Traditional Paths and Organizations
Alexandrian Tradition
The rituals are said to be of modified Gardnerian. 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 areas more generally associated with ceremonial magic, such as Qabalah (Kabbala/Cabbala), Angelic Magic, and Enochian tradition. The typical Alexandrian coven has a hierarchical structure, and generally meets 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 are slowly fading away. Alexandrian Wiccans are considered to be Traditional Witches who trace their line of initiatory descent from Alex and Maxine Sanders, through a line of Alexandrian High Priests and High Priestesses, according to the Alexandrian Book of Shadows, and who practice the Alexandrian Tradition of Wicca.
Algard Wicca
Mary Nesnick, an American who was initiated into both Gardnerian and Alexandrian traditions, combined them in 1972 and created a new tradition called Algard.
American Eclectic Wicca
A broad range of individuals or groups that have based their philosophy, rituals, and practices on the published works of Scott Cunningham and Starhawk. Critics claim that American Eclectics take the contradictory position that Wicca is a completely modern religion created by Gerald Gardner but that the beliefs and practices of Wicca are completely individualistic, and therefore nobody can define “Wicca” for others. This form of Wicca emphasizes spontaneity and either tends to downplay the importance of such concepts as Oaths, Initiations, Lineage, and Tradition, or even discards those concepts altogether. Many Wiccans object to these groups using the name Wicca, and believe they should be called American Eclectic Witchcraft.
American Traditional Wicca
The groups that have no initiatory connection to Gardner or Sanders, but have based their rituals and practices on what has been published about the Gardnerian and Alexandrian Traditions. These groups also are described sometimes as British Traditional Wicca, although this usage is generally found only in the U.S., and that term is rarely used that way by “real” British Traditional Wiccans who regard descent, whether by birth, or by Initiation or Initiatory adoption, as essential to being “of the Blood,” and therefore to being “of the Wicca.” Again British Traditional Wiccans would not identify this group as Wiccan and would refer to them as American Traditional Witchcraft.
Amythystian Tradition
Founded in 1968 by Lady Amethyst. The 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. Lives by the Wiccan Rede.
Appollonian
In religious studies, describes “solar-oriented” religions which emphasize mastery of the instincts by the conscious mind (named for Apollo, the Greek God of light and the Sun).
Aquarian Tabernacle Church (ATC)
Founded in 1979 by Pete “Pathfinder” Davis as a coven dedicated to providing religious services and support to the larger Wiccan community. The ATC was “the right idea at the right time,” and in a few years grew into the first Wiccan church with full legal status and recognition by the governments of three nations: Canada, Australia, and the U.S.A. The Aquarian Tabernacle Church is a positive, life-affirming spirituality. It is a non-dualist, non-racist, non-sexist, non-exclusivist, bi-polar, and ecologically-oriented faith dedicated to the preservation of Holy Mother Earth, the revival of the worship of The Old Gods in a modern context, the achievement of the fullest of human potentials, and the creation of a peaceful world of love, freedom, health and prosperity for all sentient beings.
Ár NdraÍocht FÉin (“Our Own Druidism”)
Founded in 1983 by P.E.I (Isaac) Bonewits, former Archdruid of several groves in the Reformed Druids of North America. Ár Ndraíocht Féin is an American-based neo-pagan Druid religious fellowship. It has no direct links to the ancient Druids, but is a reconstruction of Druidic and Indo-European pagan rituals and religions. It integrates religion with alternate healing arts, ecology-consciousness, psychic development and artistic expression. It is organized in groves, many of them named after trees. They have eight seasonal High Days (equivalent to the Wiccan Sabbats) and they conduct regular study and discussion groups in addition to a wide range of artistic activities. Pronounced: “arn ree-ocht fane.”
Asatru Free Assembly
Founded in 1972 by Stephen McNallen. A Norse Pagan tradition that recognizes both the Aesir and the Vanir.
Blue Star Tradition
Founded in 1976 Norristown, Pennsylvania, by Frank Dufner (“the Wizard”) and Tzipora Katz. They later moved to Manhattan, where they trained and initiated a number of people. Early rituals were based on Alexandrian and Greco-Roman Traditions. After Frank and Tzipora’s divorce in the early 1980's, Kenny Klein became high priest, steering the Tradition towards a more traditional British form, discarding Alexandrian and ceremonial rituals and replacing them with British Isles folkloric Craft practices, including the 8 Paths of Power, the 7 Tenets of Faith, and the Drawing Down of the Moon and Sun. Touring the country from 1983-1992 performing music, Kenny and Tzipora taught Blue Star, initiated many people, and founded many covens, recording and distributing lessons on cassette tapes. The rigorous training may take 2-3 years before initiation.
British Traditional Witch (BTW)
This is a mix of Celtic and Gardnerian beliefs. These traditionals move mostly within the Farrar studies and are fairly structured in their beliefs. The International Red Garters is the most famous organization at this time.
The term “British Traditional” refers to a variety of traditions which originated in the British Isles and which have certain characteristics in common. Worship of the God and Goddess is balanced, covens are co-ed, and there is a degree system.
