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A. There are sacred ordinances – promises that we make with deities and each other – which help us progress from one degree of glory to another.
B. Some of these ordinances always include an entheogen, others only sometimes include entheogens, and there are some that never include entheogens. All of these are crucial to a well-rounded religious practice.
2. Prayer
A. The Prayer Ordinance is speaking to a deity through the Great and Holy Spirit, and has two purposes.
B. Prayer calms and centers the mind and soul and fosters a state of clarity that allows for self-reflection.
C. In this place of peace, one can more easily connect with a goddess, god, or deity to express gratitude, desire, and devotion.
3. Blessings
A. The Blessing Ordinance marks significant moments in life and are expressed in three forms.
B. Blessing children is a way for the community to affirm and reaffirm their commitment to the child. This is done near birth and at ages 8, 12, 14, and 16.
C. When adults are at crossroads in their lives they may seek guidance from respected leaders in their community to offer them wisdom.
D. A blessing for health may be sought at any time to help promote spiritual, physical, and mental well-being. This is performed by applying a drop of oil to the head and the laying on of hands.
4. Purification
A. The Purification Ordinance cleanses and sanctifies individuals, items, and spaces for spiritual purposes, and is expressed in three forms.
B. Washing the body can help purify both body and mind, and can be done by immersion in water, perfuming with cinnamon-infused whiskey, or washing feet.
C. Banishment expels malicious or harmful entities and is often performed by dusting off one’s feet.
D. Consecration sets apart a place, item, or article of clothing for spiritual use by holding or touching it and saying a few words to dedicate it to this purpose.
5. Communion
A. Communion is an ordinance which was instituted by a deity to help followers remember them.
B. This is often done by blessing and then drinking, eating, or inhaling a substance.
C. Communion may take many forms such as incense, bread and wine, or many various entheogens.
6. Endowment
A. The Endowment is designed to facilitate deep introspection, spiritual transformation, and connection with divine entities.
B. Prior to the Endowment, participants undergo a period of mental, physical, and spiritual preparation, including dietary customs, meditation, and fasting. This preparation is essential for aligning the participants’ minds and bodies with the sacred nature of the ritual.
C. Upon arrival at the sacred space where the Endowment will be held, participants are greeted and welcomed with a ritual greeting by the presiding priesthood holder, who also dedicates the space for the session. This dedication sanctifies the environment, making it conducive to spiritual work.
D. The Endowment session begins with a first anointing, which includes a ceremonial washing, perfuming with a cinnamon-infused whiskey, and anointing with a luminescent consecrated oil. Participants then change into sacred clothing, receive blessings, and are given a New Name, symbolizing their readiness for the spiritual journey ahead.
E. A sacrament, tailored to the participants’ needs, is consumed, catalyzing a spiritual transformation known as “Transfiguration.” This act is central to connecting with divine entities during the session.
F. Participants engage in meditation and covenant-making, rehearsing sacred symbols, tokens, and oaths. The ritual includes a reading of a creation story and culminates in receiving tokens of the holy priesthood, each symbolizing different spiritual commitments.
G. Participants symbolically pass through a Veil, engaging in a dialogue with a Veil worker that involves giving and receiving sacred tokens and names. This represents the transition from one state of being to another.
H. Transfiguration is the peak of the ritual, where participants experience profound spiritual insights, emotional depth, and a sense of unity with the cosmos. This process may involve physical reactions and is supported by the priesthood to ensure the well-being of all involved.
I. The session concludes with a second anointing, which includes a ceremonial washing, perfuming with a cinnamon-infused whiskey, and anointing with a luminescent consecrated oil. Participants then change back into their mundane clothing and then receive blessings.
J. After the session, participants are encouraged to rest and later reflect on their experiences, sharing insights with others. This reflection helps integrate the spiritual teachings into daily life, often accompanied by a communal meal.
7. Sealing
A. The Sealing Ordinance celebrates and reaffirms relationships and vows, and is expressed in four forms.
B. A partnership ceremony is a way for the community to celebrate the connection between those in the partnership.
C. A marriage commitment mirrors a partnership ceremony, but carries with it legal implications and privileges.
D. A vow renewal ceremony revisits and strengthens the partnerships’ devotion to and love for one another.
E. An adoption ceremony expresses the connection that one has to another as a parent or a sibling.
8. Ordination
A. Everyone already has the priesthood, but the Ordination Ordinance is a ritual to formally recognize that one has studied and serves their community.
B. A potential ordinand may seek ordination from a priesthood holder. If the priesthood holder affirms they are ready for ordination, the priesthood lays their hands upon the ordinand’s head and ordains them to their new office.