✦ The Constitution and Bylaws of the House of Ravenshire Ministry and Academy ✦

Ratified Under the Sacred Seal of the House of Ravenshire
“In the shadow of the Raven, beneath the light of the Moon, we kindle the Eternal Flame of Wisdom.”

Invocation of Founding

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By the silent wings of the Raven, keeper of memory and messenger of fate;
by the soft silver light of the Moon, mirror of mystery and guide of seekers;
and by the Eternal Flame of Wisdom, ever-burning within the hearts of those who walk the Old Ways—
we consecrate the House of Ravenshire.

Here we bind the threads of spirit and knowledge, faith and craft, service and study.
Let this Charter stand as both covenant and compass,
uniting the Coven of Ravenshire and the Academy of Ravenshire beneath one Sacred Seal,
that wisdom may be tended, justice upheld, and the path of the seeker forever illuminated.

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Article I — Name, Nature, and Mission

Name
This body shall be known as The House of Ravenshire Ministry and Academy, hereafter called the Ministry or the House.
Nature
The House is a religious nonprofit ministry established to teach, preserve, and celebrate the living traditions of Witchcraft, Pagan spirituality, and related mystical arts.
It is a fellowship of faith, learning, and service that recognizes both the spiritual and educational aspects of the Craft.
Mission
To provide sacred guidance through the Coven of Ravenshire, academic and spiritual training through the House of Ravenshire Academy, and benevolent outreach through the unified Ministry.
The House serves seekers of all backgrounds who approach with respect, curiosity, and an open heart.
Non-profit Character
The House of Ravenshire shall operate exclusively for religious, educational, and charitable purposes within the meaning of Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.
No part of its net earnings shall inure to the benefit of any private individual; its assets shall be devoted solely to its stated mission.

Article II — The High Council

Authority
The supreme governing body of the Ministry shall be the High Council of Ravenshire, empowered to guide policy, oversee administration, and safeguard the spiritual integrity of the House.
Composition
Membership of the High Council shall be flexible, composed of such officers and elders as the Dean and High Priest deem necessary, including but not limited to: Vice Dean, Scribe, Treasurer, Order Heads, and appointed Elders.
Duties
a. Approve bylaws, budgets, and major initiatives.
b. Maintain harmony between the Coven and the Academy.
c. Hold regular meetings to review the state of the House.
d. Record minutes and preserve them within the official archives.
Quorum and Voting
Decisions of the Council shall require a quorum consisting of a majority of active members. Each member shall have one vote; ties may be broken by the Dean and High Priest.
Terms and Removal
Council service continues at the pleasure of the Dean and High Priest until resignation or removal for cause, such as neglect of duty or breach of ethics.
Succession
In the absence or incapacity of the Dean and High Priest, the Vice Dean shall act in their stead until a successor is appointed or confirmed by the Council.

Article III — The Coven of Ravenshire

Purpose
The Coven is the spiritual heart of the Ministry, a circle of initiates who honor the Divine through ritual, devotion, and the preservation of sacred tradition.
Membership
a. Applicants shall complete required preparatory study or equivalent experience within the Academy.
b. Admission is by invitation and initiation under the guidance of the High Priesthood.
c. Members pledge confidentiality, mutual respect, and adherence to the Coven’s ethical law.
Structure
The Coven may organize itself into circles, groves, or study groups as led by the High Priesthood. Degrees or ranks may be recognized according to established custom.
Leadership
The High Priest and/or High Priestess preside over rites and instruction. They may appoint officers such as:
• Scribe — record keeper;
• Summoner — messenger and coordinator;
• Ritual Steward — caretaker of tools and temple;
• Custodian — guardian of sacred space.
Ethics and Discipline
Members shall observe the precept “Harm None.”
Disputes or misconduct shall be brought before the Inner Council for mediation; serious breaches may result in suspension or removal after fair hearing.
Relationship to the Academy
The Coven provides spiritual mentorship and ritual framework to complement the Academy’s instruction.
It retains autonomy in spiritual matters while honoring the oversight of the High Council.

