Traditions & Faiths

This page gives you a quick look at some of the better known Wiccan traditions, and other Pagan paths. Wicca is a very open religion, with a focus on finding what works best for the individual, and there are almost as many different ‘flavours’ as there are people practising them. Many of these will follow a similar core set of ideas or beliefs, and from there a new tradition is born. One of the benefits to following a set tradition is the guidance available to you from people who have walked that path ahead of you, but it can be just as rewarding and fulfilling to find your own path as you go, practising a form of eclectic Wicca or Paganism.

Alexandrian: This was begun in the 1960’s by Alex Sanders and his wife. He originally claimed to have been initiated by his grandmother at the age of seven, however he later admitted this was untrue and he had, in fact, been initiated into a Gardnerian coven. A great deal of the Alexandrian beliefs stem from Gardner’s teachings, though there are a few fundamental theological differences. The Alexandrian traditions focuses on Quabalah, Enochian and angelic magick.

British Traditional: This refers to Pagans who have, via initiatory lineage, maintained a set of beliefs and practices, the best known of which is Gardnerian. They have structured levels of initiation, and their covens are normally small and co-ed.

Celtic: This system uses the beliefs of the old Celts and Druids. They generally do not use heavily structured rituals, and they hold a vast knowledge of and respect for natural magicks, such as the healing and magickal qualities of plants and stones, flowers, trees, elemental spirits and the fey.

Caledonii: Formally known as the Hecatine Tradition, this traditions originates from Scotland and aims to preserve the traditions and ancient festivals of the Scottish.

Ceremonial: Their rituals are derived from quabalistic and Egyptian magicks, and aim to achieve a stronger connection with divinity. Ceremonial magicians also seek to realize their full potential and abilities.

Church and School of Wicca: This school was founded by the married couple Gavin and Yvonne Frost. They offer correspondence courses, for a price, through the mail. The form of Wicca they teach is also known as ‘Frost Wicca’.

Dianic: This form of Wicca is known for balancing the female and male energies. It’s been called the feminist movement of Wicca. It was first highlighted by Margaret Murray in 1921 in “The Witch Cult in Western Europe.”

Eclectic: Eclectic witches do not follow any set pattern of tradition, practice or pantheon of Gods. They take what information they need from a system and use it themselves. In this system, rituals are less structured and formal, and it is very flexible.

Faerie: This involves working closely with nature, including devas, elementals and other nature spirits.

Gardnerian: This was founded by Gerald Gardner in 1950s in England. Gardner was the man who publicized Paganism as a way to stop it from dying out; this is where Wicca has it’s origins. The structure of rituals and workings today is largely based on Gardner’s work.

Hereditary: A hereditary witch is taught by a member of their family, and can trace their lineage back though their family line. These witches are also called fam trads.

Kitchen Witch: The focus of a kitchen witch will be on the hearth and home. They are very practical, using materials close to hand such as herbs and stones; natural magick, with the earth and the elements.

Pictish: This form of Paganism is solitary by nature, the practitioner attunes themselves to all aspects of nature, be it animal, vegetable or mineral. It is Scottish witchcraft with little religious practice, more magickal working.

Seax: Founded by Raymond Buckland, a Gardnerian initiate, in 1973 Seax-Wica was one of the first traditions to allow for solitary practice, and to permit self-initiation. These two facts made it a highly popular trad.

Solitary: This is not a tradition, it is a way of practicing. The solitary witch will work alone, on the whole, maybe joining with other for special occasions or exclusive events. A great deal of Pagans today are solitary, either because there are no others near them, or because they wish to remain in the “broom closet” due to possible discrimination.

Strega: (Stregheria) Begun in Italy circa 1353 with a woman called Aradia. This is also known as Italian traditional witchcraft.

Teutonic: The Teutons were a group of people who spoke the Germanic group of languages. Culturally, this included the English, Dutch, Icelandic, Danish, Norwegian, and Swedish peoples. Teutonic witches find inspiration in the myths and legends of the area their language originated.

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