Initiation and Formation
The Holy Celtic Order of the Temple is essentially initiatic, in that we offer initiations to the various grades as the individual gradually opens him or herself up to the greater degrees of spiritual awareness and service.
The first degree of Knight of St Joseph of Arimathea or Dame of St Mary Magdalene is open to all baptised Christians who wish to explore esoteric Christianity. This first initiation may be taken in person with an authorised Celebrant of the Order or performed privately as a solo initiation. With the exception of the Bardic and Ovatic Grade initiations in Trinity Grove all the other investitures and initiations need to be given in situ with one of the Celebrants.
The initiation ceremonies for these grades are mostly based on 18th and 19th century fraternal sources. Authorised Celebrants for the three grades may be found on the List of Members page.
Self-led study for each grade is possible (at no cost), however, guided formation for each grade is recommended. The cost of online guided formation is $15 per grade and in this case the two text books for each grade are provided as pdfs.
The first degree of Knight of St Joseph of Arimathea or Dame of St Mary Magdalene is open to all baptised Christians who wish to explore esoteric Christianity. This first initiation may be taken in person with an authorised Celebrant of the Order or performed privately as a solo initiation. With the exception of the Bardic and Ovatic Grade initiations in Trinity Grove all the other investitures and initiations need to be given in situ with one of the Celebrants.
- 1st Grade - Knights of St Joseph of Arimathea & Dames of St Mary Magdalene
- 2nd Grade - Knights and Dames of St John the Baptist
- 3rd Grade - Knights Templar Priests of the Presentation of Our Lady. The grade of Celtic Knight or Dame of the Temple is also possible for Dames and Lay Knights, though it is normally conferred as an Honorary grade
The initiation ceremonies for these grades are mostly based on 18th and 19th century fraternal sources. Authorised Celebrants for the three grades may be found on the List of Members page.
Self-led study for each grade is possible (at no cost), however, guided formation for each grade is recommended. The cost of online guided formation is $15 per grade and in this case the two text books for each grade are provided as pdfs.
Other initiations and ordinations:
- The Bardic, Ovate and Druid Grades in Trinity Grove Esoteric Druid Order
- Liberal Catholic Martinist Order (3 degrees)
- The five grades in the Order of Our Lady, leading to admittance as a deaconess for women. (see Deaconess page)
- Holy Orders - The six minor orders and three major orders of ordained ministry for men. (see Ordination page)
