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From the Witches' Voice Website
Author:
Elders of the Alexandrian Tradition
Posted: June 29th. 2008
Times Viewed: 3,035
What is Wicca?
Alexandrians define Wicca as a Pagan Mystery faith that
is initiatory, oath bound and experiential in nature, with
ancient roots originating in the British Isles. However, the
term Wicca has been co-opted by the popular Pagan/Neo-Wiccan
movement that has grown significantly in the past twenty or so
years. To differentiate the original Wiccan traditions from the
newer non-initiatory groups, in the United States we now refer
to ourselves as British Traditional Wicca (BTW), and in Europe
we are usually known as Traditional Wicca (TW). To simplify
things, in this article when we refer to Wicca, we are referring
only to BTW/TW unless otherwise indicated.1
History of the Alexandrian
Tradition of the Wicca:
It's important to remember that "traditions" as we now
know them did not exist at the beginnings of the "The
Alexandrian Tradition." Our Tradition has its roots in what is
now called Gardnerian Wicca, which at that time was simply
called "The Wica, " or "The Old Religion."
The name "Alexandrian" is generally viewed by the Initiates of
the Tradition as a reference to the "founder, " Alex Sanders
himself, as well as a reference to the Great Library of
Alexandria, which was the center of Occult knowledge in the
ancient world.
Alex Sanders was initiated into Wicca in the early 60's. He was
later well known as a Ceremonial Magician, as well as for his
media antics and the title "King of the Witches" which was given
to him by the leaders of some of his Covens in the late 60's.
According to the accounts by his ex-wife Maxine Sanders, he was
a member of at least two Covens before marrying Maxine and
founding the Alexandrian "London Coven" from which many modern
Alexandrians descend.
Alex was flamboyant and, among other things, a born showman. He
played the press at every opportunity, much to the dismay of
more conservative Wiccan Elders of the time. Alex also was known
for being a healer, diviner, and a powerful Witch and magician.
His forays into the media led to the publication of the
romanticized biography King of the Witches, by June Johns, and
later the publication of the classic Wiccan "coven biography, "
What Witches Do, by Stewart Farrar. The Sanders became household
names in the UK during the 60's and 70's, and are responsible to
a great degree for bringing the Craft into the public eye for
the first time. An excerpt from the profile of Maxine Sanders
puts it well:
"Despite the extreme interest of the paparazzi, the many sincere
Initiations performed in Maxine and Alex's Covensteads during
and since that period, saw the inception and fashioned a lineage
of Witchcraft that has since spread throughout the world."
And indeed it has.
In part as a result of Sanders' media antics, as well as
conflicts between himself and two other well-known Wiccan High
Priestesses at the time, a rift formed in the Wiccan community.
It grew into a schism, which resulted in the gradual birth of
what would later be known as the Alexandrian Tradition of the
Wicca.
Thus was born the first of the modern Wiccan "traditions."
The term "Alexandrian" was said by Maxine Sanders to have been
coined by Stewart Farrar during the writing of the book What
Witches Do in 1970. However, an interview with Sanders by
Stewart Farrar in 1969 sheds new light on the topic. Alex is
quoted as saying "those [witches] that don't want publicity tend
to refer to my witches as 'Alexandrians.'" So there we have it.
Either the term was a creation of Alex himself or the result of
a grassroots moniker much in the way the term "Gardnerian"
developed.
The early initiates of the Sanders' referred to themselves
simply as "the Wicca, " or Witches. The name of the Sanders'
particular lineage was later codified in the early 70's. Our
Tradition has been both fortunate and unfortunate enough to be
one of the most, if not the most documented Wiccan Tradition to
date. Naturally many misconceptions have arisen about our
Tradition, which we will be happy to set straight in this essay.
Contrary to popular belief, not all Alexandrians work Ceremonial
Magic, such as Qabalah, Angelic Magic, and Enochian. Some do and
some don't. Alex Sanders was constantly evolving his own magical
practices and passed newly found knowledge and techniques to his
initiates. This resulted in many different lineages descending
from him, each with its own unique particulars but all sharing
the same Traditional Wiccan core.
