A Guide to Traditions of Magic
Alexandrian: Originated in England in the 1960's, founded by Alex Sanders. The rituals are said to
be of Gardnarian basis. Alex Sanders referred to himself as the "King" of his Wiccans. Although
similiar to Gardnerian Wicca, Alexandrian Wicca tends to be more eclectic and liberal. Some of
Gardnerian's strict rules, such as the requirement of ritual nudity, have been made optional by
Alexandrian Wicca.
British Traditional Witch: This is a mix of Celtic and Gardenarian beliefs. These traditionals move
mostly within the Farrar studies and are fairly structured by their beliefs. They train through a
degree structured process. The International Red Garters is the most famous organization at this
time. Often includes druids.
Celtic: The Celtic tradition is based on the practices of the pre-Christian Celtic world. This
includes Ireland, Wales, Scotland, and Gaul. There is also a significant amount of Druid practice
used in this tradition. It shares a lot with the Teutonic tradition, including the use of runes. This
traditional is extremely earth based and strong in the religious aspects of the Craft. Many aspects
of Christianity were drawn from the Celtic pagans, such as Cerridwyn's cauldron translating into
the Holy Grail, and the goddess Brigit becoming Saint Bride.
Ceremonial: Less religion, more emphasis on the art and science of magick. Rituals are generally
complex and practices lean towards the secretic, hidden side of magick. Not geared towards the
solitary practitioner, but can easily be adapted for those who choose to work alone. Not
necessarily a wiccan-only tradition, though there are many ceremonial witches.
Dianic: Tradition from 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 is on the goddess, especially Diana. (Diana is a reference often crossed during study of
Greek/Roman mythology.)
Eclectic: An eclectic Wiccan doesn't follow any strict traditional guidelines, but instead, practices
the beliefs that suit them best. They mix traditions to find their most fitting stance on their
religion, using the magick that is most practical for their lifestyle and studying the parts of the
religion they consider to be essential. This is mostly of modern origin, previously most Wiccan
traditions had more restricting boundaries; the eclectic tradition marks witchcraft's expansion
into a patchwork quilt of various beliefs and theories.
Faerie Wicca: Also referred to as fae, fey, faery, fairy, fairie... tradition based on faery lore and
beliefs. Consists of a mixture of "green" Wicca, celtic and druidic practices, and modern
witchcraft.
Gardnerian: Gardnerian is the tradition founded by Gerald Gardner. He was one of the first to go
public with information about the Craft, modern Wicca has mostly been derived from his books.
Gardner's inspiration was drawn from many sources, including 'Aradia, Gospel of the Witches',
where strands of the Gardnerian tradition such as required ritual nudity can be found. This is an
extremely traditional path with a hierarchical grade structure. These individuals are very secretive
and take oaths upon initiation. Although there are a number of Gardnerian Covens active in the US,
they are difficult to locate and once located are not easy to join. This tradition does not lend
itself well to solitary practice, but some aspects of it do. It therefore deserves study by solitary
practitioners, especially eclectics.
Hereditary: This is a person that can trace the Craft back on their family tree and was also taught
the craft by a living relative. ("My mother's grandmother's sister's cousin was a Wiccan" doesn't
count.) Because of the youth of modern Wicca, this really only applies to practitioners of
witchcraft and not necessarily Wicca.
Kitchen Witch: This type is one that practices by home and hearth concentrating on the practical
side of religion, magick and the earth and elements. A more convenient form of practice for those
who have limited space and resource, mainly suburban and city witches. This focuses on
practicality, the use of magick in the home and in the workplace, and convenient ritual writing that
includes readily available "ingredients" on short time and a tight budget.
Pictish: Pictish is Scottish witchcraft with a strong connection to nature in all of its forms. The
practice is actually mostly magickal with little emphasis on the religious aspect. This is practiced as
a solitary tradition.
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.
Seax-Wica: (Or Saxon-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 and many popular books today are of his authorship.
