Life Temple & Seminary
...Serving Modern Man in an Ancient Way
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Seminary School 
 

Life Temple & Seminary is a well respected, recognized teaching temple. We are known & well-respected for having the best trained witches in North Carolina. Classes are free and open to adults ages 18 & older. If you are interested in taking classes, please read the information below and then contact us for an admissions interview and introduction.

 

The teachings of Life Temple & Seminary are not for everyone. Our teachings are very traditional and orthodox. Our classes are structured and organized and we have a strong sense of protocol & values. We do not believe our way is “the right way”, only that it is a way and it will be right for some, but not all.

 

If you are interested in learning about our faith and you have a desire to better discover yourself & your own beliefs, then our classes may be the place you. There are no fees or dues associated with classes. They are free. Donations are gladly accepted, however.  Please note that FREE does not mean "open to all". A admissions interview must be scheduled and you must be accepted into our seminary program.

 

Our classes are a set structure with a syllabus that is not modifiable. The classes are sequential & progress in an order that supports and reiterates what you learned in a previous class. There are 13 classes to each degree of study. And classes can take up to three years to complete.

 

Classes for First Degree study are currently underway. Classes will not be offered again until Summer of 2012 at the earliest. 

 

If you have questions about classes or would like to be added to our open-house mailing list contact us.

 

Classes for those new to Wiccan study & taking our First Degree lecture series will include:

The History & Origin of Celtic Witchcraft  

Celtic life is not what you might think. There is a rich, vibrant culture & legacy that was left by the original Celtic people. Who are they?  What was life like?  How did they live? What laws, morals & religious beliefs did they have? Our classes cover all this & more. We delve deep & go beyond what history books have to offer. See how greatly the Celts influenced modern day life & why we still follow many of their ways today.

Wiccan Protocol, Laws, Ethics & Tenants of The Faith  

Believe it or not Wiccan’s have all of the above.  If you are unfamiliar with these important practices and customs you might easily and unknowingly offend a member of the wiccan community.  The Wiccan Laws set the rules by which we live. Although they are readily available, it can sometimes be hard to understand all of the laws and your part in upholding them. Wiccan Tenants are rules for enlightenment and spiritual growth. Although they are easier said than done, we teach the importance of all three and how they can positively influence your life. Click here to learn more about protocol.

The Wiccan Calendar - including Sabbats 

Most people interested in Craft are familiar with the full moon and sabbat rituals that make up the Wiccan Calendar. But do you know what these holidays and great feasts mean? Do you understand why they are celebrated? If you want to learn the meaning of these all important observances and worship with more purpose and understanding, our classes will help you do that.  Learn about the Wiccan calendar here.   

Meditation 

Meditation is a simple thing that many cultures & religions practice. But are your meditations working? Are they the right meditation for you? What makes meditation effective & how do you best use meditation in your day to day life? We’ll cover it all and give you practical meditation exercises.

Circle Construction / Mechanics   

Probably the area of Wicca kept most secret is the process of circle casting and construction. Not everyone is meant to know and understand this sacred rite. As your classes progress, circle casting will be covered; but only when the time is right and you are ready to learn it.

Divination 
There are many forms of divination with originals that stretch across the globe.  Many people drawn to Wicca take an interest in divination but find it hard to find practical answers to questions. This class covers many methods & allows you to practice hands on in a safe environment.

And More...                       

Those initiated into Craft by Life Temple are recognized by the federal government as Priests and Priestesses of our religion.

 

 

Our degree holders are highly respected by other traditional Wiccan groups.  

 

 

We offer 1st, 2nd, & 3rd Degree study of Celtic Wicca.

 

 

Classes are held once a month, (usually on Saturday or Sunday). Classes are not only for those wishing to follow our path, but for those who simply wish to know more about our beliefs. Click to find out more.

Recommended Reading

 

Those wishing to learn more about Crafte, Wicca and Witchcraft are encouraged to read the books listed below. These titles are also required reading for all those who take First Degree classes at Life Temple & Seminary.

 

The Truth About Witchcraft Today by Scott Cunningham - this is a great 'pocket' book that addresses many of the misconceptions about Wicca. This book is also wonderful for family members and teens.

The Spiral Dance by StarHawk - a slightly more advanced read that is full of practical knowledge and outlines the mechanics of the Wiccan religion.


Drawing Down the Moon by Margot Adler - this is a very dry read and an excellent test of someone's desire to learn & their ability to be patient with the learning process. This book is a detailed account of the time the author spent with a variety of covens around the country and her observations.

A note about Wiccan & Pagan Books

 

If you have the nagging suspicion that the Wiccan & Pagan books you have found at your local chain book store are incomplete...you are not wrong. Many of the books lining the selves of the metaphysical or alternative religion sections of most book stores are commercial publications. They are designed to sell; making money for publishers who are capitalizing on whatever is trendy.

 

It is important to note that many of the authors of these books are not inducted or initiated members of Craft. Few of the published authors who represent our religion have been traditionally trained in the ways of the Wicca. It is unlikely that you will find answers to your questions in these books. More often than not, Wiccan & Pagan books confuse people more than they educate them. This is one of the key reasons that those seeking this religion should take classes and learn from a recognized Wiccan institution such as Life Temple.

 

Even if you don't really have the desire to join a Coven and your goal is to be a solitary practitioner, a well respected Temple will not fault you for this. The classes you take will help you practice responsibly and intelligently, by yourself or in a group.

 

If you want to gain insight and understanding of a particular Wiccan tradition than your best avenue is to read & research the history, mythology, anthropology & archeology of that tradition. Head to those sections of the book store, & leave the Wiccan books behind.

 

A note about Online and Correspondence Witch Schools

 

You should be cautious in searching for proper guidance in the ways of Crafte. Just as with any other subject that attracts knowledge seekers, so too, Crafte studies attract hustlers and scammers. Sadly there are many who would try to profit from the needs of others. We at Life Temple believe that there is absolutely no substitution for a face-to-face, classroom, learning environment. It is difficult, if not impossible to learn a religion without proper teachers and community. Most important, the true lessons to be found in any religion are passed orally; they cannot simply be read off of a website. Lastly, no respectable, traditional Wiccan Coven or group will acknowledge the degrees earned via online or correspondence means.

A note about "Year and A Day" Classes

 

We implore you; please, unless you are taking classes from a reputable, traditional Celtic group, do not refer to any training you may be receiving or that you have taken in the past as Year and A Day training. The true meaning of year and a day is usually misunderstood and it's a much misused term. The process of spiritual growth and learning cannot be pre-defined in this manner. No one can say for certain that after X length of time you will be ready to obtain your First Degree status into the Wiccan priesthood. These honors are earned and afforded to people when they are ready. You might be ready after only a year or training but in all likelihood it will take 2-5 years for you to earn your first degree. What's more - it takes the average 2nd Degree witch an additional 3-10 years of training and it can take up to 25 years to earn a 3rd Degree. Not only is it wise for you to be patient with this life-long learning process but it's also wise to wary of anyone who promises to accelerate your education in any way.