Alexandrian Tradition
A Wiccan tradition started by Alex Sanders in the 1960s. It is considered an off-shoot from the Gardnerian tradition in which Alex was himself trained. There is very specific training and ritual involved for those in an Alexandrian coven, including the Kabbalah and ceremonial magick.
Arthurian Tradition
A tradition from Wales and Cornwall based upon Arthurian myths, which sees each of the figures in his stories as individual divine images.
British Traditional Witch
This is a mix of Celtic and Gardenarian beliefs. British Traditionals move mostly from within the Farrar studies (the famous Witch husband and wife from England.) They are fairly structured in their beliefs, and train through the degree process.
Caledonii Tradition
This was once known as the Hecatine Tradition, this denomination of the Craft is Scottish in origin, and still preserves the unique festivals of the Scots.
Celtic Tradition
Cased on Celtic myth, magick, rites and beliefs. Deities are known by there Celtic names.
Celtic Reconstructionism
An umbrella term for those who follow the cultural and religious practices of the Gaelic or Brythonic (Celtic) peoples. Beliefs and ritual practices vary from one ethnic or tribal group to another, but almost all place great store in history, language, the surviving Gaelic literature and cultural relevance/context (with the emphasis being placed upon linguistic and cultural, rather than DNA or religious, ties to those regions). As in most other Reconstructionist religions, personal honesty, integrity, honor in both word and deed and scholarship are very important and highly valued.
Ceremonial Witchcraft
The followers of this Tradition use a great deal of ceremonial magick in their practices. Detailed rituals with a flavour of Egyptian magick are sometimes a favourite, or they may use the Qabbalistic magick.
Dianic Tradition
It was first mentioned 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.
Druidism
A reconstruction and/or a reweaving of the spiritual threads of the wisdom and ritual framework of the ancient Druids. Druids are generally polytheistic and follow a calendar based upon the astronomical yearly stages of the sun, the earth and the moon. Modern or Neo-Druids can be either male or female. Since the ancient order or class of Druids passed along their lore and wisdom through a closely guarded oral tradition, little is known of the actual rites themselves. However, Modern Druidism considers itself as a mainly spiritual path wherein the old knowledge is still accessible through insight and revelation. Like the ancient order, Neo-Druids often denote different levels of learning or expertise. The most commonly known classifications are the Bards (composer of verses; keeper of the lore), The Ovates (guardians and interpreters of the mysteries; diviners) and the Druids (advisors; authorities of worship, law and ceremony). The entire training process for new initiates may last several years.
Eclectic
Anyone who doesn't strictly follow one particular tradition is often referred to as "eclectic". Eclectic Wiccans/Witches sometimes mix pantheons as well.
Egyptian Witchcraft
A branch of Witchcraft using ancient Egyptian deities and ideas.
Faery Tradition
An environmentally-minded path which claims its origins in the oral teaching of the Tuatha de Danann of Ireland, the deities who became the faery folk.
Gardnerian Tradition
Wiccan traditions started by Gerald Gardner in the 1950s. Many people consider Gardnerian Wicca to be the most 'authentic', but many of the details of this tradition are only available to those who have been initiated into a Gardnerian coven. Belonging to this tradition requires a great deal of commitment and learning. There is a specific hierarchy within any coven (initiate, 1st degree, 2nd degree, 3rd degree).
Green Witch
Usually a solitary Witch who bases their magick on use of herbs and plants.
Hereditary Witch
This is one who can trace their Craft through their family tree.
Kitchen Witch
This kind of Witch practices by hearth and home, dealing with the practical side of religion, magick, the earth and elements. There are some who groan loudly at this type of terminology, viewing it as degrading or simply inappropriate. Just remember that the Old Religion started somewhere, and most likely the kitchen was the hub of many charms, spells, healings, and celebrations. After all, where does everyone congregate during the holidays? Grandma's kitchen has always produced magickal memories for humanity; visions of Mother making that something special for a sick child still holds true today for many of us.
Mesopotamian Witchcraft
A branch of Witchcraft using ancient Mesopotamian deities and ideas.
Neo-Pagan
Modern Pagan beliefs such a Wicca are called 'neo-pagan' because they are actually new versions of older beliefs. Not everyone bothers to make the distinction between Pagan and Neo-Pagan despite their obvious differences.
Pagan
Any of the pre-Christian, poly-theistic religions, or those who practice them. Wicca is one Pagan religion, as is Asatru, Santeria, Voodoo, or Shamanism. Also a term used for any religion which is not of Judeo-Christian or Muslim origin.
Pictish Witchcraft
Scottish Witchcraft that attunes itself to all aspects of nature: animal, vegetable, and mineral. It is a solitary form of the Craft.
Seax-Wicca
A form of Witchcraft founded by Raymond Buckland in 1973, this is based on ancient Saxon beliefs and deities, with elements of Gardnerian Tradition.
Strega Witchcraft
An Italian branch of Witchcraft said to have been founded by Aradia in about 1353.
Wiccan Tradition
Modern version of the Pagan religious beliefs supposedly handed down from pre-Christian times, although there are serious doubts as to whether this is true or not. Wicca is a peaceful, earth-cantered, poly-theistic religion who's focus is divinity personified in the form of a God and Goddess. Some people believe that Witchcraft and Wicca are the same thing, although this is not true. The largest of all Neo-pagan religions.
Extracts from:
The Witches Voice
Celtic Parents
