The Sacred Order of Living Paganism

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Achievement Awards

Achievement Awards are similar to the concept of merit badges. Youth of the Order who are pursuing degrees need to complete the requirements for several Achievement Awards as part of their requirements for that degree. We currently use buttons as achievement awards. It is recommended that a stole be worn over a ritual robe. On that stole can be added the Achievement Awards that are completed. Circles and mentors are free to use these designs to create their own badges.

Awards have one of three color bands: black for electives, silver for required Neophyte awards, and gold for required Mage awards.

Contents

Awards List

The Altar (required for Apprentice)
Amulets
Animals
Art
Astronomy
Astrology
Basic Ritual (required for Apprentice)
Basic First Aid
Cakes and Ale
Camping
Caring for the Environment (required for Mage)
Caring for Animals
Cooking
Creative Writing
Dance
Deities
Divination
Dreamwork
Earth Study
The Elements (required for Apprentice)
Emotional Fitness
Games and Fun
Gardening
Herbalism
Hiking
Journaling
Living Paganism (required for Apprentice)
Magick (required for Mage)
Magickal Alphabets
The Magic Circle (required for Apprentice)
Meditation
Mental Fitness
Music
Mythology
Phases of the Moon (required for Mage)
Photography
Physical Fitness
Pottery
Reading
Religious Tolerance (required for Mage)
Ritual Crafts
The Sabbats (required for Mage)
Spiritual Fitness
Theater
The Threefold Law (required for Mage)
Trees
Pagan in the Community (required for Mage)
Pagan in the Family (required for Mage)
Pagan in the World (required for Mage)
Pagan Ethics (required for Mage)

Requirements

The Altar
(required for Apprentice)

Do the following:

Describe the purpose of an altar.
Tell how to position an altar according to the four directions.
Create and describe your own personal altar.
Put at least four items on the altar that are significant to you. Describe each.
Do a blessing or small ritual at your altar - use at least one Pagan prayer (can be your own).
Describe your experience with enacting your blessing or ritual.
Do a simple blessing for your altar - use at least one Pagan prayer (can be your own).

Amulets

Do the following:

Define the word amulet.
Discuss 10 different kinds of stones and their significance
Collect some special stones or other objects in nature
Make a pouch to keep the stones
Describe your experiences in collecting and keeping your amulets

Animals

Do the following:

Discuss the types of animals that are common to your state and area. Use pictures or photographs.
For one of the animals, describe its characteristics and patterns of living.
Visit a local animal shelter or animal protection site.
Describe how animals are cared for and adopted.
Identify five species of birds.
Read a book on snakes and reptiles - be able to identify local poisonous snakes.
Identify 5 insects in the wild.
Identify 5 types of marine animals in the sea or an aquarium.

Art

Do the following:

Create a story based on pagan themes and then draw the story.
Make a picture of a scene of nature.
Decorate an object to give it a pagan theme.
Make art works using five of the following mediums:
- pencil
- ink
- watercolor
- pastel
- crayon
- oil
- tempera
- acrylic
- computer color printout using a drawing program
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Astronomy

Do the following:

Explain what the zodiac is.
Sketch the twelve constellations of the zodiac
Sketch five other constallations.
Sketch out a diagram of the solar system.
Identify at least five constellations in a night time sky.
Identify and explain the Milky Way.
Visit an observatory.
Attend a star show at a local Planetarium.

Astrology

Do the following:

Describe the ten “planets” (the seven planets and the sun and moon) and their meanings.
Describe the names and meanings of the twelve zodiac signs.
Describe the meanings of the twelve astrological houses.
Describe the basic aspects in an astrological chart.
Create and analyze a natal chart for someone else.

Basic Ritual
(required for Apprentice)

Do the following:

Describe the meaning and purpose of ritual.
Describe the basic steps of enacting a ritual.
Take part in a sabbat, esbat, and astor ceremony.
Do a special activity related to the sabbat.

