Can anyone become a Trad Witch? Can someone be a Christian Witch?

I thought I would comment on a two questions I am often asked. Can anyone become a Traditional Witch? And, can someone be a Christian Witch?

Anyone that has a true interest in Traditional Witchcraft, who shares our beliefs and mind-set, who has the dedication necessary to live our lifestyle, and is able to master the techniques required, can become a Traditional Witch, or Traditional Crafter, as many preferred to be called. However, few people are willing to delve into our spirituality because it is too unconventional. However, for a few, becoming a seeker is a highly rewarding and liberating experience.

Some seekers wish to hold onto Christianity in one way or another, while they walk our path. Now, I will admit there are some groups that seem to think this is acceptable. However, in my opinion, this is not possible, much less acceptable. Christianity and our fundamental pagan beliefs and values are at complete and total opposites. There is an article on this topic on the Blue Moon Manor website. You can find it by going to Articles on the navigation bar.

There is one point I wish to make clear. It is not that we are anti-Christian. Rather, it is that we hold no interest whatsoever in their religion.

Inevitably, those coming to any pagan religion including Traditional British Witchcraft will have to make a decision at some early point and pick one or the other.

Today Is Friday The Thirteenth! Isn't That Nice?

Are you aware that 13 was a luck number in Old England? Well, it was. It was the Christians that had something against 13. However, among British Traditional Crafters (witches), no number or day of the week is less lucky than any other number or day of the week. Nevertheless, as numbers go, the number thirteen is a fairly auspicious number. In fact, thirteen shows up in important and symbolic places:

• King Arthur had 12 knights, plus himself = 13

• Robin hood had 12 in his merry band, plus himself = 13

• Thirteen is the number of full moons during the year.

• In mathematics, the number 13 is a "lucky prime," a lucky number that is prime, which is a natural number which has exactly two distinct natural number divisors: 1 and itself.

These are just four examples to show that we should not have anything to fear about the number thirteen, or Friday the 13th.

ANNOUNCING: Version 2 of the Mini-Course

The free Mini-Course on Trad Witchcraft has been re-written, re-organised, and renamed the Mini-Course on Traditional Magic.

All those that are old Mini-Course subscribers will find the old links to the old lessons will now open the new Version 2 lessons. For example, the link to the original Lesson Seven will now open the Version 2 of Lesson Seven. So all the links remain the same, making access to the new Lessons easier for old subscribers.

There is also an access page to all the lessons. All older subscribers will have received this in a Special Issue of the newsletter.

ANNOUNCING: Version 4 the Course

I wish to announce that Version 4 of the Journey to Trad Witchcraft Course is complete and now available.

All those that have purchased a previous version of the Course can get a free Version 4 by responding to the email I sent to previous purchasers. All previous owners will have to "sign-up" for the download. If you cannot locate your email, then please contact me and I will send you access information.

Traditional Witchcraft Magic vs. High Magick

In all of the magical arts, there exist two basic types of magic used today in witchcraft and in in the occult societies. These are Traditional Magic, also known as Folk Magic, and Ceremonial Magick, also known as High Magick.

Traditional Magic is used in Traditional Witchcraft and some refer to it as "witches prayer." This form of magic has always been the most popular because of its recognition as the standard in British witchcraft. Traditional Witches, or "Trad Witches, utilizes techniques in spellcraft that focus the mind and mental energy, and to direct that energy to achieve its intended goal. A Trad Witch is one that practices the Traditional Witchcraft of old Britain. A mark of the Trad Witch is the use of friendly spirits in spellcraft. The spirits used are often specific Spirit Guides, family spirits, or land spirits.

To the general public, all witchcraft and occult magic is seen as within the realm of the supernatural, outside the physical world. However, in reality, magic is not supernatural at all, because it works within the natural world, physical world, within the laws of physics. Therefore, it is "natural" and not "supernatural."

