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WARRIOR APPRENTICESHIP CEREMONY
The Clan Leader calls a Clan Meeting to appoint a new apprentice and assign a mentor to him/her. The following words are used, by tradition:
Leader: (Kit), you have reached the age of six moons, and it is time for you to be apprenticed. From this day, until you receive your warrior name, you will be known as (new name, ending with 'paw'). I ask Spiritclan to watch over you and guide you until you find in your paws the strength and courage of a warrior.
The leader calls up the warrior he/she has chosen as a mentor.
Leader: (Warrior), you are ready to take on an apprentice. You have received excellent training from (former mentor), and you have shown yourself to be fierce and brave. You will be the mentor of (apprentice), and I expect you to pass on all you know to him/her.
The mentor touches noses with the apprentice, and the Clan greets the new apprentice by calling out his/her name. After this, the apprentice will usually go greet their family, or go see to their mentor.
FULL WARRIOR CEREMONY
Apprentices must pass an assessment, where their abilities as a warrior are checked. In cases when the apprentice has just made an important contribution to the Clan, the leader may decide that there is no need for an assessment. If the Clan Leader is satisfied, they call a Clan Meeting and call the apprentice. The following words are used, by tradition:
Leader: I, (Leader), leader of (Clan), call upon my warrior ancestors to look down on this apprentice. He/she has trained hard to understand the ways of your noble code, and I commend him/her to you as a warrior in (his/her) turn.
(Apprentice), do you promise to uphold the warrior code and to protect and defend your Clan, even at the cost of your life?
Apprentice: I do.
Leader: Then by the powers of Spiritclan, I give you your warrior name. (Apprentice), from this moment you will be known as (new name). Spiritclan honours your (virtues), and we welcome you as a full warrior of (Clan).
The leader rests his or her muzzle on the apprentice's head, and he or she licks the leader's shoulder. The rest of the Clan then greets the new warrior by calling their name. The warrior will sit a silent vigil guarding the camp that night, except if that is not possible.
DEPUTY CEREMONY
If one of the Clan's previous deputies died, retired, or was promoted as leader, a new one must be appointed before moonhigh the same day, according to the Warrior Code. After the leader has decided on the new deputy, he or she calls a Clan Meeting and makes the announcement with the following words:
Leader: I say these words before Spiritclan, so that the spirits of our warrior ancestors (or former deputy name) may hear and approve of my choice. The new deputy of (Clan) is (warrior's name)..
ELDER CEREMONY
An aging warrior, queen, or medicine cat may retire as an elder due to own initiative, when they feel they cannot help the Clan efficiently any more. They report this to the Clan Leader, who calls a Clan Meeting and addresses the warrior.
Leader: (Warrior), is it your wish to give up the name of a warrior and go to join the elders?
Warrior: It is.
Leader: Your Clan honours you and all the service you have given to us. I call upon Spiritclan to give you many moons of rest.
The Clan will call out the retired warrior's name and then he or she will go to the elder's den. Usually, an elder ceremony is held only when a cat retires due to old age. If they are forced to retire because of a severe injury, there is no ceremony.
DYING WARRIOR CEREMONY
When an apprentice is on the verge of death and has proven them self to be worthy of a warrior name, there is a special ceremony used so that the apprentice may take a warrior name to Spiritclan. Typically only the leader and medicine cat would be present, sometimes the wounded's family or mentor too.
Leader: I ask my warrior ancestors to look down on this apprentice. She/he has learned the warrior code and given his/her life in the service of their Clan. Let Spiritclan receive him/her as a warrior. She/he will be known as (new name).
NAME CHANGING CEREMONY
The leader calls a Clan Meeting, and performs the change with the following words: "Spirits of Spiritclan, you know every cat by name. I ask you now to take away the name from the cat you see before you, for it no longer stands for what he/she is. By my authority as clan leader, and with the approval of our warrior ancestors, I give this cat a new name. From this moment on he/she will be known as (new name), for (description of the reason)".
