Charter and Doctrine for
Centered in Nebraska
And all orders associated within the main.
First Edition
Created by Rev. Renae D. Ross, Rev. Samuel L. Ross and the Celestial Council,
which recognizes the following Orders at this time.
Celestial Order
Celestial Order of T.E.C.O.T.C.S
Celestial Order of Orrum Draconnis
Celestial Order of Knights
Celestial Order of I.C.E.D.
Celestial Order of The Seasons.
1998 The Temple of the Celestial Order
All materials posted here belong to The Temple of the Celestial Order in Nebraska. If you wish to reproduce this material please feel free to do so, if you are simply copying it in it's entirety you must give the location of the original material with permission to post.
Please contact Lord Silver Dragon for permission
We are the Celestials
We are rising to the stars themselves!
We are seekers of knowledge,
Traveling upon an enlightened path.
We accept all that come with respect,
We feel each must choose their own path!
We are but children under the
moon.
Outline Of Charter Contents
I. Welcome
A) Our Creed
C) Rede of Life
A) Statement of
a. Listing of Orders with brief descriptions
D) Qualifications for Positions
E) Rights and Responsibilities of Titled Positions
F) Rights
and Responsibilities of All
B) Positions
C) Rights and
Responsibilities of
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I. Welcome
"An it harm none, do as thou whilst." (See Our Rede.)
We are the Celestials. On our path to enlightenment we respect the paths of others and live by the rule of: "An it harm none, do as thou whilst."
We endeavor to assist in our communities and to not partake in activities, which promote prejudice against any race, gender, religion, creed, or personal orientation.
We respect each individual's ways and beliefs to the best of our abilities and accept them as they change through life.
As our Rede states: "All of your people should work to the best of their abilities no matter how great or small. Life, with all its joys, struggles, and ambiguities is to be lived to the fullest."
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B) REDE OF LIFE
1. Those who seek the mysteries should consider themselves as select of the Gods, for it is they who lead the race of humankind to the highest of thrones and beyond the very stars. One advances individually and collectively only by living in harmony with the natural order of the world.
2. So, in all that you do, consider its benefit or harm upon thineself, thou children and people.
3. Contemplate always the consequences of thine acts upon others. Strive not to harm for sooner or later all that which you do will return to you.
4. Have pride and honor in thyself and seek perfection in body and mind. For the Lady has said, "How canst thou honor another 'lest thou giveth honor to thyself first."
5. Chivalry is a high code of honor, which is most ancient Pagan origin, and must be lived by all who follow the Olde Ways.
8. As a believer, thou hast power and thy power wax strongly as wisdom increases. Therefore, exercise discretion in the use thereof. And if it harm none . . . do what thou whilst.
9. A believer's word must have the validity of a signed and witnessed oath. Thus, give thy word sparingly, and adhere to it like iron.
12. It must be keened that thoughts and intent put forth on this Middle-Earth will wax strongly in other worlds beyond, and return... bringing into creation, on this world, that which had been sent forth. Thus, one should exercise discipline, for ("as ye do plant, so shall ye Harvest.")
13. All of you people should work to the best of their ability, no matter how great or small.
14. Thy first trust and responsibility should be to thine own people. Yet, be kind and proper to others when possible. Diverse groups of believers may well have diverse views on love between members and with others. Discern, quietly their practices before visiting or joining. If thou feel thou cannot abide by these practices then do not visit or join. Above all... to thine own self be true.
15. Thou should not reveal these secretes nor any others, for the believers have labored long and hard for them and cherish them as treasures.
16. Pledge friendship and your services to those who are worthy. Strengthen others of thine peoples and thy shall strengthen thee.
17. Be thou honest with others, and have them known that honesty is likewise expected of them.
18. Pass not unverified words about another, for hearsay is a large part a thing of falsehood.
19. Be prepared for whatever the future beholds. Know which battles should be fought, and which to be avoided. Know when to end a conflict. There are times when the minions of chaos are simply too strong or when fate is absolutely unavoidable.
20. The fury of the moment plays folly with the truth, to keep one's head is a virtue.Remember, courage and honor endure forever. Their echoes remain when the mountains have crumbled to dust.