There is a second way to look at it. If the cosmos was created by God and was not created by chance, then that which the Creator created is innately natural. How magic works is not scientifically known. However, this does not make magic supernatural. It does mean that magic is a natural phenomenon that is not right now understood.

Trad Witches believe that in time, scientific awareness of physics will greatly increase and eventually the principles of magical phenomena will be appreciated by scientists as reflective of scientific fact.

Ceremonial Magick is very different. It derives from the Western Occult Tradition on continental Europe through such secret societies as the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn, and others. Their form of magick is very highly ritualistic and complicated with perhaps some elements that may date back to the mysterious rites of ancient Egypt.

Ceremonial Magicians will also use astral travel and other techniques to gain knowledge and to communicate with the more powerful, which Trad Witches consider to be too foolhardy and too dangerous.

Summary:

While both approaches, Folk Magic and Ceremonial Magick, are used today, the differences between them is substantial and not well-suited to blending. Trad Witchcraft uses a variety of friendly spirits and applies spellwork for stated, and usually positive, goals. However, Ceremonial Magick goes another route and employs treacherous forces that require great skill to control. High magick is also very time-consuming, and requires mentoring.

The Magic of Witchcraft Across the Ages

Across the ages, the magical practices of British Traditional Witchcraft, or "Trad Witchcraft," have been as important to the Trad Witch as breathing air. Magic is seen as simply another aspect of Nature, an added dimension of spiritual religious existence. Trad Witchcraft is the historic withcraft of old Britain and is not Wicca, which dates from the early 195o's.

The Traditional Witch has always been highly spiritual . We view the concept of God, as the universal consciousness that is evident in the world that surrounds us. Indeed, it is a core belief that Nature is the the very same as God. Consequently, Nature is divine.

Magic itself is nothing more than the use of the forces of Nature, forces of God, to change or modify our reality to suit the desired outcome intended by the Trad Witch. Thus, magic is, when directed correctly, a divine act, comparible to prayer, which fosters positive change witnin the individual, their family, community, and our Mother Earth. It is an intended force for change, of creative modification. It can be used for any of the following purposes:

* For personal growth and transformation.

* To protect oneself and family.

* To improve their life and the lives of their family.

* To heal themselves and to heal others.

* To aid in obtaining a intended goal.

* To remove barriers and impediments.

* To create an alternate beginning or new circumstances.

The magical arts can be a meaningful force for good in our lives, if we are willing to learn how to use it properly. Magical results are never coincidence. Magic is based on the belief that Nature unfolds in an orderly manner, and these events can be known. With this information, one can control or alter the energy surrounding these events in manner that will effect and change outcome.

Magic, to most people, seems rather incomprehensible, something weird and supernatural. Nevertheless, magic is something very different. For, rather than being something beyond knowing, the magical arts are within the reality of Nature, and affects our lives with ramifications to both the spiritual and physical planes.

The spellcraft of Traditional Magic is particularly potent because the Trad Witch has knowledge of techniques that endow magic. While these techniques are not commonly thought of as applicable to magic, they go back in use in British magic for over a thousand years, if not longer. The terms commonly used for these techniques today, "meditation" and "visualization," are certainly not the same terms used our history, but their names do not matter. The substance of what is taught does.

A final idea: Traditional Witches subscribe to an very old concept of proper conduct called the "Law of Return." This is a principle found in physics, which states that for every action there is an equal and opposite reaction. It is by this high principle that every Traditional Witch knows full well that when an action is taken or they send a magical spell, the energy of that action or spell will eventually return to the sender in full force.

The rule of thumb is to always use caution. Magic can be a powerful force that can add to our quality of life, but only if it is used in a wise and constructive manner.

On the Topics of Nature and the Spirits

Trad Witches are primarily pantheists, which is the belief that "everything in the universe is god and god is everything in the universe." This is expressed in the concept of being "one with Nature". Nature, or god, is seen as neutral, neither good nor bad, but is to be respected, appreciated, and revered, that it simply "is." Nature is the totality of reality. Nature simply exists and provides us with a world that is not more kind than it is brutal, nor more beautiful than ugly, nor more comforting than harsh.

