The Wiccan Tradition: An Overview

What Wicca Is

"Wicca encompasses an entire worldview and way of life, and is always there in the way you look at and interact with the world. It is an experiential system of magick, mysticism and spirituality that works with the divine as both masculine and feminine, whilst emphasising growth through balance and discipline. This balance, be it of light and dark, feminine and masculine, or active and passive, acts as a dynamic tension to create harmony and enable the individual to progress in their development through understanding their relationship with themselves and the world around them."

Circle of Fire, Sorita D'Este & David Rankine, 2005/2008



"Wicca" is probably amongst one of the most misunderstood terms used in modern Spirituality. Not only is there still a great deal of misinformation attached to it amongst the general public, it is also often misunderstood within the modern Pagan community and applied to a huge variety of practices and traditions, some of which bear little resemblance to the practices, beliefs and ways of the traditions from which they claim to originate. Partially this may be due to the fact that the published rituals and teachings of the Gardnerian and Alexandrian tradition has often been used as the inspiration for the rituals and practices of traditions with very different beliefs, sometimes watered down to such a level that it no longer contains much in common with the practices from which they originate, etc. This often leads to a great deal of confusion, debate and misunderstanding.

Wicca, although having many things in common with Paganism, Druidry and Pagan Witchcraft, is a tradition in its own right. Sometimes also called "The Wica" or "The Craft" or "The Old Religion" by those who practice it, it is a Mystery Tradition, in which initiation plays an important role. There are dozens of new "traditions" of Wicca born every year, most of them are developments of Gardnerian or Alexandrian Wicca, or have been born out of the published materials available on these two traditions:

Gardnerian Wicca
This tradition of the Craft was first publicised by Gerald B Gardner during the 1950's after the repeal of the Witchcraft & Fraudulent Mediums Act. Membership is through initiation into an established Coven with lineage traceable back to Gerald Gardner or one of his High Priestesses, including Doreen Valiente, Patricia Crowther, Lois Borne.

For more information on Gardnerian Wicca read:

Books by Gerald Gardner (including Witchcraft Today; High Magic's Aid)
Patricia Crowther "Lid of the Cauldron"
Lois Borne "A Witch is Born"
Doreen Valiente "Witchcraft Tomorrow"; "The ABC of Witchcraft"; "Natural Magic"
Prof. Ronald Hutton's "Triumph of the Moon"

Web: http://www.geraldgardner.com/

Alexandrian Wicca
During the 1960's emerged a new tradition of Wicca, this time lead by Alex and Maxine Sanders, the "Alexandrians" as they became known, had a more inclusive view towards magickal practices. Alex Sanders claimed initiation from his grandmother into a Welsh tradition of the Craft, the teachings he passed down was a heady mix of what the Gardnerians did, other traditional practices, as well as Ceremonial Magick, Qabalah etc. Alexandrian Wicca is an initiatory mystery tradition, membership is through initiation into a coven able to trace their initiatory lineage to Alex or Maxine Sanders.

For more information on Alexandrian Wicca read:

June John's "King of the Witches"
Janet & Stewart Farrar "The Witches Bible (Compleat)"
Maxine Sanders "Firechild"
Maxine Sanders "Maxine - Witch Queen"
Prof. Ronald Hutton's "Triumph of the Moon"

Web: http://www.maxinesanders.co.uk/

The term "British Traditional Wicca" or BTW is now sometimes used to distinguish between Gardnerian and Alexandrian Wiccan traditions (and the initiatory traditions derived directly from them) and the newer (usually USA based) traditions created since the 1970's - some of which have very little in common with these.

Some General Facts about Wicca

Ethics
The Core philosophy of Wicca is contained within the Wiccan Rede "An It Harm None - Do As Ye Will" this is an ethical guide, stressing the need for each practitioner to take responsibility on a personal level for all their actions.

The Four Elements
The Four Elements of Air, Fire, Water & Earth all play an important role in ceremonies. They are invoked at the Four Cardinal points of the circle to bless and guard the magick circle during ceremonies with their unique gifts and powers.

The Wheel of the Year
Wiccans celebrate the changing seasons, through the "Wheel of the Year" or "Witches Sabbats". There may be four or eight of these a year depending on the preference of the Coven.

The Goddess & Horned God
Wiccans offer reverence to both a male and female deity, ie. a God and a Goddess.
Wiccans consider the Moon to be the most important heavenly body, the Moon is often associated with Goddesses invoked in Wiccan ceremonies - including Aradia, Diana, Artemis, Hekate, Ceridwen.

The Gods usually invoked within the Craft are most often associated with Forests or the Sun and include Cernunnos (Horned One), Gwyn Ap Nudd, Pan, Apollo, Lugh.

Initiation & Rites of Passage
Wiccans have a number of "rites of passage" of which initiation into the tradition (first degree) plays an important role as it is a shared experience in which the newcomer is "reborn" as a member of the tradition and is welcomed into the Coven in the same way that all other members were first brought into the Craft too.
Wiccans traditionally work "skyclad" (ie. nude) although some prefer to also work robed or cloaked.

Old Ones & Ancestral Spirits
The Old Ones, or the Spirits of Place, are often invoked in Wiccan ceremonies (especially when working outdoors) - the Ancestors (being both the spiritual and physical ancestors you have) are also sometimes called upon for their blessings, help and guidance.

The Ritual Space
Wiccan ceremonies take place in a specially prepared magick circle. This is usually cast and consecrated by a High Priestess, the way in which it is done vary between traditions.