Some Alexandrians are strongly oriented towards ceremonial
magic, while others are more oriented towards folk magic. It
depends on one's lineage or origin, as well as individual and
coven focus. Training has always been a hallmark of the
Alexandrian Tradition, with each new generation adding onto the
previous generation's knowledge, making for more informed and
well rounded Priest (esses) and Witches.
This diversity gives us a thriving and dynamic tradition, with
our feet solidly grounded in Traditional Wicca and our eyes
looking to the future.
Other common misconceptions are that the Sanders' and Farrars
have published our entire tradition and our Book of Shadows. Any
thorough read of either the Sanders' books, and the Farrars'
books will prove this to be false, by the authors' very own
statements.
Alex Sanders passed beyond the veil on Beltane Eve, April 30,
1988, after suffering from lung cancer. Upon Sanders' death a
council of British Elders of the Alexandrian Tradition was
convened, which issued the following document:
"Statement of the Council of Elders of the Alexandrian
Tradition"
A meeting of the Elders of the Alexandrian Tradition was held on
Thursday 12th May 1988.
The Law of the Craft has always been that a King is chosen by
the Craft when need arises. After due consideration, a unanimous
motion was carried that there is no need for a King of the
Witches.
This is fortunate, as there is no one properly prepared for the
role.
Alex Sanders led the Hidden Children of the Goddess into the
light. It was a task well done and it was his last and most
earnest wish that they should continue their work into the
light."
Such a council has never again been convened.
Core Beliefs:
Traditionally, we work with and worship the Old Gods of
Europe, primarily focusing on Our Lady of the Moon and her
Consort, the Horned One. Our Gods are not jealous, and
Alexandrian initiates may work with other deities on a personal
or group basis as well.
We aim for a personal connection with and an understanding of
deity, and ancestors, as well as the rhythms and tides of
nature. Hence we have no laity, only Priests and Priestesses.
We believe in the power of magic, and use both traditional and
experimental techniques to achieve our goals.
Role of Clergy:
Wicca is very different from other religions in that we
have no laity. Every initiate of our tradition is a Priest or
Priestess of our Gods in their own right.
Some of our clergy are very active in their local Pagan
communities, doing handfastings and other rites of passage, as
well as public Sabbat festivals. Others are called to work away
from public life and focus inwardly on their covens and personal
callings.
Organization of Groups:
The Alexandrian Tradition is organized into covens.
Some groups work skyclad while others prefer to work robed.
Regardless of personal coven preference, certain rites are
performed skyclad by all recognized Alexandrian covens.
To become an Alexandrian initiate one must be initiated by a
properly prepared and authorized Alexandrian High Priestess or
Priest in a cross-gendered Initiation. Our traditional
initiatory rites must be used without subtraction, as passed
through each lineage from the original Alexandrian coven. It is
not possible to "self-Initiate" into Alexandrian Wicca.
Our Tradition consists of three grades known as degrees. A
first-degree initiate is a Priest or Priestess of the tradition,
a second degree Initiate is a High Priest or Priestess of the
tradition and a coven elder. The third degree is often reserved
for coven leaders. The time between each degree can vary greatly
from one lineage to another, and depends on each line's and
coven's focus and views on the initiatory and training
experience. In the Alexandrian Tradition, one progresses through
the degrees not through time in grade, but through growth within
oneself and the Gods.
A second degree Initiate can hive, form a new coven, and may
initiate up to his or her own degree in most lines, with the
permission of their elders. Second-degree High Priest (ess) -led
covens are under the supervision and authority of the HPS and HP
of the Mother Coven until they are deemed ready to take the
third degree. The amount of autonomy a second degree Elder has
varies from line to line. A third Degree High Priest (ess) is
completely autonomous in our tradition, answering only to the
Gods and the tradition as a whole. Autonomy does not mean lack
of accountability.
