Temple of Diana, Inc.

D.U.N.S. Number 17-961-8181
Amended 2005-07-12, Amended 12 January, 2006, Amended 20 February 2006
Sacred Circles Coven & Crystal Falls Coven
By-Laws
Nov 30, 2004

 

Our Mission Statement:
Our mission is to honorably teach those who desire to learn of the Old Ways and the Ancient Ones. To guide them to seek within, learn of themselves and who they are with the Goddess and God. To keep the ways of the Old and to daily honour the Mother Goddess and Father God, in all we do and how we live. Allowing all members to grow within the Temple and Covens, as well as encouraging them to flourish upon their spiritual path. Within the Temple of Diana, Inc., we shall set forth the teachings of the Ancient Ones, the Old Ways and the Mysteries of Life.

Temple of Diana, Inc., shall seek out to rebuild many historical mysteries that have been lost, ancient herbology, replenishing the Earth with trees, decidious trees, herbs and plants, and incorporate them into the native lands. We shall seek out to do our part as a whole, to better the Earth in which we live upon. Temple officers and members shall seek out ways to help teach others of the environment and how to restore the Earth through planting, recycling, and more. We shall seek to help those who are in need more than ourselves and give freely of our time and items that we are able to afford, such as food, clothing, housing and more. We will utilize resources that are available to us both privately and through other organizations.
Amended on: Feb.1, 2005, July 7, 2005, Feb. 20, 2006

Etiquette

Many witches today do not follow the behaviours that were set by our Ancestors when it comes to proper etiquette/behavior.

Some of you may disagree or find it odd, how the behavior of a Witch should be when in a public, private or other situations that occur in the presence of your High Priestess/ Priestess ~performing the role as HPS or as High Priest/Priest ~performing the role as HP. Understand, while you may disagree, at some point you yourself will one day be in this position and will be given the same honour. Should you have ANY questions on the following, please address them, this is learning and teaching Temple/Covens and we are all here to learn the ways of the Ancient Ones and the sacredness of the Old Ways. No question is dumb or simple; all questions will be answered thoroughly.

The High Priestess/ High Priest should at ALL times be seen as sacred (NOT worshiped), for they are the representation of the Lady and Lord while in Circle, and often called upon by the Lady and Lord to speak messages to others, they are your mentors, counselors, clergy and more, and have worked to earn this type of respect. (As long as the respect has been established mutually, this is important!) Understand, that if you are with a Temple/Coven who has High Priestess/Priestess or High Priest/Priest does not show you the same respect, love and courtesy, it may be wise to remove yourself from their presence.

When in Circle, Rites, Temple/Coven gatherings or public events the High Priestess/Priestess, High Priest/Priest represent the Lady and Lord, at NO time are they to be called by their mundane names, unless otherwise asked not to speak ones Craft name in public; they shall be addressed as their Title and Magickal name. (Such as: High Priestess Morgan or Lady Morgan High, Priest Raphael or Lord Raphael, Priestess Auora or Priest Lunx) In all Temple, Coven Sabbats, Esbats, Rites or online meetings or classes. The proper magickal names will be used by everyone!

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When in a “public settings”, such as: Temple/Coven trips (Salem, Fairs, etc...), visiting another Temple/ Coven or a place where you are with the High Priestess/Priestess, High Priest/Priest and it is known that you are of the Old Ways; the Temple/ Coven member will not talk over the High Priestess/Priestess, High Priest/Priest, it is not permitted for the Temple/ Coven member to question, disrupt, argue or disrespect the High Priestess/Priestess, High Priest/Priest in any matter. If something needs to be brought to attention, the Temple/ Coven member will discretely speak to the High Priestess/Priestess, High Priest/Priest alone.

All members, to include High Priestess/Priestess and High Priest/Priest shall bid a "Blessed Be" when in passing another High Priestess or High Priest. They shall be identified by a crown, piece of jewelry, patches or you may simply know from within that they are of this stature. When formally introduced to a High Priestess.

