What is OSG?

The Order of the Sacred Grove is a Modern American Witchcraft Tradition dedicated to the practice of the Old Religion and to the establishment of the Temple of the Goddess. We are open to all who seek training and initiation into the Ways of the Wise. We are devoted to the Goddess in all of Her forms. OSG consists of independent but cooperative covens or groves within the larger order. Each coven develops it's own Patron Gods and may follow an independent, but harmonious magickal current. We believe that witchcraft must remain a living tradition, and although traditional structure is essential, we also allow for a free expression of dynamic and fluid energy to express itself through a working group.

The Order offers a training program for those who wish to become Priestesses and Priests of the Goddess. We are an initiatory Society and Apprentices are taught by Mentors within the Order. We are open to both men and women. However, it must be recognized that this is a Goddess oriented group and as such is matri-linear. We encourage freedom of thought and individual expression; "Do What Thou Wilt, An It Harm None." We strive to accommodate a wide range of beliefs and practices.

What is the history and lineage of OSG?

OSG in it's current form was established in 1995 by Lady Salome. She was initiated into NECTW (The New England Covens of Traditionalist Witches) in Providence, RI in 1977. NECTW was started by Lady Gwen Thompson in the 60's. She formulated the Tradition as a blend of the Folk Witchcraft that was passed down through her family, specifically through her paternal Grandmother, Adriana Porter, and the weighty influence of other Trads that were gaining popularity at the time. She was the Witch who transmitted the original "Rede of the Wiccae".

Lady Salome founded Women With Wings, a Goddess based Women's Circle in 1990. In 1995 she asked to be elevated to HPS in the NECTW tradition in order to "marry" the old ways with the more recent magical currents that she had connected with. OSG reflects the blend of these two currents.

She has walked a Shamanic Faery Path for many years and wears the cord of the Faery Witch. Salome is a trained Dreamworker and has studied and practiced Ceremonial Magick, Quabalism, and Faery Shamanism. She was an original member of The Order of the Evening Star, a ceremonial magick order based in Rhode Island. Currently, She now serves as HPs to The Birch Grove whose covenstead is in Benicia, CA.

Lady Kearwyn is an Elder and HPs to The HazelGrove, located in Napa, CA. She was initiated into WWW in 1991 and is a Founding Priestess of OSG.

Lady Autumn is HPs to The Sandalwood Grove, located in Martinez, CA. She was dedicated as an apprentice in 2001 and was initiated into OSG in 2002.

Lady Mau is HPs to the Sycamore Grove, located in Berkeley. She was dedicated as an apprentice in 2005 and was initiated into OSG in 2006.

Lady Sage is a HPs and Elder in OSG. She has recently moved to Missouri where she is settling into her new community. She was dedicated as an apprentice in 1996 and was initiated into OSG in 1997.

What are our practices?

Our practices are very "old school". Neophytes copy the Book of Shadows in their own hand. We meet to celebrate the Esbat of the Full Moon and perform seasonal rituals on each Sabbat. We perform magickal working as needed, both individually and within the covens. Our Order has developed a strong shamanistic bent. We connect with the subtle Forces of Nature and practice natural auguring (divination based on natural phenomena, synchronicities, and omens). Other practices include spellcraft, scrying, the study of the old gods, various astral work, and devotional practices.

Are you accepting apprentices?

We will take on new apprentices if there is a coven (grove) that is open to new members and if a mentor is available to teach. Occasionally, we will teach a large circle of apprentices. We take on apprentices in R/L (real life) only. So much of the training is in the practice, not just the study, that it would be impossible to train someone long distance. So apprentices must live close enough to commute. We are located in the SF Bay area.
(click here for more information about the apprentice program.)

What does the apprenticeship program consist of?

The Order of the Sacred Grove offers a training program in the magickal arts. The program consists of cycles of experience. The apprenticeship program is the first of these cycles. Each cycle lasts for a year-and-a-day, the evolution of one turning of the Great Wheel. The training involves study, practice, and initiation. It should be noted that the Cycles of training are not meant to be a ladder of hierarchy. The Cycles represent a continuous journey, one that does not end at the completion of the Adept Cycle.

What are the cycles of training?

Outer Court (pre-initiation)

The Apprentice - The Call to Adventure

Before anyone is initiated into The Order of the Sacred Grove, she is trained as an Apprentice for a year-and–a day. Although apprentices are not yet initiated members of OSG, they participate in a variety of Outer Court gatherings and activities. This year of shared experiences allows the Apprentices and Initiated members of OSG to get to know each other and decide if a future relationship will be mutually beneficial.

The Apprentice is trained under the guidance and watchful eye of a mentor. A mentor is an Adept who has chosen to devote a year-and-a-day to teaching.

The study areas of the apprentice include The Elements, The Pentagram, The Lunar Cycle, Color Magick, Ritual Basics, and the Magickal Properties of Herbs. The practice of the Apprentice includes the Acquisition and Consecration of the Elemental Tools, Finding a Magickal Name, Establishment of a Personal Altar, Basic Spellwork, Devotional Rites, and Solitary Ritual Observances of the Full Moon Rite and the Rites of Sabbat.

Inner Court (post-initiation)

The First Cycle - The Initiate - The Road of Trials

The Initiate in the Order of the Sacred Grove completes the year-and-a-day of training under the guidance of the High Priestess of her Grove. In addition to learning how to participate in a group, this Cycle is an inward journey of self- discovery and inner planes work.

Second Cycle - The Pathwalker - Finding the Jewel, Honing Skills

The Pathwalker Cycle is characterized by independent study in a specialized area of interest. This study, called Path Walking, involves immersion into the study and practice of an area of Magickal Art chosen by the Initiate.

Third Cycle - The Adept - The Return Home

Adepts are expected to share their skills and experiences with their Grove. They may choose to Mentor Apprentices within the Order. Adepts may also be called upon to perform public rites such as Hand Fastings, House Blessings, and Rites of Passing Over. She may become a High Priestess when the Order needs her. The High Priestess is the Mistress of Initiation and the representative of the Goddess for her Grove.

What is the cost of the training program?

The cost is commitment, hard work, and dedication. Anyone in the Order can teach classes and charge a fee but we do not charge for the traditional year-and-a-day apprenticeship.

Do you practice naked in your rites? (a commonly asked question)

We are not a sky clad group. Our rituals are performed in robes. We do not practice sacred sex rites as a group.