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Circle of the Evening Star By-Laws
By: Jen Date: May 6, 2015, 3:48 pm
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I. Establishment
The Circle of the Evening Star is hereby established as a Coven
of an Eclectic Goddess Centered Tradition, November 2014.
II. Statement of Purpose
A. Our purposes are to:
1. Live in a manner which honors the Goddess in all Her forms,
the God in all His forms, and those who have gone before,
following the laws of Karma;
2. Explore and practice Eclectic Goddess centered beliefs and
traditions, while not neglecting the God;
3. Support one another within the Coven in our healing, growth
and aspirations;
4. Hold rituals on the Sabbats and Esbats and other special
occasions, in order to celebrate the seasons, work magic,
recognize rites of passage, and honor the Goddess in Her many
guises and the God in His many guises;
5. Honor the Earth and all Her creatures as sacred, and work to
heal and protect the environment within our community,
throughout our nation, and across the world;
6. Teach our beliefs and traditional skills to members and
students, as well as those of kindred spiritual paths, and offer
support to Seekers;
7. Identify, develop and train competent and compassionate
clergy and leaders to serve the community;
and
8. Where appropriate, to educate the general public about our
beliefs.
B. Commitment:
All members of the Circle of the Evening Star (hereafter
referred to as the Circle or the Coven) must have fully
committed themselves to these purposes in their beliefs, their
activities and their lives.
III. Membership
A. Qualifications:
Membership shall, at this time, be offered to female individuals
upon completion of the application process, and on the
recommendation of the Entu (High Priestess), the Hierodule
(Servant of the Temple), and consensus of all Initiates (full
members) of the Circle of the Evening Star. No person shall be
denied access to membership on the basis of race, ethnic
background, sexual preference, physical handicap, or age,
providing they have attained their majority.
1. Applicants under the age of 21 will be considered on a
case-by-case basis. Entu, with the
(the Council), will review each case individually.
2. Applicants under the age of 18 years may be considered on a
case-by-case basis only if Applicant's parent/guardian is an
Initiate of the Coven whose membership is in good standing, and
parental consent has been given.
a. Minor children of all Dedicants and Initiates may
participate in the Children's Circle, until they are of an age
and desire to join the Coven.
3. Coven membership is currently closed to male applicants.
These by-laws and other official
updated at such time as membership is opened to male applicants.
B. Degrees of Participation and Membership:
Participants in the programs sponsored by the Circle of the
Evening Star may include the following:
1. Guests: Interested parties who may attend all open
activities, and coven-only activities in the company of an
Initiate, with the consent of all other Initiates in attendance.
For the safety of the Coveners, guests must first be introduced
to the Coven Council prior to
2. Dedicants: Persons who have dedicated themselves to the
Coven and who, with the approval and support of all active
Initiates, are following the prescribed course of study in the
Circle of the Evening Star. After an appropriate time of
participation and study, a Dedicant may be asked to state her
intention to qualify for initiation into the Priestesshood or to
withdraw from the Circle.
a. Dedicants must study a minimum of 60 days prior to
initiation.
3. Membership in the Circle of the Evening Star shall be
limited to:
a. First Degree Initiates (Hedu Priestess): Persons who have
been active within the Circle of the Evening Star for at least
60 days; have met all requirements for initiation as defined by
the Coven Council; and have been approved by a consensus of the
Council.
b. Second Degree Initiates (En Priestess): Persons who have
attained Hedu status; have been active within the Circle of the
Evening Star for at least 8 months; and have met all
requirements for Second Degree status as defined by the Coven
Council; and have been approved by a consensus of the
Council.
c. Third Degree Initiates (Zirru Priestess): Persons who have
attained En status; have been active within the Circle of the
Evening Star for at least 18 months; have demonstrated
proficiency in ritual design and leadership, teaching,
counseling, group process and administration; and have been
recommended by Entu and approved by a consensus of the Council.
3.1 Exceptions to the time in service requirements may be
considered by Entu and at her discretion, and upon consideration
with the Hierodule and Coven Council.
