Virtually every tradition has different "sects" within it.
Whether these groups form to protect the tradition from
persecution, or simply due to differences of opinion within the
tradition, just about each tradition has experienced a branching
off at one point or another. It allows each group to specialize
in a particular area, as well as creating a healthy diversity
within the tradition.
Stregheria is no exception. Making up the Old Religion are
three groups, known collectively as the Triad Traditions. They
are known seperately as the Janarra, the Tanarra, and the
Fanara.
When Aradia first brought the Old Religion backto the people of
Italy, she taught her followers the secrets of the Earth, Moon,
and Stars. With the beginnings of the persecution of witches
in Italy, the Religion split. Each clan was entrusted with one
section of the mysteries.
They seperated. The Fanara, who are the Keepers of the Earth Mysteries, centered in northern Italy. They kept the secrets of ley lines, and other forces of the Earth. The Janarra and Tanarra both occupy central Italy. The Janarra are the Keepers of the Lunar Mysteries. They are entrusted with the mysteries of the lunar energy, and other powers of the Moon. The Tanarra are the keepers of the Stellar Mysteries. They hold the mysteries of stellar forces.
"Common to all three traditions are the arts of herbalism,
divination, magic, ritual,and other aspects associated with the
Old Religion. Each Tradition enhances these arts with their
own individual mystery teachings." Taken
from Ways of the Strega by Raven Grimassi (xix)
Each tradition has one person who is responsible for maintaining
the purity of the Tradition, as well as ensuring its continued
survival. This leader is called the Grimas. The Grimas allows
only new aspects to be added to the Tradition that do not
deviate from the original teachings. Each Grimas has a working
knowledge of the other traditions. They work together in making
decisions which will effect the Old Religion.
A fourth tradition exists, begun by Raven Grimassi in America. Originally a branch of Tanarra, it is known as the Aridian Tradition. It is a blending of the Triad Traditions, and is an attempt to restore the original Religion Aradia brought back to the people long ago.
I see the majesty of the Moon, with Her ever-changing face, Her phases influencing not only myself, but the world around me, and I understand why the Janarra are so spellbound by her beauty. Watching the Earth bloom, grow and fade, only to bloom again, I learn why the Fanara hold its energies sacred. The stars have always mesmerized me, glimmering diamonds scattered across the inky black tapestry of night. The Tanarra have no choice but to be captivated.
