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Course #1: Lesson #2: In this chapter, Silver briefly touches on some of the various "traditions" found in Wicca. Like any other religion, there are several sects or denominations, that one may choose to follow and still be Wiccan. One of the beautiful things about our religion is it's flexibility, as long as we allow it to exist. There is literally endless possible combinations that one may follow when learning to define their own tradition. Eventually in our course work we will actually begin to design our own individual tradition of the Craft, working on defining our beliefs and practices and putting them into an organized format. The information found in this chapter will be valuable when we reach that point. For now, the important part is to familiarize yourself with each of the specific traditions, and maybe identify a couple that you are leaning towards. If you have already discovered the tradition(s) that you have based your beliefs on, it is wise to study and understand the other traditions as well. You may find that there are things in another tradition that you would like to incorporate more fully into your own practices. Silver finishes this chapter with a wonderful word of caution for all of us. Just like any other religion, when we discuss Wicca with those who do not follow the Craft, we should be careful to keep our comments to generalizations, rather than focusing on the differences within the Craft. This is because you may be the only real Witch that this person talks to, and your comments will therefore carry great weight with that person. It would be a shame if someone was seriously interested in the Craft, but because you told them that part of Wicca is the Great Rite, and that this involved a sexual interaction between the highpriest and highpriestess of your Coven, they may be frightened away from our path because they are afraid of being taken advantage of. The first problem here is that many traditions, and certainly less formal groups, do not practice a physical Great Rite, rather they use the Athame and Chalice to symbolize the union of the Lord and Lady. So in essence, you have now passed your own specific beliefs off as standard for the Craft as a whole. It is my suggestion that rather than going that in-depth with someone who asks "What is Wicca", keep your comments in general terms. You may choose to tell them that we practice a religion which pre-dates christianity, which is nature and earthen based, which honor's the Lord and Lady as equals, which teaches us to empower our own lives, and which seeks to never harm anyone else, including ourselves. These, in most instances, are standard general beliefs throughout the Craft. Always remember, that the general public is not educated well enough regarding our religion to digest the vast differences that we have.
Writing Assignment:
From the list that Silver has prepared, or any other resources you may have, choose one or two Traditions that interest you and write a brief essay outlining their general beliefs and structure. Post your message to the group so that we can all benefit from your learning.
Lesson Two Quiz:
1. Define the term "Tradition"
2. The Alexandrian Tradition was founded when and by whom?
3. Which tradition, as defined by Silver heavily stresses the "elements, nature and the Ancient Ones"
4. What is an Eclectic Witch?
5. T/F One cannot be a satanic Witch because Witches do not believe in Satan.
6. A Witch who practices alone, regardless of Tradition, is called a __________________________.
7. T/F I have completed the writing assignment for Lesson 2.
Lesson Two Quiz Answers
1. A practice handed down from human to human.2. 1960's by Alex Sanders
3. Celtic Wicca
4. It indicates that the individual does not follow any particular Tradition, denomination, sect, or magickal practice.
5. T
6. Solitary Wiccan/Witch
7. T is the only really good answer :)
Continue To Lesson Three
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