Alexandrian musings....

The Alexandrian Craft is a magickal thing. At once similar to its sibling the Gardnerian Craft from which it sprang. Sibling is perhaps the wrong word choice....more of a wayward line that adopted some of its own style and flavour. Personally i have never been Gardnerian, from what i have seen though we do have a few subtle theological differences. Also too that often quoted Alexandrian penchant for a more ceremonial manner of working, which does have some truth to it. Perhaps one iteration of Craft or the other may accentuate certain elements to a greater or lesser degree, but then this is somewhat true in regards from Coven to Coven regardless of their lineage.

We are though at heart the same religion under the auspices of the Great Goddess and Horned God. For all initiates of the Wica ultimately derive from Gardner & one of his High Priestesses.

For some, one may think the learning and adherence to a system is somewhat constraining, also that a solitary practice does not bind oneself to a structured group. It has been our experience that rather than being a block to personal expression, initiatory Craft has actually encouraged and facilitated such. Yes, we do work within a system, but one with inherent flexibility that was inbaked into the Wica from its conception. This really is the Crafts genius and beauty. To work in Circle, is to launch into the world of magick and the divine. To study in the Craft is rather like studying within nature, to look upon the forest, its flora and fauna. From the lichen covered woodland floor to the canopy above. As gaps appear seeds burst forth into new life. each element works as part of an interconnected ecosystem, the plants, trees, birds, animals when studied and learned bring that environment alive. So too in Craft, the teaching illuminates the work of Ritual within Circle, opening doors to a wider perception.

The majority of initiates also engage with solitary study and practice. This can range from topics like mythology, herblore, folklore, and magick and such like. A solitary practice could also be of meditation of a more formal sense or upon a woodland walk, digging in the garden or allotment. Maintaining a household shrine to Goddess, Horned God, deities, angels, spirits that one would deem compatible with Craft also too.

All our collective learning adds flavour to the mix of Coven life and life in general. We feel the rhythms of the Goddess within natures tides, which we echo and enliven within the joy of a poetic culture. We encounter this Culture in the works of our Wiccan forebears, to the ancients, to the pen in the Priestesses hand now, or wand she wields, to the body she moves, her mouth, her mind the greatest tool of all!

The Craft engages all of our senses, oftentimes simultaneously. As such it makes for a heady mix within a Ritually charged atmosphere....for between the worlds the possibilities are endless!!!