Starweaver's Online Book Of Shadows -- Ramblings on the Aridian Tradition

RAMBLINGS ON THE ARIDIAN TRADITION

In the Aridian Tradition, we begin the new year with the ritual of Shadowfest (Oct. 31). The calendar which we use today, is off by a few days from the old calendar, so I am using the dates most commonly associated with the rites of Treguenda. This is the time of Shadows, of beginnings lurking in the mists of pro-creation. The wheel of the year starts here, and moves on through the remaining seven Treguenda. We divide the year up into a period of "rule" by both the High Pries- tess and the High Priest, who represent their respective Deity counte- rparts. The High Priest "rules" from Oct. 31st until May 1st. Then he passes the "power" on to the High Priestess who rules from May 1st until Oct. 31st. These periods we call the "God Months" and the "Goddess Months".

During the God Months we wear hooded robes within the Circle. During the Goddess Months we are "naked in our rites". Each of the Treguenda are marked by a Myth, which is acted out in ritual drama, during the rite. At Shadowfest, the Legend of the Descent is performed. This is balanced at the Spring Equinox, when the Legend of the Ascent is performed.

Our Full Moon Ceremonies are the same throughout the year, regardless of whether it is a Goddess Month, or a God Month. The only difference would be the wearing of a robe, or being nude (or Skyclad as Wiccans say), which IS determined by the Season.

In the Aridian Tradition we perceive the Goddess and the God, to be equal (yet different) aspects of the One Great Spirit. We believe in Harmony, and do not exalt one above the other.

We have three stages, or degrees of learning. Each requires the mastery of certain aspects of The Old Religion, and the copying of material from the Book of Ways. We do not have the Wiccan "year and a day" aspect, but watch our initiates, and judge when they are ready to advance. An initiate may come forward on their own, and request to be considered for advancement, and then will be tested to see if he or she has met the conditions of advancement. We have found that some people are ready in a year, and others are not. But, each person is given an outline of what they must do to complete their Degree. When this is accomplished, then we sit down with them, and make a decision.

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