How Many Wiccans here?

[Kern]

.....And what branch of Wicca are you? _witchball

[DebLipp]

I don't believe there is such a thing as non-lineaged Gardnerian or Alexandrian. Perhaps you could explain what you mean by that, because it confuses me.

[Ben Trismegistus]

I don't believe there is such a thing as non-lineaged Gardnerian or Alexandrian. Perhaps you could explain what you mean by that, because it confuses me.
Deb, maybe you can check out the "Gardnerian Questions" thread in this same forum -- there's something you can probably answer better than me.

What I assumed in that thread, that would apply to this question here, is that it seems like it would be possible for someone, without working with a lineaged Gardnerian coven, to learn the Gardnerian method of practice and be, in essence, a non-lineaged Gardnerian solitary. Am I wrong? Is being a member of a Gardnerian initiatory coven a prerequisite to calling yourself a Gardnerian?

For the record (in this thread) I'm a lineaged Gardnerian (eclectic).

[DraconisArcanus]

Missing my path which is Correllian Wicca. Althought I am probably more eclectic than anything but that is the path I am currently studying.

Peace!

[Kern]

Missing my path which is Correllian Wicca. Althought I am probably more eclectic than anything but that is the path I am currently studying.

Peace!
Sorry DraconisArcanus,I didnt leave them out on purpose,just sliped my mind...

[Kern]

I was under the assumption that some who were solitary,and were never initiated into a Gardnerian or Alexandrian Coven yet followed the teachings,from learning from books etc,were also Gardnerian or Alexandrian...Was I wrong?

[DebLipp]

I was under the assumption that some who were solitary,and were never initiated into a Gardnerian or Alexandrian Coven yet followed the teachings,from learning from books etc,were also Gardnerian or Alexandrian...Was I wrong?

Yes, you are wrong. With no insult intended, and with nothing at all against those who practice in such a way, they are not practicing Gardnerianism or Alexandrianism. Both of those traditions have secrets, and oaths to protect those secrets, so whatever one may have learned from published books cannot be said to be truly of those traditions. Both of those traditions require initiation from someone duly qualified in order to consider yourself a member of the tradition.

[MoonDust]

Eclectic Solitary, but when I saw the Goddess for the first time She was in the form of Diana

[Sylvan]

Eclectic, but not claiming the label "Wiccan".

[RedRaven]

I checked "other", I started out and learned the Alexandrian way of doing things, but over the years i`ve added my own blend where I don`t thing "Alexandrain" would be the right term any longer .. but its still my foundation.

RedRaven

[Raven Heart]

Druidic Wiccan. I follow basically what would be considered pretty standard wiccan theology(ie reincarnation, the worship of the lord and lady, the law of return) and to that i adopted the Druidic philosophy. They basically two sides of the same coin, they fill in the holes of the other and expands my understanding of the deeper truths which is what we all seek who our on this spiritual quest. Right now i am a member of The Reformed Druids of North America. I got started studying this path when i joined into a Grove of Druidic Wiccans when i was 16, i left to find my own way after two years. Still good friends with them. So the past 4 years i become more eclatic, but always find my way back to those two schools of thoughts.

[Faelon_Moon_Hawk]

currently ecclectic solitary...but i've been looking into traditional witchcraft a lot lately, so i think my path may be changing (yet again)....but for right now, solitary ecclectic is what i am...

[Gede]

MM~
I don't formally consider myself Wiccan because I do not abide by its belief system, but I do honour the God and the Goddess in balance, celebrate the eight Sabbats and the Esbats and generally follow a ethical system coloured by Wiccan princinples. However I am not comfortable with the terminology of "Law of Three" and its inherent implications, though I have read some interesting discussions into the dynamics of how it may work and I am not quite sure that I believe in the Summerland as expressed by Wiccan spirituality. So in a sense I may be Wiccan in practice and and my conception of divinity, but not in belief.

Namaste, Gede...

[bridgewitch]

ecclectic solitarie..I espouse Wiccan beliefs mostly..believe in a duality, i.e. Lord and Lady, devotee of Hecate, also Ganesh and Lakshimi. Wish statues and figurines of the Indian pantheon were not so darn expensive!! Maybe I should have said penniless eccelctic solitarie

[~Anamorata~]

Osirian Wiccan...i belong to a Temple... :thumbsup:

[Ailinea]

Ditto what RedRaven said. I couldn't have said it better.

