British Traditional Wicca Chapter

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INTENTION

The third section celebrates the high ceremony practices of traditional British Wicca, with emphasis on the Alexandrian/Gardnerian lines. In keeping with the ways of this tradition's practitioners, no part of the rituals we will be presenting is in any way oath-bound, rather all material is from published sources, primarily Janet and Stewart Farrar's Witches Bible Complete. This section's ritual team consists of Caroline, David, Eric, Jeff, and Kimberly (2°).
We will wrap up the section with Beltane in the Park, being held at SMUUCH due to dangerous weather conditions (not Theis Park as was previously planned). The potluck to be held beforehand at 2-2:30pm for logistical reasons.

• "Introduction to British Traditional Wicca" -- "Hear now the words of the Great Mother, who of old was called among the men Artemis, Astarte, Athene, Diana, Aphrodite, Cerridwen, Cybele, Arianrhod, Isis, Dana, Bride, and by many other names..."
  An introduction to one of Gaia Community's mother traditions, this class will explore the history, theology, philosophy and ritual structure of traditional Witchcraft.
   
• "Rite of the Thirteen Megaliths" -- "And thou who thinkest to seek for me, know thy seeking and yearning shall avail thee not unless thou knowest the mystery; that if that which thou seekest thee findest not within thee, thou wilt never find it without thee. For I have been with you from the beginning and I am that which is attained at the end of desire."
  A creation story for a world without beginning or end.
   
• "Visualization, Energy, and Magic" -- "Ye who are fain to learn all sorcery, yet have not won its deepest secrets; to these will I teach things that are yet unknown."
  The Witches' Way is a path of magic of active participation in the processes of the universe. This week's gathering will focus on basic magical techniques.
   
• "A Witches' Esbat" -- "Whenever ye have need of anything, once in a month, and better it be when the moon is full, shall ye gather in a secret place to adore my spirit, for I am the Queen of all witches."
  Come with your needs, your wishes, and your open heart and join us in this rite. We will use some of the magical techniques taught in the previous class to send our needs to the gods that they may be filled.
   
• "Earth Day" -- "I who am the beauty of the green earth, and the white Moon among the stars, and the mystery of the waters, and the desire in the heart of man, call upon your soul. Arise, and come unto me, for I am the soul of Nature who gives life to the universe."
  We join our hearts to those of all manner of people, magical and mundane, to honor the natural world. The celebration of Earth Day has become a Gaia Community tradition, a re-dedication to our commitment to "care for the Earth and each other, because our lives depend on it".
  
• "Beltane in the Park" -- "And ye shall dance, sing, feast, make music and love, all in my praise, for mine is the ecstasy of the spirit and mine also is the joy on earth; for my law is love unto all beings."
  Join us as we celebrate the sacred marriage of the Goddess and God at Beltane. We'll dance the maypole, leap the bonfire, and make merry as we turn the Wheel of the Year and prepare the Oak King for his seasonal battle. This ritual will be held at being held at SMUUCH due to dangerous weather conditions (not Theis Park as was previously planned). The potluck to be held beforehand at 2-2:30pm for logistical reasons.

A "Public Domain" Book of Shadows containing most of the ritual texts we will be using.

One version of Gerald Gardner's own Book of Shadows, except nicely hyperlinked.

Attendees should feel welcomed to wear robes or other fabulous ritual-wear to the rituals of this section. Also, if it should happen that any of the congregation have cords, athames, or other personal tools as would be used by coveners in this ritual style, they should feel free to bring and use them.

We will share cakes and ale as part of each ritual; both alcoholic and non-alcoholic ale may be present. The contents of the ritual chalices will be specified before the ritual if there is a difference, and all participants are expected to make a responsible choice of which chalice to drink from.

INTENTION | SCHEDULE | DETAILS | LINKS | RESOURCES | EXTRAS

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