In addition, a number of lines have a neophyte or dedicant
degree, allowing a Proper Person (see standards of conduct) to
participate in certain rituals before making the lifelong
commitment to our Gods. This exposes the candidates to the
tradition and to the close family bond, which is the heart of a
coven. It also allows both the candidate and the Coven Elders to
decide if the vocational calling is there as well as the
necessary interpersonal dynamics. Our tradition is matrifocal.
The High Priestess is considered "first among equals" and holds
the final word in all coven matters.
Traditionally the word of the High Priest (ess) is law within
the coven, although the authority of coven leaders does not
extend beyond Craft matters. It has been called a benevolent
dictatorship by some. Traditionally the High Priest co-leads the
coven in cooperation with and in support of the High Priestess.
Initiatory lineage is traced cross-gendered (female to male to
female etc.) back to the late Alex Sanders and his High
Priestesses, such as Maxine. While lineage is not oath bound
within our tradition, it is not a matter of public record
either, and is often considered "private."
Shortly after Initiation each initiate begins to copy the Book
of Shadows (BOS) out of his or her initiator's handwritten book.
It is considered the responsibility of each initiator to pass on
the Tradition, both written and oral lore, as it was passed to
them with no omissions. In this way the continuity of our
heritage is ensured.
The Alexandrian Book of Shadows consists of a common core of
contents, with some variation from line to line, since Alex and
his initiates were constantly evolving their craft. The core BOS,
and Initiations however, are key for legitimate Alexandrians, as
they provide a central commonality for us all.
Contrary to popular belief one cannot purchase an Alexandrian
Book of Shadows, nor download one from the Internet. While these
books exist, they were constructed from published information,
and were intended for use as a set of documents similar in style
to the BOS by serious students of the tradition. They are,
however, different from the BOS used by initiates. The only way
to obtain a complete Alexandrian Book of Shadows is to be
initiated in the time-honored way.
The nature and exact practice of Alexandrian covens may vary
from line to line and coven to coven, with certain limits.
Training has always been strongly emphasized in our tradition,
second only to service to the Gods. Most Alexandrian covens have
a strong family feel, as well as the feeling of being part of a
larger, international extended family.
Holidays:
Alexandrian Wicca celebrate the eight Sabbats of the
wheel of the year. We also traditionally meet for Esbats on the
full moon for workings, training and celebration of our Lady.
Contrary to popular belief we do not work with the cycles of the
Oak and Holly Kings as written by the Farrars for their book
Eight Sabbats For Witches. While individual covens and Witches
may decide to work the rituals, the Oak King/Holly King cycle is
NOT a part of the Alexandrian Tradition, or derived from it in
any but the most surface way. The Farrars themselves make this
very clear in their book, yet this misinformation still
persists.
Standards of Conduct:
Initiation and elevation into the Wicca is a privilege,
not a right. Initiation is not offered lightly. To be initiated
into Wicca as a Priest or Priestess, one must first be a proper
person*. The Elders of a coven determine this - with input from
those already in the group. A candidate's sincerity, character,
maturity, personal spiritual focus, level of commitment, sense
of ethics, and personality are all factors that are considered.
In addition, the Elders look for more esoteric signs. First and
foremost, they must consult with the God/dess and obtain their
approval. The Elders must also consider whether the Seeker would
bring harm to the Craft, or misuse or abuse the Mysteries with
which they will be entrusted upon initiation.
In short, the Elders must rely on their fair and balanced
judgment, and their own intuition. There must be good personal
chemistry between new initiates and the coven into which they
are initiated. A person who is generally suitable for initiation
might not be accepted into one group but might mesh well with
another. The Priesthood is not for thrill-seekers or glory-hogs,
and an initiatory path is not wise for mentally, spiritually, or
emotionally unbalanced individuals. (*Note: One must also
maintain the status of being a proper person once initiated.
Those unwilling or unable to do so may be asked to leave the
coven.)
It is a tenet of Wicca that money is never charged for
initiating and/or teaching our religion. In the Alexandrian
Tradition, some covens may share the cost for basic coven
expenses by paying reasonable dues, or may simply "pass the
Witch hat" as expenses arise.