[Nuiket]

Can't put anything cause can't pratice on a regular basis with my work and so few others to really me understand what I feel to be right because there not around for me to get there view points even if therrs may be different then mine!

[Ben Trismegistus]

MM~
I don't formally consider myself Wiccan because I do not abide by its belief system, but I do honour the God and the Goddess in balance, celebrate the eight Sabbats and the Esbats and generally follow a ethical system coloured by Wiccan princinples. However I am not comfortable with the terminology of "Law of Three" and its inherent implications, though I have read some interesting discussions into the dynamics of how it may work and I am not quite sure that I believe in the Summerland as expressed by Wiccan spirituality. So in a sense I may be Wiccan in practice and and my conception of divinity, but not in belief.
Gede, I don't want to tell you what you are or aren't - obviously, that's up to you - but I just wanted to let you know that from my point of view and that of most of the Wiccans I know, you know just espoused everything that makes someone Wiccan. "I do honour the God and the Goddess in balance, celebrate the eight Sabbats and the Esbats and generally follow a ethical system coloured by Wiccan principles." The "Law of Three" is considered optional, as is a belief in the Summerland. I certainly don't believe in either.

So, while you're welcome to call yourself whatever you please, I just wanted to let you know that you qualify as a Wiccan, as far as I'm concerned.

[indigo rain]

another correllian here. i just picked eclectic.

[-Sky-]

A Celtic/Avalonian and greek Wiccan here!My path is very interesting.

[Dawa Lhamo]

I suppose I'm eclectic in that I have a number of different influences. My mom was trained in what she was told was Alexandrian, and my dad came to it at the same time, but delved into ceremonial magic shortly thereafter. I have yet to be initiated myself, but it's what I grew up with. Of course, we're Buddhist too, but that is mostly a philosophical influence, rather than a practical one (except for my dad.). It's relatively easy to be Buddhist and anything else, though. Anyway...

Tashi delek!
Dawa Lhamo

[DraconisArcanus]

another correllian here. i just picked eclectic.

Nice to know I'm not the only one here. Greetings brother!
_wiz_

[lythadancer]

eccletic wiccian witch- mostlly solitary!

[Wolfscout1]

hmm i went with other.

Though i am an eclectic shaman for over 13 years, i recently found KTW (Kiddarian Trad Wicca ) online and found it to be quite interesting and appealing. It's mostly eclectic based as well, allows for coven and solitaries within. So, ... many here would probably dissaprove. But it's Very interesting to me though.

[grassquit]

I don't believe there is such a thing as non-lineaged Gardnerian or Alexandrian. Perhaps you could explain what you mean by that, because it confuses me.
Lots of folks claim membership in gardnerian-ecclectic tradditions in my community {and I'm NOT stating this so DebLipp can tell me I'm wrong or confused- I'm just pointing out the popular use of a label in a community.} The use of the term gardnerian ecclectic originates - I think- from the fact that one of the oldest groups in the community was headed by a HPS who was gardnerian but chose to take her group in a different direction- away from pre-established ritual and towards one with a more open format. I suspect she originally popularized the use of the lable gardnerian ecclectic. Many many groups hived off of this original group and hence the term is very common throughout the community. I also suspect the term garnerian has stuck because the 3 degree criteria is broadly understood and (loosely) applied across many many groups. In fact when there is a community event- like an initiates only or a 3rd degree only ritual, there is an assumption that all attending share a common level of training regardless of their group of origin. I trained in one of these gardnerian-ecclectic groups and we had to labor through gardner's law and historical biographies @gardner and his associates and were sworn to secrets @ tradition, had set rituals and so forth. who's to say where the ecclectic part took over. We have other craft groups in the community that clearly don't identify with the garderian lable- for example the dianics and magdelines. However most notably, the groups that do not follow the 3D structure universally - and rather strongly- disidentify with the gardnerian lable.

[Kadynas]

Other = Hellenic Wiccan :)

[Crystal_Raye]

The best way to desribe me is an eclectic Wiccan open to all. I follow what feels right to me no matter what religion its from. I am also a solitary becuase there are no other Wiccans around where I live.

[Kern]

hmm i went with other.

