Temple (partial DRAFT)

When a Coven is part of an established Tradition, it is referred to as a 'Temple'. For instance, the Correllian Tradition has a number of Temples, including, as a specific example that I know nothing of, the Holy City Temple.

Joining a Coven or Temple may require an initiation, or series of initiations (see here for something generic I've written on this concept).



Now, as an addition to the strict definition, I urge you to keep in mind that all Covens, Temples and other groups are just that: groups of humans coming together for a specific purpose, or purposes. As such, they may be flawed, hopefully becoming less flawed as they gain experience (although becoming rigid with age is a possibility, as well), and they are composed of humans who are always flawed, and have varying degrees of skill when it comes to dealing with personal and group flaws, group dynamics and problems, and the attainment of the group's goals.

Furthermore, in much the same way as we can be in harmony or disharmony with a particular piece or style of music, a smell or a colour, or other individuals or groups, so too can we be in harmony or disharmony with a Coven or Temple OR IT'S AIMS. Being in disharmony does NOT necessarily mean that group or aim is wrong or evil, any more than it means the person is defective in some way: it ONLY means that you need to move on, graciously, and find a group that IS in harmony with you.

Next, you should NEVER agree to sex - or it's simulation (aka 'The Great Rite') - under duress. Any Coven or Temple that claims sex is an essential part of its conduct is wrong, and is actually abusive. Leave, and consider reporting them if they have breached the law.

I also personally have no time for any group that insists on nudity (often termed being 'skyclad'). If people are genuinely naturists, or are comfortable with nudity, that is fine ... BUT any attempt to force this sort of behaviour on the grounds that it is a way of ensuring trust is utterly backwards: trust comes with time and experience and people PROVING that they can be trusted - and then, AFTER you have established trust, you can have a discussion about consensual, duress-free skyclad work.

Of course, if you are joining a group where they have already established practices of working skyclad, you cannot expect them to change to suit you - you may have to decide whether that group is something you can be comfortable with, or whether you need to continue your search.

I've not had to make the choice to join or not join a group on the basis of working skyclad, but I have chosen to leave groups on the basis of ethics or other conditions - for example, expectations around tithing, availability at expense of family, etc. I have, in some such instances, genuinely lost access to some knowledge that I haven't been able to access elsewhere - but I remain comfortable with my conscience.

As of the time this definition was written, I’ve touched on this idea in the following posts:

     Post No. TBC