Post by Jessie Desmond on May 4, 2014 11:47:57 GMT -9
The "Oldest" Traditions
Gardnerian Wicca - founded by Gerald B Gardner: Gardner is known as the father of modern Wicca/Witchcraft as this was the first tradition to step out publically. This tradition requires initiation and works with a degree system. Much of their information is oathbound, and cannot be shared with anyone outside of their path. There is much debate in the Wiccan community as to whether this is the only "true" Wiccan path. This system places an emphasis on the Goddess/female over the God/male.
Alexandrian Wicca - founded by Alex Sanders: Although heavily influenced by Gardnerian Wicca, Alexandrian Wicca focuses on the equality between the Goddess and God and has a heavy emphasis on cerimonial magick during Esbats and Sabbats. These covens also use initiation and a degree system.
Seax Wicca - founded by Raymond Buckland: Although this sect has a Saxon basis, it is a Tradition of Wicca. The main difference with this Tradition is that it has open public rituals (many of which are published). This path does not require initiation into a lineage group - members can self-decicate themselves into this tradition. This path allows for both covens and solitary practices. Priests and Priestesses are encouraged to add to or modify the rituals and practices of the tradition as they see fit as there is no one set of regulations for this tradition. Seax Wicca deals mainly with Germanic Deitiess and Runes for divination.
Other Wiccan Traditions:
Dianic Wicca: This Tradition was born from the Feminist Movement and although it appears to contain a variety of aspects of other traditions, it focuses solely on the Goddess and all things feminine. This tradition became known as a "lesbian" group, but Dianic Wicca is meant for all women regardless of sexual orientation; it also now allows for mixed covens, female covens, and solo practitioners This Tradition honours the Sabbats although there may not be a lot of continuity in rituals. It incourages female leadership and insists that a Preistess be present to open a circle.
Blue Star Witchcraft: Although modeled from Gardnerian Traditions, these members reject the term Wicca and refer to Witchcraft and Witches only. This Tradition also uses initiation and a degree system, however, unlike other 3 degree systems, Blue Star Witchcraft uses a 5 level system.
Georgian Wicca: This is a very eclectic form of Wicca. It incorporates both Gardnerian and Alexandrian Traditions. Although it is a God and Goddess system, it leans strongly toward the Goddess. Members are encouraged to learn and study through all resourses available.
British Traditional Wicca: This is a term used mainly by Americans to describe various British Traditions (Gardnerian and Alexandrian may fall under this category). It is believed that BTW predates other Wiccan Traditions. British Traditional Wiccans must be initiated by a lineaged member and must maintain a certain level of training and practices. It should be noted that this tradition is not solely found in Britian.
Celtic Wicca: This path combines Druid and Gardnerian Wicca. There is a large emphasis on the elements, nature and the Ancient Ones.
Eclectic Wicca: This is often referred to Neowiccan Tradition (please note - this is not a derogatory or insulting term, it simply refers to one who practices a newer form of Wicca). This is a combination of several types of traditions to form a new tradition. Eclectic Wiccans can be either solitary or part of a coven.
Gardnerian Wicca - founded by Gerald B Gardner: Gardner is known as the father of modern Wicca/Witchcraft as this was the first tradition to step out publically. This tradition requires initiation and works with a degree system. Much of their information is oathbound, and cannot be shared with anyone outside of their path. There is much debate in the Wiccan community as to whether this is the only "true" Wiccan path. This system places an emphasis on the Goddess/female over the God/male.
Alexandrian Wicca - founded by Alex Sanders: Although heavily influenced by Gardnerian Wicca, Alexandrian Wicca focuses on the equality between the Goddess and God and has a heavy emphasis on cerimonial magick during Esbats and Sabbats. These covens also use initiation and a degree system.
Seax Wicca - founded by Raymond Buckland: Although this sect has a Saxon basis, it is a Tradition of Wicca. The main difference with this Tradition is that it has open public rituals (many of which are published). This path does not require initiation into a lineage group - members can self-decicate themselves into this tradition. This path allows for both covens and solitary practices. Priests and Priestesses are encouraged to add to or modify the rituals and practices of the tradition as they see fit as there is no one set of regulations for this tradition. Seax Wicca deals mainly with Germanic Deitiess and Runes for divination.
Other Wiccan Traditions:
Dianic Wicca: This Tradition was born from the Feminist Movement and although it appears to contain a variety of aspects of other traditions, it focuses solely on the Goddess and all things feminine. This tradition became known as a "lesbian" group, but Dianic Wicca is meant for all women regardless of sexual orientation; it also now allows for mixed covens, female covens, and solo practitioners This Tradition honours the Sabbats although there may not be a lot of continuity in rituals. It incourages female leadership and insists that a Preistess be present to open a circle.
Blue Star Witchcraft: Although modeled from Gardnerian Traditions, these members reject the term Wicca and refer to Witchcraft and Witches only. This Tradition also uses initiation and a degree system, however, unlike other 3 degree systems, Blue Star Witchcraft uses a 5 level system.
Georgian Wicca: This is a very eclectic form of Wicca. It incorporates both Gardnerian and Alexandrian Traditions. Although it is a God and Goddess system, it leans strongly toward the Goddess. Members are encouraged to learn and study through all resourses available.
British Traditional Wicca: This is a term used mainly by Americans to describe various British Traditions (Gardnerian and Alexandrian may fall under this category). It is believed that BTW predates other Wiccan Traditions. British Traditional Wiccans must be initiated by a lineaged member and must maintain a certain level of training and practices. It should be noted that this tradition is not solely found in Britian.
Celtic Wicca: This path combines Druid and Gardnerian Wicca. There is a large emphasis on the elements, nature and the Ancient Ones.
Eclectic Wicca: This is often referred to Neowiccan Tradition (please note - this is not a derogatory or insulting term, it simply refers to one who practices a newer form of Wicca). This is a combination of several types of traditions to form a new tradition. Eclectic Wiccans can be either solitary or part of a coven.
