The Shanddite Order

of Religious Pagans

A Path for the Eclectic, Independent, and Altruistic Pagan

Home Page

News
Introduction
Principles
Precepts
Membership

List of Members

Practices
- Ritual
- A morning practice
- An evening practice
- Learning
- Service
Dedication Ritual
History
Contact

Introduction

The Shanddite Order was started by Pagan author Shanddaramon and is based on the teachings presented in his many books on living a sacred life through Paganism. He writes:

"In the course of writing several different books on modern Paganism, it became evident to me that I had enough sufficiently unique ideas to begin my own path or branch. I do not do this because I need a boost to my own ego by having disciples or followers. My path is for the independent and independent Pagan. There is no initiation from others and both solitaries and groups of Pagans can join. I offer this path for those who: believe in these ideals, want to dedicate their lives to being a Pagan of high principles, want to help others, and want to be joined (at least in Spirit) with others of similar mind and attitude. There may be hundreds of people who decide to join with me or I may always be the only one, it does not matter to me. But, if you do decide to join me, I welcome you and invite you to become a force for the betterment of Earth and all her children."

This order is meant for male and female Pagans who live within the secular world but who also take on sacred vows.

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Principles

This is what we believe:

That there is a universal source that is the essence of all beings and all things but that is also greater than all things.

All forms of matter and energy are derived from this source.
We choose to use term Spirit to name this source.

That Spirit is in constant motion - for that is its essence - and that this motion creates cycles, spirals, and changes.
That the universe, which is the manifestation of Spirit, expresses this constant motion through three forces:

contraction;
expansion; and
balance.

That these three forces are manifested in all living beings through three drives:

Becoming (expansion or individuation)

symbolized by the sun or the masculine
may also be referred to as the energy of Light

Belonging (contraction or communion)

symbolized the moon or the feminine
may also be referred to as the energy of Love

Being (balance or contemplation)

symbolized by the stars or the non-gendered
may also be referred to as energy of Life

That deities are metaphors or representations of these forces in all their many forms and expressions.

We are free to honor those deities however we wish, if at all.
We know, however, that Spirit is too wonderful and mysterious to be understood as a separate being.

That the energies of Becoming and Belonging are expressed through at least four stages each represented by the four classical elements:

Earth
Air
Fire
Water
The energy of Being is represented by the fifth element Aether or Spirit.

That, among other things, the five elements also represent the four parts of the self:

Body (Earth)
Mind (Air)
Heart (Fire
Soul (Water)
Each of these are balanced and energized by Spirit.

That magick is the act not of obtaining things but of purifying and refining the self.

in so doing, the self attracts what is needed
in so doing, the self is transformed
in so doing, the world is transformed

That we should live out our principles by being of service to others.

Members of the Order must be of assistance to other members of the Order, when possible.
Members of the Order should seek to help out other Pagans, when possible.
Members of the Order should work to improve their local communities and other communities, when possible.

Precepts

We believe that we should live out our principles in our daily lives. To accomplish this, we adhere to five basic guidelines, referred to as The Five Precepts.

Reason

We will consciously consider the intent behind all our words, deeds, and actions.
Through conscious action we will strive to cause no harm to Earth, to ourselves, or other beings.
Through conscious action we will resolve conflicts of harm.
We will accept no law, statement, or directive purely on face value but will consider its intent and consequences to ourselves and others.

Respect

We will respect all paths and practitioners who do not seek to cause harm.
We will express that respect through kindness, mercy, and presence whenever possible.

Responsibility

We will say what we mean and we will stand behind what we say.
We will be responsible to Earth and to all beings.
We will seek to aid others whenever possible.

Reverence

We will treat all beings and all things as sacred.
We will honor the cycles of nature and our lives through ritual and other acts of reverence.

Revelry

We will reveal our principles to others through our daily actions.
We will seek out the wonder, awe, and joy of living
We will encourage and promote that joy to others.

This is how we live to reflect those precepts:

Through Kindness

to seek to not cause harm toward:

Earth
ourselves
all others
all beings

Through Consideration

to respect others
to respect the property and belongings of others
to respect the thoughts and philosophies of others

Through Authenticity

to be true toward:

ourselves
others
our word and intent

We recognize that there may be times when these rules may conflict. This is called a Conflict of Conduct. In such cases, reason should be applied by the individual to resolve the conflict. In finding a solution, one should consider:

the Principles listed above
the greater good
the natural right of all beings to defend themselves and others and to defend their home and property

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Membership

This is who we are:

Anyone can become a member of this path without permission, ordination, or initiation by another person.
There are three levels of membership:

An Oblate

a member who takes the vows but does not study the lessons

A Dedicant

a member in pursuit of full membership

A Brother or Sister

a full member

To become an Oblate of the Order, you agree to:

accept all the principles listed above
take on vows to live out those principles in your life and spiritual practice
enact a Dedication ritual
remain true to your vows throughout your membership
renounce your membership if you can no longer live up to your vows
renew your vows at least once a year.

