Blv. Krystel High-Correll
First Priestess
First Priestess
Arch Priestess Krystel High-Correll served as First Priestess of the Correllian Tradition since 1979 (1579 Pi.), when she succeeded her aunt the Regent LaVeda in this capacity. Lady Krystel Retired in Office in the Year 16 Aq. (2016 CE) and retired officially in Year 24 Aq. Though she had many Regents over the years whom she trusted to act in her stead as First Priestess, in year 23 Aq (2023 CE), Lady Krystel appointed M. Rev. Alyssa Maxon Kemp as her successor to the office of the First Priestess of the Correllian Tradition, Lady Alyssa was confirmed to this office by vote of the Witan Council in Year 24 Aq.
Lady Krystel passed into spirit on June 7th Year 26 Aq (2026 CE)
Left: First Priestess Krystel High-Correll with First Priest Donald Lewis-Highcorrell, at the Lustration of the Ancestors for Year 16 Aq.
Lady Krystel passed into spirit on June 7th Year 26 Aq (2026 CE)
Left: First Priestess Krystel High-Correll with First Priest Donald Lewis-Highcorrell, at the Lustration of the Ancestors for Year 16 Aq.
Above: Colorized photo of Lady Krystel as a young woman
Lady Krystel was acclaimed First Priestess, Paramount High Priestess and Joint-Head of the Correllian Tradition, and Chief Priestess of the Correll Mother Temple in 1979. Lady Krystel was the hereditary Head of the Correllian lineage, and all living Correllians trace their lineage back through hers.
For some years Lady Krystel sought to retire from active service as First Priestess. In Year 5 Aquarius Lady Krystel announced her impending retirement, and actually retired in December of Year 7 Aquarius, just short of the 28th anniversary of her ascension to the office of First Priestess. For the next nine years the powers of the office of First Priestess were primarily exercised by the Chancellor, a position which has since been abolished, and various temporary Regents; as well as Lady Krystel herself who periodically returned from retirement when needed. In Year 23 Aq Lady Krystel declared Lady Alyssa Maxon Kemp to be her permanent successor in the Office of First Priestess. Lady Alyssa acted as her Co-Regent until she was confirmed by vote of the Witan Council in early 24 Aq.
For some years Lady Krystel sought to retire from active service as First Priestess. In Year 5 Aquarius Lady Krystel announced her impending retirement, and actually retired in December of Year 7 Aquarius, just short of the 28th anniversary of her ascension to the office of First Priestess. For the next nine years the powers of the office of First Priestess were primarily exercised by the Chancellor, a position which has since been abolished, and various temporary Regents; as well as Lady Krystel herself who periodically returned from retirement when needed. In Year 23 Aq Lady Krystel declared Lady Alyssa Maxon Kemp to be her permanent successor in the Office of First Priestess. Lady Alyssa acted as her Co-Regent until she was confirmed by vote of the Witan Council in early 24 Aq.
Although Lady Krystel was the first Matriarchal Head of Tradition ever to step down from active performance of the office, she cited the example of her aunt Blv. LaVeda who stepped down after thirteen years as Regent of the Tradition to allow for Krystel's own ascension.
The First Priestess is the Chief Priestess of the Correll Mother Temple. The Correll Mother Temple is primarily oracular in nature. It's ceremonies are concerned with divination, with the Ancestors, and with maintaining the equilibrium of the Universe and the Spiritual center of the Correllian Tradition.
Left: Lady Krystel (R) with Rev. Don and Blv. LaVeda in 1981
Lady Krystel was the daughter of the blv. Gloria High Correll, and was Head of the Louisine branch of the High-Correll family. A Correllian Priestess and former First Elder of the Correllian Tradition, the blv. Lady Gloria was also a Spiritualist Minister and a spiritual healer.
Lady Krystel received her Correllian initiation from the Blv. LaVeda Lewis-Highcorrell, former Regent of the Correllian Tradition, and by the mid seventies was serving as Maiden Priestess of the Correll Mother Temple, under the blv. Lady LaVeda’s imperium. Lady Krystel also founded the Temple of the Dancers of Shakti as a public arm of the Mother Temple in 1974 (1574 Pi.)
In 1979 AD Lady Krystel was acclaimed First Priestess and Paramount High Priestess of the Correllian Tradition.
Right: First Priestess Lady Krystel, First Priest Lord Don, and First Elder Lady Bitterwind, photographed in 1990.
Lady Krystel received her Correllian initiation from the Blv. LaVeda Lewis-Highcorrell, former Regent of the Correllian Tradition, and by the mid seventies was serving as Maiden Priestess of the Correll Mother Temple, under the blv. Lady LaVeda’s imperium. Lady Krystel also founded the Temple of the Dancers of Shakti as a public arm of the Mother Temple in 1974 (1574 Pi.)
In 1979 AD Lady Krystel was acclaimed First Priestess and Paramount High Priestess of the Correllian Tradition.
Right: First Priestess Lady Krystel, First Priest Lord Don, and First Elder Lady Bitterwind, photographed in 1990.
Deeply committed to the survival of the Pagan religions, it was by Krystel’s direction that the Correllian Tradition began holding public rituals, and began public teaching.
In keeping with these goals, Krystel commissioned the first version of Correllian Wicca lessons in 1981.
