templeeldar

Order of the Temple of Eldar

1.    The Temple is to be called “The Temple of Eldar.” “Eldar” is from Tolkein, meaning children of the stars.

2.    We are a Grove of Pagans. This is a Pagan Temple providing a place to worship in a Pagan manner. This Grove is to provide a way to celebrate the Wheel of the Year and to honor the God and Goddess. This Grove will promote learning as well as spiritual and psychic development.

3.    We recognize and encourage diversity among all Pagans.

4.    We, as members and initiates, are to strive to live by the Pagan Pledge create by the Circle Sanctuary:

I am a Pagan and I dedicate myself to channeling the Spiritual Energy of my Inner Self to help and to heal myself and others.

I know that I am part of the Whole of Nature. May I grow in understanding of the Unity of all Nature. May I always walk in Balance.

May I always be mindful of the diversity of Nature as well as its Unity and may I always be tolerant of those whose race, appearance, sex, sexual preference, culture, and other ways differ from my own.

May I use the Force (psychic power) wisely and never use it for aggression nor for malevolent purposes. May I never direct it to curtail the free will of another.

May I always be mindful that I create my own reality and that I have the power within me to create positivity in my life.

May I always take responsibility for all my actions, be they conscious or unconscious.

May I always act in honorable ways: being honest with myself and others, keeping my word whenever I have given it, fulfilling all responsibilities and commitments I have taken on to the best of my ability.

May I always remember that whatever is sent out always returns magnified to the sender. May the Forces of Karma move swiftly to remind me of these my spiritual commitments when I have begun to falter from them, and may I use this Karmic feedback to help myself grow and be more attuned to my Inner Pagan Spirit.

May I always remain strong and committed to my Spiritual ideals in the face of adversity and negativity. May the Force of my Inner Spirit ground out all malevolence directed my way and transform it into positivity. May my Inner Light shine so strongly that malevolent forces can not even approach my sphere of existence.

May I always grow in Inner Wisdom and Understanding. May I see every problem that I face as an opportunity to develop myself spiritually in solving it.

May I always act out of Love to all other beings on this Planet…to other humans, to plants, to animals, to minerals, to elementals, spirits, and to other entities.

May I always be mindful that the Goddess and God in all their forms dwell within me and that this divinity is reflected through my own Inner Self, my Pagan Spirit.

May I always channel Love and Light from my being. May my Inner Spirit, rather than my ego self, guide all my thoughts, feelings, and actions.

So Mote It Be.

5. We are to strive to live by the Witches Rede of Chivalry as stated in the Magical Rites of the Crystal Well by Ed Fitch:

Insofar as the Craft of the Wise is the most ancient and most honorable creed of humankind, it behooves all who are Witches to act in ways that give respect to the Old Gods, to their sisters and brothers of the Craft, and to themselves. Therefore, be it noted that:

Chivalry is a high code of honor which is of most ancient Pagan origin, and must be lived by all who follow the Old Ways.

It must be kenned that thoughts and intent put forth on this middle-Earth will wax strong in other worlds beyond, and return...bringing into creation, on this world, that which had been sent forth. Thus one should exercise discipline, for "as ye do plant, so shall ye harvest."

It is only by preparing our minds to be as Gods that we can ultimately attain godhead.

"This above all...to thine own self be true...thus it must follow as the night the day thou canst not then be false to any man" (from “Hamlet”)

A Witch's word must have the validity of a signed and witnessed oath. Thus, give thy word sparingly, but adhere to it like iron.

Refrain from speaking ill of others, for not all truths of the matter may be known.
Pass not unverified words about another, for hearsay is, in a large part, a thing of falsehoods.

Be thou honest with others, and have them know that honesty is likewise expected of them.

The fury of the moment plays folly with the truth; to keep one's head is a virtue.

Contemplate always the consequences of thine acts upon others. Strive not to harm.

Diverse covens may well have diverse views on love between members and with others. When a coven, clan or grove is visited or joined, one should discern quietly their practices, and abide thereby.

Dignity, a gracious manner, and a good humor are much to be admired.

As a Witch, thou hast power, and thy powers wax strongly as wisdom increases. Therefore exercise discretion in the use thereof.

Courage and honor endure forever. Their echoes remain when the mountains have crumbled to dust.

Pledge friendship and fealty to those who so warrant. Strengthen others of the Brethren and they shall strengthen thee.

Thou shall not reveal secrets of another Witch or another coven. Others have labored long and hard for them and cherish them as treasures.

Though there may be differences between those of the Old Ways, those who are once-born must see nothing, and must hear nothing.

Those who follow the mysteries should be above reproach in the eyes of the world.

The laws of the land should be obeyed whenever possible and within reason, for in the main they have been chosen with wisdom.

Have pride in thyself, and seek perfection in body and in mind. For the Lady has said, "How can thou honor another unless thou give honor to thyself first?"

Those who seek the mysteries should consider themselves as select of the Gods, for it is they who lead the race of humans to the highest of thrones and beyond the very stars.