21. Life, with all its joys, struggles and ambiguities, is to be embraced and lived to the fullest!
Blessed Be
Authors Unknown
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C) Celestial Order Goals for the
year of 1999
To continue to grow and accept the changes that come in the world and in our personal lives.
To support our members without prejudice or bias opinions.
To assist our surrounding communities with charity work and financial support when possible.
To assist all to understand what Paganism truly is when we are asked.
To help the solitaries feel secure and comfortable by assisting and supporting them to the best of our ability.
To assist other Orders to grow.
To join and support Leagues and Organizations which promote peace and Paganism throughout the world.
To do our best to peacefully work to end censorship in the schools. This hurts all communities, not just the Pagan community.
To give guidance and healing to those that requests it of us.
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II. General Hierarchy
As a teaching coven we do indeed have a hierarchy within our membership. It is based on an individual's time and knowledge, not how spiritual or creative a person is. Our system can be worked with. If you come to us from another group that can be contacted you will keep the titles you come to us with. If you wish to teach one of our groups then we do require a test and your participation in a quick study program so you may learn what we teach others. If you simply wish to join us and continue to teach your own path then all we require is some proof of your abilities. If there is no other group or coven we can contact then we follow the guidance of Lady Rras in the process of making this decision with her council.
The Celestial Order
Highest Ranking Member of this Order is: Lord SilverDragon
This Order is located in Nebraska though it is worldwide and is considered the main under the guidance of Lady Rras. This is a teaching order with several smaller circles that have joined them as well as several Orders. There are no specific religious paths or allotted number of maximum membership. Each circle consists of eleven members in name only that can switch from circle to circle as need arises as long as the number of circle does not exceed twelve. This Order welcomes all.
The Celestial Order of T.E.C.O.T.C.S.
Highest Ranking Member of this Order is: Lord RenningPendjar.
The main order is located in Nevada and is under the guidance of the Celestials. This is a teaching Order that accepts all religions in its ranks as it teaches the Celestial course and ways.
The Celestial Order of Knights
Highest Ranking Member for this Order is: Lord Cerogyn.
The main order is located in Mississippi and is under the guidance of the Celestials. This Order is not a teaching order of the craft but that of physical and spiritual training. These are the knights that protect our circles and are worldwide as well.
The Celestial Order of I.C.E.D.
Highest Ranking Member of this Order is: Lord Lothani
This is a Mystery Path Order under the guidance of Lady Rras.
This is a closed group that may be applied for though they normally choose on their own to
ask. It must be a unanimous vote by all members to accept a new member into their order
due to their closeness and magickal practices. One must be at least a year one initiate in
order to be considered for membership unless under special circumstances it is permitted.
I.C.E.D. is both a teaching group and a working circle group. When in I.C.E.D. one is
expected to take all work seriously and to keep it secret as its members have labored hard
for what they have learned. Their work is for positive goals, nothing negative is
permitted within this circle.
The Celestial Order of The Seasons
Highest Ranking Member of this Order is: Lord Peacemaker
This Order is mainly located in California and is under the
guidance of The Celestials. This is a teaching Order that accepts all religions in its
ranks as it teaches The Celestial course and ways.
The Celestial Order of Orrum Draconnis
Highest Ranking Member of this Order is: Lord Magus
They are mainly located in Pennsylvania and are under the guidance of Lord Magus and Lady Rras until a new Priestess can be trained. Lord Magus teaches his own version of magick and should be consulted personally about this Order. This is a joined Order, not formed by the Celestials and is free to change.
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C) Listing of Positions
Each order/coven may have their own terms, these were the most commonly found.
We have chosen this order of titles and duties with the idea that those who have spent more time within the order and has obtain more education can assist those with less experience and knowledge of our ways.
Elders
Higher Titles within the Order
High Priestess/ High Priest
Supreme Maiden/ Supreme Summoner
Holder of Thy Ladies Sword/ Queens Guard
Priestess/ Priest
Maiden/ Summoner
Knights of the Order
Members in order of Year completed.
