Initiations
February 22nd, 2011
It’s been a little over a year since I completed my Dedicant Program. I’ve spent several months collecting books and experiences to be able to begin work on my Clergy Training Program. It seems to be the next logical step for me, but it’s more than that. It’s a calling, and a lifelong one. I received an e-mail the other day informing me that I was now on “inactive” status in the program because I hadn’t submitted anything yet. I should probably come right out and say that I intend to take three years to dedicate to the First Circle of this Program, and I haven’t completed the first one.
However, as it seems there are some nudging going on as the need for Clergy is growing every day within the ADF, I’d better buckle down a little harder. Since I’ve written enough rituals for my own self as well as public rites at CLG, I guess my next step is to start on Liturgy 1. That way if I choose to revert to the New and Improved Yet Still Unapproved CTP, I’ll be able to slide right in and not focus on courses that no longer apply. I do approve of the changes made for the most part, but it’s still a little unclear how transition will occur for students currently in the program. Either way, I have to do Liturgy 1, so I might as well get on it. 
In an effort to be more disciplined, I’ve begun another wordpress journal exclusively for spiritual insights. That is, my journeys, meditations, rituals, divinations, and general thoughts about the ADF and other such things will be found there. I’ll be honest, I’m not a fan of having that information publicly accessible, so just know that it’s there.
In order to prepare myself for the CTP mindset, I began by holding my own Initiation ceremony upon this path. I made offerings to Morrighan and to the Fire/Well/Tree and the Kindred. I offered up Jameson and a long braid of my hair to Her asking for her advice on the path ahead. I have to write about that experience in my Secret Squirrel Journal, but suffice it to say that it was significant and powerful, and has set me back upon this path with renewed spirit.