PhoenixSpirit Clan Training Programs

San Diego, CA


The following is a course outline of the current training programs for the PhoenixSpirit Clan. 

Due to the organic nature of learning and of the Wiccan path, our Training program changes as we grow.

The current listing was last updated on October 14, 2006.

Course series currently run consecutively due to the size of the Grove. In the future, course series may run concurrently as more teachers become available.  Previous series are required for all later series classes (i.e., Wicca 101 is required for PSC Level 1, PSC Level 1 for PSC Level 2, etc.) Wicca 101 classes can be offered on an individual basis by request, but must be scheduled with the instructor. PSC Level 1 is offered on a group class basis only (at least at this time.) The Wicca 101 and PSC Level 1: Phase I (Seeker's) programs are open to the general public. 

The 4 class Wicca 101 series is required of any person wishing to attend PhoenixSpirit Clan open celebratory rituals on a regular basis and is held on an as needed basis. The Wicca 101 classes are a brief introduction to Wicca and NeoPaganism as practiced within the PSC tradition.

The PSC Level 1 program is an annual program and is offered only once per year, and until more instructors are trained, it may be offered every other year or every 18 months..  The Meditation, Ethics and Sabbats Intensives are also open to the public.  The Ethics Intensive is a co-requisite, required course for all students in the PSC Level 1 program.  Students may not proceed into the PSC Level 1 Dedicant's Phase unless they have satisfactorily completed, or are currently enrolled in, the Ethics Intensive and making satisfactory progress in, the Ethics Intensive.

 The Meditation Intensive is not mandatory, but is strongly recommended for all students, especially those new to Wicca or who do not have any magickal training. The Sabbats Intensives are held once approximately every six weeks, scheduled approximately 2 weeks before each Sabbat.  These classes are optional, but are offered to enhance the participant's ritual experience.  The Sabbats Intensive is recommended for anyone planning to attend an upcoming Sabbat, and may be attended on a drop in basis. There is a coherent design to the Sabbats Intensive, though, so serious students are encouraged to attend the full Intensive as a Wheel of the Year cycle.

Below is the proposed class schedule for 2006 - 2007.  Specific class dates can be seen on our Grove Calendar(s).  Classes are held in the San Diego area and extension students are being considered on a case-by-case basis only..  Please contact CatDeville@cox.net for more information if interested.

Wicca 101 classes By Special Arrangement Covenstead
Seeker's Classes Alternating Every other Friday & Saturday (see calendar) Covenstead
Meditation Intensive New Moons (Currently Incorporated into the Seeker's Cycle) Covenstead
Ethics Intensive Saturdays prior to the full Moon Covenstead
Sabbats Intensive Classes are always TBA but are usually scheduled on a Saturday approximately 2 weeks before the Sabbat by Student Request. Covenstead

 


The PhoenixSpirit Clan
Course Outlines and Reading Lists

Please Note: Classes which are underlined are available online - just click the class title.


Wicca 101

Purpose: Introduction.
The Wicca 101 curriculum is designed to introduce the student to the basics of Wicca and Neo-Paganism to permit active participation in celebratory Sabbats and within the grove community.

Goal(s): Once completed the student should have a firm grasp of the basics of Wiccan and Neo-Pagan history, cosmology and symbology. The student will have sufficient knowledge of the Wiccan Wheel of the year and the mythic cycles and liturgical structure used within the PhoenixSpirit Clan to allow meaningful participation in our celebratory rituals.

Wicca 101 Course Outline:

Class I. Introduction to Neo-Paganism and Wicca

Class II. Symbology and Cosmology

Class III. Wheel of the Year and Mythic Cycles

Class IV. Liturgical Structure and Circle Participation

Wicca 101 Reading List


PhoenixSpirit Clan Level One

Purpose: Exploration and Growth.
The PSC Level 1 curriculum is divided into two phases.

  • Phase I: (Seeker) The first phase is designed to provide the student with a deeper exploration of Wicca and Neo-Paganism as a religion and to provide opportunities for the Seeker to explore the social and group dynamic aspects of the PhoenixSpirit Clan.

  • Phase II: (Dedicant) The second phase is designed to assist in the personal and spiritual growth of the Dedicant; to strengthen the bond between the Dedicant and the coven and to prepare the Dedicant for initiation into the service of the God/dess.

  • Goal(s):

  • Phase I: Once completed the student should have a firm enough grasp of Neo-Paganism and Wicca as spiritual paths and of CAW as an option within the Neo-Pagan path to decide whether or not s/he wishes to pursue dedication to the Wiccan path and whether or not s/he wishes to associate with the Church of All Worlds.