Though i am an eclectic shaman for over 13 years, i recently found KTW (Kiddarian Trad Wicca ) online and found it to be quite interesting and appealing. It's mostly eclectic based as well, allows for coven and solitaries within. So, ... many here would probably dissaprove. But it's Very interesting to me though.
Never heard of that trad before.
What wrong with coven and solitary practice.Nothing imo.

[wakywitch]

Eclectic solitary :wave:

[wakywitch]

The best way to desribe me is an eclectic Wiccan open to all. I follow what feels right to me no matter what religion its from. I am also a solitary becuase there are no other Wiccans around where I live.

I like the way you word the way you feel! :thumbsup:
There are other wiccans nearbyto me, but they are mostly coven based and bound.

[misschief]

i'm other because i'm not wiccan. :)

[halfwaynowhere]

i chose a few things without thinking... i do not consider myself wiccan. I am an eclectic pagan witch, but i have a few focuses that can be related to wicca.

[Alexandra Asinine]

I'm currently the student of a lineaged Blue Star Wiccan Coven. I am not yet Initiated myself.

[Alexandra Asinine]

it seems like it would be possible for someone, without working with a lineaged Gardnerian coven, to learn the Gardnerian method of practice and be, in essence, a non-lineaged Gardnerian solitary. Am I wrong? Is being a member of a Gardnerian initiatory coven a prerequisite to calling yourself a Gardnerian?

I was a student in a Gardnerian Coven for eight months, so perhaps I can give their point of view as it was given to me. They believe that you must be Initiated in a lineaged Gardnerian Coven in order to be a Gardnerian Wiccan. Their ways are oath-bound for the reason that they don't want people misinterpreting public material and practicing skewed rituals with preconceived notions of theory.

[Skye_Traveler]

Electic Solitary Wiccan with Zen leanings. :bubbles: I am just beginning to investigate Druidry as well, as it seems a natural fit with my Wiccan path.

Skye

[Myrrh_Topaz]

Hi I am a Wiccan who is studieing Raven Grimassi's Books regarding Wicca and the Wiccan mysteries. I am also interested in the potential for merging Celtic Reconstructionism with Wicca. I will probably in the end remain a Wiccan though as that is were my passion seems to lay.

[6th Angel]

I still don´t know what, but I do know that I do not want to be Wiccan (absolutely nothing against Wicca). I just want to practice magic and learn about the magical gifts of nature.

[AislingSidhe]

I am Wiccan, though my path is closest to Dianic I guess so that's what I chose.. My beliefs are Wiccan and I honor the Goddess and God, but not really as equal as a Wiccan. Much more emphasis on the Goddess though I do honor the God as well. And my deities are Celtic in origion.

[Flappersquirrel]

I'm an eclectic solitary Wiccan. I've recently returned back to Wicca after a period of questioning my commitment and belief.

[Hærfest Leah]

Yes, you are wrong. With no insult intended, and with nothing at all against those who practice in such a way, they are not practicing Gardnerianism or Alexandrianism. Both of those traditions have secrets, and oaths to protect those secrets, so whatever one may have learned from published books cannot be said to be truly of those traditions. Both of those traditions require initiation from someone duly qualified in order to consider yourself a member of the tradition.

This is what I have read also, that you are not one of these 2 faiths until you have been initiated by them, that it IS a requirement.

I myself am a Solitary Eclectic Wiccan but I am trying to learn about the traditions so that if one fits me then thats where I'll be. So far I know that Orthodox is not for me. I have only narrowed it that far for now.

[Ivy Artemisia]

I'm part of a coven who is creating a new tradition. We call ourselves an eclectic-traditional group, because we follow a lot of Wiccan traditions, three degrees, inner and outer courts, traditional ritual outline, traditional coven roles, HPS, Maiden, etc., but we are eclectic in our teaching, and our pantheons. A lot of the eclectic Wiccans (and covens) that I've come across are so eclectic that their rituals don't resemble traditional Wiccan rites, and they don't have much structure, or traditional ritual roles. So by calling our path eclectic-traditional, we aren't confused with those groups. Not that those groups are wrong, we just want people (and potential members) to be well-informed when it comes to our group. Just our own personal label. :)

[KEishin]

Oy vay, you can open up a huge can of worms with some Gardnerians/Alexandrians by bringing up calling yourself one of those without the lineage.

