Maers Khohias Tribe
The lesser known part of Paganism is a group started in 2002, based mostly of of the Northern European Tribes called Maers Khohias. It was created to put into effect, a working system to include every culture in the world, and stop segregation, just as the Northern Europeans included others they met on their journey of movement. This is its own modern tradition and religion. We do not claim to be following exactly Northern European or any other cultures ancient beliefs although we have 30 year study of them, we are modernized. No scholar agrees anyway and we are not into witchwars. The tradition is the tradition and thus it is not up for debate. It is the 'right way' for us and cannot be changed. Thus those that join have researched us and know what they are getting into prior. The first known Maers Khohias Tribe came from Calgary, AB Canada. People who choose to join this tribe, join for life, and go through an adoption ceremony.
Maers Khohias Tribal Training
We've already honed in on the talents of the tribal seeker and what that individual needs by the time the seeker chooses our tribe's path, as they've gone through pre-requisite courses to determine how serious they are and have told us and shown us. In the beginning of the process to join this tribe, the tribe seeker will be asked what they learned about themselves on the prerequisite courses and where they expect to go with M.K. training. They answer this in an application questionnaire. They will also have completed a full interview to make sure they are going to the right path and both sides feel mutually at home. They have also attended the M.K. tribe's weekend workshop.
Members of the clan family they are joining, within the tribe, look the application. The seeker's answers may inspire further interview by some members.
There is no charge for Maers Khohias tribal training, because they become family and have already agreed to the way of life & the main beliefs prior to joining. The rest of the beliefs are individual. All props, tools, occupational tools and items are included free to the adoptee. The tribal training is usually one on one for males but can be up to 3 seekers can be taken at a maximum per mentor. The adoptee may move through many mentors, along his or her path.
The Maers Khohias tribe training is available to those who seriously wish to make a tribal world by sharing in the purchase of land and surival items as food, farming, warmth etc. An area where money is not the number one concern as everyone looks after each other.
Our tribe, offers three types of training - adoptee, occupation and optional Priesthood as this latter path is not for everyone. It is not for the general public.
First part; All Maers Khohias tribe seekers get the same training in the 1st phase which focuses on teaching the dynamics and main beliefs in detail that is universally embraced and agreed to prior, as well as the second year all the main holidays and rituals that all share in. This training provides focus on the similarities between people, not the differences. This level of study is task based - 13 tasks and then calendar learning. It allows the new member to work on one task per month and not worry yet about studying a specific area. They also learn the basics of Maers Khohias language and writing. Our Tribe's deity families, virtues, totems, treasures, magic, namings, elemental system and Airts, circle ettiquette, and so on, until memorized. They also learn about the adoption ritual, the techniques used and why they must be included. Adoption are given all items they need for this phase of their learning journey. At this level the seeker belongs to their mentor and not themselves. They must be dedicated to make study a priority over personal matters or others influence.
The adoptee understands that putting their whole heart in to making this work (the more you put in, the more you get out), the more this training deepens the seekers commitment to the Tribe and its Traditions. An Maers Khohias tribe believes that our faith comes from the focus on developing joy first and foremost and secondary is developing psychic abilities or using magic. Maers Khohias tribes do not wish to attract wingnuts who pretend psychic power, or want to learn magic because they lack something in their lives - thus coming for the wrong reasons. We want them to come because they are rich in jou, and success and love themselves or are willing to make a change themselves and actually do the work.
Our most important belief is that all our attitudes come to 'tribe first'. Every action we do, we think of the good of every person in the tribe. We know any negative action or untruth carried out affects everyone around them. This domino effect lasts for many generations after and thus cannot be. It is our own energyu wer bring to the table, so we are conscious of what type of energy we bring in to a room, no matter if we are uncomfortable or not, our energy will not make it worse. Self gain or attention are far from Celtic virtues. Unfortunately, Selflessness is one lesson that many cannot attain.
New members co-ordinate our annual tribes charity run and our volunteer work.
Second part of Maers Khohias Tribal Training; The Adoptee now performs the rituals learned so he may know them by heart - in the season, or phase they go in, along with its stories and songs. Our language for these rituals is also perfected here. One full year, usually the 3rd year. Here they decide what they want to do for an accupation besides the obligations of their fine.
Optional 3rd Part of Maers Khohias Tribal Training; The adoptee returns from training and settles into the 'clan' family who adopted them and becomes a full member into the daily routine. There are 12 families to choose from within the tribe. He now decides on an occupation and delves deeper into the magics of it. Members are kicked from the cave, so to speak, and stand on their own. They become successful in their own fields, learning on their own. From this, they learn leadership skills if there is no leader in that area. No one else has a say in this decision. The member walks this journey on their own, focusing on their chosen specialty and finding their own information, and way. They are no longer adoptee seekers. Some families might be empty so the member may choose to start an empty one up because he has chosen to become a 'Chief' or mentor. What they do depends on which family they've chosen to belong too. Each clan family teaches at least 1 class a year and some individuals more. These classes could be pre-tribe or adoptees. PEOPLE WHO CHOOSE THE PRIESTHOOD OCCUPATION; In this phase if you choose to go into one of the 3 Priesthood classes, most of the the training is already laid out for you including the art of matching frequencies and much more. Priesthood wears a certain painted or real tattoo symbol - varies depending on which they choose. All Priesthood occupations must produce a completed a certificate or course in counseling/psychology.