6. Hierarchy of the Temple:

Elders
Druan Gwen
High Priestess
High Priest
Priestess
Priest
Members of the Temple
Initiates to the Temple
Dedicants to the Craft/ God/ Goddess
Guests

8.    Rituals will be held for the eight Sabbats. Only members can lead a Sabbat Ritual.

9.    Full or New Moon Rituals will be held on or near the appropriate time.

10.    A master calendar of events will be made every few months and followed as closely as possible.

11.    Meetings and classes will be held before Rituals. There may be times when special classes will be offered to the Temple members, initiates and guests.

12.    Free will exists in attendance to all functions (keeping in mind
to reap the benefits you must help sow the seeds). Please call the Priestess, if you are expected but cannot attend.

13.    We don’t proselytize, but we can educate and defend as Pagans.

14.    We should be able to enter any circle for Ritual with perfect love and perfect trust, or we will not enter the circle at all.

15.    There is to be no overt negativity displayed by members or initiates in the Temple Rituals. Strive to have no covert or unconscious negativity toward anyone or anything at any time.

16.    Whenever possible, Ritual garb is encouraged. This is a special time and we should dress accordingly.

17.    All participants in Ritual are considered aspects of the God/Goddess and are to be treated as such and are expected to act as such. Sincere spontaneity is not discouraged in ritual. No inappropriate behavior (disruptive or disrespectful) is allowed. Transgressors will be asked to leave.

18.    Secrecy is not a must, but discretion and good judgment should be used.

19.    First time guests must have previously talked to the Druan Gwen, High Priestess, or High Priest about their understanding of ritual and Paganism and why they want to participate. They will be given a copy of the Release of Negativity, Pagan Pledge and Witches Rede of Chivalry. Any guest must be approved by the Elders of the Temple before the night of the Ritual. As a courtesy, the person who is giving the ritual that night, should it be other than the Elders, should be asked.

20.    Anyone may ask to become a dedicant to the Craft, God or Goddess and have it performed by an Elder of the Temple.

21.    Guests may ask to become initiates to the Temple. They must have already dedicated themselves to the Craft, God or Goddess. They must have been participating in circle with the Temple for at least 6 months. The Initiate or Acolyte must meet certain requirements before becoming a full member. They must write and present a Full or New Moon Ritual, read the Pagan Ritual Book, read most of the books on the suggested Reading list, show a commitment to the Temple by attendance to rituals and Temple functions, show knowledge of Pagan principles and knowledge of Rituals. The Acolyte has a year and a day to fulfill these requirements. They will be questioned by the Elders. Memberships is decided by the Elder’s unanimous vote. The Acolyte has a year and a day to fulfill these requirements.

22.    An Honorary Member is someone the Elders feel is already learned enough to qualify as a member, by previous study and active work with another group for a serious length of time and actively involved with The Temple of Eldar for at least 6 months.

23.    The Temple Book of Shadows, copies of Rituals, Spells, Meditations and other such written information can be used by the members or initiates as long as they are respectful of the contents and do not lose or misplace any of them.

24.    Donations of art, artifacts and equipment are appreciated, but must be unanimously agreed upon by Elders before being incorporated into the Temple rituals. Any changes to existing equipment should be agreed upon by the Elders. Private rituals in the Temple can be done with personal equipment. If there is any question of appropriateness, then the unanimous vote of the Elders will prevail. If the approval is not unanimous, the object cannot be used in the Temple.

25.    All members and initiates should offer, share information (such as songs, poetry, recipes, etc.) with the group at meetings should be seriously involved with the Temple of Eldar. Involvement with other groups at the same time is not prohibited. If there is a question, the Elders should meet to discuss and decide: to help, or to advise.

26.    A member or initiate may ask to take a leave of absence from the Temple for whatever reason they think is valid. They need to notify an Elder of the Temple of this decision. They must meet with the Elders before they are allowed to return. The Elders may or may not decide to allow the return of the member or initiate to the Temple.

27.    A member may notify the Temple in writing if they should choose to no longer honor their vows of service to the Temple. A member or initiate may be asked to leave the Temple for any reason if the Elders feel this is necessary and their vote is unanimous.

28.    Elders may call upon members or Acolytes to attend a meeting to discuss things that may affect the Temple or its members.

29.    All members and initiates are to help all others in growth, learning, and spirituality.

30.    Children who opt to come to Ritual must be quiet and respectful during Ritual. An adult must have discussed the purpose and manner of the ritual with the child beforehand. If the child cannot be quiet and/or respectful, he or she must wait for a pre-determined length of time before asking to attend again. During the Ritual, the word of any of the Elders should be respected as a parent by the child.

31.    Samhain 1985 was the first time for non-members to apply to become initiates of the Temple of Eldar.

32.    Original Council members who began the Temple of Eldar were High Priestess Syrylyn, High Priest Arramar, Priestess Clieandori, and Priest L’drac. Elders(formerly Council members) today, April 1, 1999 consist of Druan Gwen Andres, High Priestess Syrylyn, and High Priest L’drac.

33.    A group named Temple of Eldar Beth Lushede led by High Priestess Maenwyn Rati (formerly Clieandori) was started in Independence, Missouri on July 25, 1995. This would be considered a hive or spin off group of Temple of Eldar.   Maenwyn’s group also has a hive off Temple called Circle Luna Lushede led by Priestess Selene Rati.

First Written May 26, 1985
Revised July 9, 1988
Revised April 16, 1999.              Blessed Be.