Excuse our mess! Our Constitution is a work in progress, as we are an infant tradition. The full constitution will be available as soon as it is finished.
Statement of Purpose
The Purpose of Noster Ama is to provide a nurturing atmosphere for the spirituality of people of all walks of life, incorporating eclectic traditions from Europe, the Mediterranean, the Americas, and the Middle- and Far East, as well as modern Neopagan and Wiccan practices with the goal of bettering ourselves and our community through support and service.
Statement of Beliefs
Deity
Magic
Legends
Statement of Practices
Religious Practices
Hierarchy
High Priest and Priestess: Noster Ama is overseen by the High Priest and High Priestess, who together comprise the Heads of the Council Elders. Their duties are to oversee all matters concerning the Coven, and give guidance to members in need concerning both Coven and non-Coven matters.
Criteria: A clergy member of the third degree in good standing as designated by the Priest or Priestess he or she stands to replace, and approved by two-thirds majority vote of the entire membership.
Council of Elders: The Council of Elders is composed of three to five clergy members of the second or third degree. Their duties are to approve new members of the First, Second, and Third Degrees, review Dedicant applications, plan rituals, review and, if necessary, amend the Constitution, approve all changes in Coven matters, and any other duties assigned to them by the High Priest and Priestess.
Criteria: Candidates are selected by the Council Heads and current Council members, and approved by majority vote of the entire membership.
Third Degree: Members of the Third Degree are members in good standing who have completed Third Degree studies under current Third Degree members as determined by the individual teacher, in compliance with Coven standards, and approved unanimously by the Council.
Second Degree: Members of the Second Degree are members in good standing who have completed Second Degree studies under current Second or Third Degree members as determined by the individual teacher, in compliance with Coven standards, and approved by majority vote of the Council.
First Degree: Members of the First Degree are Initiates in good standing who have completed First Degree studies under current First, Second, or Third Degree members as determined by the individual teacher, in compliance with Coven standards, and approved by at least two of three interviewing Council members.
Initiates: Initiates are Dedicants in good standing who have completed their 366-day dedication of study, and are approved by a teacher of any Degree.
Dedicants: A Dedicant is any interested person from outside the Coven who wishes to pursue a study of Noster Ama and related paths. Interested persons must attend at least three Coven meetings in his or her area of interest and submit a letter of intent to the Council. Once approved, he or she will be assigned a teacher from any degree.
Meeting Structure:
Each week, a different member is asked to present a myth, simple spell, craft, or something else related to the study of Witchcraft. This presentation follows opening ceremonies and any announcements members may have. After the presentation and/or discussion is concluded, members are asked to participate in a group meditation. When the meeting is called to a close, members may socialize or meet with their teachers. Various activities such as movies, community service, or group outings may be scheduled after the meeting, and will be listed on the Events Calendar.
Ritual Structure
Although the inclusive nature of the Coven dictates that rituals be performed in various ways according to member interest, a set structure must be given.
Any member may request a ritual to be done through the coven, and he or she may design the ritual or ask another member to design it, or assist him or her in designing it. Advance notice to any involved parties of at least seven days is required. A note should be sent to the Council stating the purpose of the ritual, and a copy of any spells used should be submitted to the Coven Book of Shadows. If a member feels uncomfortable submitting details of his or her ritual, he or she may, of course, perform any ritual outside of the Coven environment without the need to inform the Governing Bodies.
At least one ritual is performed for every Sabbat, and Esbat rituals are performed based on member interest. Additional rituals may be open to only certain Degrees, but any member may observe any scheduled ritual.
Education
Conduct
