Ceremonial magick, although often used and played up by charlatans, is normally used to attain a stronger connection with divinity and realize higher purposes and abilities. This encompases many traditional rituals with a basis of Egyptian magick and often follows ceremonies found in the ancient Kabbalistic writings. The Teutons have been recognized as one of the earliest practioners of the craft. They are also known as Nordic. A Teutonic Witch often finds inspiration in the traditional myths and legends of the germanic tribes.
A tradition begun in Italy around 1353 by a woman called Aradia. Based on family traditions passed down from generation to generation. The traditions can be passed on to blood relatives or adopted offspring which have been raised within the family. They are generally trained by a family member and/or can trace their family history back to other Witches. Their beliefs are a mixture of many different things.
Of Scottish background, this sect focuses on all the aspects of nature, but this is more often than not a solitary form of the Craft.
Of Scottish origins, this sect is also known as Hecatine and attempts to preserve the ancient festivals of the culture. This sect concentrates on the elements, nature and the Ancients. With their great knowledge of healing, magick and nature, including plants, animals and stones,this tradition is probably the closest in structure to the ancients. They are extremely dedicated to preserving the importance of traditional Celtic values such as honor, courage, truth, strength,wisdom, and eloquence. Aided by the fey, Celtic magick is full of fun, yet powerful.
Modern Druidism, one of the Neo-pagan families of religion, includes Wicca, Asatru, Shamanism, & Witchcraft of the Norse, Egyptian, Greek, and Roman types. Contemporary Druidism is a reconstruction of the beliefs of the ancient Celtic priesthood. First known to exist in approximately 4,000 BCE, the ancient Druids, are believed to date back farther than any recorded history. Strong in their knowledge and wisdom, they concentrated on "The Belief in Supreme Power of the Universe, and the Belief of Immortality of the Soul, & kept all their knowledge "hidden" by "storing" it solely in their minds. No written documents were kept that we know of." Each one underwent a lengthy three phase scholastic, artisan, and spiritual training, which is mentioned in Romantic text to have been as long as 20 years. The Gypsies, from whom I also descended (also Irish & Scot), were one of the last active sustainers of Goddess-worship in Europe & many were ostracized for that reason among others. Most Europeans thought the gypsies hailed from Egypt, hence their name, "gypsy" was a shortened form of the word "Egyptians." Although kept hidden from non-gypsies, the people actually showed that they came from Hindu roots and held a strong belief in reincarnation and karma. A gypsy fortune teller or cartomancer was called a Vedacica, or reader of the Vedas. This comes from the Hindu beliefs. The goddess of the gypsies was a trinity like so many others. Kali was her name & she was viewed as the same three sisters of Fate worshipped by many Pagans and Witches. It was said that she visited each newborn child in the form of three mystic ladies. & baptismal ceremonies included three offerings on the infant's bed, "one for each goddess of fate." The three divine Mothers were symbolized by a triangle, the Tantric Yogis' sacred Yoni Yantra, immemorial sigh of woman. The gypsy word for a fairy is rashani which actually means "priestess." One of the most common gypsy surnames was Faa: "Fay," or "Fairy." Gypsy lore was kept hidden for good reason for many centuries, as it was viewed as heresy by the Church, and even rumor or folk tales could turn into excuses for persecution. And whether we like it or not the prejudice against gypsies still exists today. During the times of Hitler, they were declared "subhumans," and along with Jews, Slavs and other "non-Aryans were slaughtered without conscience." Over 400,000 gypsies were killed in the German concentration camps. It may not be a "witch burning" but death this way is still murder. A combination of Celtic and Native American traditions, most often Cherokee. Formed in the Smoky Mountains of Tennessee, the Carolinas and southwestern Virginia.
Janet and Stewart Farrar, a husband and wife team that hail from England, researched and compiled many of the ancient and modern beliefs from many different sects of the Craft. Many contemporary sects are in one way or another based on these studies. Founded in the 1960s by Alex Sanders and his wife Maxine in England, this sect is losely based on the Gardenarian beliefs. He built his sect in England and called himself "King" of the Coven. He and Maxine initiated a great many people in the 1960s and 1970s, including Stewart Farrar and Janet Owen. Alex Sanders drew much attention from the media and was thereafter referred to as the "King of Witches. British Traditional A mixture of Celtic and Gardenarian rituals. This sect is based on the Farrar studies of Wicca and is exceptionally structured in belief and ritual. A person only becomes part of the Coven through training, education and a process of degree.
There are two seperate types of the Dianic Craft that exist. One branch, founded in Texas by Morgan McFarland and Mark Roberts, worships the Goddess, but honors the Horned God as Her Beloved Consort. Covens include both women and men. This branch is sometimes called 'Old Dianic', and there are still covens of this tradition,many right here in my home state of Texas. The second type is frequently called "the Feminist Dianic" movement of the craft, this sect focuses on the Goddess & consists of women-only covens and groups. It was first brought to major attention in 1921 by Margaret Murray. An Witch Eclectic blends the ideas of many traditions or sources together. This is a label for the types of Wicca that are difficult to place. Eclectic practitioners do not follow any particular traditions, rituals or ceremonies. Instead practioners focus on what feels best to them. Other studies done by this group are based on information gathered from books, or other practicing witches.
A retired civil servant from Britain named Gerald B. Gardner founded this sect during the 1950s. Gardner wanted to ensure that the Old Religion did not become extinct. So he brought his cause out in the open and laid it before the public. Many of the rituals and magickal workings of today in numerous traditions descended from Gardner.
Founded by Raymond Buckland, Seax-Wicca is based on the ancient Saxon beliefs & very closely related to the Gardnerian traditions. It was among the first of traditions to make allowances for solitaries and the self-initiatiation. Buckland wanted to bring the ancient rituals into modern language and acceptable ceremonies. In 1973 his dream became a reality & it was all made public.
SCHOOL OF WICCA: A correspondence school founded by Gavin and Yvonne Frost and once based in North Carolina . They are often the first or only resource available to people who live in 'bible belt' or remote areas.
SOLITARY WITCH: One who practices alone. A Solitary Witch could be from any of the traditions, or none at all.
This name "Kitchen Witch" is often brought up in conversation, but is more often used derogatorally. These particular practitioners practice healing and ceremonies based on family tradition. They focus on magick and spirituality that is centered around hearth and home. Folk medicine, Grandma's healing remedies and special family secrets or traditions make up the majority of the beliefs in this sect.The beliefs of these practitioners is often handed down from generation to generation, so they could also be labeled as Heredity. |
Celtic: Honor, Responsibility and Duty Always!
Strength be to me and to thee."
Blessed be!