WHO ARE WE?
We are a Steading. The word steading was first used in 15th century Old English to refer to the service buildings or area of a small Scottish farm. Steading refers to a life based on simple self-sufficiency. A homesteader, for example, is interested in using his land to achieve a certain level of mundane self-sufficiency. A coven member uses ties to a coven and a covenstead to help attain spiritual self-sufficiency (Enlightenment). The term implies a certain permanence. When you are willing to enter into a Steading, you have chosen to follow a path leading toward Enlightenment.As most of our public rituals are held at a small croft (another Middle English word!) near Loon Lake, this word fits us better than the the more commonly used coven, which often refers to a group of people following the same spiritual path. In SoNGS, we present a spiritual philosophy that encourages our Seekers to find their own path.
As you might suspect from the references to farming, Hedge and Hearth Witchcraft is a large part of our practice. We are not exclusively practitioners of low magick however. Our rituals, including our public rituals contain elements of ceremonial, or high magick.
Our name invokes the founders' concept of the need to recognize both darkness and light in ourselves (thus producing shadows), the need to be responsible users and guardians of the Universe around us, and our nature-based spiritual paths. We are not for everyone. To walk a spiritual path takes dedication and sometimes sacrifice. If you are willing to devote the time to our training though, we may be for you. Our path starts with our Seeker curriculum, which is free (though donations to keep the site running are appreciated!) and available to all. Just check under the education program to find out how to receive our Seeker manual. All we ask for is a commitment to a nature-based spiritual path and a willingness to learn.. If you not ready to take that step, you are still welcome to attend our public events.
We do not recruit new members, but we will consider anyone for membership in the Steading that has shown a sincere interest by attending our public events and taking our Seeker program.We are however, not for everyone. If your path is too divergent from our own, we may not be the best group for you. Similarly, you may not be a good fit for us. We are not a good fit for everyone. Read more about us here.
As you might suspect from the references to farming, Hedge and Hearth Witchcraft is a large part of our practice. We are not exclusively practitioners of low magick however. Our rituals, including our public rituals contain elements of ceremonial, or high magick.
Our name invokes the founders' concept of the need to recognize both darkness and light in ourselves (thus producing shadows), the need to be responsible users and guardians of the Universe around us, and our nature-based spiritual paths. We are not for everyone. To walk a spiritual path takes dedication and sometimes sacrifice. If you are willing to devote the time to our training though, we may be for you. Our path starts with our Seeker curriculum, which is free (though donations to keep the site running are appreciated!) and available to all. Just check under the education program to find out how to receive our Seeker manual. All we ask for is a commitment to a nature-based spiritual path and a willingness to learn.. If you not ready to take that step, you are still welcome to attend our public events.
We do not recruit new members, but we will consider anyone for membership in the Steading that has shown a sincere interest by attending our public events and taking our Seeker program.We are however, not for everyone. If your path is too divergent from our own, we may not be the best group for you. Similarly, you may not be a good fit for us. We are not a good fit for everyone. Read more about us here.
PAGAN EVENTS BY SQUIRRELLY PRODUCTIONS
Squirrelly is our public face: the one we use to promote social events and to put on public rituals. Our social events are a great way to get to know us in a public venue and our public rituals are a great way to Circle with us without having to make a commitment to the Steading. The Squirrelly MeetUp page and the Squirrelly Website contains more information on our public events.
Sunrise at sacred site Alta Vista on Summer Solstice
|
One of the Three Giza Pyramids
EDUCATION PROGRAM
The programs of study are adaptable to all paths. Our program objective is to help fellow pagans find and follow their individual paths of Enlightenment. It is our intent to impart knowledge, not dogma, and to help you in your spiritual growth.
 Stonehenge
We teach that there are two parts to your path: your tradition and your crafts. The techniques we teach are applicable to all traditions. SoNGS is open to all traditions and crafts though some traditions and crafts may require more self-study than others, especially at the advanced levels. |
 William Shakespeare's home in Stratford on the Avon
No, you don't have to be a bard or live like one to be a SoNGS Seeker. All it requires is a desire and commitment to learn. What's this going to Cost Me?