In the tradition of British witchcraft, Nature encompasses far more than our worldly province to also encompass the OtherSide, or heaven, within its domain. Thus, it could be said correctly that heaven and Earth are all part of Nature. Therefore, the Trad Witch views Nature as a force that surrounds us in life as well as in death.

Traditional Witches have always been very spiritually minded, coördinating their lives with Nature, forging associations and friendships with spirits and Spirit Guides, and honoring specific gods through family tradition.

One of many beliefs that marked the witch as very different from the majority is the belief in the absolute equality of all life forms, both on Earth and on the OtherSide. Trad Witches believe the spirits of the living and the spirits of the dead are completely equal. This means that all spirits are equal. This has many ramifications including the ancient belief that males and females are completely equal. The concept of a god and goddess duality, male and female in equal balance, is certainly part of many traditions in Trad Witchcraft but is not found in all traditions.

The witch has a special relationship with spirits on the OtherSide. Friendly spirits are thought of as one might think of a neighbor. When you think about it, a spirit is simply another person, whether alive or dead, in this world or on the OtherSide. As with people, the personality of spirits vary as human personalities vary. Some spirits are uncoöperative and nasty, while others are agreeable and helpful. Many more tend to be neutral.

As with any family member or friend, friendly spirits can be invited to ritual or during magic. Spirits are always treated with high respect. There are many spirits willing to help us if we only ask. There are specific techniques that are very effective in this regard.

Traditional Witchcraft is a religion of considerable depth. It is a religion of the highest spirituality, of Nature-consciousness, of gender equality. It is as vibrant today as it has always been.

Traditional Witchcraft & Wicca - Different Ritual Traditions

Traditional Witchcraft and Wicca are not the same thing. Traditional Witchcraft, or "Trad Witchcraft," is the historic form of witchcraft that dates back into Britain's far past. Wicca was created in the 1950's and includes many beliefs and practices that are not traditional to British witchcraft.

It is said that "Wiccans spend most of their time preparing for ritual and magic, while Traditional Witches spend most of their time doing ritual and magic." That could very well be true. Compared to Wiccan ritualism and formality, rituals in many traditions in Trad Witchcraft could be considered downright casual. Certainly, there is little use of props such as correspondences, unless they happen to be handy.

The Trad Witch will usually use only one or two white candles for both ritual and spellwork. Wiccans use a wide range of colors, each color for a specific "magickal" reason not based on any tradition in witchcraft.

Wiccans will always use a "circle" for ritual and spellwork because they believe they need to create a "sacred space." But in Traditional Witchcraft, land and air are innately sacred, which means that all space is sacred. Therefore, most Trad Witches will not create a circle, or "compass round," because there is no need. However, a seeker, one in training, will be instructed to use a compass as an aid to their concentration. Of course, a compass will also be used if there is a very special need, especially a group meeting; again to help concentration and not to create a sacred space.

The location of rituals is another matter of little concern to the Trad Witch. Again, because all space is sacred, there is no preferred location where rituals should take place. Of course, on a beautiful, warm day, there is no reason why a ritual should not be held in the woods or an isolated location in the countryside. However, all things equal, location is irrelevant. As British weather tends to be very chilly and rainy, Trad Witches have always preferred to do spellwork and rituals indoors.

An important exception to this general rule are ancient circles and other ancient sacred places located across Britain. If possible, it is always good to visit such wonderful places and to absorb the energy. However, care must be taken as rituals and spellwork must never be observed by strangers.

In Trad Witchcraft rites and spellwork, it is the tradition of many to ask for the assistance of friendly spirits, including Land Spirits, Spirit Guides and other spirits. In some traditions, when a compass is drawn, the Land Spirits, the Spirits of the Four Kingdoms (or the Elementals or Directionals), will be asked to attend and uphold the compasses (the four directions).

