Outer Grove is not a Coven, and so the Maiden's work for the Grove is a bit different than what she would be doing in the Coven. The following guidelines are suggestions, based on past experience. In each Outer Grove, the HPS and Maiden must sit down and work out the division of labour between them; ideally this should be open to reconsideration as the Grove year continues.
The HPS is the representative of the Lady, and as such she carries the charge for the continuity of the Outer Grove. The Maiden, in turn, is one of HPS's advisors and assistants, with the specific task of advocacy for the interests of the Grove members. The Maiden, like the HPS and all of the other members of the Outer Grove, must abide by the Oath and Laws.
The Maiden is appointed by the HPS, and serves at her pleasure. Ordinarily, the Maiden retains her office for the entire Grove year, barring serious mishap.
The Maiden is the understudy to the HPS and should take advantage of the opportunity to learn by doing.
The Maiden is responsible for unpacking, setting-up, dismantling, cleaning and repacking the Grove's main altar and its tools. Altar arrangements are usually worked out in consultation with the HPS, but in the later part of the Grove year, the Maiden will also have to consult with the people who are the Circle's designated ritualists.
The Maiden may ask anyone she sees fit, to assist her in her work with the altar and tools; this is particularly important during the cleaning and repacking of the tools after each Circle, when an extra pair of hands can be quite helpful.
The Maiden should keep an up-to-date coursebook, so that she remains aware of what work the Grove has yet to do. She should have a copy of the syllabus and any changes thereto, as well as a copy of the Grove's contact list, which she may obtain from the Guardian.
The Maiden should have a few tools of her own: a working knife for opening packages and cutting up fruit, a bottle-opener and corkscrew, a box of matches (or a lighter, if she prefers), and her own cup and ritual necklace (per discussion with the HPS: it must be made of natural objects such as stones, shells, wood or seeds, and be unbroken and without a clasp or opening
If the Maiden is an initiated Witch, she may wear any of the jewels and accoutrements appropriate to her rank, with the exception of a crown.
Although safety is a watchword in the Grove, accidents happen. The Maiden should make sure that she knows where first-aid supplies are kept, and who amongst the Grove members is best able to render aid and treatment in the event of an accident.
The Maiden is also responsible to see that all china, glassware and kitchen cutlery are collected and stacked in the dishwasher after each Circle. Ideally, she will mobilise all participants to bus their own dishes and clean up after themselves.
The Maiden has charge of the Outer Grove's purse (or bank account, if one has been established), and is responsible for safeguarding and wisely spending monies on the Grove's behalf. The Maiden receives the Grove's dues from the Guardian, stores them in the purse, and keeps a book of accounts of dues received and money spent. In the event of a shortage of funds, the Maiden should first notify the HPS, and then at the next meeting, notify the Grove, so that the shortage can be discussed and additional funds collected.
Careful management of the purse will help the Grove meet its costs for copying, consumable supplies and votive offerings.
Copying of handouts, reading-lists and homework assignments is the major expense faced by the Grove, and the Maiden will do well to search out the best deal on copying. Ordinarily, she will receive the following session's handouts at the end of each Grove meeting, and do the copying at a convenient time during the subsequent week. It pays to schedule the copying for the day after the Grove meeting, thus affording the most time in which to make alternate arrangements if the usual copying facilities are not available.
The Maiden should make one copy each of the handouts for the Grove members and teaching staff, plus one extra copy as a spare in case of accident.
If the Grove decides to have collective refreshments such as fruit and juice, the Maiden shops for them before the Grove meeting, and brings them to the meeting. If this is done, the Grove's expenditures will be higher, and the Maiden should carefully consider whether dues will need to be raised to cover the costs. The ultimate decision whether to accept higher dues to cover collective refreshments rests with the Grove, but their decision will be made easier when the Maiden can offer sound advice as to the costs involved.
These are rare circumstances, but worth considering beforehand.
In the event that the Maiden is unable to carry on in office, the HPS must assume her functions until the Maiden is again able to carry on, or until the HPS has designated a new Maiden.
In the event that the HPS is unable to carry on in office, the Maiden must take care of the running of the Grove until the HPS is again able to carry on, or until the Elders have designated a new HPS.
written by: Brigantia,
January 6, 1999
document: WILDMAID © 1999, Coven of the Stone and Mirror
GWI: 21-229-0
this address of this page is: http://www.geocities.com/Athens/Agora/2416/wildmaid.html
The Grove's syllabus, library, and Laws. The Guardian's role in Outer Grove. A description of the Outer Grove's altar and tools.