Post by Kat on May 17, 2012 23:18:32 GMT -5
IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER: I do not own any of this, and I am not doing this for profit!! This site is for entertainment only!! My information is obtained from this site warriors.wikia.com/wiki/Category:Ceremonies.
Ceremonies
(© Erin Hunter)
Leaders
Clan leaders are the heart of the Clan; their personality affects how the clan operates and how their warriors treat one another and the world around them. It is up to the Clan leaders to set a good example and guide their Clanmates along the path of the warrior code. They are responsible for calling Clan meetings, appointing warriors, mentores, and apprentices, and deciding Clan policy and strategy with the help of their deputy and any cats they choose to consult for advice (usually the medicine cat, the elders, or senior warriors).
When a cat becomes Clan leader, he or she must travel to the Mooncave and share tongues with the warrior ancestors of StarClan. The Clan's medicine cat accompanies them on the journey but leaves them alone for the ceremony, in which the leader is granted eight extra lives and a new name with "star" at the end (Bluestar, Firestar, etc.).
This process can be surprising and painful, but it is important for leaders to be able to fight fiercely for their Clan and live long enough to pass along their wisdom and prepare a new leader. During the ceremony, each life is given to the new leader by a cat whose life was significant to the new leader in some way.
When a leader loses a life, he or she blacks out for a short period of time, during which that cat visits StarClan and speaks with its warrior ancestors. On returning to consciousness, the leader must still recover from the injury or illness that felled him or her. Medicine cats can usually tell how many lives a leeader has left, although the number is kept secret from rival Clans.
Process:
The new leader goes to the Mooncave with the Clan's medicine cat. After drinking from the pool, 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 awakening, cats of StarClan 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, etc.) (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 StarClan grants you the guardianship of ____Clan. Defend it well; care for young and old; honor your ancestors and the traditions of the warrior code; live each life with pride and dignity.
Just as the clan-cats would call a warrior by their new name, the StarClan cats acclaim the new leader. After the ceremony, the new leader is not allowed to tell any cat what happened during the ceremony.
Getting nine lives does not necessarily mean that a leader will live longer, but they can survive certain accidents or injuries that would claim the life of a cat, but they cannot survive if they have major injuries. If a leader does not loose a life, they will die of old age nine times.
If a leader no longer wishes to be the leader, they must go to the Mooncave to revoke all but one life, so their deputy may have their full nine lives.
Deputies
--Leader should be looking up toward Silverpelt. "I say these words before StarClan, that they may hear my choice and approve. (WarriorName) will be the new deputy of (Clan name)."
--Note: this phrase can also be said after the passing of another deputy. Example: "I say these words before the body of Redtail, so that his spirit may hear and approve my choice. Lionheart will be the new deputy of ThunderClan."
A Clan's deputy is chosen by the leader, to assist in taking care of the Clan. To qualify, a warrior must have had an apprentice and must be strong and brave, with the qualities needed to take on leadership of the Clan if necessary.
The deputy presides over Clan meetings when the leader is absent, stands in for the leader at Gatherings if the leader is ill, organizes daily patrols, and oversees the training of apprentices. According to the warrior code, when a deputy dies or steps down, the leader must announce a new deputy before moonhigh.
Deputies stop being deputies if:
--the Clan leader dies, leaving the deputy to take over as leader.
--the deputy retires and becomes an elder.
--the deputy commits a crime against the warrior code and is demoted or driven from the Clan.
--the deputy dies or is killed in battle.
Exceptions:
Occasionally, a Clan leader does not announce the new deputy before moonhigh. This can be because: they are physically or emotionally unwell, or they are unsure whether the previous deputy is alive. If the ceremony is not performed in time, it is sometimes seen as a bad omen.
Example: When Fireheart was made a deputy late, because Bluestar was ill.
If the deputy dies in battle, the Clan Leader might choose to appoint the new deputy whilst still fighting, instead of waiting to return to the camp.
