Initiation Training Program

From Sekhet-Maat Lodge

Two of the most important objectives of Sekhet-Maat Lodge (SML) are:

1. to create an environment in which initiates can have the best possible initiation, and
2. to provide an opportunity to gain immersive exposure to initiatory symbolism through working the rites.

This document describes the process of becoming an Officer, and your continued training as a Coach and Chartered Initiator should you choose to pursue those responsibilities.

Man of Earth Officer Training

1. The Initiate requests to join the training program.

Requirements: Initiates are at least I° and members in good standing of the OTO and of SML with a desire to learn more about the initiation process and assist the Lodge by offering their services as officers of initiation.

2. Initiate is assigned an exemplification team

Requirements: Initiates who have requested to join the training program will be assigned to a training exemplification team. This team will meet no less than three times for rehearsal and perform an exemplification initiation for the community with full regalia, set up, magickal weapons and other equipment. The team will be lead by one of the Lodge Officer Trainers and a Chartered Initiator. The initiation will be for training purposes only and no live candidate will be present. Initiates can continue their training on exemplification teams for as long as they would like, so that they may feel comfortable with the process. Exemplification must be done individually for each degree (0°-III°) and is required to have the experience and training in that degree.

3. Initiate requests to be put on the Officer’s Roster

Requirements: After the initiate has done as many exemplifications as they feel necessary for their training purposes, they will then request to be put onto the Officers’ Roster. Initiates MUST request this before they will be put onto the active roster and be eligible to officer any role in Initiations other than Exemplifications. This ensures that only Initiates who feel they are ready to take the responsibility of being an Officer in the Man of Earth initiations are on the list to go "live" with real candidates. All Officers and Initiators are expected to step in when needed to act as Sentinel or Black Guard.

4. Continuing Education

Requirements: Officers are encouraged to keep their skills up to date and enrich their understanding by attending initiations regularly, volunteering to work initiations frequently, and engaging in discussions, study, and practices as described in the study guides. Should it become impossible for an officer to work on an initiation team for an entire year, that person may reenlist on the Officers' Roster by volunteering on an exemplification team.

Man of Earth Coaches

1. Initiates who are interested in becoming Trainers or Chartered Initiators will request to be a Coach for degrees they are highly experienced in.

Requirements: The Initiate must have officered in the degree they are requesting Coach status at least 3-4 times and have the ability to manage the initiation from beginning to end by themselves. Once the Initiate makes this request, the Initiators in the Committee will determine if the Officer is ready. They will then offer their services to team and facilitate newer less experienced officers in working the degree by helping and training with set up as well as blocking and other issues.

Man of Earth Initiator Training

1. Officer requests to join the Initiator Training program.

Requirements: Officers who are interested in becoming a Chartered Initiator will be trained and experienced in all degrees of the Man of Earth. They will also work regularly as a Coach for various degrees and show proficiency in doing so.

2. Officer attends U.S.G.L. Certified Initiator Training

Requirements: Officers must be initiates of at least the III° and receive training in the U.S.G.L CIT program.

3. Officer requests to join the SML Initiator Training Program

Requirements: Officers will be scheduled to take the SML Initiator Training program which consists of 8 hours of didactic and hands-on training to become a Chartered Initiator for SML. Officers will be fully knowledgeable of the Lodge’s policy on Initiation.

4. Officer requests to exemplify a degree as an Initiator

Requirements: The Committee will request that each Officer fill out the exemplification application and give it to the Chair of the Committee for approval and assignment of a date to do an exemplification. The Officer will then be required to manage, organize and perform the exemplification within the policy and guidelines of the Lodge.

5. Obtain and fill out the Application for a Charter to Initiate

Requirements: The Officer will have completed all of the training listed above and will be engaged in regular Coaching and possibly acting as a Trainer within the Officer Training Program. First Aid and CPR certification is required. Two signatures are also required on the application: the Lodge Master and that of an S.G.I.G. or C.I.T. The candidate for a charter will ensure that these attend the exemplification so they can then sign the form after observing the Charter candidate.

6. Become a Chartered Initiator

Requirements: Initiators will be fully chartered through U.S.G.L. and abide by all requirements of U.S.G.L. Initiators sit on the Initiation Committee which meets quarterly. They will agree to abide by the guidelines set forth by SML. Initiators will also endeavor to continue their education by attending any advanced trainings, updates, workshops etc., offered either by the Lodge or U.S.G.L.