First of all I should say this. Traditional Witchcraft is NOT Wicca, and is NOT Eclectic Witchcraft. If your looking for a site on those two branches of Witchcraft then you've come to the wrong place. I will cover them briefly at points in this document though, so as to allow you to see the differences.
Traditional Witchcraft to the best of our knowledge pre-dates almost all of the other known religions of the planet and dates back to the paleolithic period, (about 40,000 years ago.) Traditional Witchcraft is however a religion that has almost died out due to the predations of other religions, and the secrecy of its members. Witchcraft is the name given to one of the ancient pagan religion. A religion that weas practiced in many forms by many people including most notably the Celts. A point that should be noted is that the Celt's/Pagan's across Europe had varying belief's and rituals which differed not only over time but from Clan to Clan and village to village, so what I have noted here on these pages are basic primer details, the Celt's are more famous for following the more traditional Pagan religion, and the Druidic religion. Traditional Witchcraft as it is practiced by most Traditional Witches today is of British origin, (where the Pagan revivial began half a century ago,) although other european origins exist, and may vary in technique and rituals. Most Trad Witches will add a little of their local environment and cultural background and customs to it making it unique to them.
With regards to our european ancestors beliefs we do know a few things about them and their view of life. The native people of Europe believed in spirits and/or gods, usually associated with the Earth, Sun, and Moon, and these spirits and/or gods led lives that followed the sun's annual journey. The Sun and the moon, and tha changing of the seasons was of great importance to all people as they worked their year around the agricultural year. This is why Samhain is the Celtic/Pagan New Year as the agricultural year ended with the harvest having been taken in, and the new seeds for the new crop having been planted. Witchcraft is the modern interpretation of the name given to the pagan religion by Christianity. It is also from Christianity that the vast majority of our knowledge of the Pagan/Witch way of life and beliefs come from. Other sources include some archeological digs across Europe, and from Family Traditionals who have maintained an oral history of these ancient religions.
Traditional Witchcraft Coven's do not have the Degree's of initiation that Wicca has. Traditional Witchcraft normally just has a leader of a Coven who is chosen for their knowledge, experience and a willingness to lead. Christianity adopted many of the rituals and customs of the Pagan's, Druids and Witches, Yule becoming Christmas, Oester become Easter, and so on until all of the pagan religions festivals where incorporated into the Christian tradition, as Christianity suppressed the native religions of the lands it occupied. Some may think this strange, however this is quite normal for any religion attempting to conquer another. The conquering religion will incorporate some of the beliefs, festivals or deities of the conquered religion, brandishing the rest as evil. This is no different from thousands of years ago as it is compared today where this still takes place in such locations as Tibet, (China's suppression of the native religion,) and Africa, (many countries, tribes and beliefs.)
Traditional Witches do not follow any religious book, nor do they believe in any singular deity. The vast majority of Witches do not believe in any deities at all, and believe in a singular all powerful force known as nature. (This is mostly due to the evolution of the religion over time, I have met Trad Witches who have believed in deities, and those who haven't, the choice really is yours.) When most people think of nature they think of tree's and animals, they don't think of everything single natural and manufactured thing on this planet, and the rest of our solar system, galaxy and universe as well. Nature encompasses all of these things and we generally see but a small part of it. Traditional Witches do not worship any entities, although they do recognise the existence of other entities, (commonly referred to as spiritis.) Trad Withes believe in the equality of all beings in the Universe, seeing them all as different and separate but still equal. Traditional Witches revere and respect Nature, however they do not worship it or its representatives.
Traditional Witches call on no deities, but may call on spirits. Trad Witches may occasionally call on the elements as well, however a large majority of Trad Witches do not as the belief of 4 elements is originally a greek belief and not Celtic in origin where Witchcraft originates from. When performing magic a Trad Witch will commonly call on assistance from a spirit in the spirit world. Trad Witches see the spirit world and physical world as being linked but separate. We can not see the spirit world and the spirit world is unable to touch the physical world. The only time when the veil between the two worlds is at its thinnest is on the night of Samhain.
