JaguarMoon's Art of Ritual Class

JaguarMoon now offers a series of classes that will take you well beyond 'Wicca 101'. These classes are based on the year-long course of training created by Lady Maat (aka Lisa Mc Sherry). In these classes you will receive a thorough education in almost every aspect of being a Witch. The classes include: the history of Wicca, group structures, the Rede, ethical training, healing, visualization and meditation techniques, herbs and their uses, ritual components, creating your own rituals, the aspects of Divinity and how to incorporate them into your daily life. Our system of training witches is a proven one.

The goal of each class is simply this:

We believe that there is an enormous amount of information available about Witchcraft and that the true difficulty in learning is to separate what is useful from what is not. Our philosophy is that there is no One True Way, but there are established concepts that have been proven time after time. Each class will not only provide you with a broad background of basic skills and knowledge but also the tools to discern true knowledge amongst the 'new age' hocus-pocus.

Classes are taught in a highly interactive manner, there is no 'grade' given in The Art of Ritual -- your own will to know defines your success. Comprised of readings and discussion questions, lessons are assigned weekly, with time for group discussion and (where applicable) practical applications. We encourage our students to share experiences and knowledge as they each work their way through the lesson. Each class will take one to two months to complete, with a few exceptions.

As a student, you will work with a mentor. S/he is not your direct teacher but is there for you to ask questions of or to bounce ideas off of as you progress through the lessons. The two of you will hold regular evaluations, which should serve as a confirmation of your self-knowledge. They are not exams, but instead are intended to act as signposts, markers for you to note as you make your journey.

Whether you are a long-time Solitary who wishes to refine her mastery of certain skills, a Witch who has relocated to an area where he does not have any occult support, or a new comer to the Craft, the Art of Ritual is for you!

Each class has a set fee, payable in advance, and refundable if you choose to leave before the end of the first week (we recognize that online training is not for everyone). There are various discounts available, please see the payment page for more information. These fees are the equivalent of a physical coven's 'candle fees' -- web access, hosting, etc. Money, however, is not the reason we teach the class and no applicant will be turned down for a lack of financial resources -- there are other ways of 'paying your dues'.

Why are we doing this?

1. Our Tradition is one in which teaching is of great importance. We seek out those who are otherwise unable to find teachers and support them in their learning.
2. It is a way for us to continue to expand our own knowledge (students make the best teachers!) and deepen our spirituality.
3. We teach in service to the Lord and Lady.

What will we ask of you?

1. That you can commit five to seven hours a week of your time (on average) to working on the lessons provided.
2. That you commit to doing at least 75% of each classes' work -- which may include attending rituals. We understand that life may intrude and you may finish some lessons slower than others, but we want you to give us your best efforts.
3. That you have access to IRC, and have a web browser with the ability to view graphics.
4. You must be able to send and receive binary e-mail attachments.
5. That you identify with the terms 'Wiccan' or 'Witch' and/or be interested in becoming one. We are an eclectic group, with many variations, but we are committed to the Rede and require it of our members.
6. You must be at least 21 years old. We know that our teachings are not harmful to minors, but not all judges everywhere agree.
7. That you agree to no drug use in rituals. There are other groups that combine hallucinogens or other drugs with spiritual investigation. If that is what you want, you haven't found it here.

An outline of our program is available here.  I encourage you to also look at the other pages on this site to get a better idea of who we are and what we're doing here in cyberspace.

If you are interested in finding out more, I can be reached at hps_at_jaguarmoon.org and am happy to answer any questions you may have.

~ Lady Maat