In discussion with my husband, who is NOT pagan and therefore wanted examples he understood ... we came up with these definitions of some of the differences between BTW and other Wiccan-type practices......maybe this will help some folks
(but this is just my opinion, I could be wrong....)

1. British Traditional Wicca (for example, Gardnerians) are an *initiatory* tradition.
You cannot be a "self initiated" Gardnerian, it is a contradiction in terms. This is not necessarily true of other Wiccan groups, or other Pagan groups.

To put this in Christian terms:
You cannot "self Baptize, or Confirm, or elevate to the Priesthood" as a Catholic or Episcopalian, for instance. These groups require initiation (You must be brought in by one already in the group, and authorized to do so) but you could be a "self initiated" born again Christian, as the only thing required is a statement of faith.

2. BTW is a *liturgical* faith.
There are rituals and practices that are done in almost the same way, throughout the tradition. there are at least some set practices for major holidays. There is an established ritual that must be followed for most religious functions, like Initiation or Sabbats, which may allow for some individual practices, but cannot be left out without changing the nature of the religion.

In Christian terms:
There are required readings and practices that are part of the celebration of major events, like baptism and weddings, as well as most religious holidays. There is room for individual expression (such as in the sermon, or vows, or selection of music) but there are also some practices that are "required" such as a reading from the gospels, or particular actions such as Communion that cannot be changed or left out while maintaining the nature of the religion.

3. BTW is a Ritual Religion..(see #2 above)
Certain things are done in certain ways (ritual). there are areas of the service or religion that cannot be altered. This is especially true when invoking Deity.

In Christian terms: You simply do not change HOW the religion consecrates its Communion bread and wine. There is a set and established ritual for that, and any change to that means it is NOT the same religious service. A Catholic priest, for example, does not simply decide to consecrate the Host this Sunday by singing a pop tune that "feels right." Some of the more Eclectic/non Liturgical Christian Churches, however, may do away with communion entirely, or celebrate it in a very simple and non-ritualized way ... this is clearly not the same TYPE of Christianity, although they may still be recognizably Christian.

4. BTW has ritual or religious items that are recognizable if you know what you are looking at.
There are some objects that any Wiccan type Pagan is likely to have. These vary widely from one tradition within Paganism to another, but are recognizable within the "Wiccan family." Specific Traditions will likely have unique variations on otherwise common tools, such as a specific type of Wand, Athame, or Robe. Some traditions will have *unique* types of items to their faith, like a specific design on a robe, or a specific piece of jewelry.

In Christian terms:
Most Christian churches will have certain things in common (a specific religious book) ... within each TYPE of Christian Church they will have more in common... For example: Episcopal, Catholic and other liturgical Churches have special Robes for the Holidays, identifiable Chalices, Altars, Church layouts, etc.... AND ... as you get closer in style and substance between the type of churches the objects of religion become more similar (Saints Statuary, Votive Candles, etc.)... BUT if you see someone with a Rosary it is very likely they are members of one specific Church (Catholic)

Kirsten Houseknecht
Fabric Dragon
kirsten@fabricdragon.com
www.fabricdragon.com
Philadelphia, PA USA
Trims, Amber, Jet, Jewelry, and more...

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