The Religion;
Witchcraft is a spiritual practice, a way of life, a belief system and a religion. Witchcraft is the religion that sets the foundation of belief. The denominations of Witchcraft are called Traditions. They further define and implement the foundation of beliefs into their own perspectives of practice. Defining their own creed, troth or Rede of faith to provide guidance and principles for that tradition.
Witchcraft comes in many forms or Traditions. Many are based on historical evidence, others from archeological and anthropological discoveries. Some are passed down through cultural practices. But many are based on oral traditions passed down through families, communities or cultures. Perhaps this passing down of information is where the word "Tradition" comes from as it relates to sects of Witchcraft. There are many Traditions within the religion of Witchcraft. One of the more commonly known today is Wicca which has become one of the most popular traditions in America. It needs to be understood that Wicca is not the religion, but rather one of many denominations of the religion.
Think of it this way:
The tradition is to Witchcraft what a denomination is to Christianity.
That is to say: Wicca is to Witchcraft what Baptist is to Christianity.
Pantheon List;
Alexandrian:
Started about the same time as Gardner's, this tradition is fairly similar, with a little more emphasis upon ceremonial magick. Alex Sanders founded this path in England during the 1960's. There are numerous covens in both US and Europe. The name is taken from the Library at Alexandria which is considered to be the first of it's kind - a repositary of knowledge from all over the world. Sanders claimed that he was originally initiated by his Grandmother and that his practice was therefore hereditary, with links to the Witch Cult of Europe. While there is no proof to substantiate this, it is known that he was initiated into Gardnerian Wicca in 1963, before establishing his own tradition and therefore his claims are unlikely. Alex Sanders was introduced to esoteric ideas from a young age, and went on to study ceremonial magick. As a result, this tradition has many influences drawn from ceremonial magick. It is very similar to the Gardnerian Tradition, except for a few minor differences when it comes to associations of the elements.
Although not exactly a Celtic tradition, many Celtic paths today use words and expressions which reflect the Kabbalistic influence of this Pagan tradition. It's founder, Alexander Saunders, was a Pagan leader who successfully blended Kabbalistic practice with Anglo-Celtic Pagan practice. Many people believe that this blending first began in the later 1400s when Moors, Jews, Pagans , and other non-Catholics fled the Spanish Inquisition. Many of these people came to the west of Ireland, then the end of the known world, to hide and begin a new life. The book, Secrets of a Witches' Coven, By Morwyn, outlines the basic teachings of this tradition.
American Celtic Wicca
"The American Order of the Brotherhood of the Wicca" covens stem from Jessica Bell ("Lady Sheba"), a self-styled Witch Queen. The tradition's rites are virtually the same as Gardnerian, though covens work robed. They follow the same practice of Gardnerian in preferring couples; preferably husband and wife. "Ceremonial Magic is the primary work of the American Celtic tradition and it is conceived as being the most powerful and ancient means of sychological and occult therapy by which normal. healthy people can undertake a program of initiation and development."
Ango-Romany Tradition (aka; Gypsy)
A tradition based upon the belief of the itinerant Gypsy people of Britain and Ireland, commonly called "Tinkers." This tradition often is blended with the more mystical aspects of European Catholicism.
Anglo-Saxon Tradition
An English path combining the practices of the Celts with those of the southern Teutons, whose Pagans are also sometimes called "witches." Though the popular word "Wicca" is Anglo-Saxon in origin, the followers of this path discard it as a label for themselves. There are many followers of this tradition, and many varied expressions of it's teachings.
Arthurian Tradition
A tradition from Wales and Cornwall based upon the Arthurian myths which each of the figures in his stories as individual divine images. Books on the Arthurian legends can give you a basic idea of the practices of this pathway. Look to the writings of Geoffrey Ashe and John Mathews for the best and broadest presentations.
Asatru Tradition
Asatru is a Norse word meaning 'belief in the Gods'. This tradition is very ancient with its roots in the historical agricultural Vanir and warrior Aesir tribes of Scandinavia and northern Germany. The main deities are the Goddesses Freya, Frigg, and the Norns while the main Gods are Odin, Thor, and Frey.
Australian Wicca
Australia has just about every version of Craft in healthy existence; the only significant difference is that Australians celebrate the Sabbats in opposite order from those in the Northern hemisphere, in keeping with their own seasons.
Brezonek Tradition (Bray-zone-AY'K)
This is the little-known Celtic tradition of Brittany. It has most likely been influenced by both Roman and Celtic Gual, and by the Celts of the Britich Isles, though its followers think of themselves first and foremost as Celtic.
British Traditionalist
Like Dianic, this is a sub-class and a mix of Celtic and Gardnerian beliefs. Each traditionalist group is based upon the traditions, literature, myth, and folktales of that particular geographic/demographic area. Influenced heavily by Gardnerian Wicca and Celtic traditions. Covens are co-ed and members train through a degree process. Janet and Stewart Farrar are British Traditionalist witches. The International Red Garters is British Traditionalist. An Anglo-Celtic tradition which encompasses the beliefs brought to England by the invading Romans, as well as those of the Celts.
Brythonic Traditions
A generic label often applied to traditions of Wales, Cornwall, and England. Though the Bretons also speak a Brythonic language, this name is usually not applied to their spiritual practices.
Celtic Wicca
The use of a Celtic/Druidic pantheon and heavily stressing the elements, nature and the Ancient Ones. They have a vast knowledge of and respect for the healing and magickal qualities of plants and stones, flowers, trees, elemental spirits, the little people, gnomes and faieries. A briad and eckectuc branch of Paganism originating in Celtic Gual, western and northern England, Ireland, Wales, Scottland, Brittany, and the Isle of Man. Generally they share much in common, but, specifically, they have many differences. A basic overview of shared Celtic Pagan beliefs can be found in D.J Conway's book, Celtic Magic. Based upon old Celtic/Druidic practices, and ritual Gardnerian design. The emphasis is placed heavily upon Celtic deities, the elements, nature and the magic of trees.
Caledonii (Hecatine)
Also known as Hecatine, this denomination is Scottish in origin, and still preserves the unique festivals of the Scots.Calendonii Tradition. This Scottich tradition receives little publicity in the Pagan press. The name Caledonii is Roman in origin and may indicate that it, like the Hibernian tradition of Ireland, has strong Roman influences. The now defunct Samildanach was the quarterly newsletter of this tradition.
Celtic Tradition
A briad and eckectuc branch of Paganism originating in Celtic Gual, western and northern England, Ireland, Wales, Scottland, Brittany, and the Isle of Man. Generally they share much in common, but, specifically, they have many differences. A basic overview of shared Celtic Pagan beliefs can be found in D.J Conway's book, Celtic Magic.
Circle Wicca
1974 Circle is founded in Madison, Wisconsin. Its name, logo, and focus are conceived by Selena Fox. Circle sponsors its first Sabbat gathering. This small gathering is a Yule celebration hosted by Selena Fox and Jim Alan in their home in Madison, Wisconsin and includes Pagans from the USA and UK.
Creabh Ruadh Tradition (Crahv ROO-Ah)
The "Red Branch" tradition is highly secretive, initiatory, male mysteries Irish path based upon the myths and exploits of the Red Branch warriors of Ulster. It is highly stratified in character, much like Celtic society.
Cymri Tradition (KIM-ree or KEEM-ree)
The principal Pagan tradition of Wales. It claims to be a pre-Celtic path which may antedate many of the Arthurian legends, though Arthur and his legions figure heavily in the teachings and mythology of this tradition.
