I'm not sure I follow the thrust of what you're trying to say. "Historical mystery cults" is really too broad of a generalistaion for any comparison. Personally, I see this as having more in common with the establishment and growth of christianity, than anything from pre christian pagandom. Both christianity and the modern wiccan movement seem to have established a 'clergy' first, unlike the 'historical' evolution of clergy or priestly classes in older religions. What's going on between BTW and eclectic wicca is comparable to the Roman Church and the reformation movement. As far as the obligations of clergy goes, one could say that 'historically' the foremost obligation is one of intercession between gods and laiety. That is the job. The whole idea is to ensure the gods are appeased and pleased, thus bestowing benefits upon the people.
no subject
"Historical mystery cults" is really too broad of a generalistaion for any comparison.
Personally, I see this as having more in common with the establishment and growth of christianity, than anything from pre christian pagandom. Both christianity and the modern wiccan movement seem to have established a 'clergy' first, unlike the 'historical' evolution of clergy or priestly classes in older religions. What's going on between BTW and eclectic wicca is comparable to the Roman Church and the reformation movement.
As far as the obligations of clergy goes, one could say that 'historically' the foremost obligation is one of intercession between gods and laiety. That is the job. The whole idea is to ensure the gods are appeased and pleased, thus bestowing benefits upon the people.