New members joining.
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C) Qualifications for Positions
Below you will find the listing of qualifications of each
step. Throughout the entire process we are known to each other as members, for we all
belong. If you wish to use the term brothers and sisters feel free to do so.
Elder:
Elders of an Order attain this title through various ways
when there are many circles and there is a need for elders to make sure that things are
maintained. Many Elders are High Priests and High Priestesses of the area that have been
elected to this position. They are honored with this due to their many years of
dedication, education, spirituality, circle holdings and previous methods of dealing with
situations in the past. These may even be High Priest or High Priestess from another Order
outside of the Celestial Order that are recognized by the community and accepted by the
whole. Also when a High Priest or High Priestess steps down and chooses to no longer run a
coven they are automatically considered an Elder in the community.
Celestial Mother/Father:
A Celestial Mother/Father keeps all the orders running in an
area, or helps maintain three working covens with at least one led by a Pagan Crone when
all of which are located in a single area.
Celestial Crone/ Sage :
A Celestial Crone is a Pagan Queen that has three Pagan
Queens under her. A Pagan Sage is the same, only for males.
Celestial Queen/ King.:
Celestial Queens/Kings must have three working circles with
High Priests/Priestesses running them.
High Priest/Priestess :
The title of High Priest/Priestess may be attained after the
sixth year if the individual wishes the title and the responsibilities that come with it.
Or if a Priest/Priestess has taught a first year group that has completed year one, with
at least two more groups formed from the first. This can occur in any year so long as the
Priest/Priestess has two hives making three circles complete.
Queen's Guard:
A member of the Queen's Guard is a knight in high standing
that has completed two years of being a knight. A qualified knight may apply for this
position if the individual has not been asked already. While the judgment is usually based
on participation and knowledge of circle work a contest of sorts is held if needed.
The Guard of Thy Ladies Sword:
Positions in The Guard of Thy Ladies Sword are offered
through The Celestial Order of I.C.E.D. and is similar to Queen's Guard with much of the
same requirements. This is a secret Order by choice.
Priest /Priestess:
The title of Priest/Priestess may be attained after the first
year if the individual has a group that wishes them to lead and has the approval of a High
Priest/Priestess. This title is also automatically given when a member has completed their
third year and wishes the responsibilities involved.
Maidens/Summoners:
Maiden First Year: This is a female member who is still an
active student in the second or higher level of the course and has been voted into this
title by their circle group. They may continue on being a maiden as they continue with the
group even if in their next year they are not elected maiden of the higher year. They
would then simply retain their previous title. Example: Maiden First Year completes her
second year and tries for the position of Maiden Second Year in her third year and does
not achieve this standing. She is still called a Maiden of the First Year and may try
again in the future for the next title. This is progressive. At sixth year a maiden upon
entry into the sixth automatically is referred to as a Priestess in training and/ or if
there is not another then Supreme Maiden.
Summoner First Year: Refer to Maiden First Year please. Though substitute that this is a position for a male member.
Knight:
The title of Knight is given to any that have been accepted by the Celestial Order of Knights.
First Year Initiate:
This is someone that has completed the first year of the year and a day course and has achieved no other titles. Second Year through Sixth Year Initiates are the same as First Year Initiates except they have completed more years.
Coven Member:
This is an individual that has been accepted into one of the covens.
Student:
A Student is the common title given to anyone that is taking the course.
A student is expected to take the course and participate in all functions possible see "Expectations" for rules pertaining to this matter.
Member:
By joining us you automatically become a member.
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D) Rights and Responsibilities
of Titled Positions
Elders: are responsible for counseling those in need: within the guidelines of counseling one should: be available for spiritual counseling as well as personal counseling, have suggestions and plans to assist with personal problems, have the ability to listen, and understand what the individual is sharing, be able to keep silent about another's personal problems, be able to assist in stress management and anger management with individuals, and able to utilize magickal methods: meditation, divination, and herbalism when counseling as well they:
are responsible assisting the council with difficult matters.
are responsible for teach
may perform rituals and circles of celebration if they
choose.