Spirits are always treated in a respectful manner. Their invocation is always worded as a request. Spirits would never be "commanded" to attend as in Wicca.

A ritual fire such as a small campfire or hearth fire is used during rituals, if possible. If a fire is not possible, then one or two white candles are used indoors, or a lantern is used out-of-doors.

Because the earth is sacred, an altar is considered redundant and would only be used for the sake of convenience. Inside the home, any near-by table can be used. Outside, the earth is often used.

The ritual tools used can vary widely. One or more of the following might be used: a stang (staff with two prongs), staff, dagger or a simple kitchen or workshop knife, mirror, bowl, besom, cauldron, some stones, or a "horn" (usually a glass or cup).

For ritual and spellwork, Trad Witches are usually clothed in street cloths or occasionally in robes. Being "skyclad", or being naked in the Wiccan manner, is thought to be insulting to the spirits and the gods. Thus, it is never done.

The most important ritual observances are the Full Moon celebrations, outside of Trad Witchcraft called the esbat. The term "esbat" is certainly not traditional. The Full Moon is special because magical energies are enhanced during that time of the month.

The Festival celebrations are of secondary importance and they are not universally celebrated. Many Trad Witches celebrate the solstices and equinoxes of the moon because they are closely associated with the seasons, with sacred Nature. Other Trad Witches observe the four Celtic Festivals instead. Of course, there are some that keep all the Festivals. But traditions vary quite widely. The god/goddess narrative story is not followed as it is in Neo-Pagan and Wiccan celebrations.

It should be noted that this information is a generalization as traditions within Trad Witchcraft can vary.

On Being Thankful

[The following is from the moderator of the Yahoo Group TraditionalWitchcraft. Really makes you think about things. Adrian]

If we could shrink the earth's population to a village of precisely
100 people, with all the existing human ratios remaining the same,
it would look something like the following:

57 Asians
21 Europeans
14 from the Western Hemisphere, both north and south
8 Africans
52 would be female
48 would be male
70 would be non-white
30 would be white
70 would be non-Christian
30 would be Christian

89 would be heterosexual
11 would be homosexual

6 people would possess 59% of the entire world's wealth, and all
6 would be from the United States.

80 would live in substandard housing
70 would be unable to read
50 would suffer from malnutrition
1 would be near death; 1 would be near birth
1 yes, only 1, would have a college education and would own a
computer

When one considers our world from such a compressed perspective,
the need for both acceptance, understanding, and education becomes
glaringly apparent.

The following is also something to ponder...

If you woke up this morning with more health than illness... You
are more blessed than the million who will not survive this week.

If you have never experienced the danger of battle, the loneliness
of imprisonment, the agony of torture, or the pangs of starvation..
You are ahead of 500 million people in the world.

If you have food in the refrigerator, clothes on your back, a roof
overhead, and a place to sleep... You are richer than 75% of this
world.

If you have money in the bank, in your wallet, and spare change in
a dish someplace ...  You are among the top 8% of the world's
wealthiest people.

If your parents are still alive and still married You are very
rare, even in the United States and Canada.

If you hold up your head with a smile on your face and are truly
thankful... You are blessed because the majority can, but most do
not.

If you can hold someone's hand, hug them, or even touch them on the
shoulder... You are blessed because you can offer a healing touch.

If you can read this message, you just received a double blessing
in that someone was thinking of you, and Furthermore...

You are more blessed than over two billion people in the world that
cannot read at all.

Question: Is Trad Witchcraft a religion?

I have received several questions like this.

Answer:

The practice of witchcraft (low magic) need not be associated with a religion. In theory it can be practiced along side of any religion, or separately.

However in Britain, those that are part of the tradition of witchcraft generally follow certain religious beliefs and practices that is the religion of "Traditional Witchcraft," or Trad Witchcraft.

Traditional Witchcraft is the modern form of witchcraft that has come down to the modern era.

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