Tuesday, November 6, 2007

Exploring Pagan Paths

There are many, many different branches on the Tree of Paganism. Once you start reading and researching Paganism, it can be very overwelming. So we are going to take a little while and explore some of these branches or Paths as most people call them. Keep in mind that are hundreds of paths; many secret or exclusive to a family or region. The ones that I can going to talk about here are the more widespread and well-known paths

Before we get into the specific Pagan paths, lets take a moment to discuss what being Pagan really means. The definition of the word pagan many vary from person to person but in a very general sense a pagan is a person who follows one of the Earth religions. Most Paganism work to revive of the beliefs of our pre-christian ancestors. It is the belief that Nature is sacred and the Earth is our Mother. The term 'pagan' originally comes from the Latin word pagani, meaning 'country dweller', or 'people of the land'.

Alexandrian Wicca: This is an offshoot of Gardnerian Wicca. It was founded in England during the 1960's by Alex Sanders, who referred to himself as the "King" of his Witches. It is a structured and formal tradition. The Alexandrians use the athame as a symbol for the element of fire and the wand as a symbol for air. It is also a polarized tradition and the sexuality of that female/male polarity is emphasized.

Although similar to Gardnerian Wicca, Alexandrian Wicca tends to be more eclectic, and liberal. Some of Gardnerisms strict rules, such as the requirement of ritual nudity, have been made optional by Alexandrian Wicca.

Asatru: The Asatru movement began in the 1970's in Iceland, as a revival of Germanic paganism. It is Norse Heathenism. The Asatru believe in 3 levels of deity: The Aesir (the gods of the clan - representing leadership, community, crafs, etc) The Vanir (which represent the fertility of the land and forces of nature). The Jotnar (these are giants, the Gods of unrest and disorder, in a constant battle with the Aesir.)

Instead of following the Wiccan Rede, modern Asatruar follow a guideline known as the Nine Noble Virtues. They are:

  • Courage: not only physical courage, but also moral courage, and the willingness to stand up for what one believes in.

  • Truth: spiritual "truth" should a goal for any seeker, and actual "truth" should always be upheld.

  • Honor: honor is not only one's reputation, but also the internal moral compass that makes a person who they are.

  • Fidelity: remaining true to the Gods, kinsmen, a spouse, and community

  • Discipline: the use of personal will to uphold honor and other virtues.

  • Hospitality: treating others with respect and kindness, and being a helpful member of the community.

  • Industriousness: hard work is the key to achieving any goal.

  • Self-Reliance: finding a way to take care of oneself, while still maintaining a strong relationship with the Gods.

  • Perseverance: being willing to continue at something, despite potential obstacles.

Amythystian: Founded in 1968 by Lady Amethyst.The Amythystian tradition is rooted in the Order of the Garter, Order of the Royal Oak. They are dedicated to preserving old traditions while growing into a new generation of enlightened ones. This tradition teaches by example in daily life, at home and at work, as well as when among our own. Followers believe in a strict code of ethics exemplified by one's actions and lives by the Wiccan Rede.

Aquarian Tabernacle Church: An American Tradition of Wicca based on English Traditional Wicca, and focused on service to the larger Wiccan and Pagan community through open worship gatherings. ATC was founded in 1979 by Pierre "Pete Pathfinder" Davis. The Church is based in Index, WA. ATC provides regular, open worship circles and also sponsors several annual festivals. ATC also functions as an umbrella organization, accepting affiliations by Wiccan groups wishing to become recognized, open and public Wiccan churches.

Black Forrest Clan: This is Silver RavenWolf's group and is considered Euro-Wiccan, drawing from Silver's German heritage and Pow-Wow and training she received from her Old Guard Wiccan magickal teachers. The Black Forest is not a social organization and does not charge an initiation or elevation fee. The Black Forest training program is designed specifically to train Wiccan Clergy, and therefore does not train individuals new to the Craft, nor is it considered a social organization.

Blue Star Wicca: Blue Star was founded Frank Duffner in 1975 in Pennsylvania. Blue Star practices mostly as a hierarchical, mystery-based tradition with its roots in Alexandrian Craft. Most covens operate on a Grove system, in which uninitiated members and students comprise an Outer Court, and Initiates make up an Inner Court. Traditionally, a Coven (or circle) would include both Inner and Outer court members and would be presided over by a Third Degree High Priest and High Priestess.

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.

