It is the mandate of the Pagan Assembly of Nova Scotia to serve the diverse and growing Pagan community across the province. Our members include Pagans that belong to Druid Groves, Wiccan Covens, Heathen Kindreds, small informal spiritual circles, as well as solitary practitioners.
The Assembly works with candidates, facilitating their path to ordination within their personal traditions, empowering them to serve their communities in both sacred and practical ways. It is in the practical expression of our shared values, that the Pagan Assembly of Nova Scotia supports individuals for clergy within the Assembly.
The Pagan Assembly of Nova Scotia has two distinct roles for clergy. The titles for these roles are inspired by the reconstructed language of the ancient Proto-Indo-Europeans. Although their homeland is debated by academics, remnants of the stories, values and language of these ancient peoples survive in modern day India, Iran, Europe and now here on Turtle Island. A migrant culture that existed from five thousand to eight thousand years ago, these are the deep ancestors of many of our spiritual paths.
The word hrel is associated with concepts like to grow, to nourish, the beyond and the other. It is believed to be a homonym for guide and elder. A hrel embodies many functions. Some, such as shrine keeper and mediator, are in service of the Gods. Some, such as ritualist, teacher, and counsellor are in service to the community.
The word gew-tor is believed to mean pourer and is considered the origin of the word for officiant. The root word is linked to the act of pouring which was a significant part of many ancient rituals. A gew-tor is a ritualist, who officiates rites of passage, seasonal festivals, rituals of celebration and support for the community.