A medicine cat ceremony is a ceremony in which a medicine cat apprentice finally gets their well earned medicine cat name,[1] because their mentor approves of their work and knowledge.[1]
Cinderpelt's medicine cat ceremony in Yellowfang's Secret
Medicine cat ceremony[]
Apprenticeship for medicine cats usually lasts much longer than those for warriors.[2] The cat must learn about all available herbs and remedies, and the treatment of diseases and injuries.[3]
Once the Clan's medicine cat is satisfied with the apprentice's knowledge, they go to the Clans' sacred place (such as the Moonstone or Moonpool).[4] This is the only ceremony that is not performed by the Leader.[1] The following words are used, by tradition:
- Medicine Cat: 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. (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).[5]
The medicine cat rests their muzzle on the apprentice's head, and they lick the mentor's shoulder.[6] The other medicine cats greet them by their new name.[7]
See also[]
Notes and references[]
| Hierarchy and positions in the Warriors world | |
|---|---|
| Clan hierarchy | Kits • Apprentices • Warriors • Deputies • Leaders • Queens • Elders • Medicine cats • Mediators |
| Ceremonies | Vigil • Apprentice • Warrior • Deputy • Leader • Elder • Medicine cat • Name changing |
| Tribe hierarchy | To-bes • Cave-guards • Prey hunters • Kit mothers • Healer/Stoneteller |
| Miscellaneous | General Clan information • General Tribe information • Cat names |
| Other groups | Loners • Rogues • Kittypets |