High Priests/Priestesses: are the leaders of that order. All decisions and disagreements are finalized with them. If there is another of higher office available they are to be consulted if it is felt necessary . Their elders are to be consulted if there are any present when the decision will affect the whole of the community. They:
are responsible for their Order(s) and their members.
are expected to be able to delegate responsibility.
are to be there for spiritual guidance, growth, and the individuals that come to them for assistance.
are models in the community for spiritual growth and positive life structure.
are expected to be able to fill any position that is vacant within the whole.
interpret our Rede and Laws pertaining to Orders without bias of opinion and without being judgmental.
have the final word in conflicts. If it is challenged then it may be brought to the Elders of that area, only. There are occasions when the group as a whole may be asked to assist in a decision. All decisions should be logged in the Orders records book along with method with which the decision was made.
call circles together within the community for celebrations and meetings.
locate needed supplies for rituals.
lead discussion groups.
promote education of the path in any institution within the area since education is very important on every level.
encourage individual spiritual paths without converting in any manner.
network with other groups in the area and to keep the network alive throughout the Celestials as a whole. The individual orders or covens should not become isolated from the whole. We are one, united and this should be reflected throughout the whole and within the main.
keep records of all group activities and send them into the main quarterly for review of progress.
do monthly reviews on members in order to assure growth of their order.
may hold other offices as well as various titles within the whole
The High Priest and High Priestess words are not words from
the divine but words of wisdom from life experiences and council from their elders. If
there are disputes then they should be dealt with from within the whole but at times there
is need for outside interpretations.
Priests /Priestesses
are responsible for their members and for themselves.
are expected to be the leaders in their circles .
are responsible for delegating authority when needed.
counsel their members to the best of their ability.
lead discussion groups.
meet with others in their communities.
are available if the need arises to take the place of the High Priest or High Priestess in their absence.
are able to interpret the rights and our Rede when asked.
Maidens /Summoners:
are expected to be able to take the place of the Priest/ Priestess in times of need.
Help with the guidance of the group.
Cleanse the area before and after circles and meetings.
Assist the Priest / Priestess before and after circles and
meetings. Assist the knights when needed or take the place of the knights if none are
available during a gathering.
Knights:
are expected to protect the members and the Priest and Priestess during gatherings.
are the guards for the different groups.
perform the duties at circle as they always have.
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E) Rights and Responsibilities
of All:
All Members:
are all responsible for our own behaviors. We can not blame others for things we do. If you have difficulties you should seek counsel. Whether it is from your High Priest, High Priestess, Priest, Priestess or from another outside of the Order is a decision that you must make for yourself. If you have difficulties it is your responsibility to let your HP/S know of your difficulties in advance. They:
are responsible for the whole group. Extreme differences in veiws come with large groups. Each individual is responsible for his own opinions as well as the views presented to represent the group as a whole. We can not allow for one to try to change things unless the majority agrees.
honor the Three Fold Law and Our Rede above all else when considering consequences.
do not expect individuals to sit idly by. Harm is harm, inaction is an action, a loud scream can be the same as a silent whisper. No Blind Sheep permitted, you should have your eyes and mind open and not be lead, but lead your own life. Take responsibility for your life and your actions in all that you do.
should not go beyond acceptable behavior here. The concepts of Perfect Love and Perfect Trust is a difficulty in itself. Love for all, is always welcomed as long as it is not accompanied with sarcasm or insults, this is not love. Trust can only go as is possible for the individual. We can not expect others to have what is considered perfect trust, for we live in a world that attempts the destruction of that on a daily basis. It is the responsibility of every member to decide what these mean to them, and then be honest when discussing it with others.
is responsible for honesty and respect towards others.
is responsible for helping fellow members. This should be offered by all without guilt or fear. When called upon do what you can, and remember to help all even if they have not helped you----what goes around, eventually comes around (three fold law pertains as well).
are expected to follow the Rede to the best of their ability.
seek counsel when needed from others in their circle.
attend Sabbats when possible.
work with the whole whenever possible.
are to continue to work with their communities to better their neighborhoods.