  • Phase II: Prior to beginning Phase II the Dedicant shall meet with the coven council to design a personalized growth program which shall include individual goals determined by both the Dedicant and the council, in addition to the standard requirements for initiation. Once completed the student should have achieved his/her personal goals as well as having gained a firm enough grasp of Wiccan ritual to serve as Pries/ess to the God/dess. In addition, the student should have a strong introduction to coven group dynamics and a sufficient depth of association with the PhoenixSpirit Clan to determine whether or not s/he wishes to become a candidate for initiation.

  • PhoenixSpirit Clan Level One Course Outline:

    PSC 101: Seeker's Classes (Level 1: Phase I)

    Class I. Training Overview:

    Class II. History of Witchcraft / Wicca

    Class III. Witchcraft as Goddess Religion

    Class IV. Wicca Worldview Part 1: Beliefs and Ethics

    Class V. Wicca Worldview Part 2: Cosmology and Thea/ology

    Class VI. Ground / Center / Meditate

    Class VII. Mystery: The Nature of Ritual

    Class VIII. Symbolism: The Language Of Ritual

    Class IX. Rites & Celebrations: Types of Ritual

    Class X. Creating Sacred Space: An Introduction to Circle…

    Class XI. The Purpose of Ritual I: Holidays Part 1: Sabbats…

    Class XII. The Purpose of Ritual II: Holidays Part 2: Esbats…

    Class XIII. Creating Effective Ritual

    Class XIV. The Goddess

    Class XV. The God

    Class XVI. Dedication

    Class XVII. Effective Ritual, Step 1: Planning

    Class XVIII. Effective Ritual, Step 2: Preparation

    Class XIX. Effective Ritual, Step 3: Execution

    Class XX. Effective Ritual, Step 4: Grounding and Completion

    Class XXI. Effective Ritual, Step 5: Record Keeping and Review

    Class XXII. Writing Ritual

    PSC 102: Dedicant's Classes  (Level 1: Phase II)

    Class I. The Coven

    Class II. Developing the Group Identity / Group Mind

    Class III. Process and Consensus

    Class IV. Intro to Group Dynamics

    Class V. Communication, Cooperation and Conflict

    Class VI. Personal Responsibility

    Class VII. Social Responsibility

    Class VIII. Magickal Symbols

    Class IX. The Elements

    Class X. The Divine

    Class XI. Tools and Accessories

    Class XII. Energy

    Class XIII. Music in Ritual

    Class XIV. The Purpose of Ritual III: Rites of Passage

    Class XV. The Purpose of Ritual IV: Special Purpose Rituals

    Class XVI. Initiation

    Class XVII. Magickal Theory

    Class XVIII. Magickal Ethics / Wiccan Rede

    Class XIX. Magick In Practice

    Class XX. Trance

    Class XXI. Drawing Down the Moon / Sun (channeling)

    PhoenixSpirit Clan Level 1 Reading List

    PhoenixSpirit 1st Degree Initiation Requirements

    Eth101: Full Moon Ethics Intensive (required)                                                           

    Class I. Introduction to Ethics

    Class II. Introduction to Common Wiccan  Beliefs and Ethical Concepts

    Class III. Imminent Divinity and Personal Responsibility.

    Class IV. The Interconnected Web of Life.

    Class V. Honesty

    Class VI. The Law of Thelema, Part 1: Love.

    Class VII. The Law of Thelema, Part 2: True Will

    Class VIII. Harm

    Class IX. Karma

    Class X. Law of Return/Law of Three

    Class XI. Sexual Ethics.

    Class XII. Ethical Problems from the Wiccan Viewpoint

    Class XIII. Developing A Personal Ethical Base

     

    Rit100: New Moon Meditation Intensive (highly recommended)                              

    Class I. Introduction to Meditation: Traditions Overview

    Class II. Introduction to Meditation: Methods Overview

    Class III. Introduction to Meditation for Neo-Pagans (same as class 1.1.6 above)

    Class IV. Meditation in Practice: Getting Started – Relaxation and Calming the Mind

    Class V...  …: Getting Started – Physical Considerations

    Class VI. . …: Getting Started – Developing a Discipline.

    Class VII.  …: Getting Started – Cultivating an Open Heart

    Class VIII.  Overcoming Obstacles: Challenges and Roadblocks

    Class IX. Refining what You’ve Learned

    Class X. Meditation in Action: How to Meditate in Everyday Life

    Class XI...... …: Meditation for Healing and Performance Enhancement

    Class XII.  Meditation Q & A:  What’s on your mind?