Example: When Firestar made Graystripe deputy whilst fighting BloodClan after Whitestorm died.
Apprentices
--The Kit should be standing near it's mother. The leader should call the kit forward. "From this day forward, until s/he has earned his/her warrior name, this apprentice will be called (name-Paw)."
Example: Leader - (Kit), you have reached the age of three moons, and it is time for you to be apprenticed. From this day on, until you receive your warrior name, you will be known as (new name, ending with "paw"). Your mentor will be (name of warrior or medicine cat). I hope (name of warrior or medicine cat) will pass down all he/she knows to you.
--Leader should call mentor forward and comment on what the mentor has accomplished, encouraging him/her to pass these skills on to his/her new apprentice.
Example: Leader - (Warrior), you are ready to take on an apprentice. You had received excellent training from (former mentor), and you have shown yourself to be (quality) and (quality). You will be the mentor of (apprentice), and I expect you to pass on all you know to (apprentice).
Apprentice and Mentor should touch noses. Training begins either at once, or after the new apprentice becomes familiar with it's new role.
Before a cat can become a warrior, he or she must be trained to fight and hunt and defend the Clan. At the age of six moons, kits leave the nursery and become apprentices. At this point they change the second half of their name from "kit" to "paw" to symbolize the path their paws are now on. The Clan leader assigns each apprentice a mentor--an older warrior to guide the apprentice on the path to being a warrior. Apprentices are responsible for chores around the camp, such as tending to the elders, in addition to their training. If they work hard, listen to their mentors, and live by the warrior code, soon they will earn their warrior name, and hopefully, one day, the chance to be a mentor themselves.
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 who 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 Mooncave to be accepted by StarClan before the other medicine cats.
--Leader: The good wishes of all (Clan) will go with you.
The mentor touches noses with the apprentice, and the Clan greets the new apprentice.
Warriors
An apprenticeship usually lasts six moons or more. Once the mentor is satisfied with the apprentice's progress and skills, he or she recommends them to the leader of the Clan. Then, the apprentice must pass an assessment, when their abilities as a warrior are checked.[1] 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.
Example: Firepaw after saving the kits, Brackenpaw after fighting courageously in a battle or Thistlepaw after fighting a dog.
--Leader is looking up, standing in front of apprentice. "I, (name), leader of (Clan), call upon my warrior ancestors to look down on this apprentice. S/he 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."
--Leader should look to the apprentice. "(Name-Paw), do you promise to uphold the warrior code and to protect and defend this clan, even at the cost of your life?"
--Apprentice should say "I do".
--Leader continues with, "Then by the powers of StarClan, I give you your warrior name. (Name-Paw), from this day forward, you shall be known as (warrior name). StarClan honors your bravery and your strength, and we welcome you as a full member of (Clan)."
--Leader steps forward and rests muzzle on top of new warrior's bowed head. Warrior should lick leader's shoulder once and step back. Clan should immediately greet new warrior by new name. New warrior must sit a silent vigil in the camp's center.
Warriors are the lifeblood of the Clan. They patrol the borders, keep the fresh-kill pile supplied, and defend their Clanmates against attacks from enemy cats or predators. They fight to protect the Clan for as long as they are able and are often called upon to mentor apprentices, passing on the skills they were taught. During the warrior naming ceremony, an apprentice gives up the "paw" half of his or her name and earns a real warrior name--such as Fireheart, Sandstorm, or Brambleclaw.
Dying Apprentice Ceremony:
When an apprentice is on the verge of death and has proven him/herself to be worthy of a warrior name, there is a special ceremony used so that the apprentice may take a warrior name to StarClan.
--Leader: I ask my warrior ancestors to look down on this apprentice. (He/She) has learned the warrior code and given up (his/her) life in the service of (his/her) Clan. Let StarClan receive (him/her) as a warrior. (He/She) will be known as (new name).