The New Wiccan Church is a federation of British Traditions (Gardnerian, Alexandrian, Mohisian, and Central Valley Wicca-Kingstone, Majestic Order and Silver Crescent). NWC is dedicated to preserving initiatory Craft.
The Celtic path (Scottish, Irish, Welsh) 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. It stands alone or melds together with another, but is still 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. The groups of Wiccan Traditions can trace their lineage to Gerald Gardner, and/or to Alex and Maxine Sanders.
Some British Traditional Wiccans practice the arts of Traditional Witchcraft from ancestors in ancient Europe that have been preserved and passed on by the Ordo Anno Mundi, a magical order of Initiates dedicated to the training of its members in the arcane sciences of nature. British Traditional Wiccans experience the same Mysteries, using substantially the same rituals and techniques. Variations may exist between individual Covens, Lineages and Traditions, but it is the same Initiatory Mystery Path. The British Traditional groups view Wicca as an Initiatory, Oathbound, Magick-using, Pagan Mystery Priesthood celebrating the Mysteries contained in the Legend of the Descent of the Goddess and in the Charge of the Goddess.
British Traditional Witchcraft
Those Traditions tracing descent from a Hereditary, or Traditional, British source, including the Gardnerian and the Alexandrian Traditions and their branches and offshoots and several others derived from British sources such as Sybil Leek’s Horsa Coven in the New Forest, Plant Bran, and the Clan of Tubal Cain of “Robert Cochrane.” Some British Traditional Witches consider the term Wicca a synonym for British Traditional Witchcraft, while others reserve the term Wicca for the Gardnerian and Alexandrian Traditions and their offshoots and consider Wicca to be a wholly-contained subset within British Traditional Witchcraft.
Caledonii Tradition
Also known as the Hecatine Tradition, it is Scottish in origin and still preserves the unique festivals of the Scottish.
Celtic Reconstructionism
A more culturally specific and historically based path which seeks to recreate the religion of the ancient Celtic peoples of Western Europe and the British Isles. It embodies a strong reverence for nature.
Celtic Shamanism
A shamanic path that is based on the Faery Faith of the Celtic peoples of Western Europe and especially of Britain, Scotland, Wales, Ireland, Cornwall, Isle of Man, and Brittany.
Celtic Traditionalist
A reconstruction of the beliefs and practices of the original Celtic people. Unlike Druidry, this tradition focuses more on the beliefs of the average Celtic man or woman.
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.
Celtic Witan Church
A legally incorporated church and religious organization formed for the study and practice of the goddess-oriented nature-based religion of the ancient Celtic peoples. This is a fertility religion concerned with all aspects of prosperity, growth, abundance, creativity, and healing. The Church honors the Celtic deities with full moon rituals and sabbat festivals. There are many open rituals and training programs.
Ceremonial Magick
Magick that calls upon the aid of beneficent spirits and is akin to religion. Ceremonial Magick is based upon a blend of doctrines of Plato and other Greek philosophers, Oriental mysticism, Judaism, and Christianity, and currently is divided into three forms: Enochian, Thelemic, and Eclectic.
Enochian Magick originated with John Dee and Edward Kelly in the 16th century, and communication with spirits involved the Nineteen Calls (or Keys): incantations in the Enchonian language, a complex language of unknown origin. This system of Magick was revived by the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn and studied at length by Aleister Crowley.
In turn, Crowley developed the Thelemic Magick system from his studies and Ceremonial Magicians have since expanded to develop Eclectic Magick systems based on a variety of different systems, inclusive of Alchemy, Egyptology, Kabbalistic doctrines, Chaos Magick etc..
Ceremonial Magick requires a rigorous discipline and has an intellectual appeal, the mage derives power from God (the Judeo-Christian God) through the successful control of spirits, usually demons, which are believed easier to control than angels. Demons may be good, evil, or neutral.
In its highest sense, Ceremonial Magick is a transcendental experience that takes the mage into mystical realms and into communication with the Higher Self. Also known as High Magick, Ritual Magick, Theurgic Magick, Theurgy.
Ceremonial Witchcraft
This tradition still uses a great deal of ceremonial magick. Detailed rituals of Egyptian and/or Qabbalistic Magick. Uses a great deal of Ceremonial Magick in practices. Mostly derived from the works of Aleister Crowley. Detailed rituals with a flavor of Egyptian magick are popular, as Qabalistic ritual forms.
Chaos Magick
Largely the invention of Austin Osman Spare, and developed by a few others during the 1980's. Chaos mages enter the “abyss”— in simplistic terms the “Unknown.” Anarchistic, clever, self-referential, and self-annihilistic, Chaos Magick is an extraordinary deconstruction of magick, semantics, and psychology designed to eradicate consensual belief structures and, using the energy freed by this act, glimpse the fractal contours of reality. It is a synthesis of ceremonial magick, freestyle shamanism, and sigilizing. However, its practitioners reject the traditional discrimination of magick into white, grey, and black, and assume a highly individualistic approach to the interplay between ethics and personal will.
