Frequently Asked Questions
about Traditional Witchcraft
FAQs about The Witchcraft of Britain
Questions:
Answers:
1. On what authority do I answer these questions?
I am Adrian Eglinton and I am a Traditional Crafter (a Traditionalist witch) trained in the traditions of a London Trad or group (coven or denomination) with their own particular outlook, perspective, beliefs and practices. This group had no name, which use to be typical of the older Traditionalist groups.
It is difficult to generalize the beliefs and practices of all Trads as regionalisms do exist and make generalizations complicated. Nevertheless, there are certain commonalities in belief and practice that predominate. That does not mean that what I speak for all Trads. It means I present what I believe to be normally true for many, and is as accurate as possible. There are always exceptions to the "rule." Some will undoubtedly disagree with what I say. I am not infallible.
For further comment on my perspective see About This Website....
2. What is a Traditional Crafter and a witch?
A Traditional Crafter (or Trad Crafter) is a person that follows a British magical tradition (witchcraft) that is based on our particular spirituality. This tradition is sometimes called Traditionalism and a practitioner is a Traditionalist.
The term "witch" use to be a derogatory Christian term, but has become a term used by outsiders in referring to us. Most Trad Crafters only use the term "witch" when speaking with outsiders.
Traditional Crafters revere Nature and most live in harmony with their surrounding energies, the spirits, and with the gods (or God). Hopefully, we respect and try to use good judgment towards all others, and most work for a better planet.
3. Do Trad Crafters cast spells?
All Traditional Crafters cast spells. As we believe God (or the Divine essence) is everywhere, including within ourselves, a spell is a projection of our Divine self energy. Thus the casting of spells is a spiritual act. Some Crafters like to think of spells as the "Crafter's prayer."
We consider witchcraft, or magic, to be a tool. It is considered neither good nor evil, as Nature which we venerate is neither good nor evil. We see ourselves as existing within Nature and part of it. Thus, the use of witchcraft, or magic, is an extension of our natural being and is as natural an act as breathing air.
It is up to the individual to use common sense and their sense of right and wrong in the use of magic for healing, self-help and other constructive purposes, or for their self-defense.
4. What is Trad Witchcraft?
Trad Witchcraft is a loose family of Trads (or groups, denominations, or covens) in Traditionalist British Witchcraft. It is the modern day version of what use to be called The Old Craft and which was known by many other regional and local names. It is the old magical spirituality of the British Isles, the Old Ways that use to be part of the religions that were popular before the arrival of Dark Ages in Britain. We have a belief system and perhaps the highest commonly-held belief is that of the inherent sanctity and supremacy of Nature above all else. We believe that the Divine (or God) and Nature are the same thing. In that manner we are pantheists. Thus we believe that the divine is everywhere.
Note that while The Traditional Craft is sometimes referred to as Traditional Witchcraft, academics will point out that their use of the term "traditional witchcraft" applies to the traditional witchcraft of all societies and cultures worldwide, and not just that of the British Isles.
5. Is Trad Witchcraft the same as "witchcraft"?
No. While many Trad Crafters, including myself, do sometimes use the term "witchcraft" informally to refer to Traditional Witchcraft, the two terms are actually very different.
1) Witchcraft is the use of magic and is in itself not a religion. It is possible to practice witchcraft without any association to religion or to the spirits. Thus, it is not necessarily spiritual.
2) Trad Witchcraft is associated with a specific spiritual foundation, it is not just magic. In the British Isles, witchcraft was an outgrowth of local tribal religions, including that of the Saxons. It is the Saxon heritage that has come down to us. Therefore, we utilize witchcraft that is cast within these inherited views of deity and with the assistance of the spirits.
Our tradition is centred on the spirits, which are always with all of us. The spirits can readily hear us and may provide their support and help, especially if we ask. All Trads (or groups, denominations) work under this Traditionalist orientation.
6. Is Trad Witchcraft a form of Wicca?
No. Wicca is a much newer religion formed about 1954 by Gerald Gardner, a retired British civil servant. Wicca was based on old witchcraft only to a lesser degree. Most Wiccan beliefs, ritual, and practices were based on external sources, especially on secret societies of the Western Occult Tradition, particularly the ceremonial magick of the Order of the Golden Dawn, and a spirituality entirely different from that of our heritage. Therefore, there are many things in Wicca that do not appear in Trad Witchcraft.
7. Do Trad Crafters believe in God?
Yes. The vast majority of Trad Crafters has a strong belief in the Divine, the spiritual world, and lead a spiritually orientated life. Most believe in either:
- Pantheism, and view "God" as a Universal Consciousness or the force of Nature rather than a "person" figure, or,
- Polytheism, the belief in several gods usually from one pantheon associated with British history.
Most use a combination of these two belief systems. Also, a very few are henotheists (like Wiccans), agnostics, atheists, etc. However, Traditional Crafters are never Christians or Satanists. These religions are not compatible with our fundamental beliefs.
8. Are Trad Crafters the same as Satanic Witches?
No. Satanism and Trad Witchcraft are two completely different things. Satanism is not and has never been associated with Trad Witchcraft. Therefore, Satanic witches are not Traditional Crafters, or Trad witches.
I should also point out that the concepts of Satan, the devil, and hell are purely Judeo-Christian-Islamic beliefs that are completely alien to any form of British witchcraft.
9. Don't you have animal sacrifices?
No. Trad Witchcraft is based on a deep reverence for Nature and all forms of life. We believe life to be sacred and must be treated with respect. You will find that many Trad Witches are volunteers in animal-rights, conservationist, and other earth-centred organizations.
10. Are there any rules of conduct in Trad Witchcraft?
Trad Crafters are taught to be responsible for their own actions. All seekers are taught that all personal and magical acts have direct consequences in the Law of Return. Also know as the Law of Cause and Effect, this belief means that for every action there is an equal and opposite reaction returned to the self. In the same vain, doing something negative will usually return trouble to the self.
11. Are Trad Witches nude during rituals?
No. Nudity, or being "skyclad" is part of Wicca; it is not part of Trad Witchcraft. We consider nudity to be insulting to the spirits and the gods.
12. Isn't Trad Witchcraft only for women?
No. The terms "Trad Crafter" and "witch" are not gender specific and are used to refer to both males and females.
In England, at least half of all Trad Crafters are men. This is also historically true. In past ages in the old villages of Britain, there would just as likely be a Cunning Man or Wizard as there might be a Wise Woman.
Today, especially in the United States, there does seem to be more women especially in Wicca. Unfortunately, some Wiccan covens even favor women over men, and in ritual they favor their Goddess over their God.
Traditional Crafters strongly disapprove of sexual favoritism- which is not traditional. Traditionalists believe in the equality of the sexes. Men and women are treated in an equal manner.
13. What is a Solitary Practitioner?
A solitary practitioner is a Traditional Crafter (or a "liberal" Wiccan) that usually practices the Traditional Craft (witchcraft) or Wicca alone.
Practicing solo has very clear and definite advantages and has a very long and noble history in Britain. In fact, it is believed that most witches throughout history practiced in private and only occasionally in groups (or covens). Many of today's new seekers (those in training to become Trad Crafters) are primarily solo practitioners.
Want to learn more? Continue with...
Introduction to The Traditional Craft
A beginners witchcraft introduction to Trad Witchcraft beliefs
and practice.
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