Which Witch is Which?

Which Witch is Which?

Taken from my web forum Circle of Light. http://www.circleoflight.myfreeforum.org I thought that it might be useful in showing you the different faces of witchcraft. Personally I am more of a kitchen witch, I do what I need to do as I when the need arises. I keep my craft quite basic and use most of the things I have at home as tools, though I do buy ingredients that I do not grow myself, or need for a specific spell. When creating spells for other people I will draw of all of the equipment, ingredients and rituals from across the wiccan/pagan spectrum. I hope that you find this posting of interest. Claire Dixon, The Covenstead

Remember The Covenstead for all of your magickal, mystical and ritual supplies.

There are several different traditions of Wicca. Here are some of the more well-known traditions. You could practice one, none or mix and match as you see fit. If you are not immediately drawn to one, research a couple until you find the one that fits.

Alexandrian Tradition: Founded in England during the 1960's, Alex Sanders referred to himself as the "King" of his Witches. It is a formal, structed, neo-Gardnerian tradition. There is a public domain version of the Alexandrian Book of Shadows available online.

Amythystian : Founded in 1968 by Lady Amethyst. 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 and lives by the Wiccan Rede.

British Traditional Witch: A formal, structured, neo-Gardner that is a mix of Celtic and Gardenarian beliefs. Most famous organization at this time is the International Red Garters. British Traditionals move mostly from within the Farrar studies/ They too are fairly structured in their beliefs, and train through the degree process. Their covens are also co-ed.

Caledonii Tradition: Formally known as Hecatine Tradition, this denomination of the Craft is Scottish in origin, and still preserves the unique festival of the Scots.

Celtic Wicca: The use of a Celtic/Druidic pantheon mixed with a little ritual Gardenarian, 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.

Ceremonial Witchcraft: Followers of this Tradition use a great deal of ceremonial magick in their practices. Detailed rituals with a flavor of Egyptian magick are sometimes a favorite, or they may use the Qabbalistic magick.

Church and School of Wicca: This is one of the many Welsh-based traditions. It was originally founded by Gavin and Yvonne Frost in the early 1970s. 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. 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. It is a widely spread tradition, found throughout this country and abroad.

Correllian Tradition: The Correllian Tradition is dedicated to the advancement of the Pagan people and emphasizes celebratory as well as initiatory Wicca, and is strongly committed to accessible public ritual.

Dianic Tradition: First pinpointed by Margaret Murray in 1921 in "The Witch-Cult in Western Europe," this term appears to include a mixture of various traditions. However, their prime focus in recent years is on the Goddess, and has been pegged as the "feminist" movement of the Craft.

Eclectic Witch: This catch-all phrase indicates that the individual does not follow any particular Tradition, denomination, sect, or magickal practice. They learn and study from many magickal systems and apply to themselves what appears to work best.

Faery Wicca: This is an Irish tradition that centers on green Witchcraft and faery magick. It is an ecstatic, rather than fertility tradition, emphasizing on 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.

Family Traditions: These are the practices and traditions, usually secret, of families who have been Witches for generations.

Gardnerian Tradition: Organized by Gerald Gardner in England in the 1950's. Gardnerian was one of the few people so determined that the Old Religion should not die that he took the risk of publicizing it through the media. This is a formal, hierachal path with skyclad worship of Aradia and Cernunnos. Gardners believe it takes a Witch to make a Witch.

Hereditary Witch: One who can trace the Craft through their family tree and who has been taught the Old Religion by a relative who was living at the same time. How far one has got to go back on the family tree to meet the conditions of the first part of this definition is debatable. Family trades (another name for Hereditary Witches.

Kitchen Witch: Basically, this type is one who practices by hearth and home, dealing with the practical side of religion, magick, the earth and the elements.

Pictish Witch: Scottish Witchcraft that attunes itself to all aspects of nature: animal, vegetable, and mineral. It is a solitary form of the Craft and mainly magickal in nature with little religion.

Shamanic Witchcraft: This term refers to practices associated with those of tribal shamans in traditional Pagan cultures throughout the world. A shaman combines the roles of healer, priest (ess), 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 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.

Teutonic Witch: From ancient time, the Teutons have been recognize as a group of people who speak the Germanic group languages. Culturally, this included the English, Dutch, Icelandic, Danish, Norwegian and Swedish peoples. This is also known as the Nordic Tradition and incorporates deities, symbolisms and practices from Norse and Germanic cultures.