C. Membership Status:
1. Any person’s membership or participation may be curtailed,
suspended, revoked or terminated by decision of the Coven
Council, either for lack of attendance and/or participation, or
violation of the Coven Code of Ethics.
2. Members may voluntarily choose to leave the Coven, for any
reason, upon counseling with
written notice of intent to withdraw from the Circle.
a. Dedicants choosing to withdraw need not submit a written
notice; simply stating their intent not to pursue Initiation
will suffice.
3. Application for readmittance of any former Covener shall be
reviewed and decided upon by a consensus of the Coven Council.
4. Members that separate from t he Coven, but remain in good
standing, may continue to claim the initiatory degrees they have
earned while engaged with the Circle of the Evening Star.
IV. Administration and Operation
A. Coven Council:
This body shall handle the ordinary business of the Circle of
the Evening Star.
1. Membership: The Coven Council shall consist, at all times,
of not less than two Initiates (full members), and shall not
exceed five members, preferably maintaining an odd number.
Council members shall include Entu and Hierodule.
a. Term of Service: Once appointed, Coven Council members may
serve as long as they are fit.
1. Council members may voluntarily abdicate their position,
at any time, if they feel they are unable to fulfill the duties
expected.
2. By consensus of remaining members, Entu may be compelled
to relieve a Council member of her position if she is found to
have grossly neglected or abused her position.
b. Vacancy: At such time as a vacancy shall occur within the
Coven Council, a new Councilor shall be selected from among
Initiates.
c. Attendance: Initiates not usually involved with the Coven
Council, as well as Dedicants, may be invited to attend and
participate in Council meetings, at the discretion of the
Council members.
2. Scope: The Coven Council shall discuss all matters of:
a. Program planning and activities;
b. Dedication, initiation, and membership;
c. Finance and budget; and
d. Outreach, networking, and affiliations.
3. Facilitation: Entu shall ordinarily chair meetings of the
Coven Council. Where she is absent, or chooses to delegate this
responsibility, the Hierodule shall chair the meeting.
4. Method of Operation: The Coven Council shall make decisions
by consensus. When consensus cannot be reached, the Council may
refer the decision to Entu (or in her absence, the Hierodule),
who shall consider all that has been discussed and make the
decision; Entu retains the right to open the topic for
discussion in the business portion of the next Full Moon Esbat
to the Coven.
5. Meetings: The Coven Council shall meet at least once a month
on a regular basis, or as called by any Council member.
Initiates and Dedicants of the Circle may also request a special
meeting of the Council.
a. In the event of a specially called Council meeting, a
minimum of three quarters of the Council members shall attend.
Any Initiate or Dedicant directly involved in the purpose of the
meeting shall also attend.
B. Offices and Duties:
1. The following offices shall be filled by the Coven Council
whenever a vacancy occurs.
a. Entu: Chairs the Coven Council; coordinates the teaching
program; provides counseling as necessary; leads the rituals or
provides resources to those doing so; supervises the work of
other Officers; directs the initiation of candidates to the
Priestesshood; supervises the work of candidates for Second
and Third degree status; represents the Circle of the Evening
Star to the Pagan community and general public; enhances the
inner strength and harmony of the Circle of the Evening Star;
provides overall guidance to the work of the Circle of the
Evening Star; and exercises final authority regarding ritual,
initiation, ordination and other religious matters.
b. Hierodule: Chairs the Coven Council in the absence, or at
the request of Entu; teaches; provides counseling as necessary;
helps to lead the rituals or provide resources to those doing
so; assists in supervising the work of the other officers;
shares the responsibility for initiating candidates to the
Priestesshood; assists in the preparation of candidates for
Second and Third degree status; represents the Circle of the
Evening Star to the Pagan community and general public; and
supports and encourages Entu in the performance of her duties.
c. Historian/Scribe: Keeps minutes of Council meetings,
handles correspondence as requested; collects songs and chants;
teaches and leads the coven in music; collects lore and legends;
preserves and passes on the coven history of the Circle of the
Evening Star; keeps records of Coven projects; and maintains the
coven Book of Shadows.
d. Treasurer: Collects donations, maintains accounts, makes
purchases or reimburses others for authorized purchases,
coordinates fundraising projects, and keeps files of records
related to the Coven’s legal status.
e. Children's Coordinator: Plans and teaches children's
lessons and activities under
and Hierodule.