To become a Dedicant of the Order, you agree to:

follow the same directions to become an Oblate
begin and continue your studies of the lessons until completed

To become a Brother or Sister of the Order, you agree to:

become a Dedicant of the Order
complete all lessons
incorporate all spiritual practices of the Order into your own personal practice
renounce your membership if you cannot uphold the Principles and Practices of the Order

If you would like to be listed on an active list of Members of the Order, please email the following information:

the name you wish to have listed;
where you live;
what attracted you to the Order;
how you plan to incorporate the ideals of the Order into your life;
indicate whether you are an oblate, dedicant or full member (Brother or Sister).

List of Members

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Practices

This is what we do:

Ritual
A morning practice - the Consecration
An evening practice - the Reckoning
Learning
Service
Review

Practitioners are free to include in their own practice any other religious or spiritual techniques, practices, or principles that do not interfere with the Principles stated above.

Ritual

The cycles of the universe that influence our lives and world are celebrated through ritual in whatever manner the practitioner feels best.
These rituals can include:

Sabbats (sun cycles)

Esbats (full moons)
Astors (dark moons)
life changes
degrees and initiations (if chosen)
and other celebrations.

Rituals may be done by one person or in a group.
- Group rituals will:
  - strive to share the ritual responsibilities throughout the group as each person is comfortable doing so.
  - not be lead solely by a single person or pair of people (such as a High Priest and Priestess) but by sharing leading roles within the group.
  - the only titles that should be used in the ritual group are those of the directions: North, East, West, South, and Center.
  - The primary responsibility for the ritual will be with Center.
- All non-sexual rituals should be open and child-friendly.

The Consecration

At the beginning of the day, the practitioner will make a vow to uphold these principles.
The vow will be something simple such as:
- "Through Reason, Respect, Responsibility, Reverence, and Revelry do I vow to live in Spirit." or
- "I vow to live in Spirit through Kindness, Consideration, and Authenticity."
The practitioner will wear a simple band, necklace, ring, or bracelet that is purple or purple and yellow or gold.
- This band may be plain or it can include:
- This band shall be referred to as the Spirit Binding and shall symbolize the freely accepted binding of the practitioner to these principles.

The Reckoning

At the end of the day, the practitioner will do the following:
- review the day to determine:
  - if your vows have been meet
  - if someone should receive thanks or praise for doing a positive act for another.
    - if so, plans shall be made to offer praise or thanks to that person.

Learning

Practitioners are expected to gain experience and knowledge in particular Pagan and spiritual concepts.
The practitioner is free to learn these things through any means best suited for that person, however, suggestions for lessons are offered by clicking here.
A good test as to whether or not a concept is learned is to ask:
- "Would I feel comfortable teaching that concept to another?"
Practitioners may assign 1 - 5 degrees to their learning however, degrees should be used only for training and gaining experience and should not be used to distinguish levels of hierarchy among practitioners.
Practitioners will be expected to develop at least the following:
- An understanding of the Principles, Precepts, and Practices listed above.
- A personal understanding and connection to Spirit.
- An understanding of the three forces (Being, Belonging, and Becoming) and how they operate in our lives.
- An understanding of the Five Elements and how they relate to us through the four parts of the self.
- a practice involving the Pagan Wheel of the Year.
- An understanding of the cycles of the universe and of life including:
  - Sabbats
  - Esbats
  - Astors
  - Life stages and changes
- The ability to enact a basic personal ritual
- Meditation techniques
- A specialty practice such as:
  - divination
  - healing
  - ministry
  - tools and crafts
  - herbalism
  - psychic abilities
  - a performing art
  - a visual art
- An understanding of other spiritual and religious paths and practices
- An introduction to mythology
- A regular practice of service to others
One who completes this training to their own satisfaction may then be called a Brother or Sister of the Order.

Service

Practitioners are expected to aid in the betterment of Earth and her children on a regular basis.
- aid can be offered to:
  - helping the planet
  - helping other people (especially children)
  - helping animals
  - helping any other living thing
- aid can be offered through
  - donating money
  - donating time
  - donating goods or services
  - donating work or skills
  - speaking or writing in support

Review

At least once a year, preferably at the same time as when first dedicated, the Practitioner should review his or her year as an active member and either:

renew those vows for another year
denounce membership in the Order.

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A Basic Dedication Ritual

The practitioner is free to use any dedication ritual that he or she chooses so long as a commitment to adhere to the Principles listed above are included. The following ritual can be used in full or as a guide for developing a personal ritual. It has been adapted from the book Sacred Gatherings by Shanddaramon

Materials needed:

altar

white center candle

black altar cloth

the object to be used as a Spirit Binding

Preparation:

Purify the space.

Bless the altar.

Bless and prepare the incense.

Turn off all lights (except the reading lights).

Opening

"In the spirit of celebration, and in the celebration of Spirit, I come to this sacred place anew."
"I cannot falter as I come to this altar because I know my intent is true." [Ring the bell.]

Statement of Intent

"In this sacred time I celebrate the decision to dedicate to the Shanddite path."
"This is my intent. So mote it be." [Light the center candle.]

