The Qadishtu path and tradition are at once both brand-new and incredibly ancient. We are inspired by the original temple priestesses of ancient Sumer, who have been referred to by archaeologists as "sacred prostitutes". However, we have very little concrete knowledge today about what their priesthood entailed. We are left with vague references to their existence and activities, and many of these have been (possibly erroneously) interpreted for us by culturally biased researchers. We at the Temple of the Red Lotus are not attempting to recreate the actual religion of ancient Sumer. Rather, we have been inspired by the concept of the temple priestess/sacred prostitute, and have taken that ancient word "Qadishtu" to describe the special calling we experience as priest/esses of sacred sexuality. For more information on what we mean when we use this term, please see the Forum discussion called "What is Qadishtu?".

The Red Lotus Qadishtu Training Program is designed to help you become an adept Qadishtu/Qadesh. This program does not intend to teach basic magical skills or spiritual precepts. Anyone wishing to go through the training must already have a firm spiritual base from which to work and incorporate the Qadishtu training. To be Qadishtu is to fill a role, and that role can exist within any spiritual framework. While we do set forth some ethical precepts, it is not our job to convince you of a new belief system. These ethical precepts are in place to protect both us and those to whom we minister.

There are several reasons why someone may wish to seek this training, and you are asked this question in the application.

Training Only (for the purpose of personal growth or to augment one's existing ministry/work)
Training & Certification (for the purpose of validation of one's independent Qadishtu work)
Training, Certification & possibly to become a Staff Qadishti with the Temple of the Red Lotus

Application Process

Training to walk the Qadishtu path in the Red Lotus Tradition requires you to take several steps in the application process.  First, we ask that you register at the Temple's Forums: www.TempleRedLotus.com/forum.  Once you've done that, send a private message to Inara requesting authorization to access the application. She will send you an email notifiying you when your access has been changed.  You will then be asked to review and comment on three documents:

The Temple of the Red Lotus Guiding Principles
The Temple of the Red Lotus Code of Ethics
The Temple of the Red Lotus Qadishtu Training Program Outline

The next step is to complete a lengthy application, during which you will be asked to answer questions pertaining to your mundane education, your spiritual training and experience, and the reasons why you feel drawn to this path. Once the application has been reviewed, you will be asked to set up a meeting (either in person or via telephone) with one or more of the training staff, so that we may get to know you better in person. This will allow us and you to determine if we will be a good fit together.

The application requires the names and email addresses of two people who know you who would be willing to provide character references for you. They will be contacted, and your application will not be complete until their replies are received.

If you have any questions about this process, please email us at qadishtu@templeredlotus.com.


Fees

$20 one-time, non-refundable application fee.
$50 per training module (five training modules total), payable in installments, or in full at start of program for a 10% discount

Your application will not be complete until the application fee has been received.

Trainee to Staff

Please note that acceptance into and successful completion of the training program does not guarantee you a place among the Temple of the Red Lotus' Staff Qadishti. Upon successful completion, you will be given an opportunity to petition for a Staff position and your petition will be reviewed and voted upon by all current Staff Qadishti.

Thank you and good luck.

Namaste,
Inara