I'm an Alexandrian (lineage available upon request). Gardnernian and Alexandrian trads are often grouped into one umbrelal term of British Traditional Wicca (BTW). The basic tenets of BTW are embodied in both a book of liturgy referred to as the Book of Shadows and in oral lore which is passed from teacher to student. BTW is an initiatory mystery tradition which means that the specifics of the liturgy and religious lore are restricted to initiates only and protected by a series of oaths which are sworn before participation in the mysteries is granted.

BTW does not proselytize or seek converts actively, rather allowing those who are called to come to the path. Those who are actively trying to gain initiation or information regarding BTW are termed 'Seekers'. There is an underlying structure to the religion with a system of rank corresponding to the level of training attained and the number of religious mysteries experienced by the Initiate. These levels of training are called 'degrees', similar to Masonry and other Ceremonial Magical orders.

Because of dogmatic and occult philosophical differences, the body of BTW has splintered into several different sects and offshoots which are referred to as 'Trads' or 'Traditions'. Each Tradition has its own dogma and practices which are codified within the oral and written lore specific to each Trad, as opposed to the 'core' material which is shared across each Tradition. The most common BTW Trads found in America in the millennium are American Gardnerian, Alexandrian, and Central Valley Wiccan. Certain other Trads claim BTW status as well, although opinion and acceptance varies among the other Traditions of BTW.

Opinions vary widely about what qualifies a Tradition as British Traditional Witchcraft. There are differences in opinion depending on who is consulted, and since 3* autonomy is generally recognized in one form or another by all BTW's, the dogma and belief structures are organic, subject to a varying degree of growth and change as circumstances and environments shift. Generally speaking, however, the following are commonalities observed between various Traditions:

* Initiatory Practice: BTWs undergo formal Initiation and Elevation ceremonies. Although the concept of Self-Initiation is nice on paper, it is not recognized by BTW's. Initiation is only granted after the teacher is satisfied with the progress or standing of their student.
* Mystery Tradition: BTW is a Mystery Tradition, which means that the core of the tradition is experiential. The Mysteries must be undergone to provide direct experience to the Initiate. Reading about or talking about the rites is no substitute at all for the actual experience therein.
* Lineage to Gardner: The concept of lineage is important to BTW. Essentially the same as Catholic Apostolic Succession, a BTW is Initiated and/or Elevated by someone who was Initiated and Elevated, etc., on back in unbroken lines to Gerald Gardner. Certain Gardnerian lines only trace lineage through the Initiating HPS, other trads alternate between HPS and HP. Alexandrian lineage traces only to Alex Sanders, who claimed lineage to Gardner which has been questioned in the past, but is generally acknowledged as valid nowadays.
* Cross-Gender Initiatory Chain:Strictly enforced in the past, now a subject of often heated debate, the standard model for passing Initiation and Elevation insisted that a man may only be Initiated by a woman, and a woman may only be initiatied by a man. The only exception to this rule was if a father were initiating his son (or grandson), and a mother initiating her daughter (or granddaughter).
* Passage of Lore: Both the Oral and the Written lore must be passed on to the trainees in the manner in which it was received by the Initiator. This includes many oathbound topics, core lore, and the specific lores which define each Trad and 'family line'.
* Preservation of Core Practices: Although the definition of 'core practices' constitutes a fairly broad gray area, the general consensus is that certain parts of the core lore and rituals must be actually practiced. Each Tradition and family line within each Tradition interprets this portion differently, but in general it is accepted that the rituals for the Initiations and Elevations for the three degrees must be preserved without subtraction. This allows some to add to the rites, but this is a matter decided by the customs of each Tradition.

Further Information
One of the best places to learn more about British Traditional Witchcraft and the issues pertinent to this revivalist religion is in the Yahoogroup (groups.yahoo.com) 'amberandjet@yahoogroups.com'. This list has become an unofficial meeting place for Craft Elders of various British Traditional Witchcraft Trads, and those who are Seekers.

Enough for ya?
Keishin

[i_am_serenity16]

Ecletic Solitary here.

[WulfcwenStar]

My path is ecclectic and I am a Solitary. Isis, Bast, Cerrnunos and Ra along with Native American.
The Green man features in things and I keep the Wiccan Rede.