are to continue to grow in their spirituality and in their lives through studies and communication.
are responsible to remember that no matter what their title within the group that all are equal one way or the other and all should be treated with respect..
is to treat all others as an equal. For all are equal in some fashion or another, if you can not see it---look harder.
is responsible to keep in contact with the High Priest and High Priestess of their order. If no contact is made then the member shall become inactive and will need to ask for a review before being readmitted to active status within the whole.
is responsible to work with the council and to seek out information on his or her own if it is not provided. We do not spoon feed in this group, don't expect it.
is responsible for casting a vote whenever a vote is called for. Every vote counts, or we wouldn't ask.
has the responsibility to ask for reviews or to find out more in depth details of events especially when pertaining to the member.
has the right to know what the council meetings will be covering, if needed they may attend once permission has been granted by the Leader of the Order Council. If permission is not given then a justified reason must be. I.e. the council is discussing matters with the Celestial Order of I.C.E.D. and none can attend except those granted by that Order. If a member was denied access and felt the reason was not justified they may go directly to an elder or to a High Priest or High Priestess to have the matter considered again before the council can meet on that issue.
may attend all rituals and celebrations except for those performed by the Mystery Path Covens and Initiations. Initiations may only be viewed by those that the intended initiate permits.
may participate in all approved rituals and celebrations (see above) after their six month mark of year one.
has the right to decline an invitation to a circle. Please note if you are a student there are requirements in your Expect Document you receive in your first week.
.may request a quick study or a lifting of the requirements of the course if they can prove that they have the knowledge taught during that year.
has the right to request the Master Exam at any point of their learning. Please see Master Exam Option for more information.
is to be given fair reasons for any course of action that is taken by the whole.
Every Initiated member has the right to review all their member documents not any other members held by the Order after receiving permission from the Secretary of the Order or one of higher office. This is only to insure that we do not loose our copies, permission is automatic in most cases. At no time will information about a secret Orders meeting nor reports marked "Priest or Higher" will be allowed to be reviewed by anyone that does not have that standing and has come with permission from Lady Rras or one she appointed as being able to decide this.
A coven has the right to deny or accept an application for membership with a simple one against vote. An Order may decline an application if there have been previous problems or they are at their maximum join for their Order and have no circle groups with room.
If there are problems with a member they must be handled with love and fairness. If the problems persist then they shall be voted on by the whole concerning their behavior if it comes to that. In the case of banishing then there will be a year and a day that shall pass before the member may ask to be reviewed for return.
We do try to work with all of our members, but we can not sacrifice the group in order to put all of our time to one member. If we were to do this we would be limiting the potential of all and neglecting others in need.
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III. Master Exam
1. The member must be from a merging group or taught a group before.
2. The member must have magickal and/or spiritual training.
1 Anyone who feels they qualify may request an application at celestials@netscape.net.
2. Determination of right to take the exam, based upon the admitted application is made by the highest ranking member of the Order.
3. Members denied the right to take the exam may reapply a 2nd, 3rd, and 4th time at 6 month intervals.
4. Upon the 4th application the member is automatically given the right to take the exam.
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C) Exam
1. The exams questions are based on material covered in the six years of course study.
2. It is worth a total of 530 points.
3. A score of 319 points or higher is considered passing.
4. Members who score 310-318 points may take a similar exam one month after the first exam was taken.
5. Members who score less than 310 points not retake the exam.
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IV. Council
1. The Celestial Order and all other Orders that have grown to a point of needing a council must be able to fill at least the positions of Secretary, Treasurer, and President. Any title may be used to describe these positions.
2. The Celestial Order and all other Orders are democratic in structure. The hierarchy is in place only to save time and decision-making when it comes to disputes. When voting every vote is equal, save that of the one not cast.
3. Each year at Samhain (first full moon in Scorpio usually found in the month of October) the current council members shall be reviewed, by January of the following year any replacements or vacancies shall be filled. At Samhain a letter shall be sent to all members active and inactive to allow them to apply for a position. If there are more applications then positions available then a vote by all shall take place. There shall be no campaigning for these positions. Final decision is made by the Celestial Council of Elders in this matter.