Article IV — The House of Ravenshire Academy

Purpose
The Academy is the educational branch of the Ministry, devoted to the systematic study of Witchcraft, magickal arts, theology, and metaphysical philosophy.
Governance
a. The Dean serves as chief administrator and represents the Academy to the Council.
b. A faculty of instructors and mentors conduct courses and training programs.
c. An Academic Council, drawn from faculty and Order Heads, advises on curriculum and policy.
Programs
Courses shall be organized into Orders or Departments. Each may maintain its own rites of passage or certifications consistent with the House’s teachings.
Students
Students are members of the House who enroll in one or more courses, agree to the Student Code of Conduct, and uphold the ethics of the Academy.
Integrity and Conduct
Academic honesty is required in all work. Plagiarism, dishonesty, or disrespect shall be addressed through warnings, probation, or dismissal by the Dean and Council.
Duration and Completion
Standard foundational study follows the Year and a Day cycle. Certificates of Completion or Recognition are issued upon satisfactory progress and reflection essays as determined by instructors.
Relationship to the Coven
While spiritually aligned, participation in the Coven is optional.
Graduates demonstrating readiness may, upon invitation, pursue initiation within the Coven.

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Article V — Administration and Finance

Stewardship of Resources
All assets, income, and property of the Ministry and Academy shall be held in trust for the benefit of the House’s mission. The Treasurer, under the High Council’s direction, shall maintain transparent records of all financial transactions.
Fiscal Year
The fiscal year of the House shall be determined by the High Council, and financial reports shall be prepared at least once annually for review and preservation in the archives.
Use of Funds
Funds shall be used solely to further the religious, educational, and charitable objectives of the House. Authorized uses include operating costs, property maintenance, benevolent work, educational materials, and community outreach.
Compensation
No officer or member shall receive personal profit from the assets of the House. Reasonable reimbursement may be allowed for expenses incurred in official duties, subject to Council approval.
Gifts and Donations
The House may accept tithes, offerings, or gifts consistent with its purpose. Donors may designate intentions for gifts, but final allocation rests with the Council to ensure alignment with the House’s mission.
Audit and Transparency
Financial statements shall be open to inspection by any active Council member. A periodic independent review may be conducted to ensure faithful stewardship.
Dissolution Clause
In the event of dissolution, all remaining assets shall be distributed to a recognized religious or educational nonprofit of similar purpose, as determined by the High Council. No assets shall inure to the benefit of any individual.

Article VI — Shared Ethics and Conduct

Universal Principles
All branches and members of the House shall live by these guiding lights:
• Integrity — Speak truth and act with honor.
• Respect — Honor all paths, peoples, and spirits.
• Service — Lend the gifts of wisdom and compassion.
• Confidentiality — Guard sacred trust and private counsel.
• Balance — Seek harmony between light and shadow, study and spirit.
Harassment and Discrimination
The House shall provide a safe, inclusive environment. Discrimination, harassment, or abuse on the basis of race, gender, orientation, age, ability, or belief shall not be tolerated.
Confidential Records
Membership and student records shall be treated as privileged information, accessible only to authorized officers for legitimate administrative purposes.
Disciplinary Measures
Violations of ethics may result in warning, probation, suspension, or dismissal after review by the High Council. The accused shall have opportunity to be heard before any final decision.

Article VII — Amendments and Ratification

Proposal of Amendments
Any Council member or officer may submit proposed amendments in writing. Proposed changes must be distributed to all Council members at least fourteen days prior to the vote.
Approval Process
Amendments require a two-thirds vote of the active Council and the consent of the Dean and High Priest to become effective.
Record of Changes
All amendments shall be dated, recorded, and preserved in the official archives of the House.
Ratification of this Charter
This Constitution and Bylaws shall take effect immediately upon signing and sealing under the Sacred Seal of the House of Ravenshire. Previous bylaws inconsistent herewith are hereby superseded.

Article VIII — Unity of the House

Interdependence of Branches
The Coven, the Academy, and the Ministry are three expressions of one sacred purpose. Each honors its own autonomy while drawing strength from the others.
Shared Symbols
The Raven symbolizes wisdom and remembrance. The Moon embodies reflection and renewal. The Flame signifies knowledge and inspiration. Together they form the Seal of Ravenshire, representing the unity of Spirit, Mind, and Purpose.
Public Representation
All public acts, statements, and publications shall reflect the dignity of the House. The Dean and High Priest serve as its primary representatives unless otherwise delegated.
Continuity of Purpose
The House of Ravenshire shall endure so long as at least two souls remain who remember its light, uphold its ethics, and carry forth its flame.

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✦ APPENDICES ✦

Appendix A — Definitions and Terms

1. The House
Refers to the total Ministry, encompassing the Coven, the Academy, and all affiliated bodies operating under the Sacred Seal.

2. The Coven of Ravenshire
The spiritual order of the House, composed of initiated members dedicated to ritual practice, sacred observance, and the preservation of Craft tradition.

