These types of wiccan witches include gardnerian, alexandrian, dianic, seaxwica, correllian, solitary and more. Alexandrians are engrossed in writing books, making a name for themselves, setting up networks, youtube channels, argue with and disrespect each other. The tradition is itself named after gardner 18841964, a british civil servant and amateur scholar of magic. Wicca starter kit this package is designed especially for beginners to wicca and includes four downloads. The following information was gathered from for more information and more sects, d. They were the ones who published the alexandrian book of shadows. Pdf the alexandrian and gardnerian book of shadows.
So i suggest you first read the background on gardnerian wicca, and then i can outline the differences rather than repeat all the similarities again. The discourse seems to have taken a more urgent turn, either as a result of the book s publication or more probably because the book is an expression and a focal point for preexisting discontent with the status quo. Alexandrian wicca or alexandrian witchcraft is a tradition of the neopagan religion of wicca. Covens of these traditions do not publish their book of shadows and only. Our tradition has its roots in what is now called gardnerian wicca which had simply been called the wicca or the old religion. The alexandrian tradition was founded by alex and maxine sanders in the 1960s. Alexandrian wicca founded by alexander sanders, alexandrian wicca is a tradition that is closely related to, and greatly resembles gardnerian wicca.
Considered an eclectic wiccan group, there are recognizable elements of both alexandrian and. The timing was ideal as weiser books was soon to release the tree, his first tome on this subject. Dec 22, 2019 the term neowicca which essentially means new wicca is typically used when we want to distinguish between the two original traditional forms of wicca gardnerian and alexandrian and all other forms of wicca. The term gardnerian was probably coined by the founder of cochranian witchcraft, robert cochrane in the 1950s or 60s, who. Buckland took some cues from both gardnerian witchcraft and alexandrian wicca, then added his own spin founding seax wicca. The process through which an individual is made a witch is called initiation. Janet and stewart married, and over the past twenty odd years have published several books about wicca.
While alexandrian ritual tool use and the names of the deities differ from gardnerian tradition, maxine sanders has been famously quoted as saying, if it. In 1961 he wrote to gardnerian high priestess patricia crowther claiming to have an affinity for the occult and to have experienced second sight. While not as secretive as their gardnerian counterparts, alexandrian witches still place emphasis on tradition and following protocol. As in gardnerian wicca, there are three levels, or degrees, of initiation, commonly referred to as first, second, and third degree. The origins of alexandrian witchcraft some refer to as wicca. Study guide as a note, i have some concerns on the information in this book, and on verifying any information about the author. Types of wiccan witches gardnerian, alexandrian, dianic. Alex sanders received all three degrees of gardnerian initiation and therefore in truth alexandrian witchcraft is just. Written by an initiate of both, the alexandrian and gardnerian tradition, this book presents a serious and complete neophyte training program for alexandrian and gardnerian wicca. Alexandrian wicca, gardnerian wicca, traditional wicca, wicca, witchcraft. Apr 11, 2008 alexandrian, founded by alex sanders and his wife maxine, is an offshoot of garnerian wicca, founded by gerald gardner so the similarities are more prominent than the differences. Here is a list of more intermediate to advanced level books on wicca.
Let me know if there is anything you wish to add and start a discussion in the comments. Add a promising title and past the number of pages required to make it look ike a book. The alexandrian book of shadows the gardnerian book of shadows dictionary of terms pdf format full details the advantage of purchasing digital book of shadows pages are numerous including. If you really want to know more about how their version of wicca works, youll have to join a coven and learn through practice. Alexandrian wicca, like gardnerian, has a hierarchical structure and an emphasis upon training in ceremonial magic topics. Alexandrian wicca is similar in many ways to gardnerian wicca, and receives regular mention in books on wicca as one of the religions most widely recognized traditions. Types of wiccan witches list gardnerian, dianic, alexandrian. I expected a serious book on gardnerian and alexandrian wicca.
