I have people and students alike all ask what is the the difference between traditional training and non traditional, so I decided to write a little something regarding it.
Traditional training is based on a established traditional practice and usually requires a degree system. and is mainly a coven style of teaching. I was trained in the traditional format of Alexandrian/Gardnerian with a strict structure of ritual design, and practice with a coven hierarchy . Advancement and rank was based on degree's requiring extensive lessons according to the coven and doctrine, and then initiation into the coven. Keep in mind a coven is a law unto itself and is normally autonomous. According to most traditional systems, I know of my own, there is a difference between Dedication and Initiation:
Dedication is the process in which a person accepts the Craft and vows to study and learn. However, there is no ceremony only the person's ritual and decision to practice witchcraft as a religion and magickal system. Anyone can practice witchcraft ,
Initiation is the induction into an order or coven as well as an advancement from one degree of teaching to another and is usually a ceremony that truly altars your life and according to most traditions makes a person a witch and a member of the priesthood.
The concept of this rule is "Only a witch can make a Witch" and it is a good rule to follow. When a mechanic decides to work on your car I am sure you would rather know that he had to under go apprenticeship instead of reading a book. I don't want a doctor to perform open heart surgery without going through the teaching or internship first... such is or at least was the thinking of the craft until recently.
Many traditional covens still rely on this rule, as mine does. If you are naturally drawn to witchcraft and its concept, the best thing to do; is become initiated and train under an existing witch of the appropriate education, But what if you have no way of joining a coven or have no way to learn from an experienced teacher, then the best road to take would be to teach yourself but, when most traditions were founded that was not possible, but now there are many text on the subject, Keep in mind traditional 2nd and 3rd degree coven teachings are not found in any book.
Many traditional covens do not recognize self initiates or "self taught". However, many do recognize the self dedication, my Mother coven does acknowledge a person dedicating themselves to the principles and the religion of the craft but, does not consider that person a witch or part of the priesthood, only as someone practicing witchcraft. The reason for this is the fact that many, not all, self taught "witches" use the term Eclectic or self initiated, as a refusal of a structured format or laziness.... many read one book and get to page 67 and decide it's time to self initiate. I have met many people who were or are self taught and the extensive of their knowledge is amazing. If a person practices Alexandrian witchcraft and subscribes to the doctrine that is fine, but they are not an initiated traditional Alexandrian Witch.
Also, there are many non traditional covens that recognize the self initiated and can provide more training in areas that may be of need. I myself have two students that are undergoing there training for 1st degree, they are not bound to the laws of the coven I was trained under, but they are bond to the traditional teachings of Alexandrian, to myself as their High Priestess and to my coven ( if I have one.) And both were self taught and decided to strip themselves of the eclectic gathering of information in order to learn a traditional witchcraft.
Let me say this Eclectic is not bad or invalid, I know a witty couple who are traditionally trained 1st degrees but their training is also very extensive on other doctrines of the craft, however they are being trained under a knowledgeable and educated Witch and not gathering information and using what ever gives them that warm fluffy bunny feeling and High Priesting circles. Let me also say that many practitioners of the craft are eclectic and self- initiated have started their own groups or covens and are very knowledgeable and may enter any coven, that acknowledges their learning, but please remember a coven is a law unto itself.
|
|