ARTICLE I - NAME

1.1 The name of this Tradition shall be The Path of the Wise Ones Tradition, Inc. (known hereafter as “The Tradition”)

1.2 The address of the Tradition shall be:

2227 N. 24^th Pl.
Phoenix, Arizona 85008

or some such other location as the Board of Trustees may, from time to time, establish by resolution and place on file with the Secretary of State of the state in which the Tradition shall be established.

ARTICLE II - PURPOSES

2.1. This organization is formed exclusively as a religious and educational entity and is not organized for the private gain of any person or persons.

2.2. The Path of the Wise Ones Tradition is a 501(c) (3) religious and educational organization within the meaning of Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as now enacted or hereafter amended, including, for such purposes, the making of distributions to organizations that also qualify as Section 501(c)(3) exempt organizations.

 The Path of the Wise Ones Tradition provides spiritual education, religious ordination through the Path of the Wise Ones Learning Circle, regional intensive training, worship and healing services, rites of passage facilitation, community outreach and pastoral counseling.

2.3. The Tradition shall have power to establish, modify or dissolve schools and other affiliated religious groups as defined by the organization.

2.4. The Tradition shall have power to authorize, bestow, convey, grant, issue or revoke certificates, charters, degrees, credentials, diplomas, franchises, licenses, memberships, or ordinations through the Tradition, or any subsidiary organization created by this Tradition, including cemeteries.

2.5. The Tradition shall have power to publicize, publish, promote, celebrate, teach, research, and explore any and all material which may bear upon its beliefs, philosophies, theology, and religious history, ancient or modern.

2.6. The Tradition shall have the power to apply for and receive grants, accept bequests and to establish and maintain an endowment fund.

2.7. The Tradition shall have the power to own property, for the purpose of carrying out the above.

2.8. Notwithstanding the above statements of purpose and powers, the Tradition shall not engage in activities that in themselves are not a furtherance of the purposes set forth in this article.

2.9. The Tradition shall conduct its activities in accordance with Section 501 (c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code or the corresponding section of any future federal tax code.

ARTICLE III - PECUNIARY GAIN

3.1. No part of the net earnings of the Tradition shall inure to the benefit of, or be distributable to its members, trustees, officers, or other private persons, except that the Tradition shall be authorized and empowered to pay reasonable compensation for services rendered and to make payments and distributions in furtherance of the purposes set forth in Article II hereof.

No substantial part of the activities of the Tradition shall be the carrying on of propaganda, or otherwise attempting to influence legislation, and the Tradition shall not participate in, or intervene in (including the publishing or distribution of statements) any political campaign on behalf of any candidate for public office.

3.2. Notwithstanding any other provision of these articles, the Tradition shall not carry on any other activities not permitted to be carried on by a Tradition exempt from Federal income tax under Section 501 (c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code or the corresponding section of any future federal tax code.

ARTICLE IV - DURATION

4.1. The period of duration of this Tradition shall be perpetual.

ARTICLE V - PERSONAL LIABILITY

5.1. Upon the dissolution of the Tradition, the Officers and/or Board, after paying or making provisions for the payment of all the liabilities of the Tradition, the remaining Tradition properties and assets shall be distributed for one or more exempt purposes within the meaning of Section 501 (c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code, or the corresponding section of any future federal tax code. Said distribution shall be in keeping within a basic harmony of the Tradition beliefs.

5.1.1. Any such assets not so disposed of shall be disposed of by a Court of Competent Jurisdiction of the county in which the principal office of the Tradition is then located, exclusively for such purposes or to such organization or organizations, as said Court shall determine, which are operated exclusively for such purpose.

5.2. The Members, Officers, Trustees and Founders of the Tradition shall have no personal liability for the debts of the Tradition.

ARTICLE VI - CAPITAL STOCK

6.1. The Tradition shall have no capital stock and shall have no authority to issue shares.

ARTICLE VII - COUNCIL OF WISE ONES

7.1. The theological, educational and professional direction for the Path of the Wise Ones Tradition shall be from decided and executed by the Council of Wise Ones, under the direction and leadership of the Tradition’s First Priestess. Members of the Council of the Wise Ones are active members of the Tradition. The Council of the Wise Ones also serves as The Tradition’s Board of Directors, and will, in that capacity, make all decisions and conduct all legal, financial and business transactions

Members of the Council of Wise Ones will be primarily selected by the First Priestess and voted on by the Council of Wise Ones. A simple majority of affirmation from the total Council of Wise Ones membership is required for appointment to be carried. Abstention of a vote does not apply to the majority of assent needed for election. The duration of appointment is nine years. There is no limit to the number of consecutive appointments. The Council of Wise Ones is empowered to remove any member from the membership roles for cause as stated in these Bylaws.