History
There are many debates concerning the exact origins of the Wiccan tradition, but regardless of where Wicca originated, we know that since the days of Gerald Gardner (who claimed initiation into a Coven of the Wica in the New Forest during the 1930's) Wicca has evolved, grown and developed into a vibrant and modern system of magick that is effective, simple yet meaningful. It is practiced by many people, both in and outside of Covens and both in and outside the initiatory veils.

The Term
At the end of the day what is important is that if you use the term to describe yourself you should be fully aware of what it means, and sure that Wicca is what you actually do and practice, and that the spiritual beliefs associated with the tradition is also something you share. You are only a Wiccan if what you practice is Wicca - and although that sounds easy, it is not unless you were fortunate enough to find a good (and reputable) teacher and coven who trained you and initiated you into the tradition. It is not impossible to learn aspects of the tradition by yourself with the aid of books, and through courses and workshops, but ultimately without experiencing the rituals fully, it is also not possible to share in the experiences and therefore gain experience through which knowledge and understanding is passed on, of some of the important rituals of the tradition (as these are usually designed for a group of people who have been trained specially for the roles they take). If you are unable to due to work, family or other commitments to work with a Coven but wish to explore the tradition by yourself, this is of course possible, but you may at a later stage wish to explore possibilities of being initiated to further your understanding of the tradition.


Finding a Coven
Finding a Coven is not easy either, over the years many people have contacted me to ask where their "local" coven is! There are Covens all over the UK, Europe and Americas today, however groups are autonomous and each group make their own decision - so "finding" a coven may only be the first step in regards to gaining membership and initiation and you may have to travel many hours to attend meetings on a regular basis with a coven who will both accept you as a member, and whom you will enjoy working with. You may find the listings of moots, groups and workshops (as well as larger festivals) on www.witchvox.com helpful.

Remember you have the right to ask questions of a teacher or group you may work with. They should be able to give you answers for most questions, although of course some things will be "oathbound" - but "oathbound" should not be an excuse for not giving any answers! If you plan on meeting with people make sure to do your homework first so that you can ask intelligent and informed questions. Good teachers and groups will appreciate that you have made an effort and this may count in your favour when they make a decision on whether to take you as a member or not. In addition to this obvious benefit, you will also be able to text the group to see whether or not their practices, believes, ethics and knowledge is suitable to you.

Alarm Bells & Cautions
You are told everything is a secret and they are unable to tell you anything else, except how old and ancient and magickal the tradition is. A genuine Wicca Priestess or Priest should be able to offer you answers to most of your questions. (Providing they are sensible questions)

If you are uncertain ask them to provide you with a referee at a large Pagan / Witchcraft organisation that will be able to "vouch" for them, or maybe an author or other public figure who may be willing to vouch for their authenticity and reputation. It is a good idea to attend local conferences and moots and ask people if they have heard of the group / person. Bear in mind that one opinion may be useful, but that it is usually best to ask for several. Also don't go around advertising that you are about to join a coven as usually covens do prefer to be private about their affairs! Take on board what you hear, but remember that it decision is YOURS. You may hear negative gossip from someone who had been excluded from a group (due to their own bad behaviour, but not like they are going to admit to that.)
If meeting a potential teacher or coven through the internet or other "advertisements" please exercise caution in the same way you would for a blind date.

What Wicca is Not
Although things have changed a great deal in the world, although people are generally more informed about different faiths and spiritual practices; and although people are generally more open minded in this day and age, there are still a number of misunderstandings about the Wiccan tradition that should be addressed from the start.

1. Wicca is not the same as Witchcraft. Witchcraft is not a religion, nor is it attached to any particular tradition. In theory it is possible that people from all world religions can practice Witchcraft, and indeed practice it without any religious associations. On the other hand, you cannot be, for example, a Muslim Wiccan, Satanist Wiccan or a Christian Wiccan etc. [Where as someone may be a Muslim Witch, Satanist Witch or a Christian Witch]
2. Wicca is not a fashion accessory. Although it has become trendy in some circles due to the "Hollywood Factor" it is a serious spiritual and magickal path, requiring dedication, patience, hard work, study and practice. Wearing a pointy hat, long black velvet dress or medieval garb does not make you a Wiccan, expecting this to happen will make you the laughing stock!
3. Wicca is not just any combination of Witchcraft, Paganism and Magick, nor is it a "What Feels Right" path. It is a specific combination of rituals, believes and magickal practices - which may be adapted to suit an individual coven or person (after they have learned the basics first).
4. Wicca is not something to play with. If that is what you really really want, go and buy (as a friend of mine describe them) one of "those carpet covered books with spells in it" and go and spend a fortune in your local occult shop buying all the tools that will impress (or scare) your friends and family when they visit (preferably with large pentacles on all of it). I am sure that the shop will appreciate your patronage, so you will be doing something good! (But err, just don't call what you do Wicca, make up a grander sounding word for it, with an equally grand sounding title for yourself - start with Grand Lady or Dark Lord and add lots of magickal sounding adjectives, nouns and verbs)

If you are interested in learning more about the Wiccan Tradition I would recommend the following books as good primers which will not only help you gain an insight into the history of the tradition, but also the symbolism, beliefs and practices:

Triumph of the Moon by Prof. Ronald Hutton
Circle of Fire by Sorita D'Este & David Rankine
Wicca Magickal Beginnings by Sorita d'Este & David Rankine
A Witches Bible by Janet & Stewart Farrar
Wiccan Roots by Philip Heselton
Gerald Gardner & the Cauldron of Inspiration by Philip Heselton
Fire Child by Maxine Sanders
Wicca by Vivianne Crowley
High Priestess by Patricia Crowther

---- compiled & written by Sorita D'Este for Avalonia (c) 1997, 2007 ----