Chaote
A Chaos magician. Chaotes are encouraged to pursue study of other traditions and magickal practices once they have effectively mastered Chaos Magick. The term is sometimes mistakenly thought to mean a Chaos magician not actively in practice.
Church & School Of Wicca
(The)One of the many Welsh-based traditions. It was originally founded by Gavin and Yvonne Frost in the early 1970’s. 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 The Witches Bible. 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.
Church Of Seven Arrows (The)
Founded in 1975, the Church of Seven Arrows in Colorado is a Universal Life Church congregation with a shamanic tradition. See also: Shamanism.
Circle Wicca
Circle Wicca 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 the rolling hills of southwestern Wisconsin. Circle is incorporated as a non-profit spiritual center and is recognized as a legal Wiccan Church by state and federal governments. Circle differs from many traditions of Wicca in that it is more aligned with Shamanism and Amerindian ways than with the Wicca of Western Europe found in the majority of Craft traditions.
Council Of American Witches
An alliance of Wiccans from different traditions that was active in 1973-74 in an effort to define the principles of Wicca. Carl Weschcke, a Wiccan priest and president of Llewellyn Publications, spearheaded the effort. The group drafted “The Principles of Wiccan Belief” which many Witches endorse and which was later incorporated into one or more editions of the handbook for chaplains in the United States Army.
Covenant Of The Goddess Wicca
Organized in 1975 at Coeden Brith. It is 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. 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 which may cover a city, state, or an even larger area. A coven can apply for membership if: it a cohesive, self-perpetuating group which has been meeting for six months or more; it follows the code of ethics defined by COG; it 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).
Craft (The)
The Magickal Arts and practices of Traditional Witchcraft; those who belong to the Craft, who practice the Craft and its Arts. Masons also refer to Masonry as “the Craft.”
Curandera, Curandero
The Spanish terms for the medicine women and men of Mexico, Meso-America, and Hispanic communities in the US. The curandera and curandero have a different healing function than the bruja and brujo. Curanderos function primarily as folk psychiatrists, providing magical cures for mental and emotional problems. Both Curandeos and Brujos use herbal and folk remedies.
Dianic Tradition
The WitchCult in Western Europe, tracked back to Margaret Murray in 1921. This tradition has been pegged as the “feminist” movement of the Craft. It is a mix of many traditions, but its focus as recent is on the Goddess Diana. 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, especially in Texas. Other covens, 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-hierarchial, 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 the Re-Formed Congregation of the Goddess. Z Budapest founded the Susan B. Anthony Coven in 1971, declaring Dianic Witchcraft to be “Womin’s Religion.” Later, in 1986, Budapest founded The Womin’s Spirituality Forum. It is dedicated to bringing Goddess consciousness to the mainstream of feminist consciousness through lectures, retreats, classes, cable TV shows, and rituals in the effort to achieve spiritual and social liberation.
Dionysian
In religious studies, describes “lunar- or nature-oriented” religions that emphasize the ecstatic and emotional aspects, and the liberating of the psyche from the limitations of mundane consciousness, to enable union with the “group mind,” or collective consciousness of the group (named for Dionysus, the Greek God of wine and Ecstasy).
Druidry
The pathways based on the practices, rituals, and magick of the early Celtic priestly class known as the Druids. Many expressions of the tradition exist, and their differences have often been cause for dissension in the Pagan community
Eclectic Magick
A form of Ceremonial Magick (i.e. Magick that calls upon the aid of beneficent spirits and is based upon a blend of doctrines of Plato and other Greek philosophers, Oriental mysticism, Judaism and Christianity). Eclectic Magick draws from the usual sources in addition to a variety of different sources including Enochian Magick, Thelemic Magick, Egyptology, Alchemy, and Chaos Magick.
Eclectic Wicca
Although this isn’t exactly an “official” tradition, many Wiccans call themselves Eclectic. In fact, most solitary Wiccans consider themselves eclectic. What this means is that they have combined elements from several different traditions into one they feel comfortable with. Many of the newer traditions started out as Eclectic.
Eclectic Witch
A group or an individual who doesn’t follow any particular tradition or magickal practice. They learn and study from a multitude of magickal systems and apply what appears to work best for them. Deities from several pantheons may be invoked, sometimes even in the same ritual, particularly when a working is being created for a specific cause. In such a case, Eclectics may call upon, for example, an assortment of Love Goddesses, etc. from many different cultures.
Enochian Magick
A system of Ceremonial Magick that teaches communication with angels and spirits and travel through various planes, or aethyrs of consciousness. Enochian magick apparently originated with John Dee and Edward Kelly in the 16th century, and their communication with spirits involved the Nineteen Calls (or Keys), incantations in the Enchonian language (a complex language of unknown origin). Enochian magick was revived by the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn and studied at length by Aleister Crowley.
Faery/faerie/fairy/feri
Victor and Cora Anderson are the original teachers of the Feri Tradition. Victor is recognized universally 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 Bloodrose, 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 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 through 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.