One should always make sure the HPS/PS or HP/P is comfortable, no matter where they may be. However, it is NOT expected or accepted for a Temple/ Coven Sister or Brother to be a servant to the HPS/PS or HP/P. It “is” expected that the males shall open all doors, pull out chairs for the HPS/PS and all sister Temple/ Coven mates.

All Temple /Coven members should take great pride in their degree, position within the Temple/Coven. A good and honourable HPS/PS or HP/P will acknowledge the accomplishments of her/ his Temple/ Coven members when introducing them to other Witches. She or he shall always be respectful, discrete and passionate to her/his Temple/ Coven members and always strive her/his hardest to make sure all Temple/Coven members are physically, emotionally and spiritually taken care of.

Many Temples/Covens have strict guidelines on how the HPS/ PS or HP/P is to be honored or treated. Some HPS/PS or HP/P may expect for their trips, food or other things to be paid for by members of the Temple/ Coven. They may expect to be waited on hand and foot. This is NOT proper and will not be tolerated in this Temple or Covens. If you come upon this situation, you are being controlled and dishonored, NOT respected and loved. If you freely perform activities for your HPS or HP, then understand it will be greatly honoured.

What is provided within this board is a simple overview of the way the behavior of all members within the Temple/Coven should be honored or treated. These guidelines shall be followed by the Temple of Diana members and all Covens/Temples under Her.

Created by: High Priestess Kasaan Eagles Cry for Crystal Falls Coven, and Temple of Diana, Inc.
Copyrighted and All Rights Reserved 2005
Amended on: Feb, 1, 2005, Amended July 7, 2005, Amended July 12, 2005, Amended Feb.20,2006

Article I
Upper Level Structure

WHPS ~ Witch High Priestess
HPS ~ High Priestess
HP ~ High Priest
PS ~ Priestess
P ~ Priest

There is not per se, a “hierarchy” within the Temple or Coven, as we are all equal as the Children of the Great Mother and Her Consort- God. For They are “our” Hierarchy”. Positions held are to provide a form of structure in the teaching of the Old Ways and Ancient Ones.

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High Priestess:

Spiritual Mother of the Temple and Coven. She is an example to the members of the Temple as the Goddess incarnate. Duties include:

* To teach the insights and skills of the Old Ways to the Temple members, or oversee the training program, so that each member grows in wisdom, love, and power. To lead the Temple in ritual Magick and celebrations and to serve as a guide and resource to other Temple members who may do so.

* To know and guide the emotional, social, and psychic dynamics of the Temple, so that a healthily balance of power and flow of energy is maintained.

* To counsel those with the Temple in their personal challenges or refer them to resources that may help them.

* To speak for the Temple before other religious groups in the community, always placing the best interests of the Lady, the Lord, and the Old Ways first.

* To see that the Temples programs are well organized and administered, by guiding and inspiring the members in the Temple.

** Note: Newly initiated HPS or HP in Training may branch off to create her or his own Coven with the blessings of his or her HPS, in that if he/she is still in training she/ he will be under the Imperium of his/her HPS, till such date her final initiation is completed.

High Priest:

High Priest is the chief representative of the God incarnate has similar responsibilities of the High Priestess in many ways. The High Priest assists the High Priestess as a leader of Temple, being an example to his Temple members as the God incarnate. If not available or ordained, the Second Degree Priestess appointed by the Witch High Priestess, will stand in position. His duties include [but not limited to] the following:

* To help teach the insights and skills of the Old Ways to the Temple, or oversee the training program, so that each member grows in wisdom, love, and power.

* To help lead the Temple in ritual Magick and celebrations or to serve as a guide and resource to other members who may do so.

* To support the Witch/High Priestess in guiding the emotional, social, and psychic dynamics of the Temple, so that a healthily balance of power and flow of energy is maintained.