2. With the exception of Entu and Hierodule, offices may be
filled by any qualified Initiate who volunteers for, or accepts,
the position. Entu and Hierodule shall preferably be selected
from Zirru Priestesses, though may be filled by an En Priestess.
Hedu Priestesses may be considered at Entu's discretion.
3. All Officers must be capable of temporarily assuming the
duties of any other Officer.
4. Circle members may hold more than one office.
5. Term of Service: Once appointed, officers may serve as long
as they are fit.
a. Officers may voluntarily abdicate their position at any
time, if they feel they are
expected.
b. By consensus of the Coven Council, Entu may be compelled to
relieve an officer of her duties if she is found to have grossly
neglected or abused her position.
6. Additional offices may be created and defined as the need
arises at the discretion of the Council.
V. Meeting Schedule
A. Rituals
1. Full Moon Esbats shall normally be held on the Saturday
closest to the date of the moon.
2. New Moon Esbats shall normally be held on the Sunday closest
to the date of the moon.
3. Sabbats shall normally be held on the Saturday closest to
the date of the event.
4. Once scheduled, a date shall not be changed unless two or
more members request it, and unless the majority of the members
can attend on the proposed alternative date.
a. A list of proposed dates for the coming year shall be made
available to all members by November of the preceding year for
review.
5. During clement weather, rituals shall normally be held
outdoors at a site established by the Council. During inclement
weather, rituals shall normally be held indoors at the
Covenstead,
selected by the Coven Council.
B. Classes
1. Introductory seminars and other classes open to the public
shall be offered at such times and places as the Coven Council
decides.
2. Classes for Dedicants and Members shall be held at least
once per month, on a schedule determined by the Coven Council.
3. The curricula shall be established by the Coven Council.
4. Special classes which are part of an M.A. or ordination
program shall be arranged according to the needs of those
involved.
5. Classes shall be held at the Covenstead, or such other
location as Entu, Coven Council or Instructor designates.
6. Fees:
a. No fees shall be charged for classes that are part of the
regular curriculum of the Circle of the Evening Star and its
congregation. However, there may be times where students will be
required to purchase materials for classes or other Coven
projects. All costs will be announced in advance. If an
Initiate or Dedicant is unable to afford materials, she should
discuss her situation with Entu. Financial hardship will not
prohibit Initiates and Dedicants from participating in classes
and activities.
b. Fees may be assessed on seminars, classes and other events
available to the general public.
C. Field trips and special events shall be held at such times
and places as the Council decides.
VI. Attendance
A. New Moon Esbat services as well as Full Moon Esbats shall be
open only to Dedicants, Initiates and approved guests.
B. Sabbats shall be open only to Dedicants, Initiates and
approved guests.
C. Classes shall be designated open only to Dedicants and
Initiates of this Circle, or open to all within the community,
by the Coven Council.
D. Dedicants and Initiates are expected to participate in all
Esbats, Sabbats, and classes. If any attends fewer than 75% of
these events, their status shall be subject to review by the
Council. Second and Third Degree Initiates may be excused from
the 75% rule in recognition of the work they are expected to
perform for the wider Pagan community.
VII. Finances
A. The Circle of the Evening Star’s income shall include
donations, profits from fundraising projects, and interest from
banking accounts, if any, established by the Council.
B. The budget shall be established and disbursements approved by
the Council.
C. The Treasurer shall make a full quarterly report of income
and expenses to the Council.
D. All required forms and reports shall be filed with the state
and federal governments as required to attain and maintain the
Coven’s legal status, if any.
VIII. Privacy of Members
A. The names, addresses, telephone numbers, and other
information relating to individual members shall be considered
confidential and may not be disclosed to non-members without the
permission of the individual involved.
B. The location of the Covenstead site shall be considered
confidential, and may not be disclosed to non-members without
Entu's permission (as in the case of approved guests attending
rituals).
C. Disclosure of confidential information may, at the discretion
of the Council, be considered a violation of the Circle of the
Evening Star's Code of Ethics and grounds for expulsion from
membership.
