Sacred Wheel Tradition
An eclectic neo-Pagan path which was organized in Delaware within the past decade. Calling themselves Wiccan, they focus on balance and learning. Celtic beliefs are a part of their teachings. Still concentrated in the eastern states, covens are formed from study groups which include both old-timers and novices. Notice about the formation of Sacred Wheel study groups can be found in Pagan periodicals, especially those based in the northeastern United States.
Scotia Tradition
A tradition for which little public information exists. It is a path which attempts to reconstruct the early Milesian faith as practiced about the time the Celts came to Britain. This would ofnecessity seek to include old Iberian (Spanish) Pagan beliefs which are not virtually extinct thanks to the gross efficiency of the Spanish Inquisition.
Scottish Tradition
A generic term used to identify traditions native to Scotland and her people. Many individual traditions come under this broad heading, though some believe that the only true Scottich tradition is one which is pre-Celtic.
Shamanic Traditions
While most people do not at first think of Shamanism when they think of the Celts, this spiritual practice has been noted in all ancient cultures. John Matthews book, The Celtic Shaman, is an excellent text on this largely forgotten path.
Seax-Wica (or Saxon) Wicca:
Started by Raymond Buckland, who was originally a leader in promoting the Gardnerian tradition, as an alternative to the existing covens. Unlike most traditions, which consider the coven group to be the normal unit of division (i.e.. all ceremonies/rituals = group rites), the Seax version has provision for lone witches (often referred to as Solitaires). Another thing which sets this particular brand apart is its non-reliance upon being properly initiated into the Wiccan community. Many of the other groups require that new members be brought to existing covens to be ceremonially initiated into that tradition, and that only after years of study within the group is one ready to start a new coven. The Seax tradition, recognizing that there may not be a friendly, neighborhood coven, allows for self-initiation, and auto setup of a coven. Founded in 1973 by Raymond Buckland, this tradition incorporates Saxon lore. Covens have co-ed open rituals and are either performed robed or skyclad. Buckland developed this tradition without breaking his Gardnerian oath.
Strega;
Follows a tradition seated in Italy that began around 1353 with a woman called Aradia. Of all the traditional Witches, this group appears to be the smallest in number in The United States; however their teachings are beautiful and should not be missed. A tradition founded by a witch called Aradia around 1353CE. Strega can lay claim to being one of the oldest unchanged forms of witchcraft. This tradition preceded Garderian or Celtic based religions and developed in Italy during Roman times.
Teutonic (Nordic);
From ancient time the Teutons have been recognized as a group of people who speak the Germanic group of languages. Culturally, this included the English, Dutch, Icelandic, Danish, Norwegian and Swedish peoples. This is also called the Nordic tradition. A tradition based on Germanic culture; can come from English, Dutch, Icelandic, Danish, Norwegian and Swedish traditions. Also known as the Nordic tradition; sometimes separated into a different part of neo-paganism far different from Wicca.
Tuatha De Danann (TOO-ah Day THAY-nan or DAWN-an)
An Irish tradition based upon the mythic tales of the Tuatha De Danann, the last race to hold power in Ireland before the Milesian (human) invasion. The mythic figures of the Tuatha constitute most of the Irish pantheon and serve as a divine foundation for virtually all of the Irish traditions. Llewellyn Publications will soon be releasing a book on this tradition by Long-time Danann, Katharine Clark.
Ueleda Tration (WEE-lay-dah)
Ueleda was a name sometimes broadly applied to female Druids, and today it is the name for an all-female, initiatory Druidic tradition.
Welsh Tradition
A catch-All term for the several different Pagan traiditions which came out of Wales.
West Country Tradition
The principal Pagan tradition of Cornwall and Devonshire in southwestern England. West Country Wicca, By Rhiannon Ryall, discusses the Anglo-Celtic practices of the West Country Pagans before the influence of Gerald Gardner.
