Within Spira, we have Root positions that are in lieu of the
traditional High Priest or High Priestess. The Root position
is that of leadership, and Roots are expected to write rituals,
lead rituals, to take on mentorship
and teacher roles within the grove and to generally take a
leadership role within the community. A Root has more
responsibility than an Emergent and more is expected of the Roots
than of the Emergents. There are five Root positions, to
represent 5 deity archetypes, in each grove and each one
of the Root positions has different responsibilities associated with
it. Each Root is expected to act as a representative of their
archetype and to try and keep the grove balanced in respect to their
archetype. The Root positions themself are not limited to
either males or females, but instead are available for the best
possible match. The Root positions reflect Spira's philosophy
of balance in several ways. Firstly, the Root positions
represent the five deity archetypes; Order, Chaos, Independence,
Inspiration and Wisdom. Secondly, the Root Positions
themselves are not inherently male or female which allows for a mix
of both, depending on which aspect the individual members
are most aligned with. Thirdly, the Root positions are
not limited to any one deity or pantheon, which allows for greater
variation within various groves. Finally, Roots are not
all powerful within the grove and can be voted out of the grove by a
majority of Emergents, which reflects a more democractic
balance.
Fir Tree Root
The Fir Tree Root is a representative of
Independence. This person tries to keep the grove balanced in
independence, youth, energy and purity. This person is often a
female but does not need to be. He/She ensures that the grove
maitains enough time out in the natural world and maintains
the environment whenever possible. He/She is
responsible for drawing down the Independence archetype during the
appropriate time of the year and for creating activities to honor
independence. This person is responsible for presiding over coming
of age rituals (gender dependent) and youth counseling.
Cedar Root
The Cedar Root is a representative of Order. This person tries to
keep the grove balanced in order, truth, logic and light. This person is often male, but
does not need to be. He/She ensures that the grove respects and keeps all oaths made
and acts honorably. He/She is responsible for drawing down the Order archetype during the
appropriate time of the year and for creating activities to honor order. This person is responsible
for hospital visits to grove members that are ill (if requested) and for accompanying members to
court when a representative of order is needed (if requested). He/She is responsible for prophecy and
divination within the grove.
Birch Root
The
Birch Root is a representative of Inspiration. This person tries to
keep the grove balanced in inspiration, beauty, creativity and
creation. This person is often female but does not need to be.
He/She ensures that the grove remains inspired and shows it's beauty
whenever it can. He/She is responsible for drawing down the
Inspiration archetype during the appropriate time of year and for
creating activities to honor inspiration. This person is responsible
for presiding over marriages within the grove and for hospital
visist after births (if requested).
Hemlock Root
The Hemlock Root is a representative of Chaos. This person tries to keep
the grove balanced in chaos, excitement, emotion and fun. This person is often
male but does not need to be. He/She ensures that the grove remains emotionally true and
fresh, never stagnating. He/She is responsible for drawing down the Chaos archetype
during the appropriate time of year and for creating activities to honor chaos. This person
is responsible for presiding over and arranging all parties and celebrations in the grove as well as
presiding over coming of age rituals (gender dependent).
Willow Root
The Willow Root is a representative of Wisdom. This person tries to keep the grove
balanced in wisdom, magic, ceremony and mystery. This person is often a female but does
not need to be. He/She ensures that the grove maintains a level of magick and mystery. He/She
is responsible for drawing down the Wisdom archetype during the appropriate time of the year and for
creating activites to honor wisdom. This person is responsible for presiding over funerals and doing
hospital visit for last rites (if requested).
Each grove ideally has
each Root position filled, but this is not always the case,
depending on the availability of an appropriate person for each
position.
Currently there are 2 Roots within Spira and one Root
Anticipant. To read more about these members please click
below.
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