Clerics, Spiritual Leaders

Inside the Nemeta Temple, the spiritual leader acts as a guide and as a giver of advice. But who are they? What do they do? What is the official name?   We'll look at these questions and more.   What is a pagan spiritual advisor called?   They go by two names. The first is Cleric (a DnD term). The second is the Gothi/Gythia which just means spiritual leader and it is a term from Norse paganism. And whatever the name, there is more to their job than often seen.  

Responsibilities of a Cleric

What does a Cleric do?   You can think of Clerics as the pagan version of ministers and pastors. Except in the Ancient Power Realm, there is no one god and no communion with a table and snack.   But to better understand, let's look at each area of responsibility.  

Spiritual Guidance

They are the primary spiritual advisor for the pagan community. As the minister of the community, they conduct rituals and provide a conduit to the greater realm of paganism and all that it entails. They also personally support all the brethren with their spiritual selves. They help people connect with their beliefs on a deeper level and support one's personal development as they become a pagan and throughout their pagan journey.   This is a key responsibility.  

Conducting Rituals and Ceremonies

Another key responsibility is to conduct rituals or ceremonies. These rituals honor either nature and its' cycles or certain deities. Each ritual serves to foster that connection between mortals and and the deities. There are seasonal celebrations, offerings to the deities, and rites of passage. Each cleric can decide but many are available for weddings (including pre-wedding counseling) and funerals.  

Providing Care to Community

Clerics are also counselors. They are often whom people go to when issues arise or when people need a listening ear. They are there in times of crisis. They support people when they are exploring themselves and their life. They provide comfort. They provide reassurance. They help someone foster a sense of belonging and community with the people around them.   This is a key responsibility.  

Community Education

Clerics will often provide classes to deepen the community's understanding of paganism and its' traditions and culture, the mythology, and practices.   Sharing their knowledge empowers other to explore their spirituality.   Some of them believe this is a key responsibility.  

Potential Other Duties Some Clerics Take On

While clerics mainly fulfill the pagan versions of ministers, some of them also are able to perform their duty to whatever town they are in.   The main ways they usually help are on boards and committees. Many of them stick to education and town events or town committees. Some do also involve themselves with gathering donations for people and many of them will go help a neighbor build or rebuild their houses or farms, be their emergency contact, be a "conductor" and help people escape abusive situations, and do anything in that realm in the name of goodness and light.