|
Gerald Gardner founded this part of Wicca in England in the 1950's. He was the first to publicly speak about the craft and we owe much of its survival to his courage. This path includes a degree system of advancement where no self-initation is allowed. Covens perform magick in a circle of 9 feet and skyclad (nude) in order to reduce self-consciousness or reservations that might obstruct the flow of magickal power. They symbolically scourge themselves to purify and release unwanted energy. Some covens strive to have an equal number of females and males during ceremony; this is known as "perfect couple" and is a simulation of the perfect union of Goddess and God.
In their pursuit to attune themselves to nature, followers honor th God of the forest and the future as well as the Triple Goddess of fertility, creation, and rebirth. Followers emphasize the role of the Goddess over the God in ritual and worship. Many Wiccans debate about whether Gardner promoted an untainted version of an ancient religion, but it appears he was sincere in celibrating a happy, peaceful, nature-loving way of worship. The Farrars' books will be helpful if you are interested in this path. |
|
