The Votary Program

A pathway to Ordination for modern day Witches

In ancient times, the Old Gods often had cults* that were led by Priests and Priestesses. People known as Votaries were those who made vows of dedication to religious service and were devoted followers of their gods. It is in this spirit that this program was created and named.

The Votary Program is 3-year course allowing those who complete it to be ordained as a Priest, Priestess or Priestix of their chosen Deity. This program focuses on exploration of the self, service to one’s community, research study and personal praxis.

See the right side bar for additional information on the assignments and areas of focus.

The ToHG Mentor Priestesses will start accepting applications at Beltane 2022 and the first cohort begins at Summer Solstice.

*Cult definition - a system of religious veneration and devotion directed towards a particular figure or object. i.e the Cult of Dionysus or the Cult of Pan.

This year is about the self. Through 13 assignments, Votaries challenge themselves to explore, reflect and examine who they are, what they want and why they want it in order to more deeply discover their path as a potential future Priest, Priestess or Priestix.
The Votary also explores their relationship with their Deity through certain assignments, rituals and solitary practice.
Quarterly meetings with their Mentor Priestess and other Votaries in their cohort offer additional guidance and support through the process.
The main purpose of the Second Year of Votary training is to find what the needs of the community are and how you might be interested/able to assist. This will set the course for your Third Year, when your plan will go into action.
- Lead a public class or ritual.
  - Summary paper reviewing the experience
- Community Service Project.
  - Summary paper to be handed in
- Reading List
  - 13 books, __ of which are required titles and __ of which are Votary chosen titles that have one focus i.e. tarot, healing, magic, etc.
  - A written book review is to be handed in for each title
The third year puts your mission into action.
Requirements this year revolve around your plan to support your community and the ways in which you will do that. Are you teaching classes? Forming a working group? Maybe you are creating an art project or writing a book. Whatever it is, the idea that was formed based on work from Year 2 is put forward.
Additional work consists of interviews of Pagan elders and religious leaders, as well as attending services and rituals either online or in your area.
A final paper is submitted on all that you have learned in the last three years, what it is that you want going forward. Does the Votary still seek Ordination… or not? Votaries who do seek ordination, and whose Mentor thinks they are ready, then sit for interview with a gathering of other ToHG Priestesses and members where the community decides if the Votary is ready to be Ordained, because after all, the title, crown and recognition of a Temple of the Hallowed Gods High Priest/Priestess/Priestix is bestowed by the Community.