In Britain the tradition of Spiral Castle survives in the Easter Maze dance of country villages, the mazes being called ‘Troy Town’ in England and in Wales ‘Caer-droia’. (Graves, 1997) Situated between the poles, on our journey through the spherical vortex, we see at either end our source and goal. We are pulled in both directions, since the longing of the womb, described by psychologists, has its counterpart in the passionate longing of the mystic for union with God.... Read more
Guy of Warwick features in medieval romance and legend as a questing knight fighting dragons and rescuing fair damsels – which may have led to his legend being confused with the West Midlands slant on St George. But where does the Green Man fit in? First published in White Dragon, no. 57, Lughnasa 2008 Dragon slaying, rescuing princesses, two of Britain’s most legendary heroes in the mediaeval romance genre have faded in the memory of modern times. How they... Read more
The purpose of the pilgrimage is relevant to cultures across the world and spanning time. Ultimately, the basis of pilgrimage as a rite of passage is that it is performed without accompaniment or support from trappings of the ego; it is a voyage away from the profane and mundane. Read more
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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