Ground and Center

"With the Earth below, I am grounded as I go."

"With the Sky above, I shall soar like a dove."

"Let me feel connected as I begin and find the peace that is within."

"Let me breathe in the peace of Earth and Sky and let me feel connected as I release a soft sigh."

[Pause to breathe mindfully, center yourself, and feel connected.]

Call of the Three Forces

"Through the Sun we understand Light so that we may become as we might."

"Through the Moon we understand Love so that we may embrace all below and above."

"Through the Stars we understand Life so that we may seek balance amid the strife."

Call of the Four Directions

North

"I honor the direction of North and the element of Earth. It is through the material that our soul is given birth."

"I embrace the dark of the Winter night so that I may seek the reborn light."

"I dedicate my hands to this path I have chosen in this time of rebirth."

"I say hail and welcome to the North. Let your light shine." [Light the Earth candle.]

East

"I honor the direction of East and the element of Air. It is the wind that carries our thoughts and makes us aware."

"Of wonders like mornings filled with Spring bouquets and the wisdom that abounds in nature's ways."

"I dedicate my mind to this path I have chosen in this time of rebirth."

"I say hail and welcome to the East. Let your light shine." [Light the Air candle.]

South

"I honor the direction of South and the element of Fire. It is the flames of emotion that move us to desire:"

"The joyful play of a Summer afternoon, and the heart filled with a merry tune."
"I dedicate my heart to this path I have chosen in this time of rebirth."
I say hail and welcome to the South. Let your light shine." [Light the Fire candle.]

West

"I honor the direction of West and the element of Water. It is the peace of Spirit that our souls are after."

"The hushed quiet of an evening in Fall is when we sense the soul's gentle call."
"I dedicate my soul to this path I have chosen in this time of rebirth.
"I say hail and welcome to the West. Let your light shine." [Light the Water candle.]

Center

“To this sacred path I enter: From beyond the circle to within,"
"I honor the direction of Center where the journey shall begin.”
[Place chosen Spirit Binding in the center of the altar.]

Closing of the Circle

I am now encircled in love and trust."
With the strength of this love shall I hold fast. For now, at last, the circle is cast."
[Draw and/or visualize a circle around you.]
"In this sacred sphere I spin, a Dedication ritual now begins."
[Ring the bell.]

Ritual Work

Introduction:

"In the cosmic book of endless changes, I stop to read one of its pages."
"Within the cycles of the ages, to this Dedication my heart engages."

The Work:

"I declare that I do freely, willingly, and joyfully dedicate myself to the Shanddite path and that I do freely, willingly, and joyfully accept and embrace the principles of this path."
[The Spirit Binding should be taken from the center of the altar and held.]
"As a new Dedicant(s) to this path, I vow to live my life under the Shanddite principles and and I vow to live in Spirit through Reason, Respect, Responsibility, Reverence, and Revelry. So Mote It Be!"
[Wear the Spirit Binding]
"With this symbol of recognition and rememberance, I bind myself to these principles so long as I wear."
[Put on the Spirit Binding.]
"I am a Shanddite. So Mote It Be!"

Completion

"Now this circle I undo, For this dedication is nearly through."
"Let this work here done befall to the good of one and all. So mote it be."
[Ring the bell.]

Recognition of the Four Directions

West

"I honor the West where the soul finds rest. It is the water that we drink."
"I have committed my soul to this path I have chosen through your affinity."
"So I say hail and farewell to the West and blessed be!"
[Extinguish the Water candle.]

South

"I honor the South where the heart seeks its path. It is the fire that we burn and share."
I have committed my heart to this path I have chosen through your affinity."
So I say hail and farewell to the South and blessed be!"
[Extinguish the Fire candle.]

East

"I honor the East where the mind knows peace. It is the air that we breathe."
"I have committed my mind to this path I have chosen through your affinity."
"So I say hail and farewell to the East and blessed be!
[Extinguish the Air candle.]

North

"I honor the North where our hands reach forth. It is the Earth for which we must care."
"I have committed my hands to this path I have chosen through your affinity."
"So I say hail and farewell to the North and blessed be!
[Extinguish the Earth candle.]

Recognition of the Three Forces

"I honor the warmth of the Sun and the need to be unique."
"I honor the inspiration of the Moon and the love that we all seek.
"I honor the hope of the Stars and the need to balance strong and weak."

Grounding

"With the sky above my words have sounded. In the Earth below I shall be grounded." Blessed be to all!"
[Pause to touch the Earth and feel grounded.]
“Mother Earth and I are one.”

Opening of the Circle

"Let these blessings I have bestowed like a seed, take root and grow, and to their purpose renew."
[Draw and/or visualize opening the circle around you in a counter-clockwise direction.]
"Though this circle now is open, let these bonds remain unbroken, for this Dedication is now through."
[Ring the bell and extinguish the center or Working Candle.
“The ritual is over. So mote it be.”

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History

This page and its path was launched August 14, 2011.
last revised 5/30/2012
revised 11/20/12

subtitle changed
practice of review added

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Contact

For more information, email info (at) shanddite (dot) com.