MEDICINE CAT APPRENTICE CEREMONY
The Leader calls a Clan Meeting, after the Clan's medicine cat announces that he or she wishes to mentor an apprentice. The following words are used, by tradition:
Medicine Cat: Cats of (Clan), as you know, I will not be around forever. So it's time I took an apprentice. I have chosen a cat that has shown (virtues). Your next medicine cat will be (apprentice).
Leader: (Apprentice), do you accept the post of apprentice to (medicine cat)?
Apprentice: I do.
Medicine Cat: Then at the half-moon, you must travel to the Dawn Stream in Dusk Cavern to be accepted by Spiritclan before the other medicine cats. The good wishes of all (Clan) will go with you.
The mentor touches noses with the apprentice, and the Clan greets the new apprentice.
At the Dawn Stream in Dusk Cavern:
At the next half moon, the medicine cat goes with the apprentice to the Clans' sacred place to present him or her to the warrior ancestors, where the apprentice confirms his or her wish to be a medicine cat. The following words are used, by tradition:
Medicine Cat: (Apprentice), is it your wish to enter the mysteries of Spiritclan as a medicine cat?
Apprentice: It is.
Medicine Cat: Warriors of Spiritclan, I present you with this apprentice. (He/she) has chosen the path of a medicine cat. Grant (him/her) your wisdom and insight so that (he/she) may understand your ways and heal (his/her) Clan in accordance with your will.
The medicine cat and the apprentice then lie down, and receive a dream from Spiritclan.
FULL MEDICINE CAT CEREMONY
Apprenticeship for medicine cats usually lasts much longer than those for warriors. The cat must learn about all available herbs and remedies, and the treatment of diseases and injuries. Once the Clan's medicine cat is satisfied with the apprentice's knowledge, they go to the Clans' sacred place, the Dawn Stream in Dusk Cavern. This is the only ceremony that is not performed by the Clan’s leader in the camp. The following words are used, by tradition:
Medicine Cat: I, (name), medicine cat of (Clan), call upon my warrior ancestors to look down on this apprentice. (He/she) has trained hard to understand the ways of a medicine cat and with your help (he/she) will serve (his/her) Clan for many moons. (Apprentice), do you promise to uphold the ways of a medicine cat, to stand apart from rivalry between Clan and Clan and to protect all cats equally, even at the cost of your life?
Apprentice: I do.
Medicine Cat: Then by the powers of Spiritclan I give you your true name as a medicine cat. (Apprentice), from this moment you will be known as (new name). Spiritclan honours your (virtues), and we welcome you as a full medicine cat of (Clan).
The medicine cat rests his or her muzzle on the apprentice's head, and he or she licks the mentor's shoulder. The other medicine cats greet him or her by their new name.
LEADERSHIP CEREMONY
The new leader goes to the Dawn Stream in Dusk Cavern with the Clans' medicine cats. After falling asleep, the new leader cannot move for a short period of time, because their old life is being ripped away so they can receive nine new ones. Upon awaking, cats of Spiritclan come down from Silverpelt. Nine cats, normally ones who were significant during the new leader's life, give them their nine lives with these words:
Life-Giver: (Touches nose to the top of the new leader's head) With this life I give you (gift). Use it well (to, in, as, for, ect.) (use of gift).
When all of the lives have been given, the previous leader says these words:
Previous Leader: I hail you by your new name, _____star. Your old life is no more. You have now received the nine lives of a leader, and Spiritclan grants you the guardianship of (Clan). Defend it well; care for young and old; honour your ancestors and the traditions of the warrior code; live each life with pride and dignity.
Just as the forest-cats would call a warrior by their new name, the Spiritclan cats acclaim the new leader. After the ceremony, the new leader is not allowed to tell any cat what happened during the ceremony, not even the medicine cats which were present.
Getting nine lives does not necessarily mean a leader will live longer, but they can survive certain accidents or injuries that would claim the life of a non-leader cat. They cannot survive if they have major injuries though, eg major blood loss.
