Programs of The Temple of Ara

Grove
Outer Court
Lectures
Training Program
Initiation
Clergy Training Program

There are a variety of ways that the Temple of Ara can help you share a unique experience with the Divine.

Grove
The Temple of Ara's Grove operates in New York City and is open to all those interested in becoming more involved with the Temple of Ara and celebrating in the Ara spirit. Grove meets regularly to ritualize and celebrate our communion with the Divine, which is within all things. Grove will largely be experiential, with periodic guest speakers who will share their expertise on particular topics (topics, speakers and fees to be announced). It is designed to bring the Temple of Ara's community together on a regular basis.

Grove meets in Central Park during the warm weather months and meets at designated locations indoors for the colder part of the year. For meetings normally scheduled in Central Park there is a rain policy: in the event of rain, the ToA will meet on the North East corner of West 72nd Street and Central Park West. Please note that all fees go towards space rental costs and are greatly appreciated.

2006 Grove Schedule:

For dates, times and locations of upcoming Grove classes,
view our Temple Calendar

Outer Court
The Temple of Ara offers an Outer Court training program in New York City. This program consists of workshops and lectures led by Phyllis Curott and the Temple Elders. The intention of this program is to serve as an introduction to Wiccan practices and, more specifically, the Temple of Ara's philosophy. The Outer Court series is designed to be enriching and enjoyable for both members and non-members alike and may include workshops that are required for Initiation. To receive notice of when the next Outer Court will be held please join our mailing list

Lectures and Workshops
The Temple of Ara produces lectures and workshops taught by Temple Elders and also occasionally sponsors guest lecturers. As founder and President of the Temple of Ara, Phyllis Curott often participates in ToA lecture series. Unless otherwise noted, Ms. Curott's lectures and workshops are under her own auspices. For more information about her lecture schedule, please visit PhyllisCurott.com

Training Program
The Temple of Ara operates a Training Program designed to provide educational services for its members and for the community at large. Membership in the Temple is not required for admission to most lectures and workshops, but members are given priority registration. Please see the individual descriptions for prerequisites. Certain designated Weekend Intensives, Lectures, or Workshops may be required for those applying for Initiation or for those entering the Clergy Training Program (see below).

Initiation
The Temple of Ara's Initiatory experience is open to all Temple members in good standing. To be considered for Initiation, members must satisfactorily complete Weekend Intensives 1 and 2 plus additional personal work as assigned by the Temple. After completing the requirements, members must apply and be accepted for Initiation into the Ara Tradition and the Temple of Ara (see Organization of Groups for more information on the difference between the Ara Tradition and the Temple of Ara). Members applying for Initiation will be subject to rigorous examination of both a spiritual and personal manner. Initiates are honored with a ritual of initiation and admittance to advanced level workshops. However, they may not initiate others in the Ara Tradition, nor are they able to conduct spiritual or business matters in the name of the Temple. Members may follow the Initiatory path in two ways:

As members in good standing working with recognized Temple Clergy in one-on-one or group settings (which is similar to the traditional Coven model)

As members in good standing participating in the Temple's Training Program, either as solitaires or in group settings.

Clergy Training Program
The Temple of Ara offers a program of study for those wishing to become Clergy. Those individuals who have become Initiates of the Temple may elect to continue their studies in the Clergy Training Program. Those individuals who have completed the program may become ordained as Clergy and may perform all religious ceremonies and rites of passage, including Initiations and legally-binding ceremonies of handfast marriage. Clergy may also teach various workshops required for Initiation to members of their own circle or to larger groups when certified by the Temple. Clergy who have proven through deep and continued service to the Temple that they are wholly merged with the Temple's ideals and principles and are thus trustworthy and capable of upholding its standards, may be named as Elders by the Temple and may serve on the Council of Elders.