Our Church
The Church of the Knotted Ash entered into it's legal existence on June 1, 2009, by filing our Certificate of Incorporation with the Erie County Clerk in the State of New York. As a church we are automatically granted exempt status by the IRS, however, we have decided to file for the documentation that shows our exempt status. That process is currently underway.
Our Beliefs
The church believes in the privilege of all to seek and follow that which is right in their own belief. The church holds faith in the following:
The Nine Noble Virtues
The Sixfold Goal
The Wiccan Rede
The Principles of Belief
The Hermetic Principles
Our Statement
Knotted Ash Commitment to Inclusivity and Responsible Community
The Knotted Ash Tradition endeavors to create and work in spaces where the identity and contributions of all participants are respected, and their physical and emotional safety is prioritized.
We do not keep kinship with people or organizations that espouse racist or discriminatory ideas or have a history of assault or abusive behavior. We recognize that historically the magical and Pagan communities, like many others, have problematic material derived from problematic leaders and sources. We endeavor to utilize material from the best sources available, in ways that are consistent with our values.
We hold that authority and power are inextricably joined with responsibility and accountability. Within our tradition, you shall be denied the former if you fail to demonstrate the latter.
Access to our ways and advancement within our system shall never be hindered because of race, age, body type, education level, gender identity, immigration status, ability status, marital or parental status, veteran status, or sexual orientation.
The Knotted Ash seeks to be inclusive in our practice at every opportunity, and support the right of all human beings to live and love and worship as they will in a consenting environment, and enjoy peace within the larger community.
Our Clergy
Within our system Third Degree Members may also choose to take additional training to become legally Ordained Clergy. Ordained Clergy are legally able to sign certificates of marriage, birth, and death as allowed within their state. In addition to further training, our Clergy applicants are required to complete 75 hours of community service, complete a written thesis, and pass an examination before ordination.
Our Lineage
Lineage is a term often heard in the traditional circles of Wicca and Witchcraft. Lineage refers to the direct linear descent of initiation down from Gerald Gardner and as such would only pertain to Gardnerian groups.
We are not a Gardnerian group; therefore, our lineage does not follow the traditional Gardnerian line since many of our forbearers have changed paths in the course of their spiritual growth. Traditional or not, spiritually and physically we can link ourselves back to the birth of modern Witchcraft and Gerald Gardner through initiations and elevations bestowed on those who have guided us. Each of our Clan Heads have a direct and distinct link that ties us to the path we walk.
Our Covens
As our Church and Clan continue to grow, new covens are born. When a member of the Church of the Knotted Ash has reached his or her Third Degree they may choose to form a Coven. Coven membership is by invitation only.
Currently, the Clan of the Knotted Ash is home to three Covens.
Coven of the Albino Bat, Tonawanda, NY
Coven of the White Wolf, North Tonawanda, NY
Coven of the Crimson Fox, Arlington, VA
Our Retreat
The Church of the Knotted Ash holds an annual retreat each summer. All members of the Church are expected to attend the retreat as this is where we hold our annual meeting and share in a weekend of magick, ritual, learning, and community.