     

    Rit103: Wheel of the Year Intensive (optional)                                                           

    Class I. Introduction to the Wiccan Wheel of the Year (same as 1.1.11 above)

    Class II. Samhain

    Class III. Yule

    Class IV. Imbolc / Imbolg

    Class V. Ostara  / Spring Equinox

    Class VI. Bealtaine / Beltane

    Class VII. Midsummer /.Litha

    Class VIII. Lughnasadh / Lammas

    Class IX. Mabon / Autumn Equinox

     

    Electives  Currently Offered (as time permits)                                                                                                                             

    Community and Paganism

     

    Family and Paganism

     

    Living Pagan

     

    Divination

     

    Witchy Crafts: Overview

     

    Kitchen Witchery 101

     

     


    PhoenixSpirit Clan Level Two

    Purpose: Service.
    The PhoenixSpirit Clan Level 2 curriculum is designed to further the Students training in Wicca, Neo-Paganism, comparative religion, comparative mythology and magick while also preparing the Student for a path of service to the coven and to the larger Neo-Pagan community.

    Goal(s): Once completed the Student should have a firm grasp of the history of Wicca and Neo-Paganism and the Neo-Pagan movement, a solid grounding in mythology, ritual and magick and an advanced understanding of group dynamics and organization. The student will increase their ability to act in a pastoral capacity to the community by learning to assist in rites of passage, accepting teaching responsibilities and learning conflict resolution, conflict management and mediation skills. In addition, the student will examine and develop his/her own personal skills in context of how s/he can grow personally and provide service to the Neo-Pagan community . Finally, the Student will choose at least one area of service to the community as a special focus and shall devote time to providing service in that area.

    PhoenixSpirit Clan Level 2 Reading List

    PhoenixSpirit 2nd Degree Initiation Requirements


    PhoenixSpirit Clan Level Three

    (The purpose of the Level Three program is so much in harmony with the CAW RINGs cycle that I have borrowed heavily from the wording of their RINGs program's 7th circle. Quoted portions are in italics.)

    Purpose: Leadership.
    The PhoenixSpirit Clan Level 3 curriculum is designed to "foster the growth and development of the Pagan movement and community, and help the return of the Goddess to the world at large." Participants in the Level 3 program have expressed a desire to become Senior members of the Wiccan Clergy and to devote themselves to a life time of service to the God/dess and to the Neo-Pagan community as a whole. Third Degree Initiates stand as representatives of the God/dess to their coven, (in the case of CAW Clergy) to their Church, to the Neo-Pagan community and often to the broader faith community and world community as well. Since 3rd Degree Initiates stand as representatives of the Neo-Pagan community to the general community more often than others, the purpose of the Level 3 training program is also to provide the Postulant with the ability to represent their community in a positive and constructive manner.

    Goal(s): Once completed the student should be able to confidently lead ritual, organize, structure and administrate teaching programs, conduct interviews and represent the Coven and the Craft to the public and manifest the work of the God/dess within the Neo-Pagan community and the broader community as well. Expectations and qualification for a 3rd degree initiate (and for CAW Clergy) include: "Establishing a link between Gods/Goddesses and community, and help people make that link themselves. Administer sacraments, i.e. be able to perform the rituals of this religion and lead regular services. Articulately communicate the body of lore or doctrine of the Church to anyone. Be knowledgeable thealogically, historically, etc. Teach what you know (and know what you teach). Take responsibility to make things happen. Put out "fires" effectively. Have a sense of presence that is inspiring to others. Create original material. Have personal credibility through lack of hypocrisy. Think on your feet and be able to wing it when necessary. Effectively lead others without using "power over" (Starhawk). Evoke a sense of affection and respect. Maintain clarity of vision for the community. Be able to deal with administrative issues effectively, appropriately, and in a timely manner. Be willing to serve others before laying out your own trip. Be able to raise power magically."

    The PhoenixSpirit Clan Level 3 Reading List.

    PhoenixSpirit 3rd Degree Initiation Requirements



    Unless otherwise noted, all graphics and artwork on all pages of this site are assumed to be in the Public Domain or are used with the artist's permission. Graphics credits and source information for all graphics can be found on this page. All written materials are copyright by Catherine Deville, 1999, unless otherwise noted. Please notify me immediately if you have any copyright concerns.
    The Fire Cauldron, Pentacles and Chalice used in the Header of the grove pages were downloaded from Robin Wood's Pagan Graphic Freeware site. These graphics are © Robin Wood 1997, and are used with permission.
    The phase animated moon (Pythmoon.gif) at the top was created by Python. Please visit his website at Python's Sacred Space.
    The Lunar Eclipse Button set was downloaded from AOL and is used by permission of the Artist: Starznmorn@aol.com.
    (Lettering on the "Top" button was done on a blank button in Lucida Handwriting by Catherine Deville)
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    Webmistress: CatDeville@cox.net
    Last revised: October 14, 2006 .