Ok so I want to be a High Priestess one day. But I don't know my basics except for visualization. Does anybody have any tips on how I could do that, to help me get to my dream? Besides the basics, I'm learning that right now. What is your guys advice on what I should do or what would be best in my specific situation?
I think you are trying to run before you can walk. In my opinion, learn your basics so you know them like the back of your hand, and after them, consider taking up a topic like herbalism or magical items, or any other that you feel a liking to.
After you have gained a fair bit of knowledge and you are pretty much a all-rounder, then consider becoming a High Priestess.
One of the things to understand is that the term "high priestess" is a job title.
In Wicca, all practitioners are their own priest or priestess because we serve our Gods with no need for an intermediary. That is true whether one is a solitary or in a coven, whether they are new to the path or have walked it for many years.
Now, the term "high priestess" is given to that priestess who is in charge of a coven. The very fact that you use the term "high priestess" suggests that there must be more than one priestess in a group...otherwise the term becomes meaningless. So someone who is solely a solitary practitioner is never a high priestess because by definition there are no other priestesses over whom she has some authority.
If you truly would like to be a high priestess, then it is likely that you are going to have to find a coven with which to join and study. Then in time you might become a high priestess.
Being a high priestess is an awesome responsibility since you then take on the responsibility for leading a group, counseling group members, teaching students, leading rituals and all of the other tasks inherent in the position. I never recommend that anyone try to take on the job unless they feel a real calling to serve the Gods in what is essentially a clergy capacity.
And don't expect to reach that point quickly either if you study with a Tradition. I know that in my own Trad we expect that it will take 5-7 years of work and training for someone to reach the point where they are ready to lead their own group
Well said. It can take more years than that, or never even happen. It depends really on the coven. Starting your own coven can be a good way to make your dream a reality.
Many covens start together having not the slightest clue what they're doing and learn together. I would say please have someone there to guide you but not everyone is afforded that luxury.
Other covens have seniority based on experience level. It really depends on how you want to go about it. Not everyone is cut out to become one. It takes a true leader to keep a coven together. I have watched many disastrously fall apart.
Thank you all for you helpful advice. I understand what you all are saying, I just need to take things slower. And take my time in this and not rush and if it is deemed fit for me to be a High Priestess or a Priestess then so be it. But if I did make a coven how would I do that I thought you couldn't just make one. I thought you had to have it go by Elders or something or so I heard.
There are several different schools of thought on the title of Priestess and High Priestess. You might say that it all depends on what tradition you choose to practice. There are many different paths you could follow but if you are going solitary there are several good books you can purchase or borrow from the library to help guide you along your path. To give you an idea a lot of traditions follow the year and a day training and initiation resulting in what is called a First Degree. Some traditions have three degrees others five and some only have one degree or more than five degrees. In a lot of these traditions once you have completed the first year and a day of training the title of priestess and even high priestess can be bestowed upon you once you complete that first degree. Again it all just depends on which tradition you choose.
If you have the opportunity to join a physical coven it can be a wonderful and informational experience.
A couple of books to follow on your own are:
Wicca a Guide for the Solitary Practitioner by Scott Cunningham is great for a beginner and a good standby for those who want the basics.
Green Witchcraft by Ann Moura (my personal favorite)
...or something more specific: Dancing with Dragons by D.J. Conway
Whatever your interst there are so many books out there!
Your dream is a solid dream and a very real and attainable dream. Blessings in your endeavors.
I never knew any of that. About the different degrees. See I knew that there were the 1st, 2nd and 3rd degree but I didn't know that there were anymore than that. I never knew it all depened on you path. That's very interesting. But I never really had a set path. Because it seems like there is something in all paths that I like and can relate to in one way or another. So I never really chose one.
Choosing your path is part of the mystery, excitement and fun of self discovery in the craft. There are so many books and online information. I would suggest looking at books that are directed at solitary practice first and then researching further topics that peak your interest. I wish you the best in search.
Blessings!
