norseman Fri Jan 13, 2012 9:06 pm
It is claimed that Witchcraft (The Craft) dates back to the mists of time in
one form or another, some claim 40,000 years, certainly predating the ‘book’
religions. Based on the religions of the ancient, modern Traditional Witchcraft
has evolved and is now generally accepted to be of European origin,
specifically British and falls under the wide umbrella of ‘Paganism.’ Today’s
Traditional Witches’ beliefs and practices vary as much as any of the book
religions that split into different factions and assume different methods of
practice/worship.
Traditional Witches generally do not ‘worship’ anything; they honour/respect
every living thing on the planet as part of the great universal force that is
Nature. Unlike other traditions most do not look to a mother and/or father
figure represented by deity although some do choose to do this; they do,
however, acknowledge the male/female polarity of the natural world.
There are no books to instruct or guides to follow neither is there a written
creed to which they must adhere – each individual practices as she/he deems
appropriate and will introduce local or cultural idiosyncrasies into her/his
magic or ritual.
Modern Traditional Witches use ‘Grimoires,’ notebooks in which they keep
records of rituals, spells, recipes or anything personal they wish to recall.
These books, as with the Wiccan Book of Shadows, are new additions not
available to the often illiterate, simple people of bygone days. In any event,
it would have been inadvisable to keep a book that might condemn them;
fortunately we now live in [allegedly] more enlightened times.
Traditional Witches as a whole believe in reincarnation, that they move from
this life to a ‘spirit world’ where they rest before continuing their journey –
sometimes being reborn in human form or becoming one with Nature (Land
Spirits). Some, however, will remain in the spirit world and it is believed
that these appear to humans from time to time. As a result all spirits are
respected as being our ancestors; as they were in their human form some are
benevolent, some are not!
Traditional Witches’ rituals are not ‘ceremonial’ and complicated – simple
recognition of the changes of the seasons in the form of the Sabbats, the Moon
Phases and, particularly, the Full Moon is all that is necessary. It is
perfectly acceptable for rituals to be carried out at home – no contrived
surroundings, state of dress or elaborate tools are deemed necessary or even
particularly desirable. Intent and the power of the will are paramount.
Ritual in a Coven environment is also simple and does not work to the same
hierarchical format as Wicca, Covens do, however, have Rites of Passage that
are carried out during various stages of a member’s life, generally based on the
changing seasons or phases of the moon. Systems vary between different Covens
and whether or not an individual chooses to undergo these Rites is a matter of
choice. There are no ‘craft names’ in Traditional Witchcraft; these are a
Wiccan introduction.
The magic practiced is simple and not reliant upon the tools and symbols of the
High Magic practiced in other belief systems/religions. All religions practice
magic in one form or another although some will hold up their hands in horror
at the very idea. Simply lighting a candle, with or without the addition of
incense and the sprinkling of holy water and making a wish or reciting a prayer
is ‘magic’ in that it is an attempt to influence circumstances through the
application of one’s willpower. Herbal healing is also a common ‘magical’
practice of the Traditional Witch. Unlike Wicca, the practice of hexing and
cursing is perfectly acceptable in Traditional Witchcraft but only in extreme
cases.
Traditional Witches hold all life sacred and, therefore, to be shown respect.
This applies to others’ belief systems/religions as we may likely all end up in
the same place. They do not hold to the Christian notion of good and
evil forces, nor do they believe in a devil, hellfire or brimstone. They
understand that there is both good and bad in everyone and they must take
responsibility for their own actions without the need for guidance from others.
With the advent of the Solitary Wiccan, particularly the more eclectic, the
divisions between Wicca and Traditional Witchcraft are becoming blurred. Many
Wiccans conduct ritual and practice magic in a very similar, simple vein as
living circumstances are not always conducive to High Magic with all the
paraphernalia involved, nor are Covens easy to find or join and ‘Groups’ of
like-minded people are becoming popular for those who don’t wish the
regimentation or responsibility of Coven membership. For those who choose to
work alone, there is always interaction via the Internet if needed.
Wiccans will always differ in that they must adhere to the core beliefs - the
Rede and Threefold Law. Wicca is a religion based upon the worship/honouring of
deity, particularly the Triple Goddess. One unifying factor is that both
Traditions consider the Earth and everything in it, on it and above it sacred
and to be nurtured.
Soaring Bird