Basic First Aid

Do the following:

Explain how you would make an emergency call.
Prepare a first aid kit for your home and describe how you should use each item.
Explain the precautions and procedures for basic CPR.
Explain the conditions and procdures for the following:
- broken bones
- burns
- abdominal pain
- hypothermia
- cramps
- bruises and cuts
- bleeding
- frostbite
- burns
- convulsions
- seizures
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Cakes and Ale

Do the following:

Describe the purpose of Cakes and Ale in a ceremony or ritual.
Create a Cakes and Ale menu.
Create or help create a Cakes and Ale ceremony for a ritual.
Prepare a report on the event and its outcome.

Camping

Do the following:

Describe how to prepare for the following camping emergencies:
- insect bites and stings
- dehydration
- snakebite
- blisters
- hypothermia and frostbite
- heat exhaustion and stroke
Describe ways to camp which do not harm the environment.
Describe the proper methods for:
- erecting a tent
- cooking outside
- cleaning a campsite
- making and maintaining a campfire
Find two games, stories, or songs to share at a campfire.
Prepare a camp packing list
Go on a camping trip with others (including adults) and do the following:
- help erect a tent
- cook a meal on an open stove
- take a nature walk
- sleep at least two nights in a tent or in the open
- help make a campfire
- share your two stories, games, or songs
- completely clean the site before leaving the area

Caring For The Environment

Do the following:

Describe how different species depend on each other.
Describe how weather affects the environment and its species.
Discuss forms of pollution.
Discuss methods of environmental stewardship.
Discuss the effects of overpopulation on the environment.
Discuss the effects of land development on the environment.
Discuss the concept of global warming.
Create a project that would help improve the environment.

Caring For Animals

Do the following:

With permission from your parents or guardian, take care of an animal for a minimum of three months.
Make a list and a schedule for taking care of the animal.
Keep a journal and record all actions taken to take care of the animal and any other activities.
Read a book on the care of animals.

Cooking

Do the following:

Describe basic safety procedures in the kitchen.
Describe how to properly handle and use a cutting knife.
Describe the term "organic" and tell why it is important.
Discuss what a food intolerance is and why it is important.
Discuss the following terms and what they mean:
- vegetarian
- vegan
- ovo-lacto
- lactose intolerant
Plan, prepare, and serve (including obtaining the food) the following meals. Be sure
to use organic foods as much as possible and check the food tolerances of your
guests.
- one breakfast
- one lunch
- one dinner including appetizer, salad, entree, and dessert
top

Creative Writing

Do the following:

Write the following types of works:
- 2 poems
- 2 short stories
- 1 long story
- 1 skit
- 1 one act play
- 1 long play (two acts or more)
- 1 essays on things you feel strongly about
- 1 short biography
- 1 “how-to” work
Each must be evaluated and re-written, if necessary.
Have one of the above projects read or performed or read to others.
Describe which one, in your opinion, is your best work and why.

Dance

Do the following:

Take up dance classes in any style for at least three months.
Demonstrate your basic steps to someone else.
Perform in a dance recital or performance.
Describe how you feel when you are dancing.
Find some suitable music and create and demonstrate your own dance.
Participate in a Universal Dance For Peace or other group dance activity.

Deities

Do the following:

Discuss the meaning of the terms God and Goddess in Paganism.
What are the four faces of the Goddess?
What is the principle of rebirth of the God?
Discuss the meaning of the term Spirit in Paganism.
Discuss the deities of three Pagan pantheons.
Discuss the deities of three non-Pagan religious traditions.
Discuss your personal understanding and relationship with deities.
Do a ritual that honors your concept of deity.

Divination

Do the following:

Discuss the meaning of divination.
Discuss at least five types of divination.
Choose and learn the basics of one method of divination.
Discuss the tools and symbolism used in your chosen method.
Discuss the ethics of doing readings for others.
Do two separate readings for yourself.
Do two readings for other people.
Keep a journal recording the methods and results of your readings.

Dream Work

Do the following:

Create an amulet for remembering your dreams.
Define the term dreamwork.
Discuss how dreams can be used for divination.
Discuss how dreamwork can be used as an aid to spiritual practice.
Keep a journal and record your dreams for 3 months.
Discuss the most recurring symbols in your dreams and what they could mean.
Create an artwork illustrating at least one dream.