Hierarchy: Although we have a Hierarchy they are guides not rulers. The actual rulers are those that have the majority vote, and these are the members not the Hierarchy. All members have a vote; can offer a new law or abolish one; challenge a rule or add to the tradition. All members follow a respectful code of conduct when doing so. Most 'leaders' do not have voting privileges unless in the case of a tie vote. The hierarchy are considered servants of our tribe, though they hold personal boundaries, and rightly so, to keep de-stressed of the needs, wants and in some cases (hopefully not) the demands of each seeker. Each person in the hierarchy has their own special wood, colour and/or Celtic tattoo. These depict position, so others new can find whom they are looking for. Adoptees have to wear a certain colour robe and cloak but everyone else whers ancient or modern clothing anystyle of their choosing but in the colour or crests of their family or occupation or position.
Note: Our Chiefs of each family learn how to be an effective leader within the Celtic tribe and outside community. They are mentors who learn the 6 different learning types for students so they can recognize and support them before they are given title. They also learn how to spot potentially abusive or draining students. For example - Demands made at any time are an absolute 'no no'. 1) I want you to teach this day, or 2) perform this ritual on this day. 3) This should be enough time for you to..... etc. NO. If a member wants something done, or wants it their own way and doesn't like the way the mentor or Celtic Chieftain Elder; they go through protocol period. Otherwise they are quite plainly an Elder abuser. All Tribal Members learn to walk their truth and not make statements they can't uphold. Those that run at the first sign of something not going their 'own' way are considerd to be warlocks - the worst form on shame.
Please keep in mind that legitimate pagan Traditionalists or tribes do not believe in Internet learning, nor will you see meet ups or internet advertising set up solely for recruitment. We take our beliefs seriously and are dedicated to our tribe. You also won't find legitimate Celtic or Specific religion or cultures reconstructionalist groups 'performing' in the general 'Wicca' communities as the religions are VERY different and we find no need to 'perform' like a circus animal for the curiosity, approval, attention or praise of the Wiccan community. You wouldn't see Catholics performing for Protestants would you so why do some newbie pagans feel the need?
We see a lot of groups who claim to seek truth, yet they do not understand truth has many perceptions like a bee's eyes. To truly seek truth, you must listen to all perceptions and parties, remaining neutral and unbiased, before making an opinion. In fact, if you think bad thoughts about others, or even our number one topic - the weather, you injure the Universe. Weather is only doing its job to try and heal what we've done. Try to remember that "Every good thought is felt by everything", and manifests in how we view the world and ourselves. Do not allow others to have a platform to send out negativity about others. Allow self this though so you can experience and vent and then have others help change the energy and let it go so it is not stuck within you. Because of this, we recommend you take our Discovering Self course. To Maers Khohias members, we find it is important to do our part in healing the Universe - "All for One and One for all!"
We feel, at this point in time, that Openness of sacred ritual disregards the whole point of tribal bonding; so much was a part of the ancients. New people who are continually allowed at rituals, ruin the flow of the energy if the group has not yet memorized and done the ritual together many times and developed a tight bond so that we can read each other just by our movements so to speak. Keeping in touch once a week with your family members if very important to us. Adding strangers to the mix can lead to chaotic energy, when we are not ready & retards the vital bonding and growing process, where trust, safety and closeness is the highest quality that make up a tribe, a people. Every real tribe does private rites or rituals that are unique to them. Tribalists do not openly share intimate details of ceremonies with others. You will however find some of our holiday festivals open to the public. We do not share our magic at these, but instead spread fun and Joy to all.
If you live in the Calgary area, or be able to commute to it, come for a live weekend workshop about our tribe every November. Call away, and we shall be most happy to sit down with you and discuss the path. Any other part of the world, we are happy to come and start one there. Call to arrange accommodations and wage coverage for us.
Note: Although our tribe is based on the Hierarchal way of the Ancient Northern European peoples (Scandinavians and the Celts) and includes an Elders' council as the ancient Gauls did. The main beliefs have been made so all religions and cultures who have awakened to a higher calling of one world, one people, can see it around them and come to join!! Everything can be seen physically. We shall no longer walk blindly and rely on government to take care of us, we are going to grow food, make candles, share land and work together. This way of life is learning to communicate, create our own wealth, and give human touch which is so much lacking in our modern world, together!
Our Elders' council are the chosen persons who represent each fine of the tribe, not the hierarchy. The majority rules.
Any questions? Please write us - celtsandvikings@gmail.com!!
by Brahva Cwmevos
Copyright May 2011