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Types Of Traditions




Though it is common for people use the terms Witchcraft and Wicca interchangeably, they are not synonymous. The nature of the Craft allows individuals the freedom to take responsibility for their path, thus even identifying with a particular tradition can offer little more than some very basic assumptions. Nonetheless, I have outlined some of the different traditions and sects of 'witches' that currently exist.



Alexandrian

The Alexandrian Tradition was founded in England during the 1960's by Alexander Sanders, who referred to himself as the "King of the Witches". The rituals are modified Gardnerian offshoot of focusing heavily upon training, with an emphasis on ceremonial magic, such as the Kabbalah, Angel Magic and Enochian. Typically, an Alexandrian coven has a hierarchical structure, meet on a regular basis (weekly), and/or on Full Moons, New Moons and the Festivals. This tradition adopts a preference for skyclad ceremony.



British

'British Traditional' refers to a number of traditions that originated in the British Isles, and share many characteristics. These are a mix of Celtic and Gardnerian beliefs, based heavily on the studies of Janet and Stewart Farrar (the famous Witch wife and husband). There is an emphasis on equality of worship of the Goddess and the God, the covens are co-ed, and they train through the degree process.



Cabbala:

The Jewish mysticism tradition. Its basis is on the torah inspired cosmology and metaphysic studies. They use magickal spells and chants for a higher spiritual level.



Caledonii

This is a Scottish denomination of the Craft that observes the unique festivals of the Scots. It was formerly known as the Hecatine Tradition.



Celtic

The Celtic tradition encompasses many traditions, such as Druidism, Celtic Shamanism, Celtic Wicca also known as Witta, and Culdees. Each brings a strength to stand alone, and to join together as the Celtic Tradition. It has mild Gardnerian ritual influence, with heavy emphasis on the elements, nature, and the Ancient Ones. There is much respect for the healing and magickal qualities of the plants, stones, flowers, trees, and elemental spirits. Existing Celtic paths are part of the Neo-pagan revival, but maintain the emphasis on healing and magick.



Ceremonial

This tradition uses a great deal of ceremonial magick in their practices. There is emphasis on the works of Aleister Crowley. Their rituals often lend themselves to Egyptian magick, as well as incorporating Kabbalistic magick.



Dianic

The Dianic Tradition is the most feminist of Craft traditions. Many Dianics worship the Goddess exclusively, and most Dianic covens are only women. Their rituals are derived from Gardnerian and Faery traditions, and tend to be eclectic. Their emphasis on the reclamation of the female divinity and female power yields a combination of spirituality and politics.



Eclectic

he Eclectic Tradition is that group of individuals that do not restrict themselves to any one particular tradition, but incorporate elements of several traditions to form their training and rituals. These individuals study from a variety of magickal systems, and embrace what is most effective.



Faery

The Faery Tradition places emphasis on polytheism, practical magic, self-development, sensual experiences and awareness, including sexual mysticism (not limited to heterosexual expression). There is no dominant gender in this tradition. This tradition is not for everybody, and is not amenable to mass attendance as many other Pagan paths. For more information on the Faery tradition, refer to the work of Starhawk, as she uses concepts developed in the Faery tradition to express her beliefs and practices.



Gardnerian

The Gardnerian Tradition follows a structured route in ceremony and practices. This tradition was organized by Gerald Gardner in the1950's, and further developed by Doreen Valiente. When the English laws against Witchcraft were repealed, Gardner published 'Witchcraft Today, which fueled the rituals and traditions of the coven. Gardner himself was heavily influenced by Freemasonry and Crowley's ceremony, as well as by folk magic and Tantric Hinduism. Worship focuses on the Goddess and the Horned God as the divine example of the polarity in all things. The Wiccan Rede is the guiding principle. This tradition was brought to the USA in the 1960's by Raymond and Rosemary Buckland.



Hereditary

A Hereditary Witch is one who can trace the Old Religion through their family tree.



Kitchen

A Kitchen Witch is one who deals with the practical side of religion, magick, and the earth and elements.



Minoan:

Started back in the 1960's by Herman Slater and Lady Rhea in NYC. It was a gay men’s coven that later stemmed into a sisterhood. They incorporate the Minoan Gods and Greek traditions along with some Gardnerian and Welsh rituals.



Seax

< H3>The Seax-Wicca tradition was founded by Raymond Buckland in 1973, and was based on Saxon traditions and mythology. The covens are led by a Priest and Priestess. They may work roved or skyclad. Their rituals are open, and decisions are made democratically.

Solitary

The Solitary Practitioner practices alone, regardless of tradition. These are witches that either do not have access to a coven, or do not want to be part of a coven. They have chosen to pursue their goal primarily from books. A solitary witch can do just about any magickal act or ritual alone, save the Great Rite!



This is not a comprehensive list of all the types of Witches, however, it does provide a general idea of the basics of what does exist.