Elders
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. A cat may also retire if they are hindered from serving their Clan through old age, illness, or injury. They report this to the Clan Leader, who calls a Clan Meeting and addresses the warrior.
--Leader, speaking to warrior. "(Name), is it your wish to give up the name of the warrior and go to join the elders?"
--Retiring warrior: "It is."
--Leader: "Your Clan honors you and all the service you have given us. I call upon StarClan to give you many seasons of rest."
--From this point on, the retired warrior lives with the elders.
The life of a warrior is difficult and dangerous, and many die young--in battle, of disease, or from a natural disaster. Those cats lucky enough to live a long life may eventually retire from their warrior duties to become elders. These elderly cats are viewed with the deepest respect by the rest of the Clan. Many moons of experience make them an invaluable source of advice for the Clan leader, and they keep alive Clan history by passing down the old stories.
Clan Meeting
--Leader should stand at whatever place in their camp that has been chosen as the meeting place, and call out, "All those cats old enough to catch their own prey join together for a clan meeting!"
Medicine Cats
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 (such as the Mooncave). This is the only ceremony that is not performed by the Leader in the camp. The following words are used, by tradition:
--Medicine cat should be looking up, standing in front of apprentice at Moonhollow. "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."
--Looking to apprentice. "(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 StarClan I give you your true name as a medicine cat. (Apprentice), from this moment you will be known as (new name). StarClan honors 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 and apprentices greet him or her by their new name.
No Clan could survive without a medicine cat's knowledge of healing herbs and compassion for the sick. In addition, these cats have a spiritual responsibility. Their unusually strong connection to StarClan allows them to receive and interpret visions that can guide the Clan through dark times.
Most medicine cats are born to their destiny. From a young age, these special kits are drawn to the medicine cat den. They are fascinated by the herbs and often have strange dreams of their own. A medicine cat can spot which kit would make a good apprentice. If the kit agrees, he or she is brought to the sacred space (the Mooncave) and initiated into the ranks of medicine cats through a secret ceremony.
Note: It's not explained exactly what this is. One suspicion is that it has to do with sharing tongues with StarClan, and/or the medicine cats receiving a sign from StarClan as to whether or not the kit was accepted as a medicine cat apprentice.
The life of a medicine cat is not easy, but it is very rewarding. Although medicine cats cannot have a mate or kits, they are beloved and respected by the whole Clan. They devote their lives to protecting their Clanmates in a way that ordinary warriors cannot. And they know that there is a special place waiting for them in StarClan.
Name Changing Ceremony
When a cat's name no longer portrays who they are, a Clan leader can perform this ceremony to change it to a new name. Normally, the name is changed from the result of an injury.
Example: When Sparrowpelt lost half of his tail, he was re-named Halftail.
However, sometimes it is changed when the cat has been named incorrectly and the leader wants to rectify this mistake.
Example: When Firestar changed Lostface's name to Brightheart.
--The leader calls a Clan Meeting, and performs the change with the following words:
"Spirits of StarClan, 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)."
Vigil
A vigil is when a cat chooses to stay awake for the night, this being required by a ceremony or tradition (as opposed to staying awake for guard duty).
Warrior Ceremony:
Newly appointed warriors are required to stay awake for the entire night after they received their warrior name, as decreed by the Warrior Code. They guard the camp in silence, while the other Clan members have a good rest.
In some cases, this rule cannot be adhered to, and the warrior receives another task.
Example: When Squirrelflight is appointed as a warrior, there is no Clan camp to guard, so she receives the task to explore the lake with other warriors instead of the vigil.
Vigil for the Dead:
If a Clan cat dies, his/her body is taken to the center of the camp, and several of their Clanmates, usually the cat's family members, close friends, and mentor/apprentice sit vigil for them through the night, sharing tongues for the last time before the elders bury the cat in the morning.
There can also be vigils for cats without bodies and suspected dead. A body isn't buried, but the cats still sit vigil.