However, it is not as simple to change lineaged wicca as it is the church of england. If it was a study book on wicca it would say nonfiction. Its principal proponents are janet and stewart fararr whose books set forth most, if not all, of the alexandrian tradition. One smaller difference is that alexandrians use an athame to represent fire and the wand for air reversing the gardnerian view of these tools. Alexandrian wicca or alexandrian witchcraft is a tradition of the neopagan religion of wicca, founded by alex sanders also known as king of the witches who, with his wife maxine sanders, established the tradition in the united kingdom in the 1960s. Alexandrian wicca is a blend of ceremonial magic with heavy gardnerian influences and a dose of hermetic kabbalah mixed in. Alexandrian witchcraft, or alexandrian wicca began in the 1960s, founded by alexander saunders and his wife. He used his fame and notoriety to teach classes on witchcraft, and to found his own tradition referred to as alexandrian wicca. Gardnerian wicca is one of founding traditions of modern paganism. Shortly after initiation, each initiate begins to copy the book of shadows out of. Nov 10, 2012 there are definite strains within the wiccan community. The author didnt care to remove tags from web pages.
These individuals are very secretive and take oaths upon initiations. The difference between alexandrian and gardnerian traditions. Alexandrian and gardnerian book of shadows alexandrian and gardnerian book of shadows. The book was called high magics aid, and he wrote it with the permission of his high priestess. Based on a talk given to the lgbt fountain moot, birmingham. Alex claimed to have been initiated as a hereditary witch by his grandmother, when he was seven years old. According to ronald hutton, in his book triumph of the moon, many of the differences between gardnerian wicca and alexandrian wicca have. These groups differ with regard to the rites they perform and the pantheon of deities through which they worship the goddess but the overall worldview remains the same. Seax wicca saxon wicca wise witches and witchcraft. Gardnerian witchcraft is the foundation tradition of all wiccan practices.
What is the difference between gardnerian wicca and. This magical tradition has similarities to gardnerian and remains a wellrecognized wiccan path. The coven leaders handbook lessons in gardnerian and alexandrian wicca belachta, sean on. Alexandrian wicca shares with other traditional wicca systems the belief that only a witch can make another witch. The gardnerian tradition is the name given to the body of ritual, belief, magickal practices and training techniques inherited by the initiatory descendents of gerald b. The coven leaders handbook lessons in gardnerian and alexandrian wicca. What witches do, published in 1971 written during stewarts first year as a witch, focuses completely upon the alexandrian tradition, and remains the best guide to the way in which a typical alexandrian coven operates.
The wiccan laws are various rules they are not actual laws, as they are not enforced by a government that were created by gerald gardner, and are written in the gardnerian and alexandrian books of shadows, and in ye bok of ye art magical which preceded them. Mary nesnick, an american initiate in gardnerian and alexandrian traditions founded a new tradition called algard. The term wicca has come to be applied to many different noninitiatory variants of the original form, such as solitary or noninitiatory wicca. Covens of these traditions do not publish their book of shadows and only initiates of their coven would have access to their book of shadows. The alexandrian tradition focuses on ceremonial magic and has elements of the kabbalah. Book one of wicca introduction, this has nothing to do with new age 62 pages book two of wicca a study in the universal eclectic wiccan tradition 44 pages the alexandrian book. Alexandrian wicca is very similar to gardnerian, but thats a topic for another page. Gardnerian wicca new moon pagan wicca witchcraft occult shop. Jun 22, 2005 written by an initiate of both, the alexandrian and gardnerian tradition, this book presents a serious and complete neophyte training program for alexandrian and gardnerian wicca. Public domain alexandrian book of shadows by sekhet sophia 1990 founded by alexander sanders and his then wife maxine, the alexandrian tradition is very similar to gardnerian.
While alexandrian ritual tool use and the names of the deities differ from gardnerian tradition, maxine sanders has been famously quoted as saying, if it works, use it. Pages from the book of shadows, sacred myth and much lore from the oral, inner teachings of these traditions make this book a unique and extraordinary training manual for the solitary practitioner as well as for long. Jun 27, 20 alexandrian wicca is a tradition of the neopagan religion of wicca, founded by. It is a combination of the gardnerian and alexandrian tradition and therefore, in practice, very similar to gardnerian wicca. Since he came from the original gardnerian coven, there is a lot of similarity between the two forms of wicca.
