There are two types of traditional witches covens. There are training covens, where people regularly meet with a holder of the tradition, where that ancient tradition is once again handed down to another generation (possibly to a different language or culture). There are also “working” covens, where witches who have completed their training agree to meet regularly for a set period of time for some specific purpose.

I was trained for 10 years in a traditional training coven. Since my training with that coven was completed, I now practice on my own, not belonging to any working coven.

Witchcraft is often associated with the term "Wicca". What is Wicca?

It is a modern English term, coined by Gerald Gardner around 1950.

The term is used in two ways: neopagan Wicca, and Traditional Wicca.

Neo-pagan as the name infers is new paganism typically made up and invented by the leader of each group. This was the case with Gerald Gardner and is done by solitary witches. They do this without following the set traditions that are handed down from generation to generation. Followers of this type of Wicca often call themselves witches and being without a definite tradition, believe in and practice a random variety of different pagan ideas.

Traditional Wicca is a modern English term for a specific set of beliefs and practices that is handed down from generation to generation.

The modern term of Traditional Wicca refers to an ancient initiated, body of teachings and practices that have been handed down through the generations person to person for centuries.

These practices and beliefs constitute something similar to what is known in India as Hindu or Buddhist tantra, and could be described as "the tantra of the West." Contrary to public misconception, tantra does not refer to sexual practices. The meanings of the word tantra aptly describe Traditional Wicca.

Literally the word means: a loom, specifically, the warp or weaving. It also means: the leading principal essential part, main point, or characteristic feature of anything. It is a model, prototype, system, framework, doctrine, rule, or theory. Also: a chapter or part thereof, or a class of works teaching magical and mystical formulae.

Is there some organization behind Wicca?

There are some Wicca organizations, such as The Wiccan Church of Canada. Traditional witches normally have nothing to do with any organizations beyond their own coven of 13 or so members. The idea of some organizing body beyond that is foreign and incompatible with the basic tenets of traditional Wicca.

What does a traditional witch do?

Traditional Witches practice prayers, meditations, rituals and spells. We practice the prayers and spells that are selected, designed or altered by accomplished witches before us that are appropriate to our time and culture.

We learn prayers to watch and develop how we use our minds. We practice meditations, spells and rituals to explore what it is that we are really doing, and what it is that we really are. We do all of these things, so we can help others and ourselves when the need arises.

What's the purpose of the witch practicing witchcraft?

We are all of One Universal Consciousness. Finding that and identifying with that is our most intimate experience. There are powerful immediate effects that come from recognizing this. Because we can experience firsthand that we are not separate from anything we can be aware by instinct of self-preservation. It becomes impossible for us to want to harm another. We would be harming ourselves!

At the same time any pain or suffering we become aware of we experience as our own. Out of the instinct of self-preservation it is impossible not to want to help heal that pain or suffering. A drive to help others is inherent in the core experience of Existence itself. . Abhorrence for any kind of harm or deprivation is our way of life. These are the effects of learning to be a witch in the traditional sense.

Click on the 'NEXT' arrow for page 3

Share this article with: