Northern Cougars is one of the chartered Canadian Clans of the Black Forest Tradition. It was formed in 2003 and earned its charter in 2005. We train clergy who will serve their coven, the clan and the community at large.  

Black Forest was founded by Silver Ravenwolf in 1990. It is a Euro-Celtic traditional coven which combines Gardnerian Wicca, British Traditional, Caledonii, Druidry, Dutch Powwow and Celtic Shamanism. The clergy seminary program in the Black Forest Tradition is a three degree system like the traditional Gardnerian system from which it claims lineage. 

Northern Cougars incorporates the following influences into its practice: East Asian Philosophies (Buddhism, Taoism, Shinto, and Zen), Chakra exploration, and Tea Meditations of the Far East. 

Membership in Northern Cougars is through invitation only. As our focus is clergy training, we do not train individuals new to the craft. We only consider candidates who already have a strong background in Wicca and paganism and who demonstrate leadership potential, as well as excellent communication and organizational skills. 

The clergy training process is a commitment of approximately four intensive years. Northern Cougars meets twice a month for lessons, readings and practices both private and public.  

This year, we feel ready to step beyond our coven and offer our service to the pagan community. 

TO TEACH, TO SERVE, TO PROTECT

HONOR IS THE LAW, LOVE IS THE BOND  

Lady Scarlet
High Priestess and Co-Facilitator of Coven of the Northern Cougars

 

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Rules & Regulations of Black Forest:
Every organization has rules and policies to follow. The following are the general regulations of the Black Forest Tradition. You can discover them with clarifying examples in the FAQ's.

• Rules change as the needs of the members change and as the clans grow.
• Meet every 5 years at Clan Camping (which may or may not be a camping experience). All members of BFC must attend.
• Adults are expected to be able to work out their own issues and not allow them to interfere or dominate their spiritual practices or interfere with the lives of others. Issues are to be addressed in a mature and appropriate manner.
• What happens in circle remains in circle. This means that what goes on in coven meetings and rituals is private and is not to be discussed with outsiders unless express permission has been granted.
• Sometimes you need help. That is okay. Covens are families that can lend assistance, comfort, and support. We are here to help you through difficult times in your life. However, if a problem is going to interfere with coven work, bring it to the attention of the facilitators immediately. When you need help or time off, ask for it, but the purpose of each meeting is not your personal therapy session.
• Members must be of the age of majority (usually minimum of 18 years). Teens may be initiated if they are the children of coven members and have been raised in the tradition.
• Members must come with references before joining.
• Be clean in body, mind and spirit.
• BFC has a zero tolerance policy on illicit drugs and alcohol and their after-effects in meetings, events and rituals. You are not permitted to show up under the influence of either or in a state that is not befitting spiritual practice (high or in withdrawal, drunk or hung over).
• Members may not reveal the identity or location of other members without permission.
• No printed material of any of the lessons, rituals or ritual structure may be given to non-members.
• Members may not charge for working any form of magic or spell work. Rites of passage and tarot readings are outside this criteria, fees may be determined within reason and agreed upon by the clan heads. Healing and magical work however, cannot request any fees beyond replacement of supplies used. However, donations are acceptable.
• Teaching Wicca 101 or outside BFC lessons are charged according to the private agreement of teacher and student. Within BFC, lessons are $20 per lesson each per person to be paid either to the Facilitator, the Regional Clan Head or the appointed Training Coordinator.
• Members may practice any personal spiritual practices privately. However, when with the coven, they must use the coven structures so that everyone is on the same page.
• BFC does not practice skyclad.
• BFC requires an average of a 4 - 5 year training commitment.
• Disruptive behavior in clan/coven meetings, events, activities, and rituals will get you removed from membership.
• Degree transferring: If you come from another traditional coven and wish to join BFC and retain your current degree, you must put in a full year to complete the lessons and prove your knowledge. Then you must put in a second full year as a practicing member of BFC. Finally, you must complete the 3rd Degree requirements as anyone else, unless you are not 3rd degree to begin with.
• If you leave BFC, you must return all materials (lessons, etc.)

 

Rules & Regulations of Northern Cougars Clan:
The following are the regulations of the Canadian Clan of Northern Cougars. All covens under this clan adhere to these regulations.

• Meet annually at the Canadian Retreat. All members of all covens under the this clan must attend. Missing 2 annual retreats in a row means expulsion from the clan.
• Northern Cougars is a benevolent autocratic clan. Facilitators will voice their concerns to the clan heads and decisions will be made with the covens' best interests in mind. As the clan grows, this may change to a democratic system where facilitators carry voting rights.
• Members must be vouched for by at least 2 members of their coven or of the clan before joining.
• Members must complete the Outer Court Program before joining any coven under the Northern Cougars Clan.
• Yearly dues are $35.00 which go toward clan and coven activities and supplies

 

Any questions, requests or comments can be sent to: northern.cougars@gmail.com