[Pure Ahimsa]

Pretty much Eclectic, have a group but not yet a official coven, hehe.

[LadyNada]

Eclectic Solitary Wicca.

[BeolachLasair]

As I said in my Intro post, I'm an Eclectic Witch, Solitary in nature.

The initiatory debate is one that rages on WiccaUK (a British site I am a member of) almost once a month; and they get very heated.

The main consensus is however, that you can't call yourself Wiccan if you haven't been initiated by a Wiccan who has a traceable lineage, which is an inescapable fact. Your practices may greatly resemble that of a traditional initiatory tradition but it won't be until someone comes along, trains you and does something very peculiar with you and pronounces you 'One Of Us' :P

[Veratien]

One of us! One of us! ;)

Gardnarian/Alexandrian Wicca is 3/4 oral tradition, 1/8 written, and 1/8 guesswork. Because of the large oral part of the traditions, it's impossible to claim to be Gardnarian/Alexandrian Wicca without an initiation and studying with a coven, as you'd never be told a good chunk of what goes on.

No, I'm not an initiate, I just know a few (hundred). ;)

[MorningDove030202]

Correllian Wicca, an ecletic tradition

www.correllian.org

[BeolachLasair]

The day that I become anything remotely 'One Of Us'-ish will be the day I hang myself for being a sheep. And I ain't "Baaah"ing just yet :P

But that's my point, Wicca is a term that is used in conjunction with initiatory traditions such as British Traditional.

But anyway, perhaps as times change the meaning of the word will change like with everything else, although a great many will be opposed to such a move.

[Wintersteel]

I am an eclectic solitary wiccan, who is currently studying the Correllian Tradition.

Bright Blessings!

Wintersteel _witchball

[i_am_serenity16]

Solitary ecletic with many Egyptian influences here.

[Lupercus]

My specific path is Strega, however i have been initiated 1st deg. Gardnerian also. One has influenced the other. In many aspects Stregheria is close to Wicca and i find the two often combine seamlessly. :hmmmmm:

[Irena_chaosmoon]

My specific path is Strega, however i have been initiated 1st deg. Gardnerian also. One has influenced the other. In many aspects Stregheria is close to Wicca and i find the two often combine seamlessly. :hmmmmm:

*nods*
I've been practicing Wicca for about 5 years, and I've just completed my first degree in Correllian Wicca. I've found Stregheria and Wicca to combine nicely.

[Ameniatha]

I have been wiccan for the past ten years now, the last three of which have been as a Correllian wiccan. I have attained my first degree with them, and am also a member of clergy. At the moment i am busy completing my second degree.

[The High Queen of Faerie]

hellenic solitary

[KissMeImIrish!]

Eclectic solitary here :moped:

[DracoJesi]

well i dunno exactly what I am as I dont tend to be just one thing all the time so Eclectic :) and im solitary, not that im against Covens or anything, id actualy like to try joining one but there arnt any around here :(

[RubyRose]

Eclectic with Faery and Welsh influences.

[AstralMagick]

I don't practice a specific type of magic, so I said solitairy.

[DaNcInG_WiNd]

I started out studying Correllian Wicca, but then branched into some form of Wicca that I really can't give a name. I am a solitary practitioner...that's as close as I can get to it.http://mysticwicks.com/images/smilies/vroombroom.gif

[MorningDove030202]

I wish there was a DIYS (do it your self) Wicca option, to differentiate that from Eclectic Traditions of Wicca, like Correllian Wicca. I'm offically Correllian, but with alot of influence from the Assembly of the Sacred Wheel (www.sacredwheel.org), and the Dragon Tradition (www.maidenmoon.com and www.wiccaforbeginners.com). But I see a difference between the Organized Religion Eclectic Wicca Tradtioins and the Unorganized Religion Electic DIYS Wicca ( no tradition or tradition in formation if it becomes an organization out side the family trad level).

Dove

[Darkdale]

Soon there will be as many Wiccans paths as Christian denominations.

[MorningDove030202]

Well there probably are if you consider each DIYS Wiccan to be developing their own tradition.
Dove

Soon there will be as many Wiccans paths as Christian denominations.