Circle Wicca: Circle was begun in 1974 by Selena Fox and Jim Alan. Its headquarters are at Circle Sanctuary, a 200 acre Nature preserve and organic herb farm in southwestern Wisconsin.They publish an annual source, the Circle Guide to Pagan Resources as well as a quarterly magazine, Circle Network News.

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.

Covenant of the Goddess: A cross-traditional federation of over one hundred covens, plus solitary elders and associates, who have joined together to win recognition for the Craft as a legitimate and legally recognized religion.

Covenant of the Goddess: Covenant of the Goddess was organized in 1975 at Coeden Brith. It is incorporated as a non-profit religious organization in California, though it has grown to be a nationwide organization with members throughout the United States, as well as a few in Canada and Overseas. Decisions are made at an annual Grand Council or in local councils. The Covenant publishes The Covenant of the Goddess Newsletter and sponsors the COG Merrymeet Festival and Grand Council each year.A coven can apply for membership if it is a cohesive, self-perpetuating group which has been meeting for six months or more; the group follows the code of ethics defined by COG; the coven has three or more members studying for the priesthood, one of whom is an Elder; and the focus of the group's ritual and theology is the worship of the Goddess and the Old Gods (or the Goddess alone).

Dianic Tradition: The Dianic Craft includes two distinct branches:

The first branch, founded in Texas by Morgan McFarland and Mark Roberts, gives primacy to the Goddess in its theology, but honors the Horned God as Her Beloved Consort. Covens are mixed, including both women and men. This branch is sometimes called 'Old Dianic', and there are still covens of this tradition, especially in Texas. Other covens, similar in teleology but not directly descended from the McFarland/Roberts line, are sprinkled around the country.

The second branch, sometimes called Feminist Dianic Witchcraft, focus exclusively on the Goddess and consists of women-only covens and groups. These tend to be loosely structured and non-hierarchical, using consensus- decision- making and simple, creative, experimental ritual. They are politically feminist groups, usually very supportive, personal and emotionally intimate. There is a strong lesbian presence in the movement, though most covens are open to women of all orientations. The major network is Re-Formed Congregation of the Goddess, which publishes "Of a Like Mind" newspaper and sponsors conferences on Dianic 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 theory. Strong emphasis is placed on sensual experience and awareness, including sexual mysticism, which is not limited to heterosexual expression. Starhawk is an initiate.

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.

Georgian Tradition: The Georgians, founded by George E. Patterson in 1970, were chartered by the Universal Life Church in 1972, as The Church of Wicca of Bakersfield. In 1980 they were chartered as The Georgian Church.They lean toward the Goddess and generally work skyclad but individual groups or individuals may do as they wish. They are both religious and magickal and celebrate the eight Sabbats. Members are encouraged to learn from all available sources.

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 or Family Traditions is another name for it


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. Kitchen witches use herbs, plants and food to do magick.

Minoan Tradition: The Minoan tradition is actually of triad -- the Brotherhood, the Sisterhood, and the Cult of Rhea -- was incorporated in December of 1998 under New York State religious corporations law. Their beliefs do not focus on the gender differences of the deities and many Minoan followers are gay, lesbian and bisexual.

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.

Reclaiming: Reclaiming is a community of women and men working to unify spirit and politics. It is a tradition of Witchcraft that began in the 1980s in Northern California.

Pow-Wow: Indigenous to South Central Pennsylvania. This is a system, not a religion, based on 400 year old Elite German magick. Pow-Wow has deteriorated to a great degree into simple faith healing. Although Pow-Wow finds its roots in German Witchcraft, few practicing Pow-Wows today in Pennsylvania follow the Craft or even know the nature of its true birth.

Sacred Wheel: An eclectic neo-Pagan path which was organized in Delaware withing the past decade. Calling themselves Wiccan, they focus on balance and learning. Celtic beliefs are a part of their teachings. Still concentrated in the Eastern states, covens are formed from study groups which include both old-timers and novices.

Seax-Wica: Founded by Raymond Buckland in 1973. Although of Saxon basis, it was authored by Raymond himself without breaking his original Gardenarian oath.

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.

Strega Witches: Follows a Tradition seated in Italy that began around 1353 with a woman called Aradia. Of all the traditional Witches, this group appears to be the smallest in number in the United States.

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, symbolism and practices from Norse and Germanic cultures.

Sources:
Bewitching Ways { http://www.bewitchingways.com/wicca/witch.htm }

Wicca { http://www.wicca.com/ }

Drawing Down the Moon: Witches, Druids, Goddess-Worshippers, and Other Pagans in America by Margot Adler

Buckland's Complete Book of Witchcraft by Raymond Buckland

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