Post by The Horned God on Feb 24, 2016 9:18:19 GMT -4
The following is a rough draft of the Introduction to the upcoming book on our tradition entitled "Templum Sabbati - The Teachings of the Temple of the Sabbats":
Introduction: The Temple of the Sabbats
Templum Sabbati is a mystery school of the traditional witch's craft. Based in Eastern Canada's maritime Province of Nova Scotia, Templum Sabbati is a closed initiatory group focused on the teachings of Traditional Witchcraft and Sabbatic Sorcery.
This essay will provide the reader with a basic knowledge of Templum Sabbati's magickal theory and practice. An introduction to the central themes, rituals and structure of Templum Sabbati's system of Traditional Craft will be expounded. Our Consecration of the Temple rituals as well as our seasonal Sabbat rituals will be provided in full. A description of all tools used as well as a number of pathworkings and exercises will allow the reader to use and adapt this powerful system of magick for personal or group practice.
The current volume consists of a number of essays on the nature of the Temple of the Sabbats. The introductory chapters will provide some insight into the ideas and influences which lead to the founding of the Temple of the Sabbats in recent years. The Temple's foundational rituals, seasonal Sabbat rituals and initiatory system will later be outlined throughout this compendium in due course.
It will first be necessary to outline the Temple's core beliefs and practices. This will be expounded in the introductory chapters via familiarization with the Tools of the Craft and the introductory rituals presented in the Consecration of the Temple. True understanding of these core principles and practices comes with the working of the system both through solitary practice and group ritual.
Initiation into the Mysteries of Templum Sabbati begins with regular participation into the seasonal Sabbat Rites, following the Wheel of the Year. Within the seasonal rituals and the mythic cycle of the Sabbats is concealed the core mythos and ethos of Templum Sabbati's variety of Traditional Craft. The Outer Order of Templum Sabbati, The Clan of the Goddess, perform each of the eight seasonal Sabbatic Rites annually for our extended Clan of close friends, family and special guests.
Each of the Sabbats concludes with the Communion of Saints, the blessing and consumption of the sacred bread and wine, followed by a feast and merry making. Each feast begins with a short toast and blessing of food and drink by the Magister and Magistra.
Commonly, after the feast, the evening of the Sabbat will conclude with readings or presentations by coven members. There is also time devoted after the feast to discuss coven developments and community events. If there is any relevant news that members of the coven wish to share with the extended clan, community announcements should be made at this time.
The seasonal rituals of the Sabbat Rites are performed by the Clan of the Goddess among non-initiates, but the true introductory work of Templum Sabbati is contained within the four introductory grades of the Outer Order. It is within these beginning degrees that the initiate begins to learn the symbolism and use of the Tools of the Craft, and becomes familiar with the myth and lore of Our Tradition. It is with this fundamental knowledge that the initiate begins to see and comprehend the layers of symbolism incorporated in the seasonal rituals as well as the rite of initiation performed upon entrance to the Outer Order.
While the Clan of the Goddess perform the seasonal rituals of the Outer Order among our extended kinsfolk, the grade work and rituals of Templum Sabbati, both in the Outer Order and the later grades of the Inner Order are performed solely among initiated members.
The Inner Order, The Cult of the Horned God, is a powerful system of Sabbatic Sorcery particular to our tradition. Within the three grades of the Cult of the Horned God the initiate becomes immersed in more advanced theory and practice of ritual magick and mysticism. While the Clan of the Goddess in its exoteric form functions much in the way of a traditional Celtic or Northern European clan structure, its esoteric body of wisdom and that of the Inner Order form the basis of theory and practice for the clan's priestly ministry. Upon initiation into the Cult of the Horned God the initiate becomes a Priestess or Priest of Templum Sabbati and begins their advanced training and initiation into the Mysteries of the Sabbatic Craft.
In the three grades of the Inner Order the initiate begins to learn advanced methods of ritual magick and mysticism.
