Lycian Coven Etiquette

The following is a list of customs that the Lycian Tradition's members practice within their covens or circles. The reason for this list is three-fold. The first reason, is so that Lycian Wiccans currently practicing these customs may know the whys and wherefores for them. Secondly, as the Lycian Tradition spreads, some of the customs may be inadvertently dropped from practice and so when visiting other Lycian Covens or in a Grand Sabbat which involves several covens' participation, none may appear as rude or ill-instructed. Thirdly, to allow guests visiting a Lycian Circle the opportunity to follow the protocol of the Lycian Tradition without having to be made aware of these practices on the spot.

1. The wearing of a hat or head-gear of any type: Only the priest and priestess may wear anything on their heads, and the priest only when he is leading the ritual from the east. The priestess on the other hand may wear her head-gear, within the Circle, at any time. Note: The only exception to this rule is during the November Eve celebration when costumes are worn and headgear is a part of those costumes.

2. The wearing of an athame or dagger: Only initiates may wear, or have in their possession, a dagger within the Circle.

3. The language of the ritual: The ritual's wording, names of deities and names of the feast days should be in the language most familiar to the majority of the participants.

4. Touching or handling sacred implements: Before touching any sacred article, permission should first be obtained from its owner. If the article is on the altar, then permission is obtained from the priest or priestess "in the east."

5. The wearing of a garter: In the Lycian Tradition the garter is one of the outward signs that denotes the wearer is "offically ordained" clergy and should only be worn by such persons.

6. Leaving and entering the Circle: Leaving the Circle is done by asking the priest or priestess in the east for permission and then facing the altar while performing the "sign of praise" and then crossing one's arms left over right over your chest and leaving the Circle with arms in this position. Entering the Circle is done by waiting at the Circle's perimeter, with arms crossed as above, to be recognized and permission to enter from the priest or priestess in the east given. Once permission is given, enter, face the altar and give the "sign of praise." Note: There is no "door" cut as in other traditions.

7. Dress within the Circle: The dress, or undress, is left for the individual coven to decide upon. However, no one should ever be made to feel uncomfortable.

8. Use of Titles: The use of the title "High Priest" or "High Priestess" is reserved for those that have initiated and instructed  another to the level of Ordained Priest or Priestess.