Some questions about being an Initiate...

I just joined the site yesterday, and under "Studies", I found the Initiate Programme. It's interesting... I thought that I might as well begin it, in order to start learning about the Jedi path. It seems that, since I've begun the Initiate Program, the typical thing is for my membership status to be changed from "Guest" to "Novice"... however, I'm not entirely sure yet if Jediism is something that I will commit myself fully to, and the title of "Novice" suggests to me that I would be considered a beginner on the Jedi path.

Should I simply continue studying the Initiate Programme, and then decide when I'm finished whether I want to submit an application and be considered a "Novice" on the path to becoming a Jedi?

Or if I submit an application, begin my training and take on the title of "Novice", does that action imply that I am already committed to the Jedi path? What if I begin the programme as a Novice and then decide to back out before or after completing the programme? Would my membership at the TOTJO still be welcome?

Thanks for your time, and MTFBWY

You don't need to have membership before you do the IP, you're welcome to start it before submitting an application.

You can back out at any time if you want to, you're not rigidly committed to us forever You can stop doing the IP whenever you want and come back to it later if it suits you better.

Edan wrote: You don't need to have membership before you do the IP, you're welcome to start it before submitting an application.

You can back out at any time if you want to, you're not rigidly committed to us forever You can stop doing the IP whenever you want and come back to it later if it suits you better.

What she said..

Commitment (of a type) is requested (hoped for?) Lol... at the apprenticeship level... But, even then, we are not totally unsympathetic...

We like to remember that change is the only constant....

All of the above. And if you never make a formal commitment, you will still be welcome.

Very true, find out what your getting into before ...getting into things. ! Any questions just asknthere are many here to help you find your path.

Okay, thank you all.

I think I'll just finish the Initiate Programme on my own time, and then submit my application and asked to be bumped up to "Novice", if I'm feeling committed to this after finishing it. Then my 60 days to "Initiate" rank can begin after my application is submitted, I guess. That also gives me time to probably meet someone who will take me on as an Apprentice once I'm an Initiate.

Cool!

In addition to everything everyone's said here, the IP and the whole of the Library are, IIRC, open to the public. You're welcome to read and study along with us all you want, whatever topics strike your interest. If you want to join later, then you're welcome to do so, but nobody's gonna stop you from using the resources we offer.

That's why we offer them.

I've actually ended up just submitting my application anyway. I don't want to get over-eager without being aware of exactly how genuine my interest is, so I'm still going to take it slow. Most religions or philosophies or esoteric groups I've gotten acquainted with over the years, I rushed in too quickly because I wanted quick results, only to find that I was unsatisfied due to my lack of honesty with myself as to how dedicated I could really be to something bigger than myself. But there's been a long break from all of that in my life, in which I went more deeply inward through solitary practice and impartial involvement with other groups, and after that, I feel more clear about this decision to get involved with Jediism. That's precisely why I'm taking my time with this one - it feels more like a calling of opportunity than the others before Especially since taking this more moderate, mature, deliberating approach even seems like a Jedi thing to do.

And fortunately, the Temple's policies on new membership also enforce a certain measure of deliberation and steadiness in terms of how fast one can progress into Jediism, which is fine by me. I'm anticipating that this whole process will be very harmonious, since the same intent is being enacted from both ends of the relationship.

Congrats on your application.

Due to the year end report, applications are running a bit behind...

SHould you not notice a change in your status in about two weeks, shoot em a message...

Mica wrote: That's precisely why I'm taking my time with this one - it feels more like a calling of opportunity than the others before Especially since taking this more moderate, mature, deliberating approach even seems like a Jedi thing to do.

I'm glad you feel welcome here, and thank you for sharing your thoughts.

I wholeheartedly agree with your feelings about this. I have been a member of this Temple for around 15 months and I am in no rush to complete any "assignments". I have enjoyed the exercises I have completed in the IP so far, but I have discovered a wealth of knowledge and wisdom in the day-to-day conversations I have here in the forum and in chat. Reading the sermons, entering into discussions, and attempting to apply what I learn to my daily life has been far more valuable to me on my Jedi path than "studying" in the literal sense. I'm in no hurry. I will be a Knight when I am supposed to be, when being so will serve the Force as a Jedi worthy of that title.

Jediism is a calling. The Force guides us each in different ways. No two Jedi are alike. We are each on our own hero's journey and we face unique challenges along the path. Jediism is a highly personal pursuit, and it is one you should pursue at your own pace.

Just my thoughts...

Jestor wrote: Due to the year end report, applications are running a bit behind...

SHould you not notice a change in your status in about two weeks, shoot em a message...

It's a good thing I'm not in any rush then.

Although, if I were, it would just be another opportunity to learn patience.

"Patience, Luke."