not judge our initiates. Rather, we guide. A negative attitude breeds a negative attitude; conversely, a positive attitude breeds positive energy. Therefore, a High Priestess or High Priest must always strive to keep their parental attitude positive.
In our Tradition, as in most Traditions which stem either from family practice, the broader practices of the British Isles, or some combination thereof, respect is not earned by Elders - it is expected. The seeker, whether in an Outer Court or an initiate of the Inner Court, must approach the Elders, their brothers and sisters, coven "visitors" and the Tradition with respect. They are the seekers. It is up to the prospective initiate to brave the waters of our Tradition with our guidance. It is not up to the seeker to build dams. While we, as Elders, have a responsibility to freely share the knowledge which has freely been given to us, said responsibility ends when it encounters the disrespect or sarcasm of the seeker.
This is how most of us (and here we speak as well of the broader Traditionalist Craft) are taught. If the seeker cannot approach with respect and initiate a meaningful dialogue, then they are perhaps not meant for a Traditional path. Traditions are not democracies; they are hierarchies in the truest sense of the word, with the High Priestess and High Priest guiding those on a path which they themselves have walked and continue to walk. As a general rule of thumb, most Traditionalists have little or no time for seekers who are belligerent or casually recusant, as it can often be indicative of a personality type which does not fit well within a Traditional structure. Finally, many Traditionalists find that those seekers who do act with respect and personal dignity are the rarity; these rare ones are valued more than gold, and are destined to be the next generation of leaders within the CTG and the greater Traditionalist community.
The CTG Degree System
There are, effectively, five degrees within the Celtic Traditionalist Gwyddonaid: Neophyte, Initiate, Adept/Elder, High Priestess/High Priest, and Witch Queen or King of the Woods.Neophyte - The First Degree
The Neophyte Degree is the first degree of the CTG. Generally, the Neophyte has passed through some form of Outer Court training, depending upon the level of advancement and practice with which they first came to us. It is at the Neophyte Degree that the oath is sworn and the measure is taken. Generally, the Neophyte must pass at least a year and a day before being considered for elevation to Initiate. However, we find that the norm, due to the amount of learning, copying, and memorization is closer to two years.
Initiate - The Second Degree
The Initiate Degree is the second degree of the CTG. At this point the Initiate generally takes on a greater level of responsibility, and may assist in minor teachings at the discretion of the High Priestess and High Priest. The duration spent as an Initiate is generally a year and a day, though it may be longer or shorter depending upon the individual's abilities and the discretion of the High Priest/High Priestess.
Adept - The Third Degree
The Adept Degree is the third degree of the CTG. The degree is actually broken into two parts. Upon elevation, the Initiate is declared an Adept, and has access to the first section of the Third Degree materials. After a year and a day have passed, and providing the Adept has mastered the materials and course of study, he or she may be declared an Elder of the coven. They are not, however, Elders of the Tradition. Upon being declared an Elder of the coven, they may have access to the second section of Third Degree materials. It is generally during this degree that the individual will make the decision to either proceed to Elder and remain as an Elder of the coven, or attempt to walk the path of High Priest/High Priestess. This is not necessary, however. In either case, dialogue should be entered into with the High Priest and High Priestess of the coven so that training may be adjusted to suit.
High Priest/High Priestess
The High Priest/High Priestess Degree is the fourth degree of the CTG, though it is not generally referred to as such. By virtue of elevation, the person has been found to be suitable to establish and run their own coven, and also to represent the Tradition to the world at large. This degree is never conferred unless the individual has an already-established Outer Court with at least one person who is ready for initiation. For this degree to be conferred, one must hive off and break all regular ties with the parent coven, as there can only be one High Priestess and High Priest within a regular working coven.
Brenhines/Brenhin o yr Coedwig (Witch Queen/King of the Woods)
This "degree" is the fifth degree of the CTG, though once again it is not generally referred to as such. This degree is an honorarium, and is conferred upon the Queen and King by request of the High Priestess/High Priest who has hived. It is generally the Maiden and Summoner of the new coven who perform the coronation. While it speaks of the love and respect of the daughter coven, it should never be considered a title which confers any definite control over the daughter coven.