The First Priestess has and retains the right to appoint new Council members at will, if such an appointment is judged to be in the best interest of the Tradition, or necessary for the continued positive operation of the Council and the Tradition.

7.2. The number, election, and appointment process to the Council of Wise Ones shall be described in the Council's working documents.

7.3. The primary authoritative spokesperson for the theological, educational and professional direction of the Path of the Wise Ones shall be known as the First Priestess. The First Priestess will hold this position until such time as she chooses to step down from this post, where she will then become Priestess Emeritus and hold an advisory position for Council of the Wise Ones. The First Priestess is the only Council member who cannot by any manner and for any reason be voted out or removed from the Council in any manner.

She will have the ability to name her successor, barring 2/3 vote of dissention from the Council of the Wise Ones. A newly-appointed First Priestess will be chosen from past or present members of the Council of the Wise Ones. The First Priestess shall attend all Council Meetings, sit on the Board of Trustees, and be an ex-officio member of all Circles and Committees.

7.4. The Council of the Wise Ones may, on a case-by-case basis, approve waivers to requirements for Levels of Achievement when it believes that such a waiver is in the best interests of the Individual, their Coven or Circle, and/or The Tradition.

7.5. The Council shall hold such meetings as may be necessary for conducting business of the Tradition. Meetings of the Council may be called by the First Priestess; in her absence, by the Council of Wise Ones elder, elder priestess or elder priest.

7.6. The Council shall have the responsibility of establishing policy to achieve the objectives of the Tradition as stated in Article II of these bylaws.

7.7. The size of the initial Council is six members. Increases in the number of Council members may increase with membership.

7.8. A simple majority of Council members shall constitute a quorum for conducting business at any meeting of the Council of Wise Ones. Teleconferencing and meetings via computer are acceptable to create a quorum.

7.9. Council members shall receive electronic notice, written notice, or a telephone call from the First Priestess informing them of each Council meeting. Notice shall be given no less than ten (10) days prior to each meeting.

7.10. The members of the Council may be compensated for their services as authorized by the membership or Bylaws.

7.12. The Council is responsible for the development of a personnel policy when necessary, a long-range plan and whatever other policies are needed to carry out the purposes of the Tradition, as stated in the bylaws. These policies should be reviewed annually and revised as needed.

7.13. The Council of Wise Ones may remove any member of the Council, excepting the First Priestess, who is found to be acting in a manner that is detrimental to the Tradition and its mission. A two-thirds (2/3) vote of the Council is required for such action and it must be confirmed by a majority vote of the membership. Notice of the proposed removal will be given to the members prior to meeting or of a special meeting called for this purpose. The person involved shall be given the opportunity to be heard at the meeting where his or her removal is considered.

7.14. The First Priestess retains given the power to remove any member of the Council of Wise Ones at will as well as any member of the staff of Traditions sub-organizations, if the member’s actions prove to be a detriment to the Tradition and its mission.

ARTICLE VIII – COVENS AND CIRCLES

8.1. Each Coven and Circle within the Tradition is, for the most part, autonomous. Covens and Circles must abide by the Tradition beliefs, ethics, bylaws and religious methodology. Coven and Circles are encouraged to gather and interact with other Covens and Circles in their area or the membership at large. Covens and Circles need to apply to the Tradition and be granted a charter by the Tradition. All covens applying must have by-laws and must submit them at the time of application to be considered for a charter.

8.1.1. Such application will include identification of a designated individual who takes on the major responsibilities of administration of the coven or circle who will act as contact and liaison to the Tradition. Such person shall also be known as the High Priest/ess.

8.1.2. Such application shall also include the names of at least two other active members. The High Priest/ess along with the other two members shall also be designated as coven or circle Maiden, Scribe, and Pursewarden.

8.2. A Coven or Circle of any type must submit an annual, "State of the Coven/Circle" report to the Tradition indicating the current Officers of the Coven, location of the covenstead and a contact point.

