Offices and People of the Unicorn Tradition

The Unicorn Tradition utilizes a three degree, five level training and initiation program.  Membership within the group includes five levels, which are Neophyte, First Degree, Second Degree, Third Degree, and Elder.

Student/Seeker
Someone who is in classes, or under individual instruction, who has not yet been Dedicated.

Dedicant/Neophyte
Someone who has successfully completed their pre-Neophyte training and undergone the Dedication ceremony.  If this student is in training with a group, generally this is when they become an official member of that group and assume the rights and responsibilities associated with that level of training.  They wear a white cord.

Initiate/Novice/First Degree Initiate
This is someone who has studied for a minimum of a year and a day, successfully completed their Neophyte training, passed the First Degree test, and been Initiated to the level of First Degree.  They wear a three-stranded red cord and their motto is “Know Thyself”.  At this level, the Initiate works on themselves as an integral part of their Wiccan community, and the Universe.

Apprentice/Second Degree Initiate
This is someone who has successfully completed a minimum of a year and a day of Initiate training, passed the Second Degree test, fulfilled the other requirements set out for them, and been initiated to the level of Second Degree.  They wear a three-stranded green cord and their motto is “Know the World”.  At this level, the Initiate acts as a steward of the four Elements.

Priestess/Priest/Third Degree Initiate
This is someone who has successfully completed a minimum of a year and a day of Second Degree training, met all other requirements for this degree, and been initiated to the level of Third Degree.  They wear a three-stranded blue cord and their motto is “Know the Gods”.  At this level, the initiate is now qualified as a Priest or Priestess of our religion and they are stewards of the fifth Element, Spirit.  This initiation earns them the title of Lord or Lady and the right to Initiate others.  Priestesses may found their own Group in our Tradition and Priests may train someone to be a Priestess with whom they will found a Group.  With this degree comes many responsibilities including the duty to replace themselves, and to serve the Craft for a minimum of five years. The leaders of a group are called the High Priestess and High Priest.

Elder
This is someone who has replaced themselves, completed their five years of service, and agrees to become a ‘shining one’ between lives in service to their Tradition’s Council of Elders.  Elders arbitrate and mediate any disputes between groups or Third Degrees in our Tradition.  The Council of Elders is also responsible for setting Tradition policy, new teachings, and mentoring Third Degrees.  Female Elders wear a three-stranded silver cord and male Elders wear a three-stranded gold cord.

Queen
A Queen is a Third Degree Priestess who has hived a minimum of three Groups and done community service. 

Queen’s Consort
The male working partner of a Queen, who should be of at least Third Degree status.

Matriarch
The female Elder who oversees the running of the Unicorn Tradition.

Magus
A Magus is the male equivalent of the Matriarch. If the Matriarch is married to a male of at least Third Degree in the Tradition, then he is the Magus.  If not, the Magus is the ranking male Elder of the Tradition.