Beyond the degrees of the Inner Order are the final three grades of the Mysteries of the Temple, contained within the High Priesthood of the Circle of Elders. It is within these final three degrees that the initiate learns the most coveted secrets of the ancient mysteries.
Introduction: The Temple of the Sabbats
Templum Sabbati is a mystery school of the traditional witch's craft. Based in Eastern Canada's maritime Province of Nova Scotia, Templum Sabbati is a closed initiatory group focused on the teachings of Traditional Witchcraft and Sabbatic Sorcery.
This essay will provide the reader with a basic knowledge of Templum Sabbati's magickal theory and practice. An introduction to the central themes, rituals and structure of Templum Sabbati's system of Traditional Craft will be expounded. Our Consecration of the Temple rituals as well as our seasonal Sabbat rituals will be provided in full. A description of all tools used as well as a number of pathworkings and exercises will allow the reader to use and adapt this powerful system of magick for personal or group practice.
The current volume consists of a number of essays on the nature of the Temple of the Sabbats. The introductory chapters will provide some insight into the ideas and influences which lead to the founding of the Temple of the Sabbats in recent years. The Temple's foundational rituals, seasonal Sabbat rituals and initiatory system will later be outlined throughout this compendium in due course.
It will first be necessary to outline the Temple's core beliefs and practices. This will be expounded in the introductory chapters via familiarization with the Tools of the Craft and the introductory rituals presented in the Consecration of the Temple. True understanding of these core principles and practices comes with the working of the system both through solitary practice and group ritual.
Initiation into the Mysteries of Templum Sabbati begins with regular participation into the seasonal Sabbat Rites, following the Wheel of the Year. Within the seasonal rituals and the mythic cycle of the Sabbats is concealed the core mythos and ethos of Templum Sabbati's variety of Traditional Craft. The Outer Order of Templum Sabbati, The Clan of the Goddess, perform each of the eight seasonal Sabbatic Rites annually for our extended Clan of close friends, family and special guests.
Each of the Sabbats concludes with the Communion of Saints, the blessing and consumption of the sacred bread and wine, followed by a feast and merry making. Each feast begins with a short toast and blessing of food and drink by the Magister and Magistra.
Commonly, after the feast, the evening of the Sabbat will conclude with readings or presentations by coven members. There is also time devoted after the feast to discuss coven developments and community events. If there is any relevant news that members of the coven wish to share with the extended clan, community announcements should be made at this time.
The seasonal rituals of the Sabbat Rites are performed by the Clan of the Goddess among non-initiates, but the true introductory work of Templum Sabbati is contained within the four introductory grades of the Outer Order. It is within these beginning degrees that the initiate begins to learn the symbolism and use of the Tools of the Craft, and becomes familiar with the myth and lore of Our Tradition. It is with this fundamental knowledge that the initiate begins to see and comprehend the layers of symbolism incorporated in the seasonal rituals as well as the rite of initiation performed upon entrance to the Outer Order.
While the Clan of the Goddess perform the seasonal rituals of the Outer Order among our extended kinsfolk, the grade work and rituals of Templum Sabbati, both in the Outer Order and the later grades of the Inner Order are performed solely among initiated members.
The Inner Order, The Cult of the Horned God, is a powerful system of Sabbatic Sorcery particular to our tradition. Within the three grades of the Cult of the Horned God the initiate becomes immersed in more advanced theory and practice of ritual magick and mysticism. While the Clan of the Goddess in its exoteric form functions much in the way of a traditional Celtic or Northern European clan structure, its esoteric body of wisdom and that of the Inner Order form the basis of theory and practice for the clan's priestly ministry. Upon initiation into the Cult of the Horned God the initiate becomes a Priestess or Priest of Templum Sabbati and begins their advanced training and initiation into the Mysteries of the Sabbatic Craft.
In the three grades of the Inner Order the initiate begins to learn advanced methods of ritual magick and mysticism.
Beyond the degrees of the Inner Order are the final three grades of the Mysteries of the Temple, contained within the High Priesthood of the Circle of Elders. It is within these final three degrees that the initiate learns the most coveted secrets of the ancient mysteries.