Sample Lesson LESSON NINE- TRADITIONS “A tradition is a specfic method of action, attitude, or craft that has been handed down from one generation to another.” – The Truth About Witchcraft Today; Cunningham, Scott; Page 85
In chapter one we talked a little bit about Gerald Gardner and how he was the first documented to publicize publicize Wicca. Wicca. In this this lesson lesson we are are going to to talk about the tradition tradition that that he founded, founded, along with the the many other traditions that many others have founded. Gardnerians
This tradition was founded by Gerald Gardner in the 1950s. Gerald professed to have learned all of his knowledge from the New Forest Coven (an alleged group in southern England during the 1930s and 1940s), from which he was initiated in 1939. Those in this tradition meet in covens that, by tradition, are limited to 13, though sometimes more, and are lead by a High Priestess and High Priest. As they are a Mystery Tradition (one who keeps many, if not all, things secret, known only to its members), a number of things happen: 1. member membershi ship p is only avail available able throu through gh initiat initiation, ion, 2. rituals rituals and and coven coven practic practices es are kept secr secret, et, and and 3. maintai maintain n their their secrec secrecy y of being being in in the Craf Craft. t. In Gardner's Craft, there are two main deities: the Horned God and Mother Goddess, more specifically Cernunnos and Aradia. The original rituals used by Gardner at the start of his tradition were fragmentary at best, as Gardner admitted this himself. Because of this he had reconstructed these as the basis of his tradition, applying his skills as a folklorist and occultist (he worked closely with Alester Crowely). Homework: Research the tradition that speaks out to you. Sample of Lesson Quiz 1. By tradition, tradition, how many many members members were limited limited per coven in the Gardneria Gardnerian n Traditio Tradition? n? _______ 2. Name two two initiates initiates of Gardner Gardner who who started started their own own major tradition tradition?? __________________ _____________________ ___ and ________________________. 3. What two two skills skills did Gardner Gardner draw draw from to reconstruct reconstruct his his rituals? rituals? _____________ _________________ ____ and ___________________ ___________________ 4. Based on your own research research , name the tradition tradition that speaks most most to you and and explain why why.. Write Write at least two paragraphs explaining who stood out to you, what principle of the tradition made you feel connected with it and why.