We aren't doing this for money, but we do have to pay for things like the web site, consumables, licenses, etc. We do believe in "Fairly take an’ fairly give." Therefore, we ask that those using our materials who are not Steading members make a small donation of $10 for Seeker level material and $25 for advanced material to help us meet costs. Beyond that, there is no financial commitment, and no one will be turned away for lack of money. This is meant to be a one-time donation per level.
|
OKAY I AM INTERESTED - NOW WHAT?
Time to begin! You can obtain the Seeker book by filling out the form on the Seeker Page. We have five levels of instruction (some of which are still in development so be patient!), and the student, no matter what level of experience, is expected to take the instruction in the recommended sequence. Not only is reviewing material always beneficial, but vocabulary and concepts introduced in the early programs will be needed to fully appreciate advanced level programs.
Seeker Level: A program of study for those who are investigating Paganism, who wish to learn more about the Pagan Crafts and Paths. This level is for those at the beginning of their path, learning the basics of paganism. Chapters include discussions on Pagan ethical systems, basic meditation techniques, introduction to ritual, introduction to myth and an introduction to the Steading. Ieeker study is open to all.
Dedicant Level: For those wishing to continue in their studies, the Dedicant Level is designed to help a person open up to themselves and the Universe around them. Several Dedicant classes are available to the public, but some is reserved for Steading members only.
Initiate Level: No longer the Beginner; not yet the Master, such is the fate of the Initiate. Initiates have finished Dedicant training and the Elders have determined they are ready for the next level. The Initiate is now mentored to a mutually-agreed upon Master or Elder who will provide guidance and advice. Initiates mix required curriculum with self-study, examining in greater depth their place in the great web of the Universe, their relation to Deity and each other, and how to defend themselves psychically. They are ready now to teach Seekers. All Initiate Level courses require approval of the Elders and some are reserved for Steading members only.
Master Level: Masters are ready to apply what they have learned to higher energy rituals and ceremonies and to learn run a Steading, be it Temple, Covenstead or some other form of organization.But the learning is not over. There are still many things left to learn, mainly in the fields of high and low magic, and in Steading management. All Master level courses require approval of the Elders.
Elder Level: At the Elder level, the focus is on managing your own spiritual group using management techniques.
STILL HAVE QUESTIONS?
You can use the contact form on the Seeker page to contact us.
Seeker Level: A program of study for those who are investigating Paganism, who wish to learn more about the Pagan Crafts and Paths. This level is for those at the beginning of their path, learning the basics of paganism. Chapters include discussions on Pagan ethical systems, basic meditation techniques, introduction to ritual, introduction to myth and an introduction to the Steading. Ieeker study is open to all.
Dedicant Level: For those wishing to continue in their studies, the Dedicant Level is designed to help a person open up to themselves and the Universe around them. Several Dedicant classes are available to the public, but some is reserved for Steading members only.
Initiate Level: No longer the Beginner; not yet the Master, such is the fate of the Initiate. Initiates have finished Dedicant training and the Elders have determined they are ready for the next level. The Initiate is now mentored to a mutually-agreed upon Master or Elder who will provide guidance and advice. Initiates mix required curriculum with self-study, examining in greater depth their place in the great web of the Universe, their relation to Deity and each other, and how to defend themselves psychically. They are ready now to teach Seekers. All Initiate Level courses require approval of the Elders and some are reserved for Steading members only.
Master Level: Masters are ready to apply what they have learned to higher energy rituals and ceremonies and to learn run a Steading, be it Temple, Covenstead or some other form of organization.But the learning is not over. There are still many things left to learn, mainly in the fields of high and low magic, and in Steading management. All Master level courses require approval of the Elders.
Elder Level: At the Elder level, the focus is on managing your own spiritual group using management techniques.
STILL HAVE QUESTIONS?
You can use the contact form on the Seeker page to contact us.