[SohaliaGrimorie]

Eclectic Spiritualist/Wiccan, solitary by nature. *waves*

[mvdude]

*waves* solitary eclectic here!

[phenix2101]

yes i am wiccan, but as for the path.........well i havnt chosen a single path and i am not sure if i ever will. right now i am just trying to explore all of the paths. after it is all said and done, i will decide what i believe and what i dont. after all.....a great witch once said that if you ask 10 different witches the same question, you will get 10 different answeres.

blessed be to all
phenix

[J Santos]

Spiritual Wicca

[Kestrel Firesong]

Correllian Wiccan here.

[Greyharp]

Eclectic Solitary - UEW (Universal Eclectic Wicca) :)

[Redshire]

Kemetic Wiccan, based on Alexandrian Wicca.

[LadyAquamarina]

I am a solitary eclectic Wiccan, for now... I have been investigating many different traditions, haven't quite found one that suits me yet.

[Snapdragon]

Though definitely not a Hindu, I am strongly attracted to the Sha'can tradition, because of its emphasis on the goddess Kali and the fact that Sha'can explicitly appeals both to Wiccans and Hindus.

Kali is first among all other gods in my devotion.

www.maabatakali.org

[Tigerlily]

I voted other. I guess I'm simply Pagan following a Wicca-inspired path. When I have more time and more privacy to practice my faith without fear, I hope to get more into it. Right now I can't do any rituals...

[mooneyes]

I definitely consider myself Wiccan, I just don't know where to place myself. I guess Eclectic. Practicing solitary, I get my knowledge from books and you kind people on these websites. My dedication came from bits and pieces from everywhere. I'd like to add I am very happy in this path.

[shuvanilu]

Eclectic Solitary (usually)---shuvanilu

[jetpiston]

As my first official post after joining up today, I'll chime in!

I'm "Gardnerian(Lineage)".

[Dawa Lhamo]

As my first official post after joining up today, I'll chime in!

I'm "Gardnerian(Lineage)".:wave: Well, Welcome to MW, then! Hope you enjoy yourself here!

I put "Eclectic (Coven Based)".... My trad is rather eclectic, but it has a somewhat traditional foundation to it. Like a bastard cousin. hehehe...

[jetpiston]

Sometimes it's the bastard cousins who are the most fun at the family reunion...

[ravenhecate999]

how come no one ever includes native american wicca on any of these polls? it was one of the first earth based reiligions,, and still noone recognizes it as a form of wicca, in case you were wondering, i am native american, and our culture has been handed down for thousands of years and i think it is due time that it be recignized!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[jetpiston]

how come no one ever includes native american wicca on any of these polls?

I've never heard of Native American Wicca. Regular old Wicca comes to us via England. I'm not sure how that ties in with a Native American religion, nor how something called Native American Wicca could be considered to be thousands of years old when, as far as I can tell, Wicca only started showing up in the Americas in the early 20th century.

[Dawa Lhamo]

I've never heard of Native American Wicca. Regular old Wicca comes to us via England. I'm not sure how that ties in with a Native American religion, nor how something called Native American Wicca could be considered to be thousands of years old when, as far as I can tell, Wicca only started showing up in the Americas in the early 20th century.I agree.

The religions of various AmerIndian tribes of course are very old, but as blended with Wicca, it would have to be relatively recent.

One thing I would point out is that the idea of "Native American spirituality" as some singular religious path is relatively recent anyway. Sure, there were similarities, but each tribe practiced its own distinctive religion (at least before white men came along)... Just compare mythologies; the differences can be striking.

That said, even if it is more recent, there certainly exist those who blend the two, just like you get Kemetic Wicca and such... of course, Kemetic Wicca isn't nearly as old as Egyptian religion either. So maybe it's a good example. ^_^

[AkashaW]

Maybe the idea of "Native American Wicca" is RavenHecate999's way of referring to the various kinds of Native American Shamanism. There ARE many similarities between shamanic beliefs and Wiccan beliefs - and, in fact, I believe a strong case can be made that The Craft IS Europe's "native religion."

[Carla O'Harris]

I would agree. And I think it has cohered through other religions superimposed on top of it for a long, long, long time.

[IsauraStrider]

I'm a Celtic Wiccan

[MoonDragn]

I'm a solitary eclectic. I don't assign a particular pantheon to identify my god/goddess. They are simply god/goddess.