* To counsel members in their personal challenges or refer them to resources that may help them.

When requested by the High Priestess:
* To speak for the Temple before other religious groups in the community, always placing the best interests of the Lady, the Lord, and the Old Ways first.

* To see that the Temples program are well organized and administered by guiding and inspiring the members in the Temple.

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* To support the Witch/High Priestess with the strength of his hands, the wisdom of his counsel, and the love of his heart, in that entire she may do for the honor of the Lady and the Lord.

* Note: That the division of duties between the Witch/High Priestess and High Priest will depend in part on the strengths and skills each one brings to the Temple. One theory has it that women are more active on the Inner Planes and men on the Outer, so the Witch/High Priestess should lead in the area of Magick, ritual, and the bonding of the group while the High Priest leads in manners of organization, administration, and community relations.
Amended: Feb.1, 2005, July 7, 2005, Feb. 20, 2006

Priestess Second Degree:

Priestess Second Degree: If the Witch/High Priestess is the spiritual mother of the Temple, and the Mother Goddess incarnate, then the Priestess is the Young Goddess who works at Her side to gain knowledge and wisdome so that she may one day fulfill that role. The specific duties of the Priestess include the following: To receive additional training to prepare her for the office of High Priestess, especially in the following areas:

* Ritual design and leadership
* Teaching
* Counseling
* Group process
* Administration
* Advanced Magick

The Priestess sets an example for all within the Temple by showing her participation with her learning, appearance, and ethics. To be a resource to the Temple especially within her gained knowledge of the lore, mythology, attributes, and aspects of the Goddess.

* . To take special care that the Temple be appropriately decorated, attractive and well supplied with necessities [candles, incense, altar cloths in various colors, etc*]. She may enlist energy of the Dedicates to help her do this.

* To assist the Witch/High Priestess in ritual and in projects designed to strengthen and harmonize the coven community.

* And To act as High Priestess when the Witch High Priestess is absent, or occasionally as a training experience.

Now there are many other heads and offices, but as we grow and offices are given, we run under the High
Priestess and Priestess.

Amended: Feb.1, 2005, Amended July 7, 2005, Feb. 20, 2006

The Temple of Diana is currently being governed under the Witch High Priestess and High Priestess and a High Priest. Note: Amended July 7, 2005, Amended 12 Jan, 2006

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Article II
Clergy Ordination Requirements

Temple of Diana, Inc. holds three levels of degrees. In order to be ordained as a Clergy/Reverend status, one must complete the training up and/ or until a Second Degree or higher. When this has been completed, then he or she may request in writing to the Witch High Priestess of Temple of Diana, Inc., to become ordained legally. This will be in accordance to the State or Territory where he or she resides, to become a registered Reverend/ Clergy. So that he or she will be able to perform Handfastings, Hand Partings, Birth Rites, Death Rites, Coming of Age Rituals, Counseling and more. We do accept open ordination within our Temple after those have earned the right to so seek ordination.

In special exceptions, the Witch High Priestess of the Temple of Diana, Inc., may permit a Second Degree Priestess or Priest to become legal Clergy/ Reverend, with all the other criteria as listed above in place.

Note: Some states do not recognize Handfastings as a legal marriage. However, being legally a “marriage” may be performed in the ritual setting of the Old Ways. In some Hand fasting, couples will request that they want it to be legally binding, so a marriage license from the county court of marriage shall have to be obtained by the couple. Once the Hand fasting has been completed the marriage certificate will be sent to the county seat by te Reverend/ Clergy. Understand that the Hand fasting shall be of the old ways, the only mundane issue will be the license obtained. There are no guidelines on how a marriage is to be performed by the State, so a couple can be bonded according to the ways of the Old Religion/ Old Ways, under the law they are a binding agreement within all Pagan Temples, Churches and Traditions. Within the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, an Ordained Rev/Clergy of any Pagan Path, may NOT become licensed, however, they are allowed the Rites under the Pagan Laws. Please remember to check each recommendation and statues through each State or Territory.
Note: Amended Feb 1, 2005, Amended July 7, 2005, Feb. 20, 2006

