There is not a lot of information about the Gardnerian Tradition available to non-initiates. The Gardnerian Tradition is the basis for most of Modern Wicca.
Gerald believed the Craft was dying out as most of the members of his group were older and very few new members were being initiated. He could not reveal his coven's information, (due to his oath) so he developed a tradition that was a combination of ritual, ceremonial magick, French Mediterranean Witchcraft. These writings, along with contributions from Doreen Valiente, became the basis of Gardnerian Tradition.
Dedication is usually the first step in joining a group and usually occurs when the group and the student feel that there is a connection. Dedication is a serious event. It is a promise to study with a group/teacher and their promise to teach. A student will have studied for at least a year and a day with a teacher before being considered for initiation. Some groups have a list of requirements that must be met before a student may ask for initiation. The Gardnerian Tradition is a Mystery Tradition. This means that we have information that is passed only to other members of the Tradition. In the Gardnerian Tradition, there are 3 degrees, or levels of accomplishment.
When a person is initiated in the tradition (1st degree), they are initiated by a person who was initiated by another Gardnerian, using the Gardnerian ritual. Most people find that initiation is a life changing experience.
2nd Degree requires *at least* another year and a day of study (more often it takes longer). This is a time when those who feel the call to teach or to lead a group begin deep study.
3rd Degree is for those who will run a group. Normally it takes several years (5-7 years is not uncommon) to go from 1st degree to 3rd degree. When you have reached 3rd degree, and wish to start a group of your own, you "hive" from your mother coven. This means that you "break away" and work on your own. This does not mean you are alone. You can always call upon your HPS and Queen for advice. You are autonomous but if you choose to ignore counsel from your elders you will find yourself on a very rough path.
Because of the persecution of the past, Gardnerians are often very secretive about their locations and event that this is their tradition. This secrecy is not snobbery, but a remnet of times when to reveal yourself meant death. Many in the tradition are now mixing with local pagan communities, and participating in local events
If you would be interested in furthur information about Gardnerian Wicca, please contact me.
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