Modern Wicca Versus Traditional Witchcraft
This has been a topic of discussion that has swirled around me many times over the years. Many have pointedly asked me how I felt about this and as High Priestess I have answered. So now I will share this with you.
Traditional Witchcraft as Celtic Tradition have been attached to Modern Wicca in ways that have little to actually do with the age old Craft or Celtic Folkways and more to do with a specific epoch and self styled plans for their own Covens. Workings 60 years ago that have been watered down by later practitioners who had no where else to go for information in the pre cyber space world. Well times have changed. Increasingly people are voicing their opinions and research on the web is easily accessible and this delights me no end. It makes my job so much faster and easier with my students to give them links to look at and keeps me on my toes in my advancing Cronage.
In the 1920’s/30’s a generation of Occult interested ladies and gentlemen in London were upcoming that were, educated, enlightened and not fearful of following what they believed. This to me, is both an awesome thing as it gave a springboard for our future growth, hope and future. But is also a curse as so many have clung to other people’s directions and thought forms like the Christian bible and still seem fearful to think for themselves, evolve and continue that freedom enjoyed by these early practitioners. Let me point out here, we have even better access to the mysteries than they had then due to increased publications and internet search of institutions and archeological findings. All you have to do is search for yourself. When a student or Initiate comes to me for the first time, I tell them to put the inevitable ring binder away. There is no set program. They will set their own programs. Think for themselves and when they are ready, bring thoughts to me and we discuss. This has reaped awesome, wonderful things.
Now, let’s discuss the ‘Transformation’ that has got us all confused and muddly on Traditional Craft and modern Wicca. The same names such as Gardener, Valiente, Crowley, Graves all come up over and over. They all intermingled with each other and shared thoughts and fought, made up in a cauldron of a rarified atmosphere in England. Again I say some wonderful, worthy things came of these interactions. Some of Valiente’s and Crwoley’s efforts to this day give off energy that cannot be denied. I am not putting in question the intent or capabilities of these people. But rather the way its put forth nowadays that it s the only way to go forward on so many issues by so many.
There are definitely things I strongly disagree with too and everyone who knows me know what they are. I am no fan of Gardener or Graves for example . The misinformation and usage of the Tree Ogham almost makes me wild in late night discussions. Graves made this popular. I can find nothing before 1200’s and other than the “Ballymote” that were Monks’ musings on symbols found on border stones that were a lost language. There is no evidence Proto Celts and Celts ever used this tree association. If the Druids ever used trees in such away, we can never know as was an oral tradition.. If you want to use the Tree Ogham do so with the knowledge it is attributed to Robert Graves and not the Celtic Past. This is a simple example
What is Traditional? What is a Traditional Witch? . Traditional Witchcraft does not have the Degree's of initiation that Wicca has. Traditional Witchcraft normally just has a leader who is chosen for their knowledge, experience and a willingness to lead.
Another point to consider is the structuring of ‘level’s in a coven. Like militaristic aspects. Rank and file. I cannot agree with this concept. I listened to two well known contemporary Authors and Coven leaders hit on this very point at a Pagan Gathering in Florida in recent past. And they said as I understood it, that not everyone wants to move up the “ladder”, will have a comfort Zone where they are comfortable practicing and makes the structure not as useful as once thought. Interesting considering the foundation and history of the sources, making me think much of them for trying to let go of the early modern additions they had been brought along with. The face of Metaphysics has moved forward and is growing at a fast pace that out strips the slow growth of covens 50years ago.
‘Well, What IS traditional then” ..ok.. I will answer you as best I can finally. You have to get the idea that Celtic is NOT Wicca, and not all Witches are Wicca. Celtic has never metaphorically heard of Wicca. Wicca is a Modern term in the current lexicon that was never used in the same context or extent that it is used now. If it was used, it was in a derogatory reference such as Witch debunkers and not like the Banner title it s now to signify a whole Branch of Metaphysical religion. Celts still exist. They will be happy to tell you that Faerie, Wicca and in many cases Pagan does not mean a thing to them. Now or in their familial past. Many Celts are practicing Christians.ust because someone is Irish does not mean they worship The Goddess and believe in Faries. So I would say that if someone is drawn to a region, say Scandinavia, Then do extensive research of that place’s history and cultural aspects. Myths, legends and Political past. Do it yourself, for yourself. This yields vast amounts of answers. The recent influx of bad information has confused many. If someone says “they” said. .I challenge them to prove who ‘They” are. I am rarely disappointed to find the same reference materials used over and over again.
To be a Traditional is to be recognized as one by others. Through simple practice, cultural mores , folk pathways, speech patterns and word usages provide the identifiers for a Traditional Practice. TheTraditional practitioner will invest in the culture, raise their children in the cultural aspects and pass on these practices. To follow a Traditional path is to immerse yourself in the culture by research and study. And strive to find whatever you can in way of material and people who can pass on practical information.
Wicca is easy to find. So I will only hit on this lightly. It is Gardenarian based, highly structured by degrees and have stylist rituals. There are many formalized, rigid aspects that must be adhered to. Alexandrian is an off shoot example..
.The final debate eternal.. Wicca, Witch, whatever... I have voiced my opinion. But I am far more interested in someone forming their own based on research. I enjoy educated, underpinned belief. I invite you to expand yourself. Believe in yourself. Find your own way. And share with us your knowledge and growth. Your journey should be all your own. Free from critique of others. Now that you have looked over the parapet. Asked questions of yourself and the universe at large, You are unique and beautiful. Why try and label something so wonderous.
Sliante
Starwalker
