Membership

The Brotherhood of the Phoenix consists of an Outer Order and an Inner Order. Through the presentation of our public rituals, celebrating rites of passage, and the work of the order; we walk as a united community of individuals seeking our own spirituality. We believe that the path of neo-paganism is, and should remain, a path most properly walked by the individual. As part of this understanding, we seek to give our members the opportunity to follow the path(s) that are most suited to their individual experiences and lifestyle, while offering fellowship, support, and guidance.

The Outer Order

Men who feel drawn to become a part of the Brotherhood in an official capacity are invited to become members of the Outer Order. Membership entails a Rite of Passage into the Outer Order, commitment to our goals of activism, outreach, and education, and support of both time and money in order to keep the Brotherhood alive. In return, we offer workshops and teachings not offered to the general public, support in your journey, and guidance upon the path we are walking together.

Structure of the Outer Order

In order to better serve the community, membership within the Outer Order is divided into four clans: Lover Clan, Warrior Clan, Shaman Clan, and King Clan who are responsible for several logistical and spiritual tasks. Members spend one year in each clan before choosing where they’d like to focus their efforts.

Lover Clan’s tasks include greeting seekers at rituals, staffing the check-in table, and creating fliers of upcoming events. The clan leader, or a member of the clan, calls the element of Air during the ritual.

Warrior Clan’s tasks include obtaining permits for fires and ritual spaces; interacting with officers of the law, rangers, and fire department staff; maintaining the first aid kit and using their first aid skills when necessary. The clan leader, or a member of the clan, calls the element of Fire during the ritual.

Shaman Clan’s tasks include researching and posting directions and transportation options to ritual; teaching the pre-ritual lectures about the face of the God for the Ritual, providing energy healing to those in need. The clan leader, or a member of the clan, calls the element of Water during the ritual.

King Clan’s tasks include researching and securing ritual spaces; setting up the potluck and cleanup after ritual. The clan leader, or a member of the clan, calls the element of Earth during the ritual.

Membership meetings are held once a month to discuss the business of the Order. In exchange for a member’s commitment to the work of the Order we offer classes, retreats, and events that are only open to membership.

Each member is present to listen to your experiences and help answer questions you may have about our Order and our rituals, beliefs, and workshops. We encourage potential members to spend time learning about the Order from Brothers at our events.
When you feel that you are ready to become a member please contact the Warder requesting an interview and an application.

The Inner Order

The Inner Order consists of two levels, the Mystery School, and the Inner Order proper. The Mystery School is a group of committed individuals who are journeying on an individual quest under the guidance of experienced mentors. Those members who demonstrate their commitment to service and are in good standing with the Brotherhood may apply to become a candidate of the Mystery School. Candidates who are accepted will undergo rigorous spiritual and magickal training within the Mystery School as a structured path towards becoming mentors or ordained clergy.

The Inner Order proper consists of the graduates of the Mystery School, the mentors, and the Clergy; who work together as a group to create rituals, explore further magickal studies and practical applications, guide the students of the mystery school, and teach workshops to Brothers and Seekers.

The Council of Guardians

The Council of Guardians is the local administrative body for each temple of the Brotherhood. The Council of Guardians consists of seven officers who oversee the business and administrative aspects of their particular temple. Positions in the Council last for one year; from Spring Equinox of one year, through Spring Equinox of the next. Decisions are made by majority vote of the membership and Council.

The Council of Elders

The Council of Elders consists of eight men who act as trustees for the National Order. They oversee the work of each Council of Guardians and issue charters for new temples. Positions in the Council of Elders last either 3 years or 7 years depending upon the position. Together with Magisters from each individual temple, the Council of Elders hold a large meeting called a Congress every August to direct business decisions at a National level.

Charters

To request a charter, interested parties should make certain that they are ready and willing to fulfill the requirements for application to the Brotherhood as a Temple. These are outlined in the Constitution of the Brotherhood, Article III.C. For further information, please contact the Ombudsman.