Dedications
1. All dedications will take place in either in September or March. Even when there are no new dedicates, the group will renew their vows of dedication at least once a year.
2. A sincere affection for the group, a commitment to the coven, and considering initiating into our Craft is expected of all members of the group. Students working with the coven for at least six months and do not ask for dedication, should have a very good reason as to why. Council shall be held about such students. Are they simply afraid of the ceremony, taking vows, commitment, etc.? Or, is it some other reason? If the student is not interested, because they dislike commitments, feel no desire to serve, and want no permanent ties, their membership should be revoked. Initiation is not mandatory, nor is the minimum time of a year and a day.
3. The dedication ceremony shall be a group circle. At this ceremony, each apprentice shall light a wick on the Tree of Life dedication candle, and say "I am ready to birth my magickal self into this coven and into my life." The dedicates and initiates will light the tree also and re-dedicate themselves. Each student shall attach their gift/totem to the Coven staff, and said totem shall be recorded with their name. The rituals will be given to the dedicates at least a week or so before the ceremony so that they can become acquainted with this rite of passage; especially the vows. The vows should be approached seriously. After the ceremony the new dedicates shall exchange unmarked gifts, the initiates will give them their green cords, and a celebration in their honor will ensue.
4. Dedicates who do not live up to the group's expectations, do not attend circles regularly or seem to cause other problems, should be called to council. If the problem cannot be solved, the student or dedicate may be asked to take a leave of absence for a specific amount of time. Dedicates that leave the group permanently will remove their totems from the staff, burn or return there cords. If they do not take their totems, from the staff, the initiates shall remove them during an appropriate ritual.
