Traditions:

Which Witch is which??

A tradition is a specific denomination in the study of the craft, similar to the divisions of the church in Christianity. Baptist would be a tradition as opposed to Methodist being another tradition.

This list does not include every single tradition, for new traditions form everyday, the list includes the most well-known traditions to my knowledge, if you feel that an important tradition has been left out, please let me know. Thank you.

Alexandrian Wicca ~ A tradition founded by Alex Sanders in England during the 1960s. Contains rituals that are basically Gardnerian but have been modified with many Judeo-Christian and Ceremonial Magick elements. Covens work skyclad. The eight sabbats are observed and both God and Goddess are honored. Sanders referred to himself as the "King" of his Witches. This tradition became popular in England because of its openness which made it more accessible to seekers.

American Celtic Wicca ~ "The American Order of the Brotherhood of the Wicca" covens stem from Jessica Bell ("Lady Sheba"), a self-styled Witch Queen. The tradition's rites are virtually the same as the Gardnerian, though covens work robed. They follow the same practice of Gardnerians in preferring coupls; preferrable husband and wife.

Arcadian Tradition ~ A male-oriented worship of the Horned God, however females are allowed as well.

British Traditional Witchcraft ~ A mix of Celtic and Gardenarian beliefs. British traditionals move mostly from within the Farrar studies. They are fairly structured in their beliefs, and train through the degree process.

Celtic Wicca ~ The use of a Celtic/Druidic 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 Tradition ~ Formerly 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 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 Qabbalistic magick.

Dianic Tradition ~ 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. This tradition rejects the concept of the Male God. Named after Diana.

Eclectic Witch ~ Indicates that the individual does not follow any specific tradition, denomination, sect, or magickal practice. They learn and study from many magickal systems and apply to themselves what appears to work best.

Gardnerian Tradition ~ a Wiccan tradition originated in the 40's and 50's by Gerald Gardner with the help of Doreen Valiente and others. This tradition is Celtic in origin. Some Gardnerian Witches will not recognize the initiation of another if the initiation was through a male.

Isian Tradition ~ a Wiccan tradition founded in Texas by an English Traditional Wiccan High Priestess and a Qabalistic ceremonial magician. It is Egyptian-oriented, and its training and initiatory system are based on the Qabalistic Tree of Life.

Pictish Witchcraft ~ Scottish Witchcraft that attunes itself to all aspects of nature: animal, vegetable, and mineral. It is a solitary form of the craft and mainly magickal in nature with little religion.

Powerlight ~ Founded by Lady Selene, Powerlight is a small eclectic tradition formed in the 1980's. The Powerlight Path is a workable lifestyle created in the balance of the old ancient path and the new modern ways. The Powerlight Path was created from blending family heritage with creative individuality and presented in a wiccan format.

Pow-Wow ~ This is a system, not a religion, based on 400-year-old Elite German magick. Pow-Wow has detiorated to a degree into a simple faith healing. Although Pow-Wow finds its roots in German Witchcraft, few practicing Pow-Wows today follow the Craft or even know the nature of its true birth.

Saex-Wica ~ is a very modern reconstruction of the Saxon Tradition, founded by Raymond Buckland who originally helped bring the Gardnerian tradition to the U.S. It is derived from the Pictish tradition of Scotland and the Saxon tradition of England.

Shamanic Wicca ~ a very individualistic tradition of Wicca as typified by the practice of Shan of the House of the Goddess in London, England. Chanting, Drumming, and simple dance is their way of expressing love for the Goddess. Most Shaman Traditions take their ideas from various sources: Tibet, Finland, North America, South America and Celtic to name a few. They incorporate these aspects into their own rituals. Some groups use natural hallucinogenics such as marijuana and peyote. This path needs an expert teacher if natural intoxicants are involved.

Strega Witches ~ Follows 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 United States; however their teachings are beautiful and should not be missed.

Teutonic ~ The Teutons 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.