Traditions
Tradition means a way of celebrating the God and Goddess by the use of semi-structured
guidelines passed down through the years, with various modifications to suit the needs of
the group along the way. Listed below are some of the different Traditions/Trads and
sects Witches use today.
Alexandrian
Founded in England during the 1960's, Alex Sanders refered to himself as the
"King" of his witches. The rituals are said to be modified Gardenarian.
British
A mix of Celtic and Gardenarian beliefs. Most famous organization at this time is
the International Red Garters. British Traditionals move mostly from within the Farrar
studies (the famous Witch husband and wife from England). They too are fairly structured
in their beliefs, and train through the degree process. Their covens are also co-ed.
Celtic Wicca
The use of a Celtic/Druid pantheon mixed with a little ritual Gardnerian,
and heavily stressing the elements, nature and the Ancient ones. They had a vast knowledge
of and respect for the healing and magickal qualities of plants and stones, flowers, trees,
elemental spirits, the little people, gnomes and fairies.
Caledonii
Formally known as the Hecatine Tradition, this denomination of the Craft is
Scottish in origin, and still preserves the unique festivals of the Scots.
Ceremonial Witchcraft
Followers of this Tradition uses a great deal of ceremonial magick
in their practices. Detailed rituals with a flavor of Egyptian magick
are sometimes a favorite or they may use the Qabbalistic magick.
Dianic
First pinpointed by Margaret Murray in 1921 in "The Witch-Cult in Western
Europe", this term appears to include a mixture of various traditions. However, their prime
focus in recent years is on the Goddess, and has been pegged as the "feminist" movement of
the Craft.
Eclectic Witch
It indicates that the individual does not follow any particular Tradition,
denomination, sect or magickal practice. They learn and study from many magickal
systems and apply to themselves what appears to work best.
Gardnerian
Organized by Gerald Gardner in England in the 1950's. He was one of the few people so determined
that the Old Religion should not die that he took the risk of publicizing it through the media.
He understood that the young needed the Craft as much as the Craft needed
a new generation to survive.
Hereditary Witch
One who can trace the Craft through their family tree and who has been taught the Old Religion
by a relative who was living at the same time.
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