The Different Types & Traditions
of Witches
Alexandrian -
Founded in England during the 1960's by Alexander Sanders, self-proclaimed
"King of the Witches". An offshoot of Gardnerian, Alexandrian covens
focus strongly upon training, emphasizing on areas more generally associated
with ceremonial magic, such as Qabalah, Angelic Magic and Enochian. The typical
Alexandrian coven has a hierarchical structure, and generally meets on weekly,
or at least on Full Moons, New Moons and Sabbats. Rituals are usually done
skyclad.
Most Alexandrian covens will allow non-initiates to attend circles, usually as
a "neophyte," who undergoes basic training in circle craft prior to
being accepted for the 1st degree initiation. Alexandrian Wicca uses
essentially the same tools and rituals as Gardnerian Wicca, though in some
cases, the tools are used differently, and the rituals have been adapted.
Another frequent change is to be found in the names of deities and guardians of
the Quarters. In some ways these differences are merely cosmetic, but in
others, there are fundamental differences in philosophy. Over the last 30
years, the two traditions have moved slowly towards each other, and the
differences which marked lines of demarcation are slowly fading away.
Appalachian 'Granny' Tradition:
A tradition dating back to the first settlers of the Appalachian Mountains who
came to the United States from Scotland and Ireland in the 1700's and who
brought with them their "Old World" magical traditions. Those
traditions were then blended with the local tradition of the Cherokee
Tribes into a combination of local herbal folk remedies and charms, faith
healing, storytelling and magick. The 'Granny' Witches will often
call themselves 'Doctor Witches' or 'Water Witches' depending upon
whether they are more gifted in healing and midwifery, or if they are more in
tune with dowsing for water, lay lines and energy vortexes.
This tradition is termed 'Granny' from the prominent role played by
older women in the mountain communities.
Asian Traditions:
In Japan, the Shinto religion is itself a shamanistic religion and thus
the Japanese do not attach negative connotations to witchcraft. The word
"witch" is actually used with positive connotation in the
Japanese language as a female with high skills or fame. Asian witchcraft
generally centers on the relationship between the witch and the animal spirits
or familiars and in Japanese witchcraft, witches are commonly separated
into two categories: those who employ snakes as familiars and those who
employ foxes; the Fox Witch being the most commonly seen witch in
Japan. In China, witches employs books, staffs, and other implements, similar
to the western traditions of witchcraft and the witches are often accompanied
by familiars in the form of rabbits, which are universally associated with
the Moon, with fertility and with the Goddess. The witches of China
are notable for their extensive knowledge of the occult properties of
plants and herbs, as well as for clairvoyance and the study of astrology.
Augury Witch:
Similar to a shaman in practice, the augury witch will help to direct
those on a spiritual quest by interpreting the signs and symbols the
traveler encounters. The term derives from the official
Roman augurs, whose function was not to foretell the future but to
discover whether or not the gods approved of a proposed course of action by
interpreting signs or omen such as the appearance of animals sacred to the
gods. It is important to note that augury witches are not "fortune
tellers", as their gifts are of prophecy and not divination. In
the context of prophecy, in his Scottish play Shakespeare's
witches appear as augury witches.
British Tradition:
Primarily a mixture of traditional Celtic and pagan beliefs from the
pre-Christian era. They often train through a structured degree process and
their covens are usually compromised of practitioners of both sexes
Caledonii (Hecatine) Tradition:
A denomination of The Craft that comes from a Scottish
origin which preserves the unique rituals of the Scots. A fairly secretive
tradition, not much is known of their rituals by outsiders.
Celtic:
The Celtic path is really many traditions under the general heading of
"Celtic." It encompasses Druidism, Celtic Shamanism, Celtic Wicca or
Witta, the Grail Religion, and Celtic Christianity or Culdees. Each path is
unique and stand alone meld together with another and still be part of the
Celtic tradition. It is primarily derived from the ancient pre Christian Celtic
religion of Gaul and the British Isles.
As it is practiced today, most of the Celtic paths are part of the Neo-Pagan
revival, focusing on Nature and healing with group and individual rituals that
honor the Ancient Shining Ones and the Earth. Most are very eclectic, and hold
to the Celtic myths, divinities, magic and rituals. Celtic paths are some of
the more popular traditions.
Goes by the elements, the Ancient Ones and nature. They are usually healers or
respect them highly. They work with plants, stones, flowers, trees, the
elemental people, the gnomes and the fairies.