Faery Faith
The Faery Faith is based upon the belief that everything in this and the otherworlds is alive; that each thing is possessed of its own soul or spirit. This belief is called animism and was prevalent in the Western world before the advent of the Christian religion (which insists that only man has souls or spirits and everything else in the world has been placed here for the use of mankind). This attitude, that humankind is superior to all of the rest of creation, does not prevail in those parts of the world where animistic beliefs are still held.
Faery Wicca
A Wiccan Tradition incorporating the deities of the Welsh or Irish Faery Folk and drawing some theology from the Faery Faith.
Family Tradition Witchcraft (FamTrad)
An unbroken family tradition, passed down from generation to generation by their ancestors from the ancient Pagan Mysteries. Many Family Tradition Witches do not consider their traditions Wiccan. Others have admitted that they only began using the term “Wicca” to describe their family traditions because what they’d read about Gardnerian beliefs and practices fit more or less closely with their own beliefs and practices. Also known as Hereditary Witchcraft.
Gardnerian Tradition
This is a closed initiatory Tradition which was founded in England ca 1953 by Gerald Gardner and further developed by Doreen Valiente and others. Gardner was one of very few people so determined that the Old Religion should not die that he publicized it through the media. 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 he revealed quite a bit of the Craft as practiced by the coven. In 1951, the last of the English laws against Witchcraft was 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 Crowleyan 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.
Georgian Wicca
Founded by George E. Patterson in 1970, the Georgians were chartered by the Universal Life Church in 1972, as The Church of Wicca of Bakersfield. In 1980 they were chartered as The Georgian Church. The Georgians are eclectic, much based on Gardnerian-Alexander plus some British Traditional Witchcraft. They are God-Goddess oriented but lean more toward the Goddess. They generally work skyclad, but individual groups or individuals may do as they wish. They are both religious and magickal and celebrate the eight Sabbats. Members are encouraged to learn from all available sources.
Hecatine Tradition
A Scottish tradition of Witchcraft that preserves the unique festivals of the Scottish. Also known as Caledonii Tradition.
Hereditary Witch
A person who can trace the Craft back on their family tree and who was also taught the craft by a living relative. Hereditaries are also often referred to as FamTrad, or Family Traditionalists - a Tradition passed down within the family and hence by hereditary descent.
Hermetic Order Of The Golden Dawn
Founded in 1888 by Dr. William Wynn
Westcott, Samuel Liddle, MacGregor Mathers, and Dr. W.R. Woodman based on a manuscript said to be an old German occult order. Aleister Crowley is the most well known member in occult circles, but membership also included W.B. Yeats and A.E. Waite. During its height the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn possessed the greatest known repository of Western magickal knowledge. Three magickal systems were taught: the Key of Solomon; Abra-Melin magick; and Enochian magick. Materials were also incorporated from the Egyptian Book of the Dead, William Blake’s Prophetic Books and the Chaldean Oracles. Some of the texts included Christian elements, and members circulated various Catholic and Anglican writings and sermons. Instruction was given in astral travel, scrying, alchemy, geomancy, the tarot, and astrology.
High Magick
Magick that calls upon the aid of beneficent spirits and is akin to religion. It is called theurgy, from theourgia “working things pertaining to the gods.” High Magick is based upon a blend of doctrines of Plato and other Greek philosophers, Oriental mysticism, Judaism and Christianity, and currently is divided into three forms : Enochian, Thelemic and Eclectic. Crowley rediscovered Enochian magick and later developed the Thelemic Magick system from his studies. High Magickians have since expanded to develop Eclectic Magick systems based on a variety of different systems, inclusive of Alchemy, Egyptology, Kabbalistic doctrines, Chaos Magick etc. High Magick requires rigorous discipline and has an intellectual appeal. The mage derives power from God (the Judeo-Christian God) through the successful control of spirits, usually demons (which are believed easier to control than angels). Demons may be good, evil, or neutral. In its highest sense, High Magick is a transcendental experience that takes the mage into mystical realms and into communication with the Higher Self. Also known as Ceremonial Magick, Ritual Magick, Theurgic Magick, Theurgy.
Hoodoo
Like Santería, Hoodoo is a blending the worship of traditional Catholic saints, Christ and the Gods (loas) of Africa. For example, the Hoodoo practitioner could beg for intercession from St. Patrick and really be calling on their serpent God, Danbhalah-Wedo. Hoodoo worshipers believe that the work of the loas appears in every facet of daily life and that pleasing the loas will bring them health, wealth, and spiritual contentment. The loas speak to their devotees through spirit possession, but only for a short time during ceremonies and manifest to protect, punish, confer skills and talents, prophesy, cure illness, exorcise spirits, give counsel, assist in rituals and take sacrificial offerings. The priest (houngan) or priestess (mambo) acts as an intermediary to summon the loa and help the loa to depart when his or her business is finished. Magick, for both good and evil, is an integral part of Hoodoo. Evil is merely the mirror image of good. The magick of the spirits is there to be used, and if that is for evil, so be it. Also known as Vodoun, Voodoo, Voudou, Voudoun.
