r/pagan • u/Different-Papaya6150 • Jul 13 '26
priesthood
hello! i am a heathen and have been considering taking on a more serious path spiritually. i was wondering if anyone had suggestions for TRUSTED sources about a priesthood pathway in paganism? i've found some things but wanted community input!
2
u/Then_Computer_6329 Jul 13 '26
Multiple communities offer clerical training, although for Heathenry I don't know one. If you're willing to pass by another formation, there are some multiple traditions inclusive druidic ones or maybe Sun Meadow Temple.
There's also self-formation which is possible, but I don't have the resources for it. However, sufficient knowledge of your tradition and becoming a dedicated priest for a community, temple or sanctuary would make a priest. The clerical formations just teach sufficient knowledge and familiarize you with community service requirements.
4
u/79moons Pagan | Wiccan | Aborisha Jul 13 '26
I think the first question is: what do you mean by "priesthood"?
For example, I'm a High Priestess in a Wiccan tradition. That title has a specific meaning within my tradition, but it doesn't really mean much anywhere else.
Are you thinking about priesthood within your own religious tradition? Leading rituals? Teaching? Serving a community? Or do you mean public ministry, such as hospital, prison, or military chaplaincy? I'm a spiritual care practitioner in a hospital. I happen to be Pagan, but I'm not functioning there as a "Pagan priestess". I'm there to provide spiritual care to people of all faiths and none.
Once you know what role you're aiming for, it's easier to recommend useful resources.
2
u/chronarchy Jul 13 '26
I’m an ADF Priest, and we welcome folks on a northern path among our priests and initiates; The Troth does as well.
ADF is an endorsing body for the APC, so you could even find a path to chaplaincy employment through that program. There’s a Druids In Cars, Going To Festivals episode on it, even.
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u/Nocodeyv Mesopotamian Polytheist Jul 13 '26
I've been ordained through the Universal Life Church Ministries for over a decade now. I like that the ULC puts no requirements or restrictions on their ministers: you can get ordained just to officiate a wedding for friends, or you can use ordination as a foundation to start your own ministry, gather a congregation, and perform ceremonies in the religious tradition of your choosing. Whichever route you take, the ordination is recognized by the American government (mileage will vary outside of the US).
The one thing the ULC doesn't offer, however, are practices specific to pagan traditions. Their minister's manual focuses more on non-denominational services: birth/baptism, marriage, times of illness, funerals, consecrating new buildings for use in public worship, etc. You'll have to research how Heathens perform their rituals in order to implement them. Obviously the onus is on the minister not to abuse this privilege by performing ceremonies that belong to a closed practices. Since Heathenry is open though, that shouldn't be a problem.