When we die we Witches travel to the plane of existence called the spirit world. This is where we rest before continuing our journey. When we continue our journey we may be born into a new life, reincarnation being commonly believed in by many Witches, and is also where the phrase "Once a Witch, always a Witch," comes from. It does not mean just one lifetime however but many. However another alternative is that we meld with nature becoming one with it, commonly becoming a land spirit, one reason why we always show respect for the spirits as they are the spirits of those that have passed before us. In the vast majority of cases however spirits will remain as themselves within the spirit world sometimes interacting, (or trying to,) with the living.
Many people believe in Karma, including Wiccans, however this is not a part of Traditional Witchcraft, as the concept of Karma is a Hindu/Buddhist concept and not one of western europe. What Traditional Witches do believe in is fate. We all have a fate, what that is however we may not know until it happens, or perhaps we may be born with knowledge of what this is. Our fate is one of the many mysteries that unfolds as we grow older.
Traditional Witches observe the sabbats as these days correspond to solstices and equinoxes, but do not relate them to a specific mythology, such as can be seen in other pagan religions. In Traditional Witchcraft it is the seasonal changes themselves that are honoured, not the lives of any Gods or Goddesses that other religions associate with them. Traditional Witches observe Moon phases and other natural phenomena also. The full moon being of significant importance. The Esbats (full moons) being more important than the Sabbats even.
In Traditional Witchcraft all life, all nature, all space is considered to be sacred. A point should be made that whilst all Trad Witches would love to be able to perform magic and rituals in woodland glades, or on the top of hills this is simply not practical. As we believe that everything is sacred it is perfectly acceptable to do magic or ritual in your living room or bedroom as opposed to a woodland glade. It may not feel as disney-esque but its perfectly acceptable.
Magic is central to Traditional Witchcraft, whereas many Eclectic Witches, Wiccans or Pagans do not practice any magic at all. ALL Traditional Witches do, although not in the same ritualistic way that a Wiccan would. It could be a simple spell cast whilst cooking to improve the taste of food, to a Earth healing spell done in the sanctuary of a private garden. All religions use magic, as it may be defined as any attempt to effect the outcome of a given situation by supernatural means (though in Traditional Witchcraft these means are seen as natural). Prayer, for example, is a form of magic, however the majority of the religions of the world deny this as being magic.
When practiced, the magic of Traditional Witchcraft is very practical. Herbal healing, for example, is a traditional practice. Also, the magic of Traditional Witchcraft may include hexes and curses without a specific rule to prevent such acts, (see Hexes & Curses section,) though their use is only in the most extreme of cases.
When casting spells and performing rituals a Traditional Witch will keep everything simple and practical, ignoring the type of ritual that Wiccans or other High Magic users would do. If a Traditional Witch doesn't have the right herbs or stones they won't worry, they'll just carry on regardless. In many cases they will never use any additional spell ingredients other than their mind and willpower, (commonly a single candle to aid concentration.) Traditional Witches follow a folk magic system rather than the High Magic system that Wicca employs. Many people believe that Witchcraft itself is a magical system however that is an incorrect belief. Witchcraft is a religion, yet it employs a magical system. The magic of a Traditional Witch is simple, practical, and powerful.
Wiccans and Eclectic Witches have what they refer to as a Book of Shadows, a book that they are required to create themselves creating their notes, spells, and anything else they feel like. Traditional Witches also have something similar to this which we call a Grimoire. A point to note however is that these BoS's and Grimoires are recent things. This causes a lot of confusion amongst many people who believe that their ancient ancestors would have had a Book of Shadows or Grimoire containing everything to do with their religion. This simply isn't true as many people several hundred years and further back were illiterate, and to have any written evidence of their beliefs come lead to their death if it was found. Today we have Grimoires for ease of reference. With our everyday lives there is a lot to remember and having our spells, reference details, and everything else written in a Grimoire is easier for us, and in these more enlightened times we aren't going to be burnt at a stake or hung for being found with such a book. (At least we hope not =)
Traditional Witchcraft Covens have very few rites of passage if any at all. Rituals may be performed at specific stages of a person's life, and are most definately performed to celebrate the changing of the year. Rites of passage in Traditional Witchcraft unlike those of Wicca vary greatly from Coven to Coven and Solitary to Solitary depending entirely upon the individual or groups preferences, and their cultural history. Most solitary Traditional Witchs chose to ignore many rites of passage that other religious groups would follow and pick and choose what they do and don't follow. Freedom to do so is one of the rights of being a Witch.