[magickaldreamer]

I chose eclectic solitary and other because recently I have been working with a long-time friend, and am enjoying it very much, though I prefer to remain mainly solitary in my studies and workings.

[Seshata]

Gardnerian with other influences in separate, private work.

BB

Seshata

[earthbound]

wow...there are alot of eclectic solitary wiccans here...I wonder if its by choice to practice solitary or by necessity due to location ect... hummm, sounds like a good poll. I am eclectic solitary for now, because I havent found a coven in my area. I have a hard time studying some things alone (like the mythology) and I am still very new to this religion so I dont know if I am doing ANYTHING "right". I guess it feels right to me, so it is right. Probably one of the good things about being an eclectic solitary. Anywho

WHY DO YOU PRACTICE SOLITARY???

[mystic_zoe]

i practise solitary because i want to. i would rather practise on my own and at my own speed and the way I want to do something not how someone else tells me to or the way someone else thinks things should be done. also there arent any covens in my town to my knowledge but that isnt much of an issue.

xx

[Jadewynd~]

Though I don’t like labels but, if I had to say I guess solitary eclectic wiccan (…if I am understanding what eclectic means in this thread) My spiritual path is eclectic that's for sure J ! But, I am starting to think maybe I shouldn't call myself a Wiccan as I thought, I wasn’t initiated into a coven ? Yet, I do celebrate the Sabbats, the phases of the moon , through rituals and follow The Law of Power and the 13 Goals of a Witch. I do believe in the duality of the God and the Godddess. However, I do believe there is the One the alpha the omega which all things seen and unseen are created. Yet, I take other philosophies and practices from other religions or paths like Tao Buddhism, Native American Shamanism, Celtic Christianity, Hinduism tied with Gandhi philosophies. I study, practice rituals and meditate in various ways between wicca and other religions to connect with the elements, spirit guides and nature. I also practice rituals and meditation through tarots, charka cleansing with crystals, ritual spells with crystals & herbs - as I am a green witch. So I really can’t say what I am maybe I fall into the Neo-wiccan category. However, I would be just as happy without a label. I am happy with the integration of other religions on my spiritual path and I feel it has help me to grow. Fundamentally, I practice a wiccan lifestyle. I pray daily to the God, Goddess and the One at my altar that is my place of worship or in nature and I keep a book of shadows. But, if you look at my altar it is a combination of religions coming together as one.

[Dawa Lhamo]

However, I do believe there is the One the alpha the omega which all things seen and unseen are created.I think you'll find that this is not an uncommon belief among Wiccans, and indeed, many polytheists even believe in a sort of one pervading essence from which the gods and everything else manifests... In Wicca, you might hear the name "Dryghten" to describe this One (http://www.sacred-texts.com/bos/bos302.htm).But, I am starting to think maybe I shouldn't call myself a Wiccan as I thought, I wasn’t initiated into a coven ? Some self-identified Wiccans define a "Wiccan" only as a coven-initiate, but I don't think you'll find this to be a majority opinion. From what you've written, personally, I'd consider you Wiccan...eclectic, sure, but Wiccan nonetheless... but I'm not an authority... And there is no authority, for that matter. Really, if you consider yourself a Wiccan, your best bet might bet to just go with it. But if you'd rather not think of yourself that way, then don't. ^_^

[Moonlight's Daughter]

Solitary Eclectic Wiccan here.. always learning.

[babspace]

Seax-Wican, here!

[WolfyJames]

I'm Wiccan and in a coven, I'm finishing my first year and soon I'll be initiated into the Highland Coven of the Greenwood Tradition. It's a Celtic Shamanic Wicca tradition.

[Lark]

I voted other.

I've been a part of a lineaged, initiatory, mystery Tradition since 1990. We aren't BTW, but we have more in common with them than we do with eclectic covens in terms of structure and praxis.

-Lark-

[Enlightenment1]

Eclectic Solitary, right here!