Example: Like ThunderClan did when they suspected that Graystripe died or when Ravenpaw supposedly died.
Ceremonies
(© Erin Hunter)
Leaders
Clan leaders are the heart of the Clan; their personality affects how the clan operates and how their warriors treat one another and the world around them. It is up to the Clan leaders to set a good example and guide their Clanmates along the path of the warrior code. They are responsible for calling Clan meetings, appointing warriors, mentores, and apprentices, and deciding Clan policy and strategy with the help of their deputy and any cats they choose to consult for advice (usually the medicine cat, the elders, or senior warriors).
When a cat becomes Clan leader, he or she must travel to the Mooncave and share tongues with the warrior ancestors of StarClan. The Clan's medicine cat accompanies them on the journey but leaves them alone for the ceremony, in which the leader is granted eight extra lives and a new name with "star" at the end (Bluestar, Firestar, etc.).
This process can be surprising and painful, but it is important for leaders to be able to fight fiercely for their Clan and live long enough to pass along their wisdom and prepare a new leader. During the ceremony, each life is given to the new leader by a cat whose life was significant to the new leader in some way.
When a leader loses a life, he or she blacks out for a short period of time, during which that cat visits StarClan and speaks with its warrior ancestors. On returning to consciousness, the leader must still recover from the injury or illness that felled him or her. Medicine cats can usually tell how many lives a leeader has left, although the number is kept secret from rival Clans.
Process:
The new leader goes to the Mooncave with the Clan's medicine cat. After drinking from the pool, 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 awakening, cats of StarClan 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, etc.) (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 StarClan grants you the guardianship of ____Clan. Defend it well; care for young and old; honor your ancestors and the traditions of the warrior code; live each life with pride and dignity.
Just as the clan-cats would call a warrior by their new name, the StarClan cats acclaim the new leader. After the ceremony, the new leader is not allowed to tell any cat what happened during the ceremony.
Getting nine lives does not necessarily mean that a leader will live longer, but they can survive certain accidents or injuries that would claim the life of a cat, but they cannot survive if they have major injuries. If a leader does not loose a life, they will die of old age nine times.
If a leader no longer wishes to be the leader, they must go to the Mooncave to revoke all but one life, so their deputy may have their full nine lives.
Deputies
--Leader should be looking up toward Silverpelt. "I say these words before StarClan, that they may hear my choice and approve. (WarriorName) will be the new deputy of (Clan name)."
--Note: this phrase can also be said after the passing of another deputy. Example: "I say these words before the body of Redtail, so that his spirit may hear and approve my choice. Lionheart will be the new deputy of ThunderClan."
A Clan's deputy is chosen by the leader, to assist in taking care of the Clan. To qualify, a warrior must have had an apprentice and must be strong and brave, with the qualities needed to take on leadership of the Clan if necessary.
The deputy presides over Clan meetings when the leader is absent, stands in for the leader at Gatherings if the leader is ill, organizes daily patrols, and oversees the training of apprentices. According to the warrior code, when a deputy dies or steps down, the leader must announce a new deputy before moonhigh.
Deputies stop being deputies if:
--the Clan leader dies, leaving the deputy to take over as leader.
--the deputy retires and becomes an elder.
--the deputy commits a crime against the warrior code and is demoted or driven from the Clan.
--the deputy dies or is killed in battle.
Exceptions:
Occasionally, a Clan leader does not announce the new deputy before moonhigh. This can be because: they are physically or emotionally unwell, or they are unsure whether the previous deputy is alive. If the ceremony is not performed in time, it is sometimes seen as a bad omen.
Example: When Fireheart was made a deputy late, because Bluestar was ill.
If the deputy dies in battle, the Clan Leader might choose to appoint the new deputy whilst still fighting, instead of waiting to return to the camp.
Example: When Firestar made Graystripe deputy whilst fighting BloodClan after Whitestorm died.