Traditional Witchcraft has neither Wiccan Rede nor Threefold Law. Both of these were included into Wicca by Gerald Gardner to ensure a defined form of moral code, and originate from eastern idea's. Trad Witches are required to depend entirely upon their own personal responsibility and honor and ask themselves everytime whether something is moral or ethical. We Trad Witches don't believe in any good or evil force. Although we do believe that people can be good or evil there is no specific good or evil force such as the Devil in Chrisitianity. The intent of someones actions are what concern us most. Humans have the ability to make decisions and act on them, and they may choose and act with good or evil intentions. Traditional Witchcraft does not set out laws as to what actions and intentions are evil, but followers of this path take responsibility for their own actions. Witchcraft teaches that you should follow your heart and take responsibility for your actions.
People commonly see Witches as the casters of curse and hexes. Whereas Wicca for an example is strictly opposed to Hexes and Curses, there are no such restrictions within Traditional Witchcraft. However, (and this is why this section is after the Ethics section,) if the thought arises of casting a hex or curse we must ask ourselves is it ethical. Any Witch will tell you that in the defence of loved ones and family the answer is yes. If however it relates to cursing someone who cut you up on the motorway then the answer is no.
Witch's are naturally sceptical by nature, possessing an open but critical mind. Being open-minded is a good thing but not when it makes you susceptable to believing everything that you are told. It may sound like a strange thing to say with regard to a religion but take a scientific approach and gather as much information, (facts,) as possible on the subject before you form opinions and decisions. Witches strive for wisdom and balance. You will need to be courteous, understanding and diplomatic. Sometimes you will be silent and simply listen, and at other times you will offer advice or comfort. Don't try to show off your talents and draw attention to yourself as it is unbecoming. It is also important to realize that all paths lead to the same source, so respect all paths, even if you don't agree with them. Stand up for your beliefs, but don't belittle others for their views. Always try to be confident and respect your body mentally and physically, for it is your temple. Your mind and will are powerful tools, and with a healthy body, can bring about incredible change, and really, this is all you need to "do" magic.
Unlike some other religions Witchcraft see's sex as sacred and special. It is not something to be shunned into a dark closet as dirty and evil, but enjoyed and revered as a blessing. Wiccan's believe that the act of sex/love making is a gift from the Goddess. Traditional Witches see it as a gift and/or blessing from nature. Many Witches use the inherent power of sex to power spells, which is one reason why Tantric Sex is widely practised by Witch couples. The magical aspects of tantric sex can be harnessed by a couple working together to greatly enhance a particular spell they are casting. On safety note however if you find a coven and they say that you must have sex with the coven leader or members they are talking rubbish. Certain Pagan rituals centuries ago may have involved such things for certain rites but none do today.
The Pentagram is the symbol of Witches, and many other Pagan's. It is used mainly for Protection, Healing and Magic. The Pentagram itself signifies the basic elements and spirit. From top going clockwise (deosil) they are spirit, earth, (north,) air, (east,) fire, (south) and water, (west.)
There are many different traditions of Witchcraft, and peoples views and beliefs can differ greatly from Traditional Witch, to Wiccan, to Eclectic. Where a Traditional Witch acknowledges no Deities, but simply believes in the male and female spiritual and sexual polarities of nature. A Wiccan incorporates the Kabbalah and Eastern practices into their tradition of Witchcraft worshipping the male and female of nature as a God and Goddess. An Eclectic Witch however chooses a pantheon of Gods and Goddesses to represent the different area's of nature and desire to worship.
Even within these three main traditions of Witchcraft there are subheading traditions, such as Gardnerian Wicca, Alexandrian Wicca, Dianic Wicca, etc, etc. Eclectic Witchcraft differs based on the pantheon of deities used, be they Norse, Roman, Greek, or ancient Pagan.
However they all share the same core belief, and that is that nature is sacred, and as children of nature we should learn to live within nature, and care for it as much as we are humanly possible.