Earth Study

Do the following:

Describe the history of the earth.
Discuss what happens during an earthquake.
Describe the cycle of water on the earth.
Describe what happens during a volcanic eruption.
Describe what an ecosystem is.
Describe what plate tectonics are.
Describe how weather patterns are formed.

The Elements
(required for Apprentice)

Do the following:

Describe the four ritual elements.
Describe the correspondences to each element.
Describe the fifth element and its significance.
Explain what a pentagram is.
Find ways to make apersonal connection with each of the four elements.
Describe how the elements are represented on the altar.
Do a call to each of the four elements.

Emotional Fitness

Do the following:

Make a complete list of all the people and beings you care about.
Describe the things about yourself you most like and are proud of.
Describe those things about yourself you would like to improve upon.
Discuss the effects of anger, jealousy, and greed on yourself and others.
Discuss ways to have healthy social relationships and why they are important.
Describe the methods and techniques of good listening.
Sponsor a social event for your friends. Help everyone have a good time.
Keep a journal recording your feelings toward yourself and others for 3 months.

Games and Fun

Do the following:

Discuss the effect of competiveness on yourself and others.
Discuss how you can play games through cooperation.
Find 5 outdoor games that do not require competition.
Play at least three of those games with others.
Find 5 indoor games (non-computer) that do not involve competition.
Play at least three of those games with others.
Play a game that teaches Pagan concepts.
Create a game of your own and play it with others.

Gardening

Do the following:

Discuss the difference between annual and perennial flowers.
Discuss how to grow plants organically.
Discuss ways to organically control weeds.
Identify five local flowers in the open.
From seed to full plant grow organically:
- three vegetables
- three herbs
- three flowers
Use at least one of the vegetables and one of the herbs grown in a recipe.

Herbalism

Do the following:

Discuss the magickal use of 8 herbs.
Discuss the medicinal use of 8 herbs.
Discuss the culinary use of 8 herbs.
Discuss ways to create herbal preparations.
From seed to full plant, grow 5 herbs.
Use herbs to do the following:
- use at least one for a ritual
- use at least one for a medicinal use
- use at least one in a recipe
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Hiking

Do the following:

Describe how to prepare for the following hiking emergencies:
- insect bites and stings
- dehydration
- snakebite
- blisters
- hypothermia and frostbite
- heat exhaustion and stroke
Describe ways to hike which do not harm the environment.
Take a minimum one mile nature walk.
- Describe what you saw.
Do one of the following:
- Take 2 minimum 2 mile hikes.
  - Give a report on each one describing your experiences.
- Take 1 minimum 5 mile hike
  - Give a report on it describing your experience.
- Contact a local hiking organization and volunteer to help clean up a path.
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Journaling

Do the following:

Discuss the purposes and use of keeping a journal.
Keep a journal for three months.
- (write in it at least three times a week)
Give a report on the dates and highlights of your journal keeping
- (do not give away private entries)
top

Living Paganism
(required for Apprentice)

Do the following:

Discuss the meaning of the word Pagan.
Discuss the basic concepts of practicing Paganism.
Discuss the challenges of being Pagan in a Non-Pagan society.
Discuss the need to be tolerant of others.
Discuss when and how to practice Paganism.
Discuss ways to defend yourself from those who may disagree with Paganism.
Devise and enact a project that would benefit the Pagan community in your area.

Magick
(required for Mage)

Do the following:

Discuss the principles of magick.
Define the term magick.
Discuss the ethics of magick.
Name 5 different methods of magick.
Choose one method of magick and enact a magickal ritual.
- Do a report on the procedures and outcomes of the ritual.
Discuss how you can improve the ritual for the next time.
Do two additional rituals using different methods.
- Report on the procedures and outcomes of each.
top

Magickal Alphabets

Do the following:

Study and learn to identify the following alphabets:
- Theban
- Runes
- Greek
- Ogham
- 1 additional
Write a paragraph describing something interesting that you learned.
By hand, rewrite that paragraph using each of the five above alphabets.
Send a secret message using one of the alphabets to a friend who knows the
same alphabet. See if he or she can translate it.