Celtic Wicca -
Celtic Wicca focuses mainly on Celtic and Druidic gods and goddesses (along
with a few other Anglo-Saxon pantheon). The rituals are formed after Gardnerian
traditions with a stronger emphasis on nature. Celtic Wicca also puts much
emphasis on working with elementals and nature spirits such as fairies and
gnomes. Gods and Goddesses are usually called "The Ancient Ones."
Ceremonial Witchcraft -
This tradition is very exacting in its ritual. All rituals are usually followed
by the book, to the letter and with much ceremony. Little emphasis is put on
nature. This tradition may incorporate some Egyptian magic, Quabbalistic magic,
and derived from the works of Aleister Crowley. They may use a
combination of disciplines drawn from the Old Ways,
but will often employ more scientific precisions such
as sacred mathematics and quantum mysticism as well.
They will also call upon an eclectic blend of spiritual entities, leaning
towards archetypal figures representative of the energies they wish to
manifest. They are more spiritually centered than most ceremonial
magicians, using an Earth-centered path with focus on the Divine within.
Cornish Tradition:
The traditional magic of Cornish Witches commonly includes the work of the
making and provision of magical charms, simple rituals and magical gestures
with muttered incantations, the healing of disease and injury
and divination.
Dianic Tradition:
A mixture of different traditions. Its primary focus is the Goddess
who is worshiped in her three aspects of Maiden, Mother and Crone.
A "divine feminine tradition", its covens
are mostly for women only. To an outside observer, Dianic Witchcraft
may appear as a single tradition, but actually it is an intertwined group of
traditions that have influenced each other over the centuries and millenia. This
is the most feminist Craft Tradition. Most Dianic covens worship the Goddess
exclusively (Diana and Artemis are the most common manifestations) and most
today are women only. Rituals are eclectic; some are derived from Gardnerian
and Faery traditions, while others have been created anew. Emphasis is on
rediscovering and reclaiming female power and divinity, consciousness-raising,
and combining politics with spirituality. The Dianic Craft included two distinct
branches:
The first Dianic coven in the U.S. was formed in the late '60s by Margan
McFarland and Mark Roberts, in Dallas, Texas. This branch gives primacy to the
Goddess in its theology, but honors the Horned God as Her beloved Consort.
Covens include both women and men. This branch is sometimes called 'Old
Dianic,' and there are still covens of this tradition specially in Texas. Other
coven, similar in theology but not directly descended from the
McFarland/Roberts line are sprinkled around the country.
The other branch, Feminist Dianic Witchcraft, focuses exclusively on the
Goddess and consists of women-only covens, often with a strong lesbian
presence. These tend to be loosely structured and non-hierarchical, using
consensus decision making and simple, creative, experimental ritual. They are
politically feminist groups, usually very supportive, personal and emotionally
intimate. The major network is Re-Formed Congregation of the Goddess. Z
Budapest founded the Susan B. Anthony Coven in 1971, declaring Dianic
Witchcraft to be "Wimmin's Religion". The Women's Spirituality Forum
was Founded by Z Budapest in 1986, and is dedicated to bringing Goddess
consciousness to the mainstream of feminist consciousness through lectures and,
retreats, classes, cable TV shows, and rituals in the effort to achieve
spiritual and social liberation.
- Arcadian Tradition: A form of Dianic
witchcraft, except that Arcadians place greater focus on the
divine masculine along with the divine feminine. Unlike
most Dianic groups, this Tradition allows both male and female members.
Draconic Wicca:
Draconic Wicca is the utilization of the powers of the dragons. There are as
many dragons as there are people. They are as varied as humans are also. We
work with these dragons to achieve the results that we seek. In doing so, we
have to deal with the unique personalities of each type of dragon. The dragons
have no real hierarchy other than age, except for the case of The Dragon. The
Dragon is the combined powers of the God and the Goddess. The Dragon is invoked
or evoked during Sabbats and in times when great magick is needed (not when you
can not find your keys). Invoking means to call into you the power of the
dragon that you name i.e. a fire dragon. You ask that this dragon assume himself/herself
into your spiritual body. To evoke means to call a dragon to you, to join you
in your magickal workings.
Druidic -
Neo-Druids are polytheistic worshipers of Mother Earth. Very little is known
today about ancient Druidism and there are many gaps in the writings that have
been found. Modern Druids practice their religion in areas where nature has
been preserved - usually wooded areas. Druidic ritual often employs sacrifices
to the Mother Goddess. These sacrifices often include grain, sometimes meat.