Kitchen Witch
One who practices by home and hearth concentrating on the practical side of religion, magick, and the earth and elements. Also a tradition of Witchcraft with an emphasis on the practical side of religion, magick, the Earth, and elements. Much of the tradition is very similar to Stregheria (Strega) and practitioners work out of hearth and home, using only what they would have on hand for daily routines to perform rituals and spells. The home is sacred to a Kitchen Witch and cooking and herb magick play a fundamental part in their practice. Kitchen Witchery is a way of including Witchcraft beliefs into everyday life.
Left-hand Path
A term that points to those people who feel that they are justified in using magick for purposes that are not constructive to other human beings. It is a reference that they are possibly a self-serving individual. Conversely, the right-hand path is considered positive in nature. Commonly used to refer to “black magick,” because of the association of “left” with “evil”; hence the word “sinister,” originally meaning “left, or lucky, side,” acquired its modern connotation.
Macumba
The Brazilian form of Vodoun and Santería. Macumba is not in itself a religion, but the umbrella for the two principal forms of African spirit worship in Brazil: Candomblé and Umbanda. Macumba is sometimes used to refer to harmful magick, but that is more properly called Quimbanda.
Natural Witchcraft
Witches who practice some forms of witchcraft adeptly without formal training or study (but likely due to training received in past lifetimes) are Natural witches. Many of these witches become Witches later in life and engage in the pursuit of formal training, religious instruction, and expansion of areas of skill. However, some choose to continue practicing Natural witchcraft and do not adhere to any pagan religion.
New Reformed Orthodox Order Of The Golden Dawn (NROOGD)
Founded in 1969 by Glenna Turner and Aidan Kelly, this group has no connection with the ceremonial magick oriented Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn and it recognizes the triple Goddess. Turner, Kelly, and several classmates were assigned the task of creating their own rituals for a Witches Sabbat as part of a course on ritual magic at San Francisco State College. The group continued to meet informally until 1969 when they initiated themselves as witches and formed a coven. Active NROOGD covens exist throughout the United States, and frequently host large public and semipublic outdoor festivals at sabbats.
Nordic Tradition, Norse Paganism
Paganism that worships the Norse pantheon of deities and stresses conservative values of honor, honesty, courage, and duty to one’s family, kin and friends. In the 1970s’, in America, England, and Iceland, a number of Norse Pagan groups sprang into existence almost simultaneously and independently of one another. Many adherents to Norse Paganism are attracted by the emphasis on blood ties and genetics, the warrior ethic, and the Norse symbology. Norse Pagans recognize both branches of the Norse pantheon, the Aesir and the Vanir. A branch called Odinism worships only the Aesir. Festivals center on the seasonal equinoxes and solstices, and Norse holidays such as Ragnar’s Day. Heavier emphasis is placed on skill mastery and shamanism than on magick and meditation. There are a few extreme right-wing Norse Pagan groups who believe they have founded a religion upon the Aryan race. However, while some groups do include neo-Nazis, most Norse Pagans consider these people a fringe element not connected to their religion. Also known as Teutonic Tradition. See also: Odinism.
Odinism
A form of Norse Paganism that recognizes only the Aesir, the Sky Gods, including Odin, Frigga, Thor, Loki, Balder and others. Odinism does not acknowledge the Vanir, the Gods concerned with earth, agriculture, fertility, and the cycle of death and rebirth.
Old Religion (The)
Italian Witchcraft, founded in the mid-14th century with the teachings of Aradia, the Holy Strega, and based upon the pre-Estruscian Italian belief system. The Old Religion is a worship of the “Source of All Things” through the personification of the Goddess and God. Also known as Strega, Stregheria, and La Vecchia Religione.
Paganism
(Latin, paganus, “a peasant, rustic”)
Roman soldiers used the word in the pejorative sense of “hick, yokel, country bumpkin,” and this usage was continued by the early Roman Christians (who were mainly city-dwellers) to refer to everyone who preferred to continue to worship pre-Christian divinities. Hence “Paganism” refers to the worship of Pagan Deities: the Gods and Goddesses of the Old Religions that predate Judaism, Islam, or Christianity. As such, “Paganism” is actually an umbrella term covering a broad family of religions, which may be divided into three broad sub-categories:
Survivalist - those whose religious practice has continued unbroken from their ancestors;
Revivalist - those whose religious practice attempts to revive that of their ancestors, whether by actual descent or by personal spiritual affinity and inclination;
Reconstructionist - those whose religious practice is an adaptation and reinterpretation of what they regard as the best of pre-Christian Pagan religions, adjusted to modern contemporary religious thought.
Pagan Federation
Founded in 1971, and formerly called the Pagan Front, Pagan Federation is a London-based organization that seeks to provide contact between the Craft of the Wise and “genuine seekers of the Old Ways,” and to promote harmony among the various European Pagan religions. It works with institutions, governmental bodies, and the public to present accurate information on Pagan religious views and rights.