The Magick Circle
(required for Apprentice)

Do the following:

Discuss the meaning and symbolism of a magick circle.
Discuss ways to create a magick circle.
Determine your own personal relationship to deity.
Discuss ways to undo a magic circle.
Discuss the meaning of invoking and releasing using a circle.
Discuss the meaning and methods of calling quarters.
Discuss methods of invoking deities.
Discuss the meaning and methods of calling layers (above and below).
Discuss the meaning of the Center of the circle.
Enact a simple ritual which uses the circle, the quarters, deity calls, layers, and Center.
- Give a report on the ritual
top

Meditation

Do the following:

Define what it means to meditate.
Describe the meditation practices of five religious traditions.
Learn the basics of meditation.
Do meditations of at least one minute using the following techniques:
- guided meditation
- with visualization
- with a mantra
- focusing on an object
- moving meditation
Do three additional meditations for:
- five minutes
- ten minutes
- fifteen minutes

Mental Fitness

Do the following:

Describe common mental illnesses.
Describe ways in which you can improve mental fitness.
Explain what activities are harmful to mental health.
Describe the effects of sleep on mental health.
Describe what it means to have an “open mind”.
Discuss what is meant by the term “mindfulness.”
Take on an activity in which you can practice mindfulness.
Read three non-fiction educational books.
Report on what you learned.
Complete 5 separate and different puzzles that challenge your mind.
Create a puzzle for someone else to solve.

Music

Do the following:

Learn the basic symbols of musical pitch and rhythm.
Learn the basic symbols and meanings for dynamics.
Learn the basic symbols and meanings for tempos.
Learn the basics of good vocal technique.
Learn to make and play a simple instrument.
Learn three pagan chants by heart and sing them.
Learn to play three songs on an instrument.
Teach at least one chant to another person.
Find 3 CDs of different kinds of music.
Discuss the music of each.

Mythology

Do the following:

Choose 3 cultures that have mythologies.
Read 1 myth from each culture.
Describe the deities of each mythology.
Compare and contrast the deities of each.
Create an art work based on one of the myths you read.
Describe how one of the myths helped you learn something about life.

Phases of the Moon
(required for Mage)

Do the following:

Photograph or sketch the location and shape of the moon every night for one lunar cycle.
Discuss the phases of the moon.
Describe what causes those changes.
Describe and sketch how the positions of the sun and moon would appear during lunar and solar eclipses.
Observe changes in the people around you during the four phases of the moon.
Discuss the relationship of the four faces of the Goddess (Child, Mother, Maiden,
and Crone) to the phases of the moon.

Photography

Do the following:

Explain how a camera works.
Explain how film is exposed and developed.
Describe the basic principles of taking a good picture.
Describe how photography can be artistic.
Study the published photographic works of 3 professional photographers and
describe what makes them good.
Shoot three rolls of film applying your knowledge and artistic sensibilities.
Mount and display at least five of your best photos, describing each.
Go to a public photographic art show and describe your experience.

Physical Fitness

Do the following:

Have a physical exam.
Have a dental exam.
Have a visual exam.
Describe ways you can maintain and improve physical health.
Discuss common physical illnesses and how to treat them.
Explain what activities are harmful to physical health and why.
Discuss the effects of nutrition on your health.
Discuss the effects of alcohol, tobacco, and drugs to your health.
Take 5 10 minute walks.
Establish an exercise routine and follow it for 6 weeks.

Pottery

Do the following:

Explain the basic procedures for doing pottery.
Explain how a potter’s wheel works.
Explain the techniques for glazing and firing a finished pottery work.
Visit a pottery studio or workshop and observe the techniques used.
Describe your experience.
Complete 5 different pottery projects.

Reading

Do the following:

Discuss what the term "illiteracy" means.
Read three books on Paganism and related practices.
Explain what you learned from each.
Read one book from each of the following categories:
- poetry
- drama
- non-fiction
- fiction
- biography
- short story collections
Discuss techniques for effectively reading out loud.
Read a story aloud to someone.