8.3. Coven and Circles of any type shall not have the power to incur debt in the name of the Tradition.

8.4. Covens or Circles fully chartered by the Council of Wise Ones shall be legal subordinate organizations of the Tradition as incorporated and are eligible to be covered by any appropriate Faith-Based Group Exemptions.

8.5. A Coven or Circle may be disbanded upon the Coven or Circle sending written notification from the High Priest/ess, indicating that the Coven or Circle intends to disband. The records of the Coven or Circle will go to the Tradition Office where they will be inactive.

8.6. A Coven or Circle’s Charter may be suspended pending an investigation of problems brought to the attention of the Council of Wise Ones.

8.6.1. A Coven or Circle's Charter may be suspended if the Council of Wise Ones has reason to believe that the Coven or Circle is not functioning as a viable organizational Unit of Path of the Wise Ones Tradition.

8.6.2. A Suspended Coven or Circle of any type may be reinstated if the Coven or Circle can resolve its problems to the satisfaction of Council of Wise Ones within one year of suspension.

8.7.1. A Coven or Circle's Charter may be revoked by Council of Wise Ones based upon religious or theological issues.

8.7.2. A Coven or Circle's Charter may be revoked by the Board of Trustees based upon secular issues. These issues include, but are not limited to the following: Conduct found to be incompatible with the purpose of the Tradition or contrary to the Laws of the State or Country the Coven or Circle is located in, conduct or statements of the Coven or Circle in its meetings or statements that discredit the Tradition, its purposes, or members.

8.8. A Coven or Circle's Charter may be revoked by the Council of Wise Ones if three months after suspension, a Coven or Circle has not made adequate corrections to the issues involved which were the cause of the suspension.

ARTICLE IX - COMMITTEES

9.1. The First Priestess shall appoint or ask the Council of Wise Ones to appoint such standing committees as are deemed necessary for the efficient operation of the Tradition. Chairs of such committees shall, insofar as possible, be appointed from members of the Council of Wise Ones. Such committees may include regular members of the Tradition.

9.2. All standing committees shall be appointed to serve until a project is completed or until the next annual meeting, whichever occurs first. All committees may be appointed annually. There shall be no limit to the number of annual terms to which a member of a committee may be appointed. Insofar as possible, committees should represent geographically the areas served by the Tradition.

9.3. The First Priestess, or in her absence, the Elder Priestess, shall be an ex-officio member of all committees.

9.4. The chairs of all committees should represent their respective committees at meetings of the Council of Wise Ones, when so requested.

ARTICLE X -- INDEMNIFICATION

10.1. The Tradition shall indemnify any officer, trustee, employee or volunteer who is sued for actions done in good faith for the benefit of the Tradition and in the performance of her/his duties for the same. This shall not cover criminal actions that result from unlawful conduct.

10.2. Indemnification may be covered through the purchase of insurance or by any other means the Tradition chooses.

ARTICLE XI - AMENDMENT

11.1. Amendments to these Bylaws may be proposed in writing and filed with the Council of Wise Ones or by any three members.

11.2. Amendment proposal tracking:

i. An amendment proposal must be received by the Council at least 90 days before the date of the annual meeting. At other times of the year, a special meeting of the TRADITION may be called if special meeting and notifications requirements are met. The First Priestess will respond to the parties acknowledging receipt of the proposed amendment within five days of receipt.

The Council of Wise Ones will examine and judge the proposed amendment to insure its passage would not weaken the theological foundation of the Tradition.

ii. The Council shall then review the amendment and may veto sending any amendment to the membership if they believe it to be inappropriate or undesirable. The Council shall have 45 days to review the amendment.

The First Priestess or her appointed representative shall inform the amendment submitter(s) of the Council decision. The submitter(s) shall then have an opportunity to address the Council concerning the proposal.

iii. After the Council rules upon the proposed amendments, the First Priestess or an appointed representative shall notify the membership in writing of the proposed amendment(s), and they may be adopted by a two-thirds vote of the members present at the annual (or special) meeting if a quorum is present and provided six weeks have elapsed since the sending of the notice.

ARTICLE XII - ETHICS

We adhere to the following:

12.1. The Path of the Wise Ones Tradition shall not discriminate on the basis of Age, Gender, Race, Color, National Origin, Culture, Beliefs or Sexual Orientation.