VIRTUES
Bravery,
courage,
cleverness,
determination,
energy,
enterprise,
enthusiasm,
fighting skill
forethought
honesty
independence
initiative
intelligence
kindness
loyalty
patience
skills
skill in battle
speed
spirit
strength
thoughtfulness
warmth
wisdom
The Clan Leader calls a Clan Meeting to appoint a new apprentice and assign a mentor to him/her. The following words are used, by tradition:
Leader: (Kit), you have reached the age of six moons, and it is time for you to be apprenticed. From this day, until you receive your warrior name, you will be known as (new name, ending with 'paw'). I ask Spiritclan to watch over you and guide you until you find in your paws the strength and courage of a warrior.
The leader calls up the warrior he/she has chosen as a mentor.
Leader: (Warrior), you are ready to take on an apprentice. You have received excellent training from (former mentor), and you have shown yourself to be fierce and brave. You will be the mentor of (apprentice), and I expect you to pass on all you know to him/her.
The mentor touches noses with the apprentice, and the Clan greets the new apprentice by calling out his/her name. After this, the apprentice will usually go greet their family, or go see to their mentor.
FULL WARRIOR CEREMONY
Apprentices must pass an assessment, where their abilities as a warrior are checked. In cases when the apprentice has just made an important contribution to the Clan, the leader may decide that there is no need for an assessment. If the Clan Leader is satisfied, they call a Clan Meeting and call the apprentice. The following words are used, by tradition:
Leader: I, (Leader), leader of (Clan), call upon my warrior ancestors to look down on this apprentice. He/she has trained hard to understand the ways of your noble code, and I commend him/her to you as a warrior in (his/her) turn.
(Apprentice), do you promise to uphold the warrior code and to protect and defend your Clan, even at the cost of your life?
Apprentice: I do.
Leader: Then by the powers of Spiritclan, I give you your warrior name. (Apprentice), from this moment you will be known as (new name). Spiritclan honours your (virtues), and we welcome you as a full warrior of (Clan).
The leader rests his or her muzzle on the apprentice's head, and he or she licks the leader's shoulder. The rest of the Clan then greets the new warrior by calling their name. The warrior will sit a silent vigil guarding the camp that night, except if that is not possible.
DEPUTY CEREMONY
If one of the Clan's previous deputies died, retired, or was promoted as leader, a new one must be appointed before moonhigh the same day, according to the Warrior Code. After the leader has decided on the new deputy, he or she calls a Clan Meeting and makes the announcement with the following words:
Leader: I say these words before Spiritclan, so that the spirits of our warrior ancestors (or former deputy name) may hear and approve of my choice. The new deputy of (Clan) is (warrior's name)..
ELDER CEREMONY
An aging warrior, queen, or medicine cat may retire as an elder due to own initiative, when they feel they cannot help the Clan efficiently any more. They report this to the Clan Leader, who calls a Clan Meeting and addresses the warrior.
Leader: (Warrior), is it your wish to give up the name of a warrior and go to join the elders?
Warrior: It is.
Leader: Your Clan honours you and all the service you have given to us. I call upon Spiritclan to give you many moons of rest.
The Clan will call out the retired warrior's name and then he or she will go to the elder's den. Usually, an elder ceremony is held only when a cat retires due to old age. If they are forced to retire because of a severe injury, there is no ceremony.
DYING WARRIOR CEREMONY
When an apprentice is on the verge of death and has proven them self to be worthy of a warrior name, there is a special ceremony used so that the apprentice may take a warrior name to Spiritclan. Typically only the leader and medicine cat would be present, sometimes the wounded's family or mentor too.
Leader: I ask my warrior ancestors to look down on this apprentice. She/he has learned the warrior code and given his/her life in the service of their Clan. Let Spiritclan receive him/her as a warrior. She/he will be known as (new name).
NAME CHANGING CEREMONY
The leader calls a Clan Meeting, and performs the change with the following words: "Spirits of Spiritclan, you know every cat by name. I ask you now to take away the name from the cat you see before you, for it no longer stands for what he/she is. By my authority as clan leader, and with the approval of our warrior ancestors, I give this cat a new name. From this moment on he/she will be known as (new name), for (description of the reason)".