Apprentices
--The Kit should be standing near it's mother. The leader should call the kit forward. "From this day forward, until s/he has earned his/her warrior name, this apprentice will be called (name-Paw)."
Example: Leader - (Kit), you have reached the age of three moons, and it is time for you to be apprenticed. From this day on, until you receive your warrior name, you will be known as (new name, ending with "paw"). Your mentor will be (name of warrior or medicine cat). I hope (name of warrior or medicine cat) will pass down all he/she knows to you.
--Leader should call mentor forward and comment on what the mentor has accomplished, encouraging him/her to pass these skills on to his/her new apprentice.
Example: Leader - (Warrior), you are ready to take on an apprentice. You had received excellent training from (former mentor), and you have shown yourself to be (quality) and (quality). You will be the mentor of (apprentice), and I expect you to pass on all you know to (apprentice).
Apprentice and Mentor should touch noses. Training begins either at once, or after the new apprentice becomes familiar with it's new role.
Before a cat can become a warrior, he or she must be trained to fight and hunt and defend the Clan. At the age of six moons, kits leave the nursery and become apprentices. At this point they change the second half of their name from "kit" to "paw" to symbolize the path their paws are now on. The Clan leader assigns each apprentice a mentor--an older warrior to guide the apprentice on the path to being a warrior. Apprentices are responsible for chores around the camp, such as tending to the elders, in addition to their training. If they work hard, listen to their mentors, and live by the warrior code, soon they will earn their warrior name, and hopefully, one day, the chance to be a mentor themselves.
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 who 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 Mooncave to be accepted by StarClan before the other medicine cats.
--Leader: The good wishes of all (Clan) will go with you.
The mentor touches noses with the apprentice, and the Clan greets the new apprentice.
Warriors
An apprenticeship usually lasts six moons or more. Once the mentor is satisfied with the apprentice's progress and skills, he or she recommends them to the leader of the Clan. Then, the apprentice must pass an assessment, when their abilities as a warrior are checked.[1] 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.
Example: Firepaw after saving the kits, Brackenpaw after fighting courageously in a battle or Thistlepaw after fighting a dog.
--Leader is looking up, standing in front of apprentice. "I, (name), leader of (Clan), call upon my warrior ancestors to look down on this apprentice. S/he 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."
--Leader should look to the apprentice. "(Name-Paw), do you promise to uphold the warrior code and to protect and defend this clan, even at the cost of your life?"
--Apprentice should say "I do".
--Leader continues with, "Then by the powers of StarClan, I give you your warrior name. (Name-Paw), from this day forward, you shall be known as (warrior name). StarClan honors your bravery and your strength, and we welcome you as a full member of (Clan)."
--Leader steps forward and rests muzzle on top of new warrior's bowed head. Warrior should lick leader's shoulder once and step back. Clan should immediately greet new warrior by new name. New warrior must sit a silent vigil in the camp's center.
Warriors are the lifeblood of the Clan. They patrol the borders, keep the fresh-kill pile supplied, and defend their Clanmates against attacks from enemy cats or predators. They fight to protect the Clan for as long as they are able and are often called upon to mentor apprentices, passing on the skills they were taught. During the warrior naming ceremony, an apprentice gives up the "paw" half of his or her name and earns a real warrior name--such as Fireheart, Sandstorm, or Brambleclaw.
Dying Apprentice Ceremony:
When an apprentice is on the verge of death and has proven him/herself to be worthy of a warrior name, there is a special ceremony used so that the apprentice may take a warrior name to StarClan.
--Leader: I ask my warrior ancestors to look down on this apprentice. (He/She) has learned the warrior code and given up (his/her) life in the service of (his/her) Clan. Let StarClan receive (him/her) as a warrior. (He/She) will be known as (new name).
Elders
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. A cat may also retire if they are hindered from serving their Clan through old age, illness, or injury. They report this to the Clan Leader, who calls a Clan Meeting and addresses the warrior.