12.2. The Tradition is based on principles of Love and Healing and as such does not condone nor participate in the taking of life of any sentient creature. To that end, while we recognize that many pagan paths do call for the shedding of the blood of living creatures in their rituals, The Tradition does not condone the physical harm of another being for the purpose of our religious practices.

12.3. Every member of the Tradition shall keep confidential the names, addresses, telephone numbers, and places of employment of other members of the Tradition, except where expressed permission has been given to publicize said information; or in such a case as a person is deemed to be a public threat (in which case confidential information may only be revealed to those authorities under whose jurisdiction the matter of conduct falls)

12.4. We view our ordained and lay clergy as professionals and, as such, demand professional behavior equal to that of secular and other religious professionals. Our clergy are expected to be honest, to abide by the laws of the Tradition, as well as law of the land (except in cases of certain "victimless crimes" or civil disobedience), to respect the rights and privacy of others, to maintain a professional profile while "on duty," and to respect certain sexual taboos placed upon virtually all professionals in our society, rules which have been instituted for the protection of the client.

12.5. It shall be the custom of this tradition to work robed or clothed at any public ritual. Private rituals may be conducted skyclad at the discretion of the individual.

12.6. At NO TIME shall firearms or explosives be brought to or used during any Tradition ritual.

12.7. It is in the tradition of Path of the Wise Ones Tradition to induce altered states of consciousness through meditation, chanting, etc. While psychoactive substances of various sorts have been used by traditional societies for this purpose, no illegal substances of any kind are permitted in Tradition ritual.

12.8. We will not tolerate bigotry, slander, perjury, or other forms of harassment leveled against our members.

12.9. Tradition members shall abide by our laws and shall respect the confidentiality of any private material from either our tradition or another.

12.10. All members of our Tradition and subsidiary organizations must be 18 years of age or older, to be considered for acceptance, and must be able to provide legal proof of their birth date at the time of application to the Tradition or subsidiary organization. We may request two forms of corroborating identification as proof of the legal birth date. Minors (meaning any person under the age of 18) will not be accepted as a member of our Tradition, nor as a student of our school or member of any of our other subsidiary organizations, without written consent of their parents.

12.11. All physical properties of the Tradition and its subsidiary organizations are the property of the Tradition. If the physical property belongs to an individual member of the Tradition, or an individual outside the Tradition (to include written lesson plans and courses written by individual instructors of the Learning Circle), the property remains in their ownership of that individual unless purchased, given in barter or exchange or given as a gift to the Tradition. Permission from the individual to the Tradition or its subsidiary organization must be done in writing. Individuals caught stealing Tradition information or information from any of its subsidiary organizations will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.

12.12. Sexual harassment, or any type of unwanted sexual attention, offered in any way shape or form, to include verbal, tactile or written, is not tolerated by the Tradition. Any member found to engage in such activities at any Tradition-sponsored event, or the events of its subsidiary organizations, will immediately be ejected from said event, have any title, rank or privilege stripped from them and will be summarily dismissed from the organization.

ARTICLE XIII – OUR CONGREGATION

13.1. A member of the congregation of the Path of the Wise Ones Tradition shall be defined as those among our membership who do not seek future ordination nor seek an education from the school, but simply wish to gather with the Tradition to celebrate ritual on our holy days (sabbats and esbats), as well as seek us out for social and community fellowship. At any time these members are free to change their status and begin the journey of ordination within the Tradition's clergy.

13.2. All members of the congregation of the Tradition must abide by the Tradition beliefs, ethics, bylaws and religious methodology.

13.3. Members of the congregation of the Tradition must conduct themselves in a manner of proper conduct and abide by the laws that govern their country, state, county, and city.

13.4. Congregation members must complete the free Dedicant-level courses. Once they are completed, members of the congregation need not further their learning with the Tradition. They can also choose to write an essay detailing their spiritual/religious experience, as detailed in the Learning Circle Class Dedicant 900.

13.5. Members of the congregation shall attend four of the eight rituals given by the Tradition to celebrate the sabbats per year and six fellowship gatherings per year to be considered an active member of the congregation.

13.6. After 90 days of inactivity, an inquiry letter will be sent to the congregation members to access their status. If there is no response to the inquiry, after 30 more days, the member shall be dropped from the active rolls of the congregation. An inactive congregation member may, at any time after that, send a letter requesting to be reinstated to active status. The restoration of active status to any and all members of the Tradition’s congregation is decided upon by the First Priestess.