Pagan Way
Initially a movement responding to the high demand for applicants to covens in the 1970's. Pagan Way provided an alternative to the traditional intensive screening programs, and year-and-a-day probationary periods with an open, nature-oriented system that emphasized celebration of nature over magick. Although the Pagan Way organization fell apart in the 1980's, the rituals survived. Some covens run Pagan Way groups as training circles for interested persons and potential initiates. Those who aren’t initiated into the coven can remain in the Pagan Way group indefinitely, become solitaries, or form their own Pagan Way group.
Pagan, Occult, Witchcraft Special Interest Group Of Mensa
A special interest group (SIG) of Mensa, the organization for persons scoring in the top two percentile on IQ testing. Only Mensa members can be full members of the SIG but non-Mensans may join as associate members. Their newsletter, Pagana, is considered to be one of the best Pagan journals.
Pictish Witchcraft
Of Scottish origin, it attunes to all aspects of nature such as animal, vegetable, and mineral. It is mainly magickal in nature with little religion. Generally practiced as a solitary form.
Power Doctoring
In the Ozarks region of the United States, power doctors are backwoods healers who use charms, amulets, incantations, and magick to cure illness. They cannot charge a fee, but may accept gifts and offerings. Power doctors must learn their Craft from a person of the opposite sex who is not a blood relative. In turn, they may teach up to two or three others the Craft, but will lose their abilities should they teach more.
Pow-wow
This is a system, not a religion, based on 400 year old German Magick. In this day and time, it has lost much of its concentrations and is basically now into simple faith healing. May be seeing a revival due to writings of Silver Ravenwolf.
Protean Family (The)
The Protean Family is made of most of the lineal descendants of Proteus Coven in New York City. The High Priestess of Proteus, Judy Harrow, founded the coven in the Gardnerian practice during the early 1980's. In late 1985, after a series of internal conflicts over some of the changes of practice instituted by Harrow, a body of Gardnerian Elders indicated a desire to disassociate with Proteus and her descendants. In the early 1990's, Harrow declared the Protean Family to be a “self-aware subgroup” of the Gardnerian line.
Quimbanda
Harmful magick in the Macumba Tradition (the a Brazilian form of Vodoun and Santería).
Ritual Magick
Magick that calls upon the aid of beneficent spirits and is akin to religion. Ritual Magick is based upon a blend of doctrines of Plato and other Greek philosophers, Oriental mysticism, Judaism and Christianity and currently is divided into three forms: Enochian, Thelemic and Eclectic. Enochian Magick originated with John Dee and Edward Kelly in the 16th century and communication with spirits involved the Nineteen Calls (or Keys): incantations in the Enchonian language, a complex language of unknown origin. This system of Magick was revived by the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn and studied at length by Aleister Crowley. In turn, Crowley developed the Thelemic Magick system from his studies and Ritual Magickians have since expanded to develop Eclectic Magick systems based on a variety of different systems, inclusive of Alchemy, Egyptology, Kabbalistic doctrines, Chaos Magick etc.. Ritual Magick requires a rigorous discipline and has an intellectual appeal, the mage derives power from God (the Judeo-Christian God) through the successful control of spirits, usually demons, which are believed easier to control than angels. Demons may be good, evil, or neutral. In its highest sense, Ritual Magick is a transcendental experience that takes the mage into mystical realms and into communication with the Higher Self. Also known as Ceremonial Magick, High Magick, Theurgic Magick, Theurgy.
Sacred Wheel Wicca
An eclectic neo-Pagan path which was organized in Delaware. Calling themselves Wiccan, they focus on balance and learning. Celtic beliefs are a part of their teachings. They state that they are a Wiccan religion dedicated to the health of Mother Earth, and to all her children in whatever forms they may take.
SanterÍa (Spanish santo, saint)
A religion centering on the worship of the ancient African Gods who have been assimilated as Catholic saints. Similar in practice to Voudon, all worshipers of Santería could be called Santeros, but the term Santeros usually refers to the priests or priestesses. The highest order of priest is a babalawo, who has the power to heal the sick, punish the unjust, and to divine the future through the Table of Ifá. Also known as Umbanda.
Satanic Witch
One can not be a satanic Witch because Witches do not believe in Satan.
Scotican Wicca
Founded by Striix, this is a mix of Wicca, Peti-Wita, Kitchen Witchery, and Ceremonial Magic.
Seax-wica
Founded in 1973 by Raymond Buckland. Raymond Buckland authored this tradition without breaking his original Gardnerian oath. His contributions to the Craft is of great significance. He developed a tradition, and authored many textbooks on different magickal aspects and practices of the Craft, thereby enhancing many lives in a positive direction. Is based on Saxon traditions and mythology. Covens are led by a Priest and Priestess and may determine for themselves whether to work robed or skyclad. Rituals are open, and decisions are made democratically.