MEDICINE CAT APPRENTICE CEREMONY
The Leader calls a Clan Meeting, after the Clan's medicine cat announces that he or she wishes to mentor an apprentice. The following words are used, by tradition:
Medicine Cat: Cats of (Clan), as you know, I will not be around forever. So it's time I took an apprentice. I have chosen a cat that has shown (virtues). Your next medicine cat will be (apprentice).
Leader: (Apprentice), do you accept the post of apprentice to (medicine cat)?
Apprentice: I do.
Medicine Cat: Then at the half-moon, you must travel to the Dawn Stream in Dusk Cavern to be accepted by Spiritclan before the other medicine cats. The good wishes of all (Clan) will go with you.
The mentor touches noses with the apprentice, and the Clan greets the new apprentice.
At the Dawn Stream in Dusk Cavern:
At the next half moon, the medicine cat goes with the apprentice to the Clans' sacred place to present him or her to the warrior ancestors, where the apprentice confirms his or her wish to be a medicine cat. The following words are used, by tradition:
Medicine Cat: (Apprentice), is it your wish to enter the mysteries of Spiritclan as a medicine cat?
Apprentice: It is.
Medicine Cat: Warriors of Spiritclan, I present you with this apprentice. (He/she) has chosen the path of a medicine cat. Grant (him/her) your wisdom and insight so that (he/she) may understand your ways and heal (his/her) Clan in accordance with your will.
The medicine cat and the apprentice then lie down, and receive a dream from Spiritclan.
FULL MEDICINE CAT CEREMONY
Apprenticeship for medicine cats usually lasts much longer than those for warriors. The cat must learn about all available herbs and remedies, and the treatment of diseases and injuries. Once the Clan's medicine cat is satisfied with the apprentice's knowledge, they go to the Clans' sacred place, the Dawn Stream in Dusk Cavern. This is the only ceremony that is not performed by the Clan’s leader in the camp. The following words are used, by tradition:
Medicine Cat: I, (name), medicine cat of (Clan), call upon my warrior ancestors to look down on this apprentice. (He/she) has trained hard to understand the ways of a medicine cat and with your help (he/she) will serve (his/her) Clan for many moons. (Apprentice), do you promise to uphold the ways of a medicine cat, to stand apart from rivalry between Clan and Clan and to protect all cats equally, even at the cost of your life?
Apprentice: I do.
Medicine Cat: Then by the powers of Spiritclan I give you your true name as a medicine cat. (Apprentice), from this moment you will be known as (new name). Spiritclan honours your (virtues), and we welcome you as a full medicine cat of (Clan).
The medicine cat rests his or her muzzle on the apprentice's head, and he or she licks the mentor's shoulder. The other medicine cats greet him or her by their new name.
LEADERSHIP CEREMONY
The new leader goes to the Dawn Stream in Dusk Cavern with the Clans' medicine cats. After falling asleep, the new leader cannot move for a short period of time, because their old life is being ripped away so they can receive nine new ones. Upon awaking, cats of Spiritclan come down from Silverpelt. Nine cats, normally ones who were significant during the new leader's life, give them their nine lives with these words:
Life-Giver: (Touches nose to the top of the new leader's head) With this life I give you (gift). Use it well (to, in, as, for, ect.) (use of gift).
When all of the lives have been given, the previous leader says these words:
Previous Leader: I hail you by your new name, _____star. Your old life is no more. You have now received the nine lives of a leader, and Spiritclan grants you the guardianship of (Clan). Defend it well; care for young and old; honour your ancestors and the traditions of the warrior code; live each life with pride and dignity.
Just as the forest-cats would call a warrior by their new name, the Spiritclan cats acclaim the new leader. After the ceremony, the new leader is not allowed to tell any cat what happened during the ceremony, not even the medicine cats which were present.
Getting nine lives does not necessarily mean a leader will live longer, but they can survive certain accidents or injuries that would claim the life of a non-leader cat. They cannot survive if they have major injuries though, eg major blood loss.
VIRTUES
Bravery,
courage,
cleverness,
determination,
energy,
enterprise,
enthusiasm,
fighting skill
forethought
honesty
independence
initiative
intelligence
kindness
loyalty
patience
skills
skill in battle
speed
spirit
strength
thoughtfulness
warmth
wisdom