Degrees of the Pagan Way
There are five basic Degrees of initiation within the Pagan Way system. Each corresponds with the four basic magical types of Human, and leads one on an elementally aligned path towards unity with the Godhead.
Each degree is associated with a symbol, an element, an ability or sense, and a color. One's robe, cords, clothing, and other color coordinated items should be of the color of the degree. If black robes are chosen as the base, then other items of accent should be the color of the degree instead.
Added to this is the Neophyte degree.
⤞ Neophyte
This role is the role of the dedicant who has endeavored to learn about The Path. It lasts from the time an individual begins to study with the Coven, up until the time of their first initiation. during this time the Circle is open to the Neophyte, but they may not participate in the Eucharist, any initiations, or in major festival rites.
Initiates
Initiates are those individuals who have been formally, ritually accepted as full members of the tradition. They are now recognized participants within the coven.
⤞ First Degree
The degree of the Sensing Human elementally connected to Earth (Cold and Dryness). The Sensing Human works by perception, but entirely by the fact of it; their perception sees what is, and what is not, and cannot conceive of the "other". This is the degree of purification of mind and body, and commitment to the path where one must set themself to correcting those traits which prevent them from uniting in ritual and harmonizing with the Godhead. Their color is Yellow, and their symbol is the Square.
⤞ Second Degree
The degree of the Intuitional Human elementally attuned to Air (Heat and Moisture). The Intuitional Human likewise works by perception, but sees beyond the facts to the intangible. Their color is blue, and they are represented by the Circle or Disc.
⤞ Third Degree
The degree of the Thinking Human elementally represented by Fire (Heat and Dryness). Thinking Humans classify, analyze, and synthesize, and argue, taking fact and feeling to new heights. Their color is Red, and their symbol is the Triangle.
⤞ Fourth Degree
The degree of the Feeling Human elementally attuned to Water (Cold and Moisture). The Feeling Human judges not by reason, but by worth- taking that which has been argued and gauging the merrit of it. Their color is Silver, and they are represented by the Crescent.
⤞ Fifth Degree
The Spiritual Human is the Human who has mastered all of the other Elements, bringing themselves into total alignment. Their color can be Black- or, when black is used by all, the color Indigo. Their symbol is the Egg.
Main Sources
- 'A Book of Pagan Rituals' by Various Authors*
* Adocentyn Research Library Note: Originally written for Gardnerian Outer Court training circles by Ed Fitch, the rituals in this book were enlarged and became a tradition in its own right, called The Pagan Way. This edition is a pirated edition by Herman Slater which did not give Ed Fitch proper credit. The second half of the book (Volume II) is likely by Donna Cole Schultz.