Shamanic Witchcraft
Associated with tribal shamans in traditional Pagan cultures throughout the world. A shaman combines the roles of healer, priest/priestess, 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 that 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, spellcraft, 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
A Witch who practices Witchcraft or Wicca and worships alone rather than as a member of a coven. During the early growth of Witchcraft and Wicca, one had to be initiated by another Witch. But, as Craft traditions changed and became more liberal, it became acceptable to initiate oneself. Many solitaries have belonged to various covens and have decided they prefer being alone; others opt to be solitaries to protect their privacy.
Standing Stones Tradition (The)
The Wiccan tradition founded by Scott Cunningham for solitary practitioners.
Stregheria
This tradition began in Italy during a time of extreme persecution of the peasants (mid-14th century). Taught by Aradia, a wise woman from Tuscany, it was a revival of the Old Ways of Italy. Stregheria is rooted in the folk religion of the Latins (i.e. the Romans and the Etruscans). Stregheria is a nature-based religion with several distinct traditions, in various parts of Italy, sharing common roots: Janarran, Tanarra and Fanarra. Its followers worship the forces of Nature, which are 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). Another name for Stregheria is “La Vecchia Religione” (The Old Religion). The teachings are beautiful and should not be missed.
Teutonic Witch
This is from ancient time, the Teutons have been recognized as a group who speak the Germanic group of languages. The lanugages include the English, Dutch, Icelandic, Danish, Norwegian and Swedish peoples. Also known as the Nordic Tradition.Paganism that worships the Norse pantheon of deities and stresses conservative values of honor, honesty, courage and duty to one’s family, kin and friends. In the 1970's a number of Norse Pagan groups sprang into existence almost simultaneously and independently of one another, in America, England an Iceland. Many adherents to Norse Paganism are attracted by the emphasis on blood ties and genetics, the warrior ethic and the Norse symbology. Norse Pagans recognize both branches of the Norse pantheon, the Aesir and the Vanir. A branch called Odinism worship only the Aesir. Festivals center on the seasonal equinoxes and solstices, and Norse holidays such as Ragnar’s Day. Heavier emphasis is placed on skill mastery and shamanism than on magick and meditation. There are a few extreme right-wing Norse Pagan groups who believe they have founded a religion upon the Aryan race; and while some do include neo-Nazis, most Norse Pagans consider these people a fringe element not connected to their religion. Also known as Nordic Tradition or Norse Paganism. See also: Odinism.
Thelemic Magick
A form of Ceremonial Magick developed by Aleister Crowley. Ceremonial Magick is Magick that calls upon the aid of beneficent spirits and is based upon a blend of doctrines of Plato and other Greek philosophers, Oriental mysticism, Judaism and Christianity.
Theurgic Magick, Theurgy
(Greek, theourgia, “working things pertaining to the gods”)
Magick that calls upon the aid of beneficent spirits and is akin to religion. Theurgic Magick is based upon a blend of doctrines of Plato and other Greek philosophers, Oriental mysticism, Judaism and Christianity and currently is divided into three forms: Enochian, Thelemic and Eclectic. Enochian Magick originated with John Dee and Edward Kelly in the 16th century and communication with spirits involved the Nineteen Calls (or Keys): incantations in the Enchonian language, a complex language of unknown origin. This system of Magick was revived by the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn and studied at length by Aleister Crowley. In turn, Crowley developed the Thelemic Magick system from his studies and Ceremonial Magickians have since expanded to develop Eclectic Magick systems based on a variety of different systems, inclusive of Alchemy, Egyptology, Kabbalistic doctrines, Chaos Magick etc.. Theurgic Magick requires a rigorous discipline and has an intellectual appeal, the mage derives power from God (the Judeo-Christian God) through the successful control of spirits, usually demons, which are believed easier to control than angels. Demons may be good, evil, or neutral. In its highest sense, Theurgic Magick is a transcendental experience that takes the mage into mystical realms and into communication with the Higher Self. Also known as Ceremonial Magick, High Magick, Ritual Magick.
Traditional Healing
Any practice of holistic medicine in the tradition of a specific culture or tribe.
Traditional Witchcraft
Hereditary or traditional Witchcraft or Wicca, which includes the Gardnerian and Alexandrian Traditions and their branches and offshoots via Gerald Gardner and/or Alex Sanders. Sometimes used to distinguish Traditions that claim initiatory descent from hereditary or traditional Witchcraft via persons other than Gerald Gardner or Alex Sanders; distinct from Wiccan practice. Sometimes used to refer to any Tradition that follows a specific body of rites and practices—including admittedly modern revived or reconstructed Traditions, especially ones that focus on a particular ethnic or cultural background—in order to distinguish between “Traditional” and “Eclectic” Witchcraft.
Umbanda
A religion centering on the worship of the ancient African Gods who have been assimilated as Catholic saints. Similar in practice to Voudon, all worshipers of Santería could be called Santeros but the term Santeros usually refers to the priests or priestesses. The highest order of priest is a babalawo, who has the power to heal the sick, punish the unjust and to divine the future through the Table of Ifá. Also known as Santería.
