Yep, you read that right. Not every witch or Wiccan needs to rise to the level of third-degree! Most newbies hear about the importance of education, and tradition-based Wicca does sit heavy on their degree systems, but what we forget to tell newbies is that third degree is not for everyone nor should it be.
The degree system Gardner created was based on the Masonic degree system. Put in place so practitioners can tell who is allowed what knowledge and who knows what. This system defiantly does not work for all of Neo-Pagandom. In fact, this is a strong form of gate-keeping. In non-traditional groups, there may still be a degree system in place but used more like grades in school. To help you elevate your knowledge and work on prerequisite skills. Degrees have a place, but not everyone needs to graduate to a third degree.
Different traditions or groups will have different ways of structuring their degree systems. The coven I started out with had Seeker, Dedicate, Initiate, and then First though Third degrees. In that system, it was set up in a way that at the beginning of your first degree you have enough knowledge and experience you could start teaching the people below you and as you went a natural progression of responsibility in the coven and pagan community followed. I believe this natural progression occurs with or without the structure of a coven and even as a solitary at some point you reach where you begin to act as a teacher, leader, or organizer in the community. With third-degree as the level of clergy in the community.
This is why third degree might not be for everyone. Not everyone wants to lead or be clergy. This pressure of growing to the rank of third-degree is not obtainable for everyone nor does it have to be. Forgive me for using Christian imaginary but some of us have to be sheep. Some of us have to be just participants and observers, and a lot of people only want that. Not everyone has a calling to be clergy of anyone but themselves and that’s okay. Our community needs strong motivated leaders and helpers, and you don’t have to obtain a third-degree to be a leader or organizer. I surly have not yet. I have heard the call from the Goddess to work on her behalf. At some point, I will hopefully rise to the rank of third-degree or equivalent but not everyone has had the experiences I have to motivate them to that goal. That does not make you any less Witch!
Autumn Wolfe
IronWolf's Circle 