TYPE 4

ON THE ARIDIAN TRADITION

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RAMBLINGS ON THE ARIDIAN TRADITION

In the Aridian Tradition, we begin the new year with the ritual

of Shadowfest / Samhaine (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 / Litha, 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.

BLESSED BE [ RAVEN]