The Hart and Crescent Religious Award
Adult Counselor Guide

I. SPONSOR

The Hart and Crescent Award is sponsored by The Covenant of the Goddess (COG), an international federation of Wiccan covens and solitaries of various traditions. COG is chartered in the State of California, and recognized as a tax-exempt religious organization by the federal government of the United States. Clergy certified by COG have similar rights and responsibilities to those of other religious faiths. You can contact COG at P.O. Box 1226, Berkeley, CA 94704.

II. INTENT

The Hart and Crescent Award is intended for young people ages 11 to 17, whose families are active in Wicca or other nature-oriented faiths. Though it was originally designed for those in scouting programs, it may be earned by youth who are not scouts. The term "Wicca" and Wiccan terminology are used throughout the instruction booklet; however, the requirements may be adapted for other nature-oriented faiths.

III. YOUTH AWARD

The Hart and Crescent Award takes the form of a medallion suspended from a scroll bar by a ribbon. It may be worn on the upper left breast of ritual robes, formal clothing, or uniforms.

IV. ADULT LEADER RECOGNITION

Adults who have performed outstanding service in the trainingand guidance of youth may be awarded the Hart and Crescent Distinguished Youth Service Award, which consists of a similar medallion suspended from a long ribbon, to be worn about the neck. Candidates should be nominated by the appropriate spiritual advisor or colleague. The nomination must include a brief description of the services rendered to youth. Send the nomination and fee to COG at the address shown.

V. RESPONSIBILITIES OF COUNSELORS

The counselor or religious leader administering this program should:

  1. Help the young person to obtain the requirements for this award
  2. Interpret the requirements as they relate to a particular Wiccan tradition or other nature-oriented faith, and adapt them to the young person's age and abilities
  3. Help the young person to understand their religious faith, and experience the depth, beauty, power, and uniqueness of their religious tradition
  4. Help arrange opportunities for the young person to participate in coven rituals (or appropriate ceremonies or services)
  5. Verify that the requirements have been met
  6. Order the award from COG
  7. Present the Hart and Crescent Award to the young person at a suitable ceremony, either at a coven ritual, a Scout Court of Honor, or a Scouts' Own, as appropriate
  8. Treat young candidates with courtesy and respect throughout the process

VI. ADAPTING THE AWARD FOR NON-WICCAN TRADITIONS

The Covenant of the Goddess recognizes that smaller religious traditions may not have the resources to create their own religious awards for young men and women. Therefore the Hart and Crescent Award is available to young people of Native American traditions, Non-Wiccan Pagan traditions, and other nature-oriented religions.

Spiritual leaders should adapt the requirements to fit their own faith. We recommend that the following areas be covered:

  1. Humanity's relationship to Nature
  2. Deities and spirits
  3. Ethics and rules for living
  4. Holy days, ceremonies and rituals
  5. Sacred symbols of your faith
  6. Stories, myths, and legends
  7. The history of your religion
  8. Ritual or magickal skills
  9. Ritual objects, tools, and clothing
  10. Relationships with those of other faiths

VII. ADVICE FOR COUNSELORS

  1. Try to work with two or more young people at a time. They will motivate each other and enrich the program.
  2. For the protection of the young candidates and yourself, always have another adult present when you meet with a young person. Never meet with a youth in your home when no one else is present, unless it is your own child. Private meetings could lead to misunderstandings and leave you defenseless against suspicions or accusations of abuse.
  3. Adapt your expectations to the age and abilities of the youth. Don't expect the same level of skill or understanding of an 11-year-old that you would expect of a 16-year-old.
  4. Make the work as active and and experiential as possible. Help the youth learn by doing, instead of listening and memorizing. Use games and crafts, role-play exercises, and participation in rituals.
  5. Don't let the "course" drag on for months. Try to complete at least one or two requirements every time you meet, and finish up within a couple of months while enthusiasm is still high.
  6. Order the award promptly when the youth is done (or almost done), so it can be presented shortly thereafter. Hold a colorful presentation ceremony, and let the youth know that you are proud of his or her accomplishment.

VIII. OBTAINING MATERIALS

Youth requirement booklets, additional copies of these adult counselor guidelines, and awards should be ordered from the following address:

Covenant of the Goddess
RE: Hart and Crescent Award
P.O. Box 1226
Berkeley, CA 94704

When ordering, please send a check or money order to cover the costs of materials, postage, and handling:

Hart and Crescent Youth Requirements Booklet $3.00
Adult Counselor Guide $1.00
Hart and Crescent Religious Award (youth) $15.00
Distinguished Youth Service Award (adult) $15.00

Make checks out to The Covenant of the Goddess.

Blessed be!

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