These ritual sacrifices are often accompanied by a verse not unlike the
following: "Earth Mother, giver of life we return to you a measure of
the bounty you have provided may you be enriched and your wild things be
preserved."
Eclectic -
Refers to groups and individuals who do not fully adhere to one specific form
of Paganism. They choose to incorporate some beliefs, practices, rituals etc,
of a few, or many paths to form a unique one that suits their spiritual needs.
They do not follow a particular religion or tradition, but study and learn from
many different systems and use what works best for them.
Egyptian -
Believed that with Heka, the activation of the Ka, an aspect of the soul of
both gods and humans, (and divine
personification of magic), they could influence the gods and gain protection,
healing and transformation. Health and wholeness of being were sacred to Heka. There
is no word for religion in the ancient Egyptian language as mundane and
religious world views were not distinct; thus, Heka was not a secular
practice but rather a religious observance. Every aspect of life, every word,
plant, animal and ritual was connected to the power and authority of the gods.
In ancient Egypt, magic consisted of four components; the
primeval potency that empowered the creator-god was identified with Heka,
who was accompanied by magical rituals known as Seshaw held within
sacred texts called Rw. In addition Pekhret, medicinal prescriptions,
were given to patients to bring relief. This magic was used in temple rituals
as well as informal situations by priests. These rituals, along with medical
practices, formed an integrated therapy for both physical and spiritual health.
Magic was also used for protection against the angry deities, jealous ghosts,
foreign demons and sorcerers who were thought to cause illness, accidents,
poverty and infertility. Temple priests used wands during magical rituals
Faery Witch:
An eclectic witch who seeks to commune with faery folk and nature spirits in
their magick workings. They have no organization or tradition and it has
developed of its own accord through common practice. (Not to be confused
with the 'Feri Movement' )
Faery/Faerie/Fairy/Feri:
Victor and Cora Anderson are the original teachers of the Feri Tradition.
Victor is universally recognized as the Grand Master of his order of Feri. He
was initiated in 1926 by a priestess from Africa. He is also one of the last
genuine Kahuna. His book of poetry, Thorns of the Blood Rose, is
considered a contemporary Pagan classic.
In 1959, Victor initiated the late Gwydion Pendderwen (age 13 at the time), who
later became a leading voice in the Feri Tradition. Gwydion concentrated on the
Welsh Celtic aspects; whereas Victor and Cora still practice the tradition as
it was originally, with Huna and African diasporic influences, primarily
Dahomean-Haitian. The Feri Tradition honors the Goddess and Her son, brother
and lover (The Divine Twins) as the primary creative forces in the universe.
The Gods are seen as real spirit beings like ourselves, not merely aspects of
our psyche.
It is an ecstatic, rather than fertility tradition, emphasizing on polytheism,
practical magic, self-development and theurgy. Strong emphasis is placed on
sensual experience and awareness,including sexual mysticism, which is not
limited to heterosexual expression. This is a mystery tradition of power,
mystery, danger, ecstasy, and direct communication with divinity. Most
initiates are in the arts and incorporate their own poetry, music and
invocations into rituals.
The Tradition is gender-equal, and all sexual orientations seem able to find a
niche. According to Francesca De Grandis, founder of the 3rd Road branch:
"Faerie power is not about a liturgy but about one's body: a Fey shaman's
blood and bones are made of stars and Faerie dust. A legitimate branch of
Faerie is about a personal vision that is the Fey Folks' gift to a
shaman."
Initially small and secretive, many of the fundamentals of the Tradition have
reached a large audience trough the writings of Starhawk, the most famous
initiate. Some secret branches remain. While only a few hundred initiates can
trace their lineage directly to Victor Anderson, many thousands are estimated
to practice neo-Faery Traditions.
Gardnerian -
Gardnerian witchcraft was begun in England and is Wiccan in nature. It was
formed by Gerald Gardner in the 1950s. Gerald Gardner was the first to
publicize witchcraft in an effort to preserve the "old ways."
Further developed by Doreen Valiente and others. Gardner was initiated into a
coven of Witches in the New Forest region of England in 1939 by a High
Priestess named 'Old Dorothy' Clutterbuck. In 1949 he wrote High Magic's Aid, a
novel about medieval Witchcraft in which quite a bit of the Craft as practiced
by the coven was used.
In 1951 the last of the English laws against Witchcraft were repealed
(primarily due to the pressure of Spiritualists) and Gardner published
Witchcraft Today, which set forth a version of rituals and traditions of that
coven.
