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Coven 
The Priest and the wysard

The Ladders of the Blackthorn Tradition:

Ordination & Elevation

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Within the Blackthorn Tradition, the path of growth is honored through two distinct yet interconnected ladders: the Ordination Ladder (the Path of the Witch or Priest) and the Elevation Ladder (the Path of the Magician or Wysard). As a dual system, one may ascend the Ordination Ladder—through Initiations—without engaging in the Elevation Ladder. However, the reverse is not true: progression through the Elevation Ladder requires concurrent advancement along the Ordination path.

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Why this difference in progression?


The Elevation Ladder is dedicated to the arts and sciences of magick. It is the realm of deep study, disciplined practice, and arcane knowledge. Those who walk this path often grow in skill and power—but power, when untempered, can become a perilous flame. Without balance, the seeker of magical arts may be overtaken by ambition, leading them down a shadowed path where knowledge becomes obsession and will becomes domination.

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To counter this, the Ordination Ladder serves as a guiding light, rooting the practitioner in the spiritual dimensions of the Craft. This path cultivates integrity, devotion, and harmony with the Divine. It is through Ordination that one strengthens their moral compass, deepens communion with the Gods, and learns to align their work not merely with desire, but with True Will. It is the heart that steadies the hand.

Together, the Ladders of Ordination and Elevation form a whole path—a union of wisdom and spirit, power and purpose. One without the other is incomplete; but together, they offer a sacred way forward, in balance with the Will of the God/dess and the ever-turning Wheel.

Initiation/ Ordination - The Path of the Priest

Initiation / 1st Degree​

Initiation is the sacred pathway of the Priest—a rite of passage that marks the soul's deeper commitment to the Mysteries. It is not taken lightly, nor granted by effort alone. It unfolds when the Seeker is ready in spirit, mind, and will, having shown harmony with their inner power, fulfilled the sacred teachings, answered the traditional questions, and served the Grove through thirteen full moons.

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To be initiated is to step fully into the rhythm of the Divine, to walk in service to the God/dess, and to hold space for others along the path. With this rite, the Initiate enters the heart of the Coven, sharing in its rituals, its meditations, and its sacred trust. They may be called to teach, to guide, and to carry the flame of wisdom forward.

 

Initiation / Second Degree

The Second Degree within the Wild Blackthorn Tradition marks a deeper unfolding of the soul’s journey into the Mysteries. It is granted to the Initiate who has expressed a sincere calling for further Initiation, and who has demonstrated consistent mastery of the elemental energies, holding balance and control at least 85% of the time.

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The Seeker of Second Degree must have completed all required studies and assignments, served faithfully as a Grove teacher for no less than a year and a day, and met the spiritual and practical requirements set forth for advancement.

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This rite signifies a turning inward—a deepening of wisdom, responsibility, and connection with the God/dess—and a readiness to serve not only as teacher, but as spiritual anchor and guide within the Tradition.

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Initiation / Third Degree

The Third Degree within the Wild Blackthorn Tradition marks the threshold of mastery and spiritual sovereignty. It is offered to a Second Degree Initiate who has expressed a true and heartfelt desire for further Initiation, who has demonstrated control of universal energies, and—more importantly—has shown the wisdom to know when such power should be used. It is better to do nothing than to act against the will of the Goddess.

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To walk this path, the Initiate must have completed all required studies and assignments and be able to meet the spiritual, personal, and practical requirements set forth for Third Degree. 

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Third Degree is not only a recognition of spiritual attainment—it is a call to leadership. Those who receive this honor are encouraged to step beyond the parent Coven and establish a Grove and Coven of their own, ideally with a working partner who shares their vision. They are entrusted to carry forward the wisdom, traditions, and philosophy of the Blackthorn, and to shape them into new expressions. For that which does not grow is destined to wither.​​

 

 

The Elevation Ladder: Mastery Through the Occult Arts & Sciences

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At The Wild Blackthorn, personal and magickal development is guided by the Elevation Ladder—a structured path of growth built upon the study of over 20 Occult Arts and Sciences.

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Four Elevations of Advancement

There are four distinct elevations, each representing a deeper level of mastery, commitment, and spiritual transformation. Advancement requires demonstrated proficiency in five Arts and Sciences per level.

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First Elevation – Foundational Mastery

The First Elevation establishes the essential magickal foundation. It is the only elevation requiring specific disciplines:

  • Enchantment

  • Incantation

  • Ritual & Ceremony

  • Rhetoric

  • Scribing

Mastery in these core areas prepares practitioners for deeper work within the tradition.

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Second & Third Elevations – Personalized Exploration​

From the Second through the Third Elevations, practitioners select their areas of focus from the broader pool of Occult Arts and Sciences. This flexibility allows each Seeker to align their studies with their strengths, callings, and spiritual goals.

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Some disciplines include prerequisites to ensure proper depth and progression of learning.

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Fourth Elevation – Culmination & the Great Work​

The Fourth Elevation marks the highest level of formal mastery within the Tradition. In addition to mastering five advanced disciplines, practitioners must also complete a “Great Work”—a significant, original contribution to the Tradition or the broader magickal community.

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This capstone work reflects the practitioner’s integration of knowledge, experience, service, and wisdom.

Our Elevation Ladder blends discipline with flexibility, supporting each individual’s transformation through structured study, personal insight, and meaningful practice.

 

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