I have a question about becoming a high priestess. Not that I want to; I’d rather be one of the cats than try to herd them.
See, I was talking to my driver on the way to a doctor’s appointment this morning, and I know her, and she knows I’m pagan. She was talking about how there was a coven in a town nearby, and somehow we got onto the topic of training to be a high priestess.
And she is under the belief that all high priestesses must go without a male’s touch for a year, so they can be purified? Or something? She’s very certain in her belief, which okay, your version is no my version of witch, whatever.
But that seems wrong to me. I mean, men are not the root of all evil, no matter what we might like to joke about.
I would think that you’d want to be a bit balanced. We all have male and female sides to us; why would you deny that?
And she was like, they can’t even shake a man’s hand for a year? What the heck? And I’ve never read anything like this in any book I’ve read, so I’m wondering where this came from? Is it something I’m missing? Or is it possibly just a thing in that coven?
Just wanted to put this out there and get y’all take on the subject. I thought it was odd, but that could just be me.
Thanks! Like I said, I hadn’t heard of this at all! It boggled my mind.
That’s how my mind works! And I don’t get this thing about being clean from sins? Like, for one, sex isn’t a sin in my mind. And for another, I thought most covens steered clear of all that sin talk.
Yeah, I hadn’t planned to go, but now I really don’t think I want to. It seems as if I’ve found a Holy Roller version of witches! LOL!
I’m thinking along the same lines as what others have said that this must be a belief rooted within the specific tradition/beliefs of that particular coven. Because if not touching a man for a year = purity, then it implies the belief that men = “dirty”, which doesn’t really align with the more common Wiccan-aligned idea of existing in harmony with the God and Goddess, and balance between masculine and feminine energies. It sounds like something that could be part of a very feminine-centered (and anti-masculine) practice
After all, if it was sex that they wanted to associate with impurity (like how some religious practices require monks to be celibate), then they would just flat out require high priestesses to be celibate, right? Associating sex with men leaves some very large loopholes for sex without men. Seems like a pretty big oversight to me if that was the intention
I don’t know much about Dianic practice, but from what little I’ve heard, it does seem like they have a strong focus on feminine energy. Perhaps this is the tradition in question.
Always appreciate your well-researched deep dives, Megan! Can’t wait to see what you discover!
I understand that if you are a Solitary you cannot become a High Priestess as you have to study and work their way up and also be knowledgeable, spiritually connected with both this world and the spirt one in order to guide in all forms of practice. . Another interesting part is that they are also classed as “Clergy” as they carry out Weddings, etc) it might be that a High Priestess may choose to obtain from intimacy/celibacy. The Deities Diana/Artemis did not associate herself or consort with men. so it could be that the Coven could be as others have said a stronger form of Dianic.
Therefore, I would say that anyone leading a group would be classed as a High Priestess.
That’s the only thing I can think of. I didn’t get a chance to ask her this morning. Well, and my brain wasn’t working.
I didn’t learn anything today, sad to say. My brain was not engaged this morning. And there were other riders in the car. But I’ll ask next time I see her!
There is an ancient Japanese Shinto Priestesses. They lived completely in isolation to maintain purity. But I believe they lived their entire term of service without male contact.
I also run a coven here called Earth Spirit Coven.When I first started it, the women were calling me high priestess…and if I am being honest I always cringed when they called me that. LOL
For one, I was dealing with imposter syndrome at the time of the Coven’s birth. And secondly, my own personal opinion, I feel that High Priestess comes with a hierarchy feel. I didn’t want that feel for my coven. So, I stopped them from calling me that.
Even though someone has to “lead” or facilitate the Coven, I do not feel I am “higher” than anyone entering my Coven. So as a Coven, we voted on “titles” that felt less hierarchy
Me: Circle Keeper
Kahina, she is “second” leader - Path Companion
Brittney, Spirit Weaver - she takes notes during our gatherings
Trisha, Oracle of Calling - she calls in our elements and deities
Members, Circle Walker
It may be weird or not “the norm” but it works for the Coven I facilitate.
I might be fully human by tomorrow! I’m feeling much better today.
I get that. You hear so many stories of people who become HPs and go on a power trip. Personally, I’ve always thought of it as a big responsibility. You’d have to be a teacher, counselor, manager, decorator, and cat herder to get it all done!
You are very kind, Georgia! High Priestess isn’t a title that I resonate with right now, but I see your intention and I’m honored by it. Thank you for the shout-out
I’m seconding Amethyst, those are some beautiful titles! And nothing wrong about breaking free from the “norm” - if it works, it works!
Can’t wait to see what you discover!
Was just joining the conversation. 