Gardner gave his Tradition a ritual framework strongly influenced by
Freemasonry and Crowley and ceremonial magic, as well as traditional folk magic
and Tantric Hinduism. The Tradition was brought to the USA in 1965 by Raymond
& Rosemary Buckland, who were initiated in 1964 by the Gardner's High
Priestess, Lady Olwen.
Gardnerian covens are always headed by a High Priestess and have three degrees
of initiation closely paralleling the Masonic degrees. Worship is centered on
the Goddess and the Horned God. The tradition emphasizes polarity in all
things, fertility, and the cycle of birth-death-rebirth. Eight seasonal Sabbats
are observed, and the Wiccan Rede is the guiding principle. Power is raised
through scourging and sex magick ("The Great Rite"), as well as
meditation, chanting, astral projection, dancing, wine and cords. Designed for
group/coven work, through solitary workings have been created. Covens work
skyclad.
Green Witch:
A practitioner of of witchcraft whose focus is
on the use of natural items and places. The goal of the Green
Witch is upon achieving magic through communion with Mother Nature and
using Her energies.
Gypsy tradition-
It uses simple spells and rituals to harness the power of nature and of the
elemental spirits that are all around us. evidence strongly demonstrates
that they actually originated in India, and moved west, migrating through the
middle east into Europe. Although the Gypsies call themselves 'Rom' and their
language is known as'Romani', the Romani language has nothing in common with
the language known as Romanian (which is a Romance language, derived from Latin
and kin to French, Spanish, Italian, etc.). Romanibeen shown to be closely
related to groups of languages and dialects (such as Hindi, Gujarati, Marathi
and Cashmiri) still spoken in India and of the same origin as Sanskrit.
They were often described as dark-skinned magicians, entertainers, smiths,
horsebreakers and other skilled tradeworkers. There is a good possibility that
they originated belly dancing.
They lived in tents. Gypsy wagons are a recent introduction. The wagons date
from the late 18th early 19th century. Before that, they travelled by foot and
horseback, setting up tents by night. The classic gypsy caravan wagons were
usually built by commercial carriage shops for the gypsies, since they took a
lot of woodworking and other equipment.
Reliable period info on gypsies is sadly lacking- the only people writing about
them were the ones who wanted rid of them at all cost. I think it was in the
fifteenth century that the pogroms against them really got rolling...Because
gypsies have remained very secluded and secretive, cultural
"tainting" has been comparatively low, and modern practices may well
reflect medieval practices.
In France it was thought that these same people came from Bohemia and thus they
were called 'Bohemes'.... [thus began the English word "bohemian"].
There are Elizabethan laws against dressing or acting "as an
Egyptian," which from the descriptions seem to be what we would call
'gypsies.' It is quite possible that the word "gypsy" came into use
as an abreviation of "Egyptian" somewhat later than the actual
arrival of the Rom in England.
The Romnichels, or Rom'nies, began to come to the United States from England in
1850. Their arrival coincided with an increase in the demand for draft horses
in agriculture and then in urban transportation. Many Romnichels worked as
horse traders, both in the travel-intensive acquisition of stock and in
long-term urban sales stable enterprise. After the rapid decline in the horse
trade following the First World War, most Romnichels relied on previously
secondary enterprises, "basket-making," including the manufacture and
sale of rustic furniture, and fortune telling.
The Rom arrived in the United States and Canada from Serbia, Russia and
Austria-Hungary beginning in the 1880s, as part of the larger wave of
immigration from southern and eastern Europe in the late 19th and early 20th
centuries. Primary immigration ended, for the most part, in 1914, with the
beginning of the First World War and subsequent tightening of immigration
restrictions. Many in this group specialized in coppersmith work, mainly the
repair and refining of industrial equipment used in bakeries, laundries,
confectioneries and other businesses. The Rom, too, developed the
fortune-telling business in urban areas.
The Ludar, or "Rumanian Gypsies," emigrated to North America during
the great immigration from southern and eastern Europe between 1880 and 1914.
Most of the Ludar came from northwestern Bosnia. Upon their arrival in North
America they specialized as animal trainers and show people, and indeed
passenger manifests show bears and monkeys as a major part of their baggage. Only
a handful of items covering this group have been published, beginning in 1902.
The ethnic language of the Ludar is a form of Romanian. They are occasionally
referred to as Ursari in the literature.
