The Dragons Hearth Academy is a place of learning within the Woods of Wyrd. The Daughters provide information, guidance, and teach the Old Ways in a positive, healthy environment. As the first fertile seeds are tended to with care, a student grows in both confidence and knowledge.
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The Dragons Hearth Academy now offers several graduate degrees, certificates, short courses for general interest, and a series of lessons for incarcerated Pagans, and continues to evolve based on the needs of our students and the overall Pagan community.
Ministry is fundamentally about serving the ‘congregation’ in contrast to being primarily about serving the Gods, as in Priesthood. The two go hand in hand but it is worthwhile to discuss them separately. The metaphorically upward movement of priesthood differs from the downward movement of ministry. This is usually delivered while learning the ‘Arts of Ministry’ and also through a process called ‘Clinical Pastoral Education’.
The result is a professional servant of the religious population or ‘congregation’ who is knowledgeable and skilled in liturgy, institutional and community development, and pastoral care, as well as sensitive to the critical or "prophetic" leadership role they are in.
Membership
Joining:
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After your online subscription, you must fill the questionnaire and return it completely filled in a delay of three days after your subscription. If the staff does not receive it after 24 hours, send us a e-mail and we will work with you to solve the issue. It is an absolute requirement for the security of the Academy.
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Only individuals over the age of 18 years will be considered for membership. Those under 18 years of age must have approval by a parent or guardian and must display maturity.
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Candidates for membership, known as Wanderers, must acknowledge and abide by all of The Woods Of Wyrd's rules, laws, by laws, and policies.
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Members must have an understanding of, and a deep interest in, subjects offered for instruction by The Dragons Hearth Academy. They must have a desire to participate in most if not all activities offered by the Academy. Strong candidates for membership will also demonstrate an interest in strengthening the Academy's foundation.
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The Dragons Hearth Academy seeks students with a high level of commitment and not nominal members. While memberships in parallel groups are not strictly prohibited, first loyalty to The Dragons Hearth is expected, and such membership may impact a members status within the Academy.
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Once accepted, Wanderers will be exposed to general information and basic education within a study group to ascertain if the member resonates with the tradition we follow. Should they choose to commit to the Academy they will become full members, students of the Academy.
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Membership is free, however the courses are not; it provides a way to affirm your commitment to the Academy and the community it calls together for fellowship and study while helping the Academy and Temple to fund events, rituals, and other necessary components. We do ask that you support us spiritually; financially when you are able, and come to an event here and there as personal schedules permit. Online courses are available as well as local classes.
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Those who become members may also become a part of our Grove, and discuss becoming a member of our Hearth.
Outside Memberships
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Members of the Academy whom are associated with any other church, temple, or denomination will not be asked to renounce membership in any other church to which they may belong; they are welcome to be members of the Seminary as well as members of the denomination they choose to walk. The Dragons Hearth Academy believes there should be no restrictions of freedom on where or how others worship. We value all the viewpoints of our members, however varied and controversial they might be.
Leadership
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The Academy is guided by the Head Elder who serves as the primary authoritative spokesperson for the theological direction of the Academy. She or he is roughly the equivalent of a Chieftain or High Priestess in other traditions or groups, and guides the Academy and Temple fulfilling the desire to serve the community and be of service to the Divine. She or he is to keep strong and help manifest the Vision of Dragons Hearth Sanctuary. This would be considered a Matriarchal Democracy as currently the Head Elder is Treyah Autumn Wolf.
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The Board of Trustees, known as the Elder Council, is responsible for decisions related to secular policy and governance of our non-profit corporation. All theological direction for The Dragons Hearth Sanctuary, its Academy and Temple, shall be from the Elder Council. Members of the Elder Council is formed by active members of The Woods Of Wyrd. The Board is comprised of three elders or officers consisting of the Vice President, Secretary and Treasurer – and three Trustees, of which one is appointed by the Board and two are voted on by the membership at large. The Board is served by Executive Director who is in an administrative position appointed by and reporting to the Board. The election, scope of service, and responsibilities of the Academy Board of Trustees is outlined within the Codex of The Woods Of Wyrd Law.
Administrative Bodies
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To best serve all of our students, The Elder Council is the guiding religious body of the Academy and Temple. The Elder Council is responsible for the development, growth and transmission of the Mystic Shaman Tradition – insuring that it is firmly rooted in a scholastic authenticity that honors our Ancestors, while also being a reflection of Source and touched with the renewing inspirations of the Old Ways.
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The Elder Council Seat indicates a place of service within the organization and only lasts for the duration of tenure for the position seat in which a person is placed. Those who hold these seats on the council do not in any way represent spiritual achievements or authority, nor do they confer any ongoing endorsement by The Woods Of Wyrd after tenure expires. Any attempt to equate these positions with total spiritual authority within the Tradition is misleading and unsupported by The Woods Of Wyrd, its Academy, Community, and Temple. The Council Seats, and The Elder Council, functions as a matriarchal democratic council.
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Role Of Clergy
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The clergy of The Dragons Hearth Sanctuary, the Academy, and community are charged with performance of the same tasks and hold the standards and responsibility assigned the clergy of any other religion. Clergy are appointed by the local congregation to serve the needs of that congregation and community.
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We are actively remembering, reclaiming and renewing the traditions of old, keeping in mind that becoming clergy is not something that can be accomplished through the reading of a book or completion of a course. A Mystic Shaman is recognized through actions, deeds, and her or his very presence of being, as no woman or man can pass through the doors of true initiation without some profound and lasting inner change occurring in their life. We understand the need for trained clergy to offer support, to facilitate rites of passage, and to take on roles of service in their communities. To this end, the Academy includes a course in Pastoral Counseling which leads to legal ordination for those who feel the calling to offer this service. Duties may include planning and conducting ritual, individual counseling, teaching, and performance of 'life event' ceremonies such as traditional weddings, hand-fastings, funeral services, and more. The clergy of the temple are not responsible for the administration of the congregation - this is a task for the Elder Council and the elected Board of Trustees.
Departments Of The Academy
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Administration – The goal of the administration is to facilitate a space both logistically and energetically for developing magical students, create a learning environment, and ensure all facets of the Academy run smoothly.
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Faculty – Teachers and facilitators are our threads within the weave of the Academy. Without them there would be no educational resources. Become a member of our amazing magical teaching team, and be an inspiration in the lives of others.
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Store Management - Learn to facilitate and maintain the store and inventory, complete product education, and maintain financial security so that the ministry can perpetuate itself.
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Media Production Department- Media outlets such as Publications, Articles, Videos, Public Relations, and all public communications fall under this department. Having the ability to help create and maintain positive relations with the community at large is a great asset to maintain. Monitoring the spiritual needs of the public and notifying management keeps our Academy up to date and informed of needs that must be met by both students and the community.
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Festival Staff - Participate as staff in any of the many departments involved in running a festival.
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Prison Ministries - The Paladin's Ministry is organized for those whom are incarcerated and wish to honor their spiritual path. We wish all people to obtain the ability to celebrate their spirituality.
Stars Ministries - The Stars Ministry is a service to those adults or children whom are handicapped or special needs that are Pagan that would like to establish ministries to individuals and families with disabilities. This is planned for a future date.
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Fund-raising and Grants Department - Engineering and executing fund-raising projects for the Temple, Academy, and events is this departments focus.
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