First published in The Cauldron No. 150, November 2013 Since the last century, and accelerated by the works of authors such as anthropologist Margaret Murray (1863 – 1963), Charles Godfrey Leland (1824 – 1903) and Gerald Gardner (1884 – 1964), there has been a culture within witchcraft circles for the perpetuation of ‘tradition’, the belief in a continuation of concepts, faith, and even ritual; either passed on directly or ‘retrieved’, especially through folklore. Given the current popularity of Traditional Witchcraft, perhaps… Read more
February 20, 2020
Breaking With Tradition: The Future of Witchcraft
February 20, 2020 By Ian Chambers
0 Comments
January 30, 2020
The Witch’s Stang: The Hope of Man from Every Angle
January 30, 2020 By Ian Chambers
2 Comments
The Witch’s Stang is often thought to have been introduced into modern practice by the late Robert Cochrane (1931-66). In its central role, the Stang represents the World Tree and can take centre stage within a working circle. In this respect, it acts as the axis mundi, and is the true altar of the witch mystic. Read more
January 17, 2020
On Freedom and Truth
January 17, 2020 By Ian Chambers
2 Comments
Frequently, we see people asking how to do such and such, what tradition to follow, what others think, feel or believe. This ever grasping, ever seeking, ever reaching is a ceaseless anxiety of longing for the comfort of rules, the confinement of formula and concepts, which never sates that yearning. Read more
January 15, 2020
The Witch’s Compass: Finding Direction With The Seven Winds
January 15, 2020 By Ian Chambers
1 Comment
Within Traditional Witchcraft, the concept of the Compass sometimes erroneously replaces that of the Circle. This is a common misconception that frequently identifies these as synonymous terms. Whilst they share similarities, an Airts Compass, that is a Compass of Winds, is a fundamental technology at the heart of many traditions. In order to know the difference, we must first start with basics. The magic circle used in modern Wicca usually describes a barrier, a vessel to contain power and is… Read more
December 11, 2019
Tradition and Customs of the Season
December 11, 2019 By Ian Chambers
0 Comments
Christingle sounds a bit like Kris Kringle… And that’s about all there is, really. Ostensibly, I am going to write about the use and tradition of rituals akin to the Christingle and the act of bringing light to the world in the renewal and seasonal cycle of the earth. However, laced throughout, as is my want and way, is the very necessary message that the importance of tradition lies in the present, not the past. The internet and blogosphere is… Read more
December 1, 2019
The Old Devil Saint Nick
December 1, 2019 By Ian Chambers
0 Comments
The Santa Claus we now know, incorporating the older British Father Christmas and Lord of Misrule, presides over the period when order is upturned and merriment ensues. We can see some foundation in the Dutch Sinterklaas, who himself is derived from Saint Nicholas whose feast is marked on the 6th of December. Read more
November 19, 2019
Initiation: ReBirthing Pains
November 19, 2019 By Ian Chambers
1 Comment
So, you really want an initiation? A word to the wise: if you are completely open to it, it will tear your world apart and it won’t be fun! Read more
November 12, 2019
Drinking the Wine of the Immortals
November 12, 2019 By Ian Chambers
0 Comments
Let me tell you a story… a story of a being somewhere between angel and demon, whose pride aspired to the highest heavens and whose home is the Mountain of Flowers and Fruit, a rebellious King who warred with Heaven and stole the Wine of the Immortals, sharing it with mortals. There was a rock that since the creation of the world had been worked upon by the pure essences of Heaven and the fine savours of Earth, the vigour… Read more
November 5, 2019
Keep a Crooked Sixpence
November 5, 2019 By Ian Chambers
0 Comments
Like many cultures and countries, Britain and America share a rich history of fairy and otherworld encounters, healing, love tokens and divination lore. Among the history of these, the sixpence features frequently, being an identifiable, valuable and readily available charm. The silver sixpence has been identified in many cases as amulet, touch piece, symbol of love, magical token, witness and seal of a vow, and more. The sixpence, a ‘tanner’, is a British coin denomination with the value of… Read more
October 8, 2019
Rita Morgan: Witch Mother, Force of Nature, Passing Beyond the Veil
October 8, 2019 By Ian Chambers
0 Comments
On the morning of September 23rd, the Pagan community lost one if its most stalwart bastions, particularly in the Los Angeles and Salt Lake City areas. It has taken a little while to write this and several attempts. It is with a heavy heart that I write that Rita Morgan, owner operator of Crone’s Hollow, Salt Lake City, has passed across the veil into spirit. Rita is a strong spirit, a force of nature, and all who meet her are… Read more
get the latest from
By The Pale Moonlight
Sign up for our newsletter
Browse Our Archives
TRENDING AT PATHEOS Pagan