Many people believe that the number 13 is unlucky, and especially if the 13th day of the month falls on a friday. This friday the 13th is reputed to have its origins in the arrest of the Knights Templar on October 12th and their trials and tortures on the 13th, (a friday) which were said to be so awful that the surviving Knights said that the day itself (friday 13th) was evil. 13 has had notiriety as unlucky in superstitions such as 13 people sitting at dinner. The first to rise will be the first to die.
As Witches though we know that no number in itself can be unlucky, nor any particular day. If anything the number 13 is lucky as it is the number of full moons during the year, and reverred by many Witches as a very lucky number. Something to remember the next time someone looks worried that friday the 13th is coming up soon.
If I become a Witch do I get to make up a craftname for myself ?? Simple answer NO !! Craftnames have absolutely nothing to do with Traditional Witchcraft, and are a Wiccan invention. Now you might ask "But isn't EchoWitch a craftname?" And the answer there again would be NO. The name EchoWitch is merely an internet pseudonym to try and maintain some level of anonymity on the web.
Some of you may want to have a craftname anyway but Trafitional Witchcraft doesn't have them, and from some of the craftnames I've seen they come across as very pretentious with everyone naming themselves after Deities, and calling themselves Lord this or Lady that. Even some Wiccans, Pagans and Druids I know feel that the idea of a craftname is daft. Nature knows who you are, not by any name but by your presence within nature. Names mean nothing to nature.
Im going to have a little rant and rave here because some things get on my nerves so much that I just have to vent them. I am referring to three things.
1) Wicca confusing Witchcraft
There are numerous books out there about Wicca which constantly and repeatedly refer to Wicca and Witchcraft being one and the same thing. As I've already stated on my site they are not. They are very very different, however many wiccan books confuse the two and use them interchangeably which irritates not only myself but other Trad Witches as well.
2) Which Witch is Witch
What is a Witch ??? A Witch is a person, (male or female,) that practices the religion of Witchcraft. It is NOT a Wiccan, a female spellcaster, a female Satanist, or anything else similar. Personally I find it very annoying when confronted by silly little children, (regardless of beliefs,) that call themselves Witches yet they are not a believer of Witchcraft, all they have done is either read a book about Wicca or Satanism, or they have watched way too many episodes of Charmed or Sabrina. Even the friends I have who are Trad Witches, Wiccans, Satanists, and other Pagan branches find this annoying as well as confusing.
3) Stupid Books
This saturday just gone, (25th of August 2002,) I saw a book in WH Smith in Guildford that annoyed me so much that I just had to comment on it to my friend who was shopping with me. It was a book about Wizards, and detailed the religion of Wizards, and spells to be done for a variety of things. Obviously the individual who wrote this book has read too many Harry Potter books, (personally I adore Harry Potter but I do have a grip on reality as well,) and then got their hands on a book about Wicca, as they have basically written about the Wiccan religion and simply changed the words Wicca and Wiccan for Wizard. Does anyone ever check the authenticity of these books before they are released ????
The Difference between Wicca and Traditional Witchcraft
What Traditional Witchcraft is not
Religious Rivalry - Important Read
Further/suggested reading
These books aren't neccesarily about Traditional Witchcraft, but are excellent reads all the same, and especially so for the beginner to better understand the diversity of Witchcraft, (and the other pagan religions such as Wicca as well.) I have included links to Amazon for these books for the readers ease.
Embracing the Moon by Yasmine Galenorn
Green Witchcraft by Ann Moura
Witches Diary 2002 (Great for quick reference of dates and moon times. For UK users add 5 hours on to all the times)
A Beginners Guide to Witchcraft Teresa Moorey (An excellent Beginners book)
Links
Witchcraft
The Modern Tradition of Witchcraft Website
House Shadow Drake
Paganism
Out of the Dark Pagan, Wicca, Witchcraft Resource
Pagan Federation
Druidism
Druids Grove
Wicca
Wicca - Celtic Connection
Silver Hoofs Inc (Wolfen Wicca)
Wicca Rant
Eclectic Witchcraft & General Sites including Eclecticism
WitchVox
Witch/Pagan Resource