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Which Witch
Are You?
There are several different
traditions of Wicca. Here are some of the more well-known traditions.
You could practice one, none or mix and match as you see fit. If
you are not immediately drawn to one, research a couple until you
find the one that fits. If
you are a practitioner of a tradition not on this list, e-mail Apythia
the information, and we will be happy to add it.
Alexandrian Tradition:
Founded in England during the 1960's, Alex Sanders referred to himself
as the "King" of his Witches. It is a formal, structed,
neo-Gardnerian tradition. There is a public domain version of the
Alexandrian
Book of Shadows available online.
Amythystian :
Founded in 1968 by Lady Amethyst. Tradition is rooted in the Order
of the Garter, Order of the Royal Oak. Traditional with lots of
Hermetic beliefs. Dedicated to preserving old traditions while growing
into a new generation of enlightened ones. Teaches by example in
daily life, at home and at work, as well as when among our own.
Known through work and deeds. Believes in a strict code of ethics
exemplified by one's actions and lives by the Wiccan Rede.
Aquarian Tabernacle
Church: An
American Tradition of Wicca based on English Traditional Wicca,
and focused on service to the larger Wiccan and Pagan community
through open worship gatherings. ATC was founded in 1979 by Pierre
"Pete Pathfinder" Davis. The Church is based in Index,
WA. ATC provides
regular, open worship circles and also sponsors several annual festivals.
ATC also functions as an umbrella organization, accepting affiliations
by Wiccan groups wishing to become recognized, open and public Wiccan
churches.
Black Forrest Clan:
This is Silver RavenWolf's group and is considered Euro-Wiccan,
drawing from Silver's German heritage and Pow-Wow and training she
received from her Old Guard Wiccan magickal teachers. The Black
Forest is not a social organization and does not charge an initiation
or elevation fee. The Black Forest training program is designed
specifically to train Wiccan Clergy, and therefore does not train
individuals new to the Craft, nor is it considered a social organization.
Blue Star Wicca:
Blue Star was founded Frank Duffner in 1975 in Pennsylvania. Blue
Star practices mostly as a hierarchical, mystery-based tradition
with its roots in Alexandrian Craft. Most covens operate on a Grove
system, in which uninitiated members and students comprise an Outer
Court, and Initiates make up an Inner Court. Traditionally, a Coven
(or circle) would include both Inner and Outer court members and
would be presided over by a Third Degree High Priest and High Priestess.
British Traditional
Witch: A formal, structured, neo-Gardner that is 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/ They too are fairly structured in
their beliefs, and train through the degree process. Their covens
are also co-ed.
Caledonii Tradition:
Formally known as Hecatine Tradition, this denomination of the Craft
is Scottish in origin, and still preserves the unique festival of
the Scots.
Celtic Wicca: The
use of a Celtic/Druidic pantheon mixed with a little ritual Gardenarian,
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.
Ceremonial Witchcraft:
Followers of this Tradition use 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.
Church and School
of Wicca: This
is one of the many Welsh-based traditions. It was originally founded
by Gavin and Yvonne Frost in the early 1970s. As "The Church
and School of Wicca" the material is presented to students
by correspondence, though the course is virtually the same as the
material presented in their book. Originally (in the book) there
was no mention of the Goddess at all and there were various sexual
aspects which dismayed many who were otherwise drawn to the tradition.
The latter situation has recently been modified and there is now
mention of the Goddess. It is a widely spread tradition, found throughout
this country and abroad.
Circle Wicca:
Circle was begun in 1974 by Selena Fox and Jim Alan. Its headquarters
are at Circle Sanctuary, a 200 acre Nature preserve and organic
herb farm in southwestern Wisconsin.They publish an annual source,
the Circle Guide to Pagan Resources as well as a quarterly
magazine, Circle Network News.
Correllian Tradition:
The Correllian Tradition is dedicated to the advancement of
the Pagan people and emphasizes celebratory as well as initiatory
Wicca, and is strongly committed to accessible public ritual.
Covenant of the Goddess:
A cross-traditional federation of over one hundred covens, plus
solitary elders and associates, who have joined together to win
recognition for the Craft as a legitimate and legally recognized
religion.
Covenant of the Goddess:
Covenant of the Goddess was organized in 1975 at Coeden Brith. It
is incorporated as a non-profit religious organization in California,
though it has grown to be a nationwide organization with members
throughout the United States, as well as a few in Canada and Overseas.
Decisions are made at an annual Grand Council or in local councils.
The Covenant publishes The Covenant of the Goddess Newsletter
and sponsors the COG Merrymeet Festival and Grand Council each year.A
coven can apply for membership if it is a cohesive, self-perpetuating
group which has been meeting for six months or more; the group follows
the code of ethics defined by COG; the coven has three or more members
studying for the priesthood, one of whom is an Elder; and the focus
of the group's ritual and theology is the worship of the Goddess
and the Old Gods (or the Goddess alone).
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