Gypsies from Germany, generally referred to in the literature as Chikeners
(Pennsylvania German, from German Zigeuner), sometimes refer to themselves as
"Black Dutch." (While the term "Black Dutch" has been
adopted by these German Gypsies, it does not originate with this group and has
been used ambiguously to refer to several non-Gypsy populations.) They are few
in number and claim to have largely assimilated to Romnichel culture. In the
past known as horse traders and basket makers, some continue to provide baskets
to US Amish and Mennonite communities. The literature on this group is very
sparse and unreliable.
The Hungarian (or Hungarian-Slovak) musicians also came to this country with
the eastern European immigration. In the United States they continued as
musicians to the Hungarian and Slovak immigrant settlements, and count the
musical tradition as a basic cultural element.
The Irish Travelers immigrated, like the Romnichels, from the mid to late
nineteenth century. The Irish Travelers specialized in the horse and mule
trade, as well as in itinerant sales of goods and services; the latter gained
in importance after the demise of the horse and mule trade. The literature also
refers to this group as Irish Traders or, sometimes, Tinkers. Their ethnic
language is referred to in the literature as Irish Traveler Cant.
The present population of Scottish Travelers in North America also dates from
about 1850, although the 18th-century transportation records appear to refer to
this group. Unlike that of the other groups, Scottish Traveler immigration has
been continuous. Also unlike the other groups, Scottish Travelers have
continued to travel between Scotland and North America, as well as between
Canada and the United States, after immigration. Scottish Travelers also
engaged in horse trading, but since the first quarter of the 20th century have
specialized in itinerant sales and services.
Much of this information came from the Gypsy Lore Society.
Hinduism - The Atharva Veda is a
veda that deals with mantras that can be used for both good and bad. The word
mantrik in India literally means "magician" since the mantrik usually
knows mantras, spells, and curses which can be used for or against all forms of
magic. Tantra is likewise employed for ritual magic by the tantrik. Many ascetics after long
periods of penance and
meditation are
alleged to attain a state where they may utilize supernatural powers. However,
many say that they choose not to use them and instead focus on transcending
beyond physical power into the realm of spirituality. Many siddhars are said to
have performed miracles that would ordinarily be impossible to perform.
Hedge Witch:
Hedgecraft is a path that is somewhat shamanic in nature, as they are
practitioners of an Earth-based spirituality. These are the ones who
engage in spirit flight and journey into the Otherworld. They can, in this
capacity, be very powerful midwives and healers. A bird of one kind or
another is usually associated with the Hedge Witch, most commonly the raven and
the goose. The term “hedge” signified the boundary of the village and
represents the boundary that exists between this world and the spiritual realm.
Hereditary Witch:
Also known as a Family Tradition Witch, it is someone who has been taught
"The Old Ways " as a tradition passed down through the generations of
their family. Though you may be born into a family with the tradition, you
cannot be born a witch, a conscious decision and acceptance of “The Craft” is
necessary to become a witch.
Born into a witch family and brought up learning about witchcraft. Many witches
claim to be hereditary witches when in fact, they are not. You must be brought
up in a family of witches to be a hereditary witch.
Kitchen (Cottage)Witch:
A practitioner of witchcraft who uses the tools at hand to work their spells
and create their rituals and who deals with the practical sides
of religion, magick and the Elements of the Earth. Some who hear the
term “Kitchen Witch” may think it is a magickal art confined only to the
kitchen or cooking, but it is much more. It is about the finding of the sacred
in everyday tasks, no matter how mundane they may appear to be. An increasingly
popular type of witchcraft, it is about working with the energies of nature to
make the hearth and home a secure and sacred place.
Pictish Tradition:
Originally from Scotland, it is a "solitary witch" form of
"The Craft". Pictish Witchcraft attunes itself to all
aspects of nature; animal, vegetable, and mineral and it is more magickal in
nature and practice than it is religious with little emphasis on
religion, Gods, or Goddesses.. Pictish witches perform solitary and
rarely, if ever work in groups or covens.
Pow-Wow Tradition: (from
the Algonquin word “pauwau", which means literally
"vision seeker" )
Comes from South Central Pennsylvania and is a system based on a 400 year old
Elite German magick. They concentrate on simple faith healing. Its principles
encompass shamanic like rituals of healing through visions and the application
of traditional medicines, which are often accompanied by prayers, incantations,
songs, and dances. The word pauwau (pow-wow) was came to be used for
Native American ceremonies and councils because of the important role
played by the pauwau in both. The Pow Wow Tradition places great
significance on the vision seeker as the nexus of group
(coven) activites and rituals. Though some claim that the Pow-Wow
Tradition is German in origin, it is more of an amalgamation of
local Native American traditions with those traditions
of the German/Dutch immigrants of pagan heritage who
settled in the Pennsylvania region of the United States.