[Enlightenment1]

Though I don’t like labels but, if I had to say I guess solitary eclectic wiccan (…if I am understanding what eclectic means in this thread) My spiritual path is eclectic that's for sure J ! But, I am starting to think maybe I shouldn't call myself a Wiccan as I thought, I wasn’t initiated into a coven ? Yet, I do celebrate the Sabbats, the phases of the moon , through rituals and follow The Law of Power and the 13 Goals of a Witch. I do believe in the duality of the God and the Godddess. However, I do believe there is the One the alpha the omega which all things seen and unseen are created. Yet, I take other philosophies and practices from other religions or paths like Tao Buddhism, Native American Shamanism, Celtic Christianity, Hinduism tied with Gandhi philosophies. I study, practice rituals and meditate in various ways between wicca and other religions to connect with the elements, spirit guides and nature. I also practice rituals and meditation through tarots, charka cleansing with crystals, ritual spells with crystals & herbs - as I am a green witch. So I really can’t say what I am maybe I fall into the Neo-wiccan category. However, I would be just as happy without a label. I am happy with the integration of other religions on my spiritual path and I feel it has help me to grow. Fundamentally, I practice a wiccan lifestyle. I pray daily to the God, Goddess and the One at my altar that is my place of worship or in nature and I keep a book of shadows. But, if you look at my altar it is a combination of religions coming together as one.

You seem to practice and follow a very similar kinda path as me :)

xx

[Gardenia]

I clicked eclectic solitary.. Though perhaps Egyptian Wicca would have been a better description of what I follow. Still, there's probably enough other things going on that I can fit into eclectic.. :p

[Lunacie]

Hi Gardenia :wave: welcome to the Wicca Path forum. I'm an eclectic who is working with an eclectic group (some different Wicca trads, a couple of Shamanists, and a smattering of Christian-Witches).

[DracoJesi]

Deb, maybe you can check out the "Gardnerian Questions" thread in this same forum -- there's something you can probably answer better than me.

What I assumed in that thread, that would apply to this question here, is that it seems like it would be possible for someone, without working with a lineaged Gardnerian coven, to learn the Gardnerian method of practice and be, in essence, a non-lineaged Gardnerian solitary. Am I wrong? Is being a member of a Gardnerian initiatory coven a prerequisite to calling yourself a Gardnerian?

For the record (in this thread) I'm a lineaged Gardnerian (eclectic).


that makes sense however, it is my understanding that those traditions contain oathbound information, and one must be initioned by a lineaged coven to gain the information... so you can't really practice a tradition if you don't know how....it would be something else...

or is my understandinf wrong?


anyways, moving on, I am of the Draconic Path, which can be combined with Wicca without any opposition.... so since i follow both, i am a Draconic Wiccan, but because of this grouping, my path is very eclectic by nature and I can usually add aspects of other paths without any problems.... but I am predominately a Draconic Wiccan.....

so should I choose eclectic or other? I'm not sure as I'm both..... and if others of the same path went with other... that would disturb the balance of the poll

I'm eclectic but certain aspects are dominant......

[jetpiston]

... it is my understanding that those traditions contain oathbound information, and one must be initioned by a lineaged coven to gain the information... so you can't really practice a tradition if you don't know how....it would be something else...

or is my understandinf wrong?
This is entirely correct, at least for Gardnerianism. In order to become a Gardnerian, you must be initiated in a certain way, by a properly lineaged Gardnerian High Priest or Priestess. There is no other way. You can learn everything available regarding Gardnerianism, and even create a sort of almost-Gardnerian-flavored practice, but this will, by it's very nature, be less than complete. In other words, yes, you must be a member of a Gardnerian initiatory coven as a prerequisite to calling yourself a Gardnerian. (Well, you can call yourself anything you want, but that doesn't make it true, just a mistake. Or even worse, a lie.)

Jet Piston,
Gardnerian 3rd*

[DracoJesi]

umm... this thread jus appeared in new posts, but I don't see anything new in here, was there an edit or something I missed?

[Lunacie]

When someone votes in a poll even if they don't post a response, it comes up in the New Threads.

[jetpiston]

umm... this thread jus appeared in new posts, but I don't see anything new in here, was there an edit or something I missed?
No, I think there is something wonky with the site that causes threads to display as if posts have been added when they haven't. I usually see a couple every day.

Edit: Lunacie, is that what it is? I thought I had seen it in non-poll threads too.

[RainInanna]

Yes it's due to voting in the poll, that happens often. If a thread doesn't have a poll I can only imagine someone has posted another reply and then decided to delete it after all, although it must not happen often.