3. The House of Ravenshire Academy
The educational branch responsible for teaching, research, and spiritual development through structured courses and mentorship.

4. The High Council
The governing body of the House vested with administrative, financial, and ethical oversight.

5. The Dean and High Priest
The spiritual and administrative head of the House; chief executive officer of the Ministry.

6. The Sacred Seal of the House
The emblem bearing the Raven, the Moon, and the Flame — representing wisdom, reflection, and knowledge — affixed to official documents and decrees.

7. Member in Good Standing
A person who has fulfilled all obligations of conduct, participation, and contribution, as determined by the Council.

8. The Flame of Wisdom
A symbolic expression of the eternal pursuit of understanding, truth, and enlightenment within the House’s philosophy.

Appendix B — Officer Roles and Duties

1. Dean and High Priest

Serves as both the spiritual head and executive administrator.
Presides over meetings of the High Council.
Appoints officers, faculty, and order heads as needed.
Represents the House in all legal and public matters.
Ensures adherence to this Charter and the Code of Ethics.

2. Vice Dean or High Priestess

Acts as deputy and may fulfill duties of the Dean in their absence.
Oversees coordination between the Coven and Academy.
Supports mentorship and internal affairs of the Ministry.

3. Scribe

Keeps accurate records of meetings, votes, and official documents.
Maintains the archives of the House in both digital and physical form.

4. Treasurer

Manages finances, prepares statements, and oversees the safe keeping of funds.
Submits reports to the High Council at designated intervals.

5. Elders or Order Heads

Provide guidance to members and students.
Represent specialized areas of study or ritual practice.
May serve on committees as directed by the Council.

6. Faculty and Staff

Support the academic mission of the Academy.
Conduct courses, grade assignments, and uphold ethical standards.
May participate in faculty councils or committees.

Appendix C — Meetings, Quorum, and Voting Procedures

Meetings
Regular meetings of the High Council shall be held at least quarterly, either in person or through secure digital means. Special meetings may be called by the Dean or by petition of one-third of the Council.
Quorum
A majority of active Council members constitutes a quorum for voting purposes.
Voting
Each Council member shall have one vote. Motions pass by simple majority unless otherwise stated in these bylaws. In case of a tie, the Dean and High Priest shall decide.
Record Keeping
Minutes of each meeting shall be recorded by the Scribe, signed by the Dean, and preserved in the archives.
Public Reports
At least once yearly, the Council shall prepare a summary report of major actions and accomplishments to be shared with the wider House community.

Appendix D — The Code of Ethics of the House of Ravenshire

1. Preamble
This Code is the heart of the House, guiding every act of teaching, service, and fellowship. All members, whether of the Coven, the Academy, or the broader Ministry, are bound by these principles.

2. The Tenets
a. Integrity: Speak truth, keep promises, and act with honor.
b. Compassion: Serve with empathy and respect the dignity of all.
c. Confidentiality: Protect the private and sacred trust of others.
d. Accountability: Accept responsibility for one’s actions and words.
e. Balance: Seek harmony between intellect and intuition, spirit and matter.
f. Learning: Pursue continual growth through study and reflection.
g. Respect: Recognize the worth of all traditions that honor life and the Earth.
h. Non-Harm: Use knowledge and power responsibly; harm none by will or neglect.
i. Stewardship: Care for the resources and reputation of the House.
j. Service: Let every act further wisdom, healing, and the common good.

3. Enforcement
Violations of the Code shall be reviewed by the High Council, which may recommend education, counseling, or disciplinary action as appropriate.

4. Renewal
Members shall reaffirm their commitment to the Code of Ethics annually at the time of the House’s founding observance.

Appendix E — Ratification, Signatures, and Sacred Seal

Ratification Statement
We, the undersigned, being Founding Officers and Council Members of the House of Ravenshire Ministry and Academy, do hereby affirm and adopt this Constitution and Bylaws as the supreme governing document of our Ministry and all its branches.

This Charter is ratified Under the Sacred Seal of the House of Ravenshire, on this ___ day of __________, in the year _______.

Signatures

Dean and High Priest

Lord Azrael Ravenheart

Vice Dean / High Priestess

Treasurer

Scribe

Elder / Council Member

Witness

Affixation of the Sacred Seal

Under the light of the Moon and the watchful wings of the Raven,
we seal this document in faith and purpose,
that the Flame of Wisdom shall never fade from the House of Ravenshire.

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SEAL OF THE HOUSE OF RAVENSHIRE MINISTRY AND ACADEMY

(Here affix emblem or embossed seal when printed)