For many years Lady Krystel presided over a lively open discussion group, which introduced many people to Paganism and psychism for the first time.
Left: Lady Krystel in Witan robes. This photo is from 7 April, Year 2 Aquarius, the date on which Rev. Becci Penry of PURE Sanctuary Temple was seated on the Witan Council
In keeping with these goals, Krystel commissioned the first version of Correllian Wicca lessons in 1981.
For many years Lady Krystel presided over a lively open discussion group, which introduced many people to Paganism and psychism for the first time.
Left: Lady Krystel in Witan robes. This photo is from 7 April, Year 2 Aquarius, the date on which Rev. Becci Penry of PURE Sanctuary Temple was seated on the Witan Council
Now First Priestess Alyssa Maxon Kemp presents a hand made banner for the Correll Mother Temple to Lady Krystel and Lord Don at the Lustration of the Ancestors year 14 Aq. Also pictured Blv. Lady Bitterwind.
As well as Heading the Correll Mother Temple, Lady Krystel also served as Chief Priestess of the Correllian Temple of the Dancers of Shakti in the '80s and the Temple of the Clear Water in the '90s.
A highly skilled clairvoyant and spiritual healer, Lady Krystel worked as a psychic reader and teacher for many years.
Lady Krystel published poetry and was an accomplished watercolorist.
she also authored "Living the Wiccan Life." a book for new and entry level practitioners.
Rev. Krystel's lineage in the Correllian Tradition is thus:
Rev. Krystel High-Correll is the initiate of Blv. LaVeda Lewis-Highcorrell, Blv. LaVeda Lewis-Highcorrell is the initiate of Blv. Mable High Correll, Blv. Mable High Correll is the initiate of Blv. Caroline High Correll who is the founder of the Correllian Tradition.
Rev. Krystel High-Correll is the initiate of Blv. LaVeda Lewis-Highcorrell, Blv. LaVeda Lewis-Highcorrell is the initiate of Blv. Mable High Correll, Blv. Mable High Correll is the initiate of Blv. Caroline High Correll who is the founder of the Correllian Tradition.
Though not commonly used, Lady Krystel's full formal titulary is as follows:
Her Eminence the Most Reverend Krystel Neuman Highcorrell, Retired First Priestess and Paramount High Priestess of the Correllian Tradition, Witch Queen, Princess of House and Faith, Elder and Arch Priestess, High Priestess and Founding Head of the Temple of the Dancers of Shakti, Grand Deemstress and Former Grand Mistress of the Order of Deemsters, former Grand Mistress of the Order of World Walkers and the Order of Web Weavers.
Left: Lady Krystel's Correllian Heraldic banner, showing her personal Sigil at center, surrounded by the Chains of Office for the Council of Elders and the Witan Council, and surmounted by the First Priestess' coronet showing the Moon and Sun conjoined. The coronet is adorned with peony flowers showing that Lady Krystel is a member of the High-Correll family.
Her Eminence the Most Reverend Krystel Neuman Highcorrell, Retired First Priestess and Paramount High Priestess of the Correllian Tradition, Witch Queen, Princess of House and Faith, Elder and Arch Priestess, High Priestess and Founding Head of the Temple of the Dancers of Shakti, Grand Deemstress and Former Grand Mistress of the Order of Deemsters, former Grand Mistress of the Order of World Walkers and the Order of Web Weavers.
Left: Lady Krystel's Correllian Heraldic banner, showing her personal Sigil at center, surrounded by the Chains of Office for the Council of Elders and the Witan Council, and surmounted by the First Priestess' coronet showing the Moon and Sun conjoined. The coronet is adorned with peony flowers showing that Lady Krystel is a member of the High-Correll family.
Here is a poem written by Rev. Jacqueline deGraaf in honor of Lady Krystel's Retirement in Office:
Our First Priestess
(By Jacqueline DeGraaf - 12/13/07)
She has a face with a moonlit glow
and shares her love with all she knows.
She's guided us through the toughest of times
and has greatly enriched our lives.
Her knowledge she shares, with poise and grace.
One would be hard pressed to take her place.
She has given her all, but as time has shown,
there comes a time when we need to step down.
Just as the Crone Goddess fades, we tire as well.
Then comes the time to rest for a spell.
She will be sadly missed in her place on the throne,
but dwells as First Priestess in the hearts of all she has known.
In her retirement, I ask of Goddess above,
May her days now be full of laughter and love.
Of whom do I speak? Who's tale I do tell?
Our lovely First Priestess, Lady Krystel!!!!
Our First Priestess
(By Jacqueline DeGraaf - 12/13/07)
She has a face with a moonlit glow
and shares her love with all she knows.
She's guided us through the toughest of times
and has greatly enriched our lives.
Her knowledge she shares, with poise and grace.
One would be hard pressed to take her place.
She has given her all, but as time has shown,
there comes a time when we need to step down.
Just as the Crone Goddess fades, we tire as well.
Then comes the time to rest for a spell.
She will be sadly missed in her place on the throne,
but dwells as First Priestess in the hearts of all she has known.
In her retirement, I ask of Goddess above,
May her days now be full of laughter and love.
Of whom do I speak? Who's tale I do tell?
Our lovely First Priestess, Lady Krystel!!!!