IX. Guidelines for Conduct
All Dedicants and Initiates shall be guided in their conduct by
the Circle of the Evening Star Code of Ethics, the laws of
Karma, and by the Goddess and God within each individual.
X. Grievances and Disciplinary Actions
A. Grievances
1. An opportunity to air any grievances, whether it be an
individual grievance or group grievance, shall be made available
at each Full Moon Esbat, during the portion allotted to Coven
business. Any grievances brought at this time will be fairy
received.
2. Individual grievances: Individual grievances hall be defined
as 1) between individual Coveners or 2) as a grievance brought
by one or two members against the Coven as a whole.
a. Individual Grievances (1) shall
1. First be addressed with the person(s) involved.
2. If no resolution can be reached, or if the person bringing
the grievance is unable to approach the other party(ies)
involved, the grievance must be brought to the Coven Council for
mediation and resolution.
b. Individual Grievances (2) shall be brought to the attention
of the Coven Council
3. Group Grievances: Group grievances shall be defined as any
grievance involving a majority
events transpiring within the Coven or against one or two Coven
members.
a. In the event of a group grievance, a spokesperson for the
group must approach the Coven Council for mediation and
resolution.
4. Any grievance against the Coven Council, or its members,
shall be brought to the attention of the Council, without fear
of reprisal, and shall be received fairly.
5. Grievance Resolution: If a grievance cannot be resolved by
the above methods, the Coven
involved to resolve the grievance. If parties cannot agree on a
solution, the Coven Council will determine how best to proceed.
Depending on the nature of the grievance, parties involved may
be asked by Entu to refrain from certain activities
behavior until the grievance has been resolved. The Council's
decision will be final.
6. Records of Grievances:
a. Parties to a grievance, and those involved in mediating
said grievance, shall refrain from speaking, writing, emailing
or posting publicly any view, opinion, or hearsay about the
grievance.
b. Records of grievances may be kept by and for the Council.
B. Disciplinary Actions
1. Any Initiate or Dedicant found to have broken any of the
By-laws, violated the Coven
the Circle in a negative light within the community shall be
subject to the following actions:
a. First offense - Counseling with a member of the Coven
Council with a verbal warning.
b. Second offense - Counseling with another member of the
Coven Council, as well as a written warning.
c. Third offense - Counseling with the Coven Council as a
whole, and a Plan of Action will be completed.
d. Fourth offense - Suspension from the Circle, up to and
including permanent release as determined by Entu and Coven
Council.
2. Additional sanctions may include, at the discretion of Entu
and Coven Council, the following:
a. Restricted attendance and/or participation in Coven
activities;
b. Restitution, if applicable and appropriate;
c. Banishment from the Circle;
d. Other penalties as may be found to be appropriate
3. Under certain circumstances, as determined by Entu and
Hierodule, these disciplinary
resulting in immediate suspension and/or permanent dismissal
from the Circle of the Evening Star.
4. Any person banished from the Coven shall be stripped of any
titles earned and they may no longer claim membership in the
Circle of the Evening Star, and will no longer be considered an
Initiate of the Tradition.
XI. Dissolution
At such time as it may become prudent to dissolve the Circle of
the Evening Star, all existing Initiates shall retain the claim
to the Degree she has attained. Any Initiate(s) may choose to
begin a new coven using the Circle of the Evening Star 's
Traditions, however not the name. Any current Dedicants may ask
any Initiate to continue her training in the Tradition.
XII. Coven Agreements
A. Dedicant Agreement: All Dedicants shall be expected to read
and sign the Dedicant Agreement once accepted as a student.
B. Initiate Agreement: All members shall be expected to sign the
Initiate Agreement indicating their understanding and acceptance
of these By-laws, the Coven Code of Ethics and the policies and
procedures described with the Circle of the Evening Star
Handbook.
XIII. Revising the By-Laws
A. Any part of these By-Laws may be amended by consensus of the
Coven Council.
B. Once amended, a copy of the updated By-laws shall be
distributed to all members, made available on the Coven website,
and placed into the Coven Book of Shadows and Handbook.
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