We have an obligation to maintain the privacy of others who are
initiates. Therefore, to reveal the name or identity of another
Witch without his or her express prior permission is not
appropriate at any time.
The ethical guide of the Alexandrian Tradition is the Wiccan
Rede: "An it harm none, do what ye will." Contrary to popular
belief this only states that all harmless activity is
permissible. Harmlessness is a worthy ideal, but it isn't to be
taken literally. There is simply no way that any person can go
through life without causing something (or someone) else harm.
We are, however, fully responsible for our choices in life. One
way that the Rede is interpreted is to follow your highest ideal
(your Will) - which implies that it is best to try to choose the
path of least harm. As we grow in our understanding of the
mysteries of the cycles and tides of life, we begin to realize
our connectedness to all beings of the earth. The concept of
"True Will" then begins to suggest our actively working toward
the greater good of all in whatever way we feel is appropriate.2
Ways of Worship:
The Alexandrian Tradition is an oath bound Mystery
Tradition; therefore many of the details of how and why we work
are secret. This secrecy among initiates of British Traditional
Wicca has been a target for detractors, implying that either we
have something to hide, or maintain a veneer of secrecy for the
purpose of ego-stroking. Simply put, neither of these is true.
We hold our tradition and lore to be sacred and private, and in
some cases it provides unintentional side-effects if used by
those not trained properly in our techniques. Alexandrians
maintain that privacy of sanctity through secrecy. We do not
claim to have the secrets to the universe. In fact, most of our
"secrets" would be of little to no interest or use to those not
initiated as Wicca.
Suffice it to say that our teachings focus on the development of
a personal relationship with Deity, and a keen awareness and
attunement with the cycles of Nature through ritual and in our
daily lives.
We use traditional BTW techniques to gain self-mastery and
develop our skills as Witches so that we may help others and
ourselves. Experimental methods are also often used, for our
tradition provides us with a firm foundation upon which to build
and improvise.3
Reading and Other References:
Books:
What Witches Do by Stewart Farrar
The Alex Sanders Lectures by Alex Sanders
King of the Witches by June Johns
Maxine The Witch Queen by Maxine Sanders
Principles of Wicca by Vivianne Crowley
Keepers of the Flame by Morganna Davies and Aradia Lynch
A Voice in the Forest by Jimahl di Fiosa
Web Pages:
Maxine Sanders Homepage
The New Wiccan Church
International
Traditional
Wicca Does Not Cost Money
E-Lists:
Amber and Jet: BTW
Seekers List
Caveat: Insofar as all third degree
Elders are autonomous in our tradition, none of us may speak for
all of us. As initiates and Elders of the Alexandrian Tradition,
the foregoing thoughts are our own opinions concerning the
nature of the Alexandrian Tradition of the Wicca, which we love
and cherish.4
This essay was written, edited, compiled, and approved
by the following High Priestesses, High Priests, and Elders of
the Alexandrian Tradition:
Julia Phillips, England
Pandora, England
Aconite and Ambriel, Qld, Australia
Ariana and Robin, Australia
Juniper and Gwiddon Vedmi, Ontario, Canada
Radella, BC, Canada
Morganna, RI. U.S.
Indigo, RI. U.S.
Anastasia, RI, U.S.
Haniel, Central CA, U.S.
M. Veritas, TX, U.S.
Storm, CT, U.S.
Auriana and Corbin, CT, U.S.
Scypres, FL, U.S.
Icarus, NJ, U.S.
Morgaine, TN, U.S.
Pat Baker, MA, U.S.
Jimahl di Fiosa, MA. U.S.
Sulis, MA, U.S.
Talia, MA, U.S.
Herne, New Orleans, U.S.
Brigit and Orion, MD, U.S.
Cian MacFhiarais, New Zealand
Footnotes: 1,
2, 3 and 4 Paraphrased, with permission, from the essay "Central
Valley Wicca: The Kingstone Tradition" by Kalisha Zahr.
Authors: Elders of the Alexandrian Tradition
Originally Posted on Witchvox: November 14th. 2004
Copyright:
Elders of the Alexandrian Tradition
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