Religious Tolerance
(required for Mage)

Do the following:

Describe what the term “religious tolerance” means.
Explain why it is important to be tolerant of all religious and spiritual paths.
Study three religions which are different than your own. These should be from
different cultures.
Discuss how you can practice religious tolerance.
Attend services or religious ceremonies for each of the following religions. Discuss
your experiences with each.
- Christian
- Hindu
- Moslem
- Jewish
- Buddhist
- (one other)
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Ritual Crafts

Do the following:

Discuss the types and purposes of the four traditional altar tools.
Make the following:
- an athame
- a chalice
- a wand
- a vial of magic dust (green salt and glitter)
- a censer (for burning incense)
- four candle holders
- four candles
- a center object
Use all the crafts in a ritual.

The Sabbats
(required for Mage)

Do the following:

Describe what causes the four seasons.
Describe when the seasonal changes take place.
Make a model of the sun and the earth explaining the seasons.
Describe how Pagans celebrate these days.
Explain the name, meaning, and celebration of each of the eight sabbats.
Make a Wheel of the Year showing the sabbats.
Do something to celebrate a sabbat.

Spiritual Fitness

Do the following:

Describe your personal spiritual practice or understanding.
Describe ways in which you can improve spiritual awareness.
Identify at least five friends or others you know who have different spiritual practices.
Ask them to describe their practices to you and report back what you learned.
Describe ways in which you can maintain a regular spiritual practice.
Describe activities that prevent religious tolerance and freedom.
Demonstrate that you have been active in your own spiritual practice for 6 weeks.

Theater

Do the following:

Explain the parts of a stage.
Explain the essentials of a good play.
Discuss the different types of plays.
Explain the skills needed to be a good actor.
Read one full length play.
Read one one-act play.
See two live full length plays.
Participate in the production of a play.
Memorize and perform a monologue.
Write and have performed a short skit of your own.

The Threefold Law
(required for Mage)

Do the following:

Explain the Threefold Law.
Explain how it might be applied to your life.
Go to a play, show, or movie and explain how you might have applied the Law
to specific situations in the plot.

Trees and Plants

Do the following:

Describe how a tree grows from a seed
Describe the process of photosynthesis
Discuss why trees are important to the environment and the community.
Identify by tree, bark, and seed 10 local types of trees
Be able to identify harmful plants in your area such as poisin ivy and poison oak.
Identify 10 types of local plants.
Plant and nurture a tree.

Pagan In The Community
(required for Mage)

Do the following:

Describe your community.
Describe the spiritual practices in your community.
Tell how to report an emergency.
Be able to identify the location of your city and state on maps.
Describe where the following are located:
- government buildings
- hospitals
- fire stations
- police stations
- historical and points of interest
- community shelters and food banks
Read five articles about your community from local media sources.
List and describe five oganizations which help your community.
Attend a meeting or event of one of them.
Discuss an issue of concern to your community.
Describe how Pagan principles can be applied to living in your community.
Organize and intitiate an activity which helps to bring your neighborhood together.

Pagan In The Family
(required for Mage)

Do the following:

Define what is meant by the term "family".
Discuss what is necessary for a strong family structure.
Discuss ways in which families can create and support good communication skills.
Discuss the spiritual practices of all the members of your family.
Discuss how you can practice your spirituality without threatening or being threatened
by the practices of others.
Plan and enact a fun project for your family.
Plan and enact a project that would help out your family.
Assess the strength of your family. Where could your family make positive improvements?

Pagan In The World
(required for Mage)

Do the following:

Describe the governmental design and policies of your country.
Compare and contrast the governmental structure of your country to two others.
Describe how Pagan principles can be applied to world cooperation and conflict resolution.
Be able to identify your country and 10 other countries on a world map.
Describe and explain International Human Rights.
Read and explain the International Bill of Human Rights
Describe the organization and functions the following:
- the United Nations
- the World Court
- the World Health Organization
- the World Trade Organization
Describe three worldwide charitable or service organizations.
Describe what is required for foreign travel.
Plan and enact a project that you think might benefit the world.
Attend an event which helps you to understand world cultures.

Pagan Ethics
(required for Mage)

Do the following:

Describe at least one system of Pagan ethics such as the Wiccan Rede.
Explain how it can be put into daily practice.
Discuss 5 normal daily situations and how you would apply these ethics to them.
Describe how these ethics are similarand different to the ethical principles of other religions.
Go to a play, show, or movie and explain how you might have applied these ethics
to specific situations in the plot.

last update 5/10/05