Much of conventional Wicca is organized into traditions. Since traditions, by definition, are beliefs and practices that are passed from one generation or group to another, a Wiccan tradition is a specific form of Wiccan practice that is passed to other persons, usually following initiation. Wiccan traditions are one of our religion's strongest survival mechanisms. Structure is necessary for every religion's survival. Without it, it will crumble in confusion and chaos. If every Wiccans constantly reinvented every aspect of Wicca (tools, ritual forms, deity concepts), our religion as we know it would soon disappear. Lacking tradition forms and beliefs, it could hardly be passed on to others. As Solitary Wiccans, we generally don't practice a specific Wiccan tradition (unless we've been so trained and have left a coven). This presents us with great freedom. Some Solitary Wiccans create new rituals for each Sabbat and Esbat and practice a rather loose form of Wicca. However, many Solitaries feel the need to create their own traditions so that their religious practices and beliefs are supported by a solid foundation. Though such new traditions will evolve with time and experience, they do provide a firm rock to grasp in the often stormy sea of self-directed worship, and is a reassurance that the Wiccan is walking the right path. In a sense, a Wiccan tradition is a map pointing out a specific route to the Goddess. It's never necessary to take on this task. However, if you do decide to create your own tradition, here are some things to consider. Why Create a tradition? Why not? Few published Books of Shadows are complete, and virtually all are designed for group worship. Thus, none are ideally suited to the Solitary practitioner. This alone is reason enough to create your won Wiccan tradition. Additionally, the published sets of rituals may seem distant, or foreign, or they may not move you to fully involve yourself in Wicca. You also may have far too many questions regarding a specific Wiccan tradition, even one that has been published, to adequately perform its rites. Then again, a creative streak may be moving within you, searching for an outlet. Creating a Wiccan tradition is a creative process, but it must be done with control. How to Begin Right now, as you are reading this, grab a pen and seven sheets of paper. On the top of the first page, write the following in large letters:
DEITY CONSEPTS On the second sheet write: TOOLS, ALTARS, DRESS, JEWELRY Third: RITUALS Fourth: BELIEFS Fifth: RULES Sixth: SYMBOLS AND RUNES Seventh: THE BOOK OF SHADOWS Use these pages to make rough notes while reading more about Wicca. Later, you'll probably need far more room for your thoughts and notes on each subject, but this is a fine start. (Utilizing a computer or a typewriter, at this early stage, might slow you down.) The important part is to start actually putting thoughts into words on a page. These will eventually evolve into rituals, beliefs, rules, and other things. A Wiccan tradition isn't misty or ethereal; it possesses specifics, and to create a Wiccan tradition you must first determine these specifics. Wicca isn't a spiritual free-for-all. A true Wiccan tradition must be based upon Wiccan conventions. Though there's plenty of room for personal touches, some things are essentially Wiccan and can't be discarded. These will be clearly pointed out. Creating your own Wiccan tradition is exciting and challenging. It's a process of defining not only your means of spiritual expression, but also the nature of your spirituality itself. Thus, it's a journey of self-discovery. This again as you may have guessed is from the same Scott Cunningham book