4. If at the end of the year a council member has not
fulfilled their responsibilities they will be required to step down and let another apply
for the position.
President:
1. The president shall responsible for the activities of the council.
2. He/she shall preside at all council meetings.
Vice-president:
1. He/she shall perform all of the duties of the President should he/she be unable or unwilling to.
Secretary:
1. He/she shall keep a printed copy of all documents currently in use by the group at the corporate office.
2. He/she shall keep a printed copy of all council meeting minutes at the corporate office.
3. He/she shall keep a membership book containing the names and addresses of all current members as well as termination information for all former members at the corporate office.
4. In general perform all duties of a secretary as required by law, our Bylaws, and/or our Articles of Incorporation.
Treasurer:
1. He/she shall be responsible for all of the group's funds.
2. He/she shall issue receipts for all money collected by and/or donated to the group.
3. He/she shall be responsible for the legal disbursement of any and all funds by the group.
4. He/she shall keep an accurate record of the group's funds including money paid and received.
5. He/she shall prepare financial reports whenever required to do so.
Public Relations
Coordinator
Advisor
Marketing Agent
Purchasing Agent
Communications
Publicist
Research and Development
Historian
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IV. Ordination
Since Celestials has a church standing it can and does perform the necessary duties to help one achieve the status of Ordained Minister here in the United States of America. Though this can be achieved through many other organizations we prefer that our members either wait for ordination through us or until their third year.
1. With the completion of year three Ordination is automatic unless the individual does not wish this title and the responsibilities that come with it. We feel that by the completion of year three they have learned enough in the path to be able to teach, assist with counseling, as well as have the maturity to ordain others with the knowledge of what is expected.
2. The person applying for this position must be prepared to accept all duties that come with such a title. If you wish to obtain this title and feel that you are prepared we do ask that you send a letter stating why you feel you are ready for such certification through The Celestials.
3. The individual must be sponsored by a High Priest/ Priestess regardless of the number of years completed. If they can not find a sponsor, it shall be dealt with upon request.
4. The individual must understand our Rede and be able to utilize and interpret it as well.
5. The individual must be at least 18 years of age and a citizen of the United States due to the requirements of signing legal documents if they wish to perform the duties of a minister.
6. A majority vote by the counsel is required for
acceptance as well. Education outside of the course is encouraged, though not required.
C) Rights and Responsibilities of the Ordained:
1. Our ministers are expected to perform Paganings/Wiccanings/Other naming ceremonies, Handfastings/ Weddings, and Burial ceremonies if requested, unless reasonable circumstances prevent it.
2. They are held to the same responsibilities of Priests/ Priestesses as well as most of the duties of High Priest/Priestesses; except their word is not always final, and they do not have to teach an Order.
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VI. Glossary
Circles: A group of individuals that have gathered together to study and learn but are not necessarily of the same path or worship in the same ways.
Coven: A group of three or more individuals who follow a specific path.
Esbat: The time between Sabbats during which Pagans gather together under a full moon.
Godhead: The Divine, the essence of creation, the source of all, the manifestation of everything, that which all deities come from, act of becoming a God/Goddess in thought and being.
Order: A group formed to worship a specific path, often formed to promote smaller circles in an area.
Sabbat: The eight celebrations of the lunar year
celebrated by Pagans. These mark the changing points of the seasons and the eight spokes
of the wheel.
The Temple of The Celestial Order can be reached through the following:
A. celestials@netscape.net -The Celestials Order main office.
B. celestials@hotmail.commailto:celestials@hotmail.com
- Various Orders associated with The Temple of The Celestial Order.
C. Typing in LadyRras on America On Line AIM, Yahoo Pager, ICQ, or Live Universe Chat Rooms for the time being.
The Temple of The Celestial Order
3112 North 97th St. Apt. 132
Omaha, NE 68134
(402) 573-8005 during the hours of 10am and 6pm Central Time.
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This Charter in its entirety has been reviewed and accepted by The Celestial Council
during the year of 1999.
This First Version and was completed on July 20, 1999 and shall be updated as needed.-