Posts about alexandrian wicca written by gardnerians. Gardnerian wicca is considered one of the oldest forms of wicca and most wiccans acknowledge it to be the beginning of the wicca movement. Alexandrian wicca is similar in many ways to gardnerian wicca, and receives regular mention in books on wicca as one of the religions. Learn what are the different types of witches in this video lesson. Both traditions are similar in ritual practice, theology, and coven. Gardnerian wicca gardnarian wise witches and witchcraft. Despite this, there are some inaccuracies as there is sometimes conflicting information.
Although similar to gardnerian wicca, alexandrian wicca tends to be more eclectic, and liberal. What are the differences between alexandrian wicca and. Traditions of wicca contemporary witchcraft witchcraft. Like most wiccans, alexandrian witches emphasize gender polarity. Sep 20, 2012 the difference between alexandrian and gardnerian traditions.
Only a second or third degree witch can initiate another into witchcraft, and only a third degree witch can initiate another to third degree. I dont know which member of the alexandria tradition brought you in, but she should have also equipped you with a version of this book. Leo martello writes in his forward to gardners the meaning of witchcraft,1 pioneer, publicist, advance pressman, gardner was the right man for the right time, a channel, who tapped the dormant spritual reservoir of thousands. This family tree is based on my own research as well as other source material that can be found on the internet, or in books. Alexandrian wicca uses essentially the same tools and rituals as gardnerian wicca. History of wicca, the priesthood, the book of shadows, the circle, the working tools, altar.
The popular misconception that there is a wiccan rule or law of three or threefold return comes from a misinterpretation of a passage in a work of fiction written by gerald gardner, the grandfather of modern wicca. Book one of wicca introduction, this has nothing to do with new age 62 pages book two of wicca a study in the universal eclectic wiccan tradition 44 pages the alexandrian book of. For the most part, alexandrians are engrossed in writing books, making a name for. Many people would argue that anything other than a gardnerian or alexandrian tradition is, by default, neowicca. At first, the alexandrian tradition grew but later declined when it was discovered that alex sanders had been dishonest about his claim to be a hereditary witch. It is very much based on the gardnerian wicca practices, but it incorporates elements of ceremonial magic and qabalah, too. Alexandrian wicca focuses on the polarity between the genders, and rites and ceremonies often dedicate equal time to the god and the goddess. Stewart and janet farrar wrote together books about wicca in a spirit of the alexandrian tradition, which had enormous influence on a direction that the modern craft has taken and attracted a lot of people. Contrary to popular belief, the name alexandrian refers not to alex sanders, but to ancient alexandria. Everyday low prices and free delivery on eligible orders. Although there are a number of gardnerian covens active.
Both alexandrian and gardnerian wicca are oath bound, lineage based religions. Book of shadows, and who practice the alexandrian tradition of wicca. This book of shadows bear too many marks of the copyn paste from the internet. Nov 21, 20 although similiar to gardnerian wicca, alexandrian wicca tends to be more eclectic, and liberal. Little did he know that just over a decade later this tradition would be featured in earth religion news. Alexandrian wicca the alexandrian wiccan tradition. Posted on september 20, 2012 by reynardine comments as much as being widely agreed that there are only few differences between gardnerian and alexandrian traditions, personal observation has led me to the conclusion that while differences appear to be only subtle on an external. After england repealed its remaining witchcraft laws in 1951, gerald gardner was one of the first to go public about his practice of witchcraft, and he became something of a figurehead of the resurgent wiccan religion, and is seen by many as the founder of modernday wicca. It is an endless cycle of birth, death and rebirth. This is an extremely traditional path with a hierarchical grade structure. Other differences between gardnerian and alexandrian wicca include the choice to. Modern initiatory wicca has many variants gardnerian, alexandrian, and offshoots of these but all share an adherence to a similar ritual structure and the practice of initiation.