--Leader, speaking to warrior. "(Name), is it your wish to give up the name of the warrior and go to join the elders?"
--Retiring warrior: "It is."
--Leader: "Your Clan honors you and all the service you have given us. I call upon StarClan to give you many seasons of rest."
--From this point on, the retired warrior lives with the elders.
The life of a warrior is difficult and dangerous, and many die young--in battle, of disease, or from a natural disaster. Those cats lucky enough to live a long life may eventually retire from their warrior duties to become elders. These elderly cats are viewed with the deepest respect by the rest of the Clan. Many moons of experience make them an invaluable source of advice for the Clan leader, and they keep alive Clan history by passing down the old stories.
Clan Meeting
--Leader should stand at whatever place in their camp that has been chosen as the meeting place, and call out, "All those cats old enough to catch their own prey join together for a clan meeting!"
Medicine Cats
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 (such as the Mooncave). This is the only ceremony that is not performed by the Leader in the camp. The following words are used, by tradition:
--Medicine cat should be looking up, standing in front of apprentice at Moonhollow. "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."
--Looking to apprentice. "(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 StarClan I give you your true name as a medicine cat. (Apprentice), from this moment you will be known as (new name). StarClan honors 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 and apprentices greet him or her by their new name.
No Clan could survive without a medicine cat's knowledge of healing herbs and compassion for the sick. In addition, these cats have a spiritual responsibility. Their unusually strong connection to StarClan allows them to receive and interpret visions that can guide the Clan through dark times.
Most medicine cats are born to their destiny. From a young age, these special kits are drawn to the medicine cat den. They are fascinated by the herbs and often have strange dreams of their own. A medicine cat can spot which kit would make a good apprentice. If the kit agrees, he or she is brought to the sacred space (the Mooncave) and initiated into the ranks of medicine cats through a secret ceremony.
Note: It's not explained exactly what this is. One suspicion is that it has to do with sharing tongues with StarClan, and/or the medicine cats receiving a sign from StarClan as to whether or not the kit was accepted as a medicine cat apprentice.
The life of a medicine cat is not easy, but it is very rewarding. Although medicine cats cannot have a mate or kits, they are beloved and respected by the whole Clan. They devote their lives to protecting their Clanmates in a way that ordinary warriors cannot. And they know that there is a special place waiting for them in StarClan.
Name Changing Ceremony
When a cat's name no longer portrays who they are, a Clan leader can perform this ceremony to change it to a new name. Normally, the name is changed from the result of an injury.
Example: When Sparrowpelt lost half of his tail, he was re-named Halftail.
However, sometimes it is changed when the cat has been named incorrectly and the leader wants to rectify this mistake.
Example: When Firestar changed Lostface's name to Brightheart.
--The leader calls a Clan Meeting, and performs the change with the following words:
"Spirits of StarClan, 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)."
Vigil
A vigil is when a cat chooses to stay awake for the night, this being required by a ceremony or tradition (as opposed to staying awake for guard duty).
Warrior Ceremony:
Newly appointed warriors are required to stay awake for the entire night after they received their warrior name, as decreed by the Warrior Code. They guard the camp in silence, while the other Clan members have a good rest.
In some cases, this rule cannot be adhered to, and the warrior receives another task.
Example: When Squirrelflight is appointed as a warrior, there is no Clan camp to guard, so she receives the task to explore the lake with other warriors instead of the vigil.
Vigil for the Dead:
If a Clan cat dies, his/her body is taken to the center of the camp, and several of their Clanmates, usually the cat's family members, close friends, and mentor/apprentice sit vigil for them through the night, sharing tongues for the last time before the elders bury the cat in the morning.
There can also be vigils for cats without bodies and suspected dead. A body isn't buried, but the cats still sit vigil.
Example: Like ThunderClan did when they suspected that Graystripe died or when Ravenpaw supposedly died.