Article III
Temple or Coven Chartering

A High Priestess or High Priest in training may branch off with the blessings of the Witch High Priestess to begin her own coven under the imperium of her Witch/High Priestess. Until such as she is initiated to the High Priestess degree, upon final initiation she will head her coven and teach according to the ways of her coven curriculum, with the foundation of the Temple. Along with the new Temple’s association will be with Temple of Diana, Inc., and the ways of teaching.

Once ordained to full Clergy she/he may request in writing to the Home Temple to charter off a Temple of her/his own, in which case the Witch High Priestess of Temple of Diana, Inc., will obtain the proper fees and dues that are necessary to begin the preparation of such papers for the Charter Temple. Once approved by the Secretary or Commonwealth of State or Country, where it is to reside, the ordained High Priestess or High Priest will be responsible for all documents required by that state, or country in which to file. This includes but not limited to the filing of the FEIN, 501©) 3 papers, as well as all documents for the Temple.
Amended Feb 1, 2005, amended July 7, 2005, Feb.20. 2006

Note: The *Grandfather Clause*, pertaining to Crystal Falls Coven, it is a charter of Temple of Diana, Inc., under previous verbal permissions.
Amended Feb 1, 2005, Amended July 7, 2005

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Article IV
Officers Positions & Duties

The following offices shall be filled by the Temple Council whenever a vacancy occurs.

Witch High Priestess, High Priestess or High Priest - Chairs the Temple Council; coordinates the teaching program; provides counseling as necessary; leads the rituals or provides resources to those doing so; supervises the work of other Officers; directs initiation of candidates to the priestesshood/priesthood; supervises the work of the candidates for second and third degree status; represents the Temple teachings of the Old Ways and the public; enhances the inner strength and harmony of the Temple; provides overall guidance to the work in the Temple; and exercises final authority regarding ritual, initiation, ordination, and other matters.

Priestess Second Degree: Assists the High Priestess with rituals and her other responsibilities, and assumes the duties of the High Priestess in her absence.

The Summoner: The Summoner is responsible for communication of accurate and timely information to the Temple. The Summoner is the chief assistant to the Witch High Priestess, High Priestess, High Priest, Second Degree Priestess or First Degree Priest. He must be well-organized, a good communicator, and extremely dependable. In addition, he must be very accessible to the Temple’s members. His duties are as follows;

* To provide the Temple with information necessary for full participation in the programs. This would include but not be specific to, pot lucks, location of events and what tools are appropriate.

* To serve as courier to other Temples or Covens of the Old Ways organizations when requested by the Witch/High Priestess.

* To serve as an example to the rest of the Temple in his participation, learning, ethics, and appearance. He must provide the necessary resource/s, to the Temple, in his knowledge of the lore, mythology, attributes and aspects of the God.

* To receive additional training to prepare him for the office of High Priest, especially in the following areas;
*Ritual design and leadership
*Teaching
*Counseling
*Group Process
*Administration
*Advanced Magick

To assist the High Priest, Second Degree Priestess or First Degree Priest in ritual and Temple projects as requested; and To act as High Priest when the High Priest is absent, or occasionally as a training exercise.

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Purse Warden: Purse warden: The purse warden keeps track of the Temple treasury and accounts. They must be highly accurate and careful with money. Their duties are:
* To establish and monitor coven bank accounts.
* To collect and deposit dues, contributions, and the proceeds of fund raising projects.
* To issue checks and makes purchases as requested by the governing body of the coven.
* To present accurate reports on the state of treasury at regular temple business meetings.
* To coordinate fund raising projects, unless the coven appoints a Merchant or Fund raiser with that
responsibilit