Wicca starter kit gardnerian and alexandrian book of shadows. If you really want a gardnerian or alexandrian bos, contact a legit coven and get yours the oldfasioned way, earn it. Cost effectiveness instant access print on the paper of your cho. Alexandrian alexandrian coven alexandrian wicca alexandrian witchcraft central florida coven coven. Alex sanders also known as king of the witches who, with his wife maxine. Alexandrian book of shadows public domain version of the alexandrian book of shadows, by sekhet sophia 1990 founded by alexander sanders and his then wife maxine, the alexandrian tradition is very similar to gardnerian. The alexandrian tradition focuses on the ancient archetypes of the oak and holly kings who battle and win then battle and lose to bring about the light and dark, warmth and cold. One of our familiar silver spirits tipped us off to something she had read on the interwebz today, and it delighted us to no end, because it was about us.
Many of these books look like they arent based on actual paganism and are just straightup fantasy. Gardnerian is the tradition founded by gerald gardner. Apr 27, 2019 alexandrian wicca focuses on the polarity between the genders, and rites and ceremonies often dedicate equal time to the god and the goddess. The term neowicca which essentially means new wicca is typically used when we want to distinguish between the two original traditional forms of wicca gardnerian and alexandrian and all other forms of wicca. Buy the coven leaders handbook lessons in gardnerian and alexandrian wicca 2nd ed. Some of gardnerisms strict rules, such as the requirement of ritual nudity, have been made optional by alexandrian wicca. Alexandrian wicca is much more eclectic than gardnerian wicca, and includes elements of ceremonial magic and much else, and to gardners. Alexandrian, founded by alex sanders and his wife maxine, is an offshoot of garnerian wicca, founded by gerald gardner so the similarities are more prominent than the differences. The wiccan rede pg 23 stands as a guideline of conduct. Although similiar to gardnerian wicca, alexandrian wicca tends to be more eclectic, and liberal. Wicca starter kit gardnerian and alexandrian book of. One of those bits of truth that you decided to refute is that there is one shared book of shadows within traditional wicca.
The alexandrian tradition is covered extensively in books by stewart and. The first alexandrian wicca coven was known as the london coven. The coven leaders handbook lessons in gardnerian and. Alexandrian wicca is one of the british traditional witchcraft traditions a group of related religious traditions that share a common initiatory history, often tracing back to gerald gardner, one of the first people to start writing about witchcraft as the mystery religion that it is basing his writings on the teachings he had received as. The term alexandrian is generally viewed by the initiates of this tradition as a reference to its founder, alex sanders, and to the great library of alexandria which was the centre of. An investigation into the sources of gardnerian witchcraft. This package is designed especially for beginners to wicca. Mary nesnick, an american initiate in gardnerian and alexandrian traditions. You can buy this book, and even learn it by heart wordforword, but it will not make you gardnerian or alexandrian.
The similarities between alexandrian wicca and gardnerian wicca are large and the topic of more than a few neopagan injokes. He was one of the first to go public with information about the craft. We follow our handed down book more carefully than many others, but we are. The coven leader s handbook lessons in gardnerian and alexandrian wicca book summary. Gardnerian witchcraft or wica has several different lines or sects withing its ranks. This tradition looks to ancient celtic and druidic deities and beliefs, with an emphasis on the magical and healing powers of plants and minerals, as well as gnomes, fairies and elemental spirits. Gardnerian wicca an unofficial and informative website.
Essentially, wicca has its own denominations such as gardnerian, alexandrian, deboran, thessalonican etc. Farrar, who based his book on hours of recorded interviews with alex, wanted to. Hey guys i hope you enjoyed this video and i cant wait to see you next time. An introduction to alexandrian wicca the wellhead david.
1105 1105 1147 635 609 662 1077 147 1010 1238 84 158 170 427 586 202 716 914 441 1162 870 419 1284 1484 543 1638 583 548 481 873 248 1214 255 827 596 1210