Vecchia Religione (La)
Italian Witchcraft, founded in the mid -14th century with the teachings of Aradia, the Holy Strega, and based upon the pre-Estruscian Italian belief system. La Vecchia Religione is a worship of the “Source of All Things”, through the personification of the Goddess and God. Also known as The Old Religion, Strega and Stregheria.
Vodoun, Voodoo, Voudou, Voudoun
(Fon, vodu, “spirit”)
Like Santería, Vodoun is a blending the worship of traditional Catholic saints, Christ, and the Gods (loas) of Africa, for example, a Vodoun practitioner could beg for intercession from St. Patrick and really be calling on their serpent God, Danbhalah-Wedo. Vodoun worshippers believe that the work of the loas appears in every facet of daily life and that pleasing the loas will gain the faithful health, wealth, and spiritual contentment. The loas speak to their devotees through spirit possession but only for a short time during ceremonies and manifest to protect, punish, confer skills and talents, prophesy, cure illness, exorcise spirits, give counsel, assist in rituals and take sacrificial offerings. The priest (houngan) or priestess (mambo) acts as an intermediary to summon the loa and help the loa to depart when his or her business is finished. Magick, for both good and evil, is an integral part of Vodoun. Evil is merely the mirror image of good, the magick of the spirits is there to be used, and if that is for evil, so be it. Also known as Hoodoo.
Welsh Cymri Wicca
A Wiccan Tradition based on Y Tylwyth Teg, a Welsh-based tradition named for the faery folk of that land. It maintains deeply Celtic roots and very humanistic philosophy. Students of both these paths are asked to place heavy emphasis on the study of Welsh myth, folklore, and faery lore.
Wicca
(Old English wicca, “male witch”, wicce, “female witch”, and wiccan, “witchcraft”)
An Initiatory, Oathbound, Pagan Mystery religion celebrating the Mysteries contained in the Legend of the Descent of the Goddess and in the Charge of the Goddess, and in which every Initiate is consecrated as a Priest or Priestess as well as a Witch. There is also a different,
although related, religious movement calling itself “Wicca”—one that sprang from (and is loosely based upon) the Mystery Religion, but that is more exoteric and oriented toward worship and devotion and public celebration than it is toward a specific initiatory path, magickal practice, and spiritual discipline. This religious movement has been aptly described as “Wicca-based Paganism.”
Wiccan Shamanism
Created by Selena Fox in the 1980's, high priestess of Circle Sanctuary, Wiccan Shamanism is a religion that blends Wiccan practice, humanistic psychology, and a variety of shamanistic practices from tribal societies around the world. Healing is the primary focus of a Wiccan Shaman, and he/she observes all the sabbats, traditional activities, and the Wiccan Rede, in conjunction with shamanic practices such as vision questing and dreamtime. Ecumenical and multicultural focus. Uses traditional shamanistic techniques to change consciousness, such as drumming and ecstatic dancing.
“Witch”
(Women’s International Terrorist Conspiracy from Hell)
A feminist organization on American college campuses in the 1960's. WITCH purported that the original guerrilla fighters against the oppression of women and minorities were witches and gypsies. WITCH members demonstrated for numerous causes dressed in rags, wearing pointed, conical hats, carrying brooms, and shrieking curses at the Establishment. WITCH maintained that any woman could become a Witch by saying “I am a Witch” three times.
Witchcraft
The craft, or magickal arts and practices, of witches; as with witch, and Witch, the lower-case or upper-case letter indicates witchcraft as a practice outside of (lower-case), or as an intrinsic part of (upper-case), a religious belief or practice.
Witches League Of Public Awareness (WLPA)
An international organization founded in 1986 by Laurie Cabot and Christine Dumas to protest the filming of John Updike’s novel, The Witches of Eastwick, a gross misrepresentation of the Craft. The WLPA works to end prejudice and bigotry against Witches and Witchcraft. It does not handle individual discrimination cases.
Witta
An eclectic Irish path which keeps very old Irish traditions and combines them with the influences of the Norse. Witta values Irish Pagan history, and recognizes that at each stage in its development, over many centuries, each generation has been able to add something of value. Until recent times, Wittan covens were characterized by strict stratification and one-on-one teaching for its apprentices. Today most Wittan covens operate on a consensus basis and will accept self-initiation and the solitary life as valid.
Wizardry
(Middle English, wis, “wise”)
A term used in various periods of history for magicians, sorcerers, or witches, and is seldom in use today. The wizard, as a high magician, was an intellectual who pursued alchemy, the Hermetic wisdom, and the doctrines of Agrippa, Dee, Paracelsus, and other Neoplatonic philosophers. In archaic use, a wizard was synonomous with wise man or wise woman.
Y Tylwyth Teg
A Welsh-based tradition named for the faery folk of that land, a people who roughly correspond to the Tuatha Dé Danann of Ireland. Though the tradition was officially founded in the United States, it maintains deeply Celtic roots and very humanistic philosophy. Students of this path are asked to place heavy emphasis on the study of Welsh myth, folklore, and faery lore.