The Order Of The Ancient Way

Within The Order we rise by level of Degree according to the degree of our understanding of the different levels of responsibility and learning within the organization.

Before becoming a member of The Order you must first read the Prospective Member's Handbook and The Covenant. You may then apply to enter as a Probationary Member. Upon reading and understanding these texts you will confirm that you wish to become a full member when you feel that you are sufficiently ready to do so or within three months, whichever is the earlier.

You will apply to complete a basic written examination of your understanding of the precepts and rules of The Way. Examination at that time will be to ascertain how well you understand The Twelve Laws, The Seven Responsibilities and The Covenant.

Upon satisfactory completion of the examination you will rise to First Degree Holder. You may remain as First Degree Holder for as long as you wish or you may rise through the ranks if you wish.

If you join The Order you will enter under the care and guidance of our Degree Holders who are arranged in order from First Degree up to Sixth Degree. From Seventh Degree up to Tenth Degree is traditionally reserved for Caulbearers only.

Tenth Degree is reserved for High Caulbearers, of which there will only ever be seven. As the Seventh is now with us he shall be the last to hold the position of Tenth Degree unless it is decided in later times to pass it on to the Hallowed Bloodline solely in order to give balance.

A member may rise to the level of Sixth Degree by examination, and upon having reached a satisfactory level of understanding in correct practice of The Covenant and precepts of The Way.

It should be remembered that a Degree Holder can be reduced in level of degree by any three Degree Holders of appropriate station and availability upon conferring if it transpires that he or she is found wanting according to the rules. Appeal against such reduction in Degree may be made and if the reducing of Degree is upheld then it will be treated more seriously as the member has now shown his or her inability to accept responsibility for their actions and has also shown that they have not advanced enough to recognise their shortcomings. Should the reducing in level be overturned then the holder shall have no taint against him or her.

Seventh Degree and above are reserved for Caulbearers only. They must not only have their Caul, but also be of a suitable disposition and moral conduct to rise to these levels. All members, Caulbearer and otherwise, must enter at the level of Probationer, rising to First Degree and subsequently prove themselves worthy of rising through the levels.

The Ninth Degree Holder is always a Caulbearer unless there is a member of direct bloodline of a previous Tenth Degree. He or she must be named by a previous Ninth or Tenth Degree when death is imminent. Should none be named for some reason then they shall be elected by a committee of twelve plus one, consisting of four Degree Holders from Fourth Degree level; four from Fifth Degree; four from Sixth Degree, and one Caulbearer. If there are sufficient Caulbearers then they shall replace Sixth Degree level in this matter. Sixth Degree shall replace Fifth Degree and the rest shall be halved between third and Fourth Degree. The thirteenth member is to break deadlock in voting.

The Ninth Degree shall adjudicate over matters of Justice, Law and all matters of disagreement between Sixth Degree and upwards. They are advisors in all matters to all members. They can only change law if they are of The Bloodline, as all Law is subservient to justice and fairness of good reason. They are the final authority in matters of law and adjudication of disputes. The position is for life and is the highest rank in service within The Way and the position may not be refused. The successor to Ninth Degree is only chosen by the existing Ninth Degree Holder when death is imminent. His or her wish in this matter shall be respected absolutely.

As Degree Holders we are prone to weaknesses in the same way as everyone else. We are generally well-meaning in intent, but unfortunately some enter these positions for selfish reasons and are swiftly removed and may be shunned by all the membership. Ill use of position will not be tolerated.

We wish to clarify at this point that any person over the age of eighteen years (excepting cases where parental approval is readily given) who wishes to become a Degree Holder, upon achieving that degree and being granted that degree, pledge their lives and all that they are to the Ninth Degree Holder or to the Tenth, when one is amongst us. They will be subservient to the Degree Holder who accepts them into The Way, its Brotherhoods or any Orders to which the applicant may aspire to be a member of. They work directly under the Degree Holder above them so that they may learn all that is required of them. All members work under the authority of the Ninth or Tenth Degree.

The Degree Holder will always help whenever called upon to settle disputes or pass judgment in a difficult situation no matter how distasteful or distressing it might be.

In The Way all members must give account to their superiors twice each year. Traditionally this takes place on the solstices. No excuses are accepted for failure to do so. The purpose of account is obvious and important. Giving account is practical in purpose; explaining ones actions, seeking advice, discussing problems or planning for the future of the Community amongst many other reasons.

To us being a Degree Holder is a very serious matter and far too important to allow any form of baseness or self-interest to interfere with the service we give to our members. Our badge is of service and our honour is in the performance of that service to our fellow man. This must always be to the best of our ability. Members will be instructed in the duties allocated to the differing Degrees upon entering that particular level.

For More information, please view the Membership Information Booklet (free pdf download) and/or contact us.