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Written by Elkin Vanae
The use of the terms 'Wic,' 'Wicca,' 'Wicce,' 'Wiccan,' 'Wit,' and 'Wittan' in the linguistics of the Anglo-Saxon Language began around 673-686 CE (mentioned in the dooms of Hlothhære and Eadric, Kings of the Kentishmen), and were being used in representing the Craft or people of the old religion around 1950! With the repeal of the last Witchcraft Act in England in 1954, the Craft started to reemerge as an alternative to a world that viewed the planet as a resource to be exploited. The Pagan and Wiccan peoples had been, and are still, researching and rebuilding their cultures and traditions of their heritage ever since. Listed below are some of the different Traditions that the Wiccan and Pagan People use today:
Founded in England during the 1960s, Alex Sanders referred to himself as the "King" of his Witches. The rituals are said to be modified Gardenarian.
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.
The use of a Celtic/Druidic pantheon mixed with a little ritual Gardnerian, and heavily stressing the elements, nature and the Ancient Ones. They have 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.
Formally known as the Hecatine Tradition, this denomination of the Craft is Scottish in origin, and still preserves the unique festivals of the Scots.
First pinpointed by Margaret Murray in 1921 in this group appear to include a mixture of various traditions. Their prime focus is on the Goddess, and are part of the "feminist" movement of the Craft.
These Teachings do 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.
Organized by Gerald Gardner in England in the 1950s and one of the few who took the risk of publicizing their beliefs through the media to keep tradition from dying out!
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. Family Trades (another name for Hereditary Witches) occasionally adopt individuals into their Family. This decision is never a light one, and usually stems from the lack of offspring to carry on the line, or the high regard they hold for the person in question.
One who practices the Christian concepts of Satanism! Wiccans do not believe in Satan. This had to be mentioned here, because there are some people out there that label themselves as Satanists. To believe in Satan and call oneself Wiccan is an impossibity.
"Do as thou wilt", "An Harm None" are the primary aspects of the "Wiccan Rede" and beliefs of the Wiccan Religion. The people that call themselves Satanists are NOT of the Wiccan Traditions or of the Wiccan People!
Founded by Raymond Buckland in 1973. Although of Saxon basis, it was authored by Raymond himself without breaking his original Gardnerian oath. Raymond Buckland's contribution to the Craft is a significant one. Not only did he develop a Tradition that is more than acceptable to many individuals, he also has written a large volume of textbooks on different magickal aspects and practices of the Craft, thereby enhancing many lives in a positive direction.
One who practices alone, regardless of Tradition, denomination, or sect. Solitaries come in various forms. Some were at one time initiated into a coven and eventually chose to extricate themselves from that environment and continue practicing a particular Tradition or sect by themselves. A solitary can also be an individual who has no desire to practice with or learn from a coven structure, but still may adhere to a specific Tradition or sect through the teachings of another. And finally, a solitary Witch can be a person who has decided to tough it out on their own, learning from books, networking, and fellow Witches of different Traditions. Another name for a solitary Witch is a 'Natural Witch!'
A tradition seated in Italy that began around 1353 with a woman called Aradia. Of all the traditional Witches, this group appears to be the smallest in number in the US!
From ancient time the Teutonic Tribes have been recognized as a group of people who speak the Germanic group of languages. Culturally, this included the English, Dutch, Icelandic, Danish, Norwegian and Swedish peoples. This is also known as the Nordic Tradition.
The Wiccan Religion is spiritual in nature and has many truths. We are NOT an ignorant people! We are a people proud of our roots and respect our Heritage (the good as well as the bad)! We are a people from all nations and all aspects of Society, bringing new as well as old knowledge to our people, weaving together the threads of our own destiny. We are Scientists, Judges, Teachers, Artists, Poets, and even Soldiers! We are People of strength, who choose to be who we are, and include the Magick of life in everything we do!