Shamanism: Beliefs are connected to contact with the spirit world. Through communication with
the spirits, the Shaman can work acts of healing, divination and magic - revealing by way of vision,
poetry and myth the deeper reaches of the human spirit.
Solitary: Individuals preferring to work in private rather than within the confines of a group
setting. Wicca works well with this sort of practice. Solitaries can pick any number of traditions
that fit well into this sort of practice. Can be as fulfilling as working in a group setting.
Strega: This tradition began around 1353 in Italy, with a woman called Aradia. Leland's book
"Aradia, Gospel of the Witches" is the most veritable literary remainder of the original tradition.
The teachings are insightful and should not be missed, for those who practice solitary or in covens,
especially if you are interested in studying all traditions.
Teutonic/Nordic: This is from ancient time, the Teutons have been recognized as a group who
speak the Germanic group of languages. The languages include the English, Dutch, Icelandic,
Danish, Norwegian and Swedish. Norse practitioners are often Astruar that is, followers of
Asatru. Many worship similar to their Norse predecessors, following Scandinavian and Germanic
deities such as Odin and using divination methods like the runes.
Choosing a Craft Name
Most Wiccans choose a Craft name (also known as a magickal name or eke-name). Because Wicca Is a new way of life, it is traditional to find a new name that you feel suits you. At birth, we are given names without any personality to base it on. When you choose a Craft name, it will be something
very much a part of you, perfectly fitting and comfortable. A name is a symbol of yourself. You
should choose a name that fits you just right. It should say something about your personality. And
of course, choosing a new name represents the birth of a "new" you as you enter the world of magick, paganism, and the God and Goddess.
Here are some guidelines:
Let your name come to you. If you try to force yourself to come up with a name, you'll only end
up with something that sounds nice, but will always seem a little less than fitting. The name that
suits you will come along and be just right.
Try thinking of it from this perspective: What would you be, if you weren't a human? An
animal? An inanimate object, like a flower or a tree? Or would you be a great body of water, or a
torrent of wind and rain, or a mirage in a hot desert? Think of yourself that way, and it may help
the name form in your mind.
Think about how others see you. Imagine being on the outside, talking to yourself... a little like
reflecting your personality so it's more tangible. Then maybe that name will come to you!
Consider your personality. What name would represent your characteristics best? Names like
"Charisma" or "Star" might suggest an outgoing personality, while a name like "Dove" or "Innocence"
would represent a shy, gentle person. Go from there.
The Four Rules and the Law of White Witchcraft
The Four Rules:
I. Live - Live each day as if it were your last, for one day you will be right.
II. Love - Love yourself first and foremost. For when you truly love yourself, loving those around
you will come as easily as breathing - and we all must breathe.
III. Learn - Learn your life's lessons - each as it comes - for that is the reason we are here.
IV. Enjoy - Enjoy your life, because if you do not most likely someone else will enjoy it for you...
and then your time here will have been wasted.
The Law:
Harm None.
COLOR CORRESPONDENCES
Red - Lust, energy, vitality, strength, health (Taurus) TUESDAY
Orange - Creativity, attraction (Leo)
Yellow - Charm, confidence (Gemini) SUNDAY
Green - Prosperity, growth, healing, luck (Cancer) FRIDAY
Blue - Protection, peace, tranquility (Pisces, Libra) THURSDAY
Purple - Psychic ability, wisdom, enchantment, spirituality (Aquarius) WEDNESDAY
Pink - Love, honor, friendship
Black - Banishing, Crone magick, mourning, loss (Scorpio) SATURDAY
White - Purity, truth, protection, spirituality (Aries) MONDAY
Brown - Animal magick, earth awareness (Capricorn)
Gold - God (Virgo)
Silver - Goddess (Sagittarius)
AIR- Yellow, white, pink, pastels, lavender
FIRE- Red, crimson, burgundy, orange, fuscia
WATER - Blue, turquoise, indigo, aqua, grey
EARTH - Green, brown, black
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