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In Wicca, there are many different paths and branches, all coming off the same Wiccan tree. They all agree on the basic wiccan principle of:" An it harm none, do what ye will ", but in other areas, belief systems differ slightly. Gardnerian: This is the main coven orientated tradition of wicca. It was founded by Gerald Gardner, who is considered the grandfather of almost all wicca. He was initiated in either the New Forest or somewhere on the Isle of Man, into a coven. He published many books, the two of which bring most famous are High Magicks Aid and Witchcraft Today. In doing this, he showed rituals he himself used, and this opened the worlds eyes to the cry of Wicca. In this tradition covens are split in pairs, with male- female parts, to create equality. The tradition is very family orientated, and most Gardnerian can trace their family back to having something to do with Gerald Gardner. Alexandrian: In the 1960�s a person called Alex Sanders started this tradition. This is a coven orientated tradition, but is not as strict and orthodox as Gardnerianism. It is less strict about things like ritual nudity and there is more solitary work, that goes alongside coven workings. It is still very formal, and owes most of its� customs to ceremonial magick. Eclectic: Eclectic wiccans are not part of covens or family traditions. They work alone, and have no set in stone customs. They adapt their religion to suit them, and incorporate bits of other traditions as they wish. This is perhaps the best option if you are too young to join a coven, or are still in the broomcloset, as it will attract less attention and you won�t have to make excuses to go and work with a coven. Kitchen Witchcraft: Kitchen witches base their faith around their home, and are usually interested in craft things, and often very involved in herbalism. Often they use remedies and visualisation, rather than doing long and formal rituals. Strega: Not much is known about this path, as it is an Italian path, and passed down through the family. Celtic Wicca: Celtic wicca is nature orientated, with strong emphasis on the elements. The ancient Celtic pantheons are used, and poetry is revered as sacred. This is because in the ancient times the Celts saw poetry as something very special. Also, women are thought to be very important in this tradition, and there is also a profound appreciation for art and the intricate things in life. Dianic Wicca: Dianic wicca is split into two distinct branches. Feminist and Old Dianic. The main differences between these two are that Feminist only focuses on the Goddess and not the God. This path is often criticized as being sexist, and lesbian. It is true there is a lesbian presence in the faith, but women of any sexuality are welcome. Old wicca recognises both the God and the Goddess, however is mostly Goddess orientated in its theology. Also both men and women are welcome in this branch. Faerie wicca: The faerie tradition concentrates on fae�s and is mainly feminine. Its� customs have been passed down through the generations, once the practice of the village shaman. Shamanic Wicca: This type of wicca is based around the Native American traditions of the Shaman. Contributed by Ecne |