Seax-Wicca -
This tradition was begun in 1973 by Raymond Buckland. Buckland and works on
Saxon principles of religion and magic.
Shaman -
Shamanism puts no emphasis on religion or on pantheon. Shamans work completely
with nature: rocks, trees, animals, rivers, etc. Shamans know the Earth and their
bodies and minds well and train many long years to become adept at astral
travel and healing.
Shamanic Witchcraft:
This term refers to practices associated with those of tribal shamans in
traditional Pagan cultures throughout the world. A shaman combines the roles of
healer, priest (ess), diviner, magician, teacher and spirit guide, utilizing
altered states of consciousness to produce and control psychic phenomena and
travel to and from the spirit realm. Followers of this path believe that
historical Witchcraft was the shamanic practice of European Pagans; and
Medieval Witches actually functioned more as village shamans than as priests
and priestesses of the Old Religion."
Shamanic Witchcraft emphasizes serving the wider community through rituals,
herbalism, spell craft, healings, counseling, rites of passage, handfastings,
Mystery initiations, etc. The distinguishing element of Shamanic Witchcraft is
the knowledge and sacramental use of psychotropic plants to effect transitions
between worlds. The theory and practice of Shamanic Witchcraft has permeated
widely though out many other established Traditions.
Solitary Witch (Solitaire):
This is one who practices alone, without a coven and without following any
particular tradition. Sometimes they are among that class of natural
witches whose skills have been developed in previous lifetimes.
Often, solitaries choose to mix different systems, much like an eclectic witch.
Solitaries can also form their own religious beliefs as they are not bound by
the rules of a coven.
There is a legend among witches that after practicing for several
lifetimes, the knowledge of "The Craft" is awakened upon passing
puberty.
Satanic
Witch: "They are not witches" Witches do
not worship Satan..
Stregheria:
Stregheria is the form of witchcraft native to Italy; there are several
distinct traditions sharing common roots, in various parts of Italy. Also
called, La Vecchia Religione, Stregheria is a nature-based religion, it's
followers worship the forces of Nature, personified as gods and goddesses. The
witches of La Vecchia Religione are called Streghe (plural), with the title
Strega (for a female), Stregone (for a male).
Stregheria is rooted in the folk religion of the Latins (the Romans being one
Latin people) and the Etruscans. In the particular tradition, taught by Raven
Grimassi in Ways of the Strega, the pantheon is different from the urban gods
of the Romans, though some of those deities were shared with the Latins, and
the Etruscans, most notably Diana, whose worship was focused at a temple at
Lake Nemi in the Alban Hills. There are however other traditions of Stregheria
in Italy, who may worship the urban gods of the Romans.
The particular tradition taught by Raven Grimassi in Ways of the Strega, is
derived from a renewal that occurred in the 14th century brought about by a
wise woman from Tuscany called Aradia. This does not imply that witchcraft in
Italy began in the 14th century. La Vecchia Religione is an evolution of
pre-christian religions in Italy. The tradition taught by Aradia was a revival
of the Old Ways during a time of extreme persecution of the peasants of Italy.
Teutonic (Nordic) Tradition:
From ancient times the Teutons have been recognized as a group of people who
speak the Germanic group of languages. A Nordic tradition of witchcraft,
that includes beliefs and practices from many cultures including Swedish,
Dutch, and Icelandic. A Teutonic Witch finds inspiration in the
traditional myths and legends and in the Gods and Goddesses of the areas where
these dialects originated.
Welsh Tradition: Originating in
Wales, Welsh witches believe themselves to be one of the oldest traditions.
Members are "awakened" to their calling and pass through 9
levels of attainment. It is hereditary, but you can "convert".
Wicca -
Probably the most popular form of witchcraft. Wicca is highly religious in
nature and has a good balance between religion/ceremonial magic and nature.
Wiccans believe in a God and Goddess who are equal in all things, although some
may lean more toward the Dianic form of Wicca, worshipping only the Goddess or
lowering the God to an "assistant" status. Wiccans commonly form
covens and rarely work alone.
Wiccan Shamanism-
Founded by Selena Fox in the 1980's. Ecumenical and multicultural focus.
Combination of Wicca, humanistic psychology and a variety of shamanistic
practices from around the world. Emphasis on healing. Uses traditional
shamanistic techniques to change consciousness, such as drumming and ecstatic
dancing.
All information compiled and Written
by ~Citrine Waters~
Resources -