As I doing more research about what it takes to be a Wiccan, I came across some post from user @Lark's post about BTW (British traditional Wiccans). Lark talked about how true Wiccans are sworn in and the practices are secretive. This made me question sites such as Wicca Academy, which I have been using as my source of intel on the practice.
Re: BTW vs Wicca Academy By: Lark Moderator / Adept
Post # 2 May 06, 2022
Hello, first of all I'd like to clear up a bit of confusion here. Yes, there are some British Traditional Wiccans who will insist you can't be a " true " Wiccan unless you are trained in one of the Traditions which trace their initiatory lineage back to Gerald Gardner. And their reasoning is that the original forms of Wicca were oathbound and only revealed to the Seeker through initiation and practice. So those who are not of a BTW Tradition really have no idea what Wiccan beliefs and practices are.
I do not fully agree with this assessment. I do believe that one can be Wiccan without practicing British Traditional Wicca.
That being said, there are some things which make Wicca what it is. And first and foremost what Wicca is is a religion rather than a magical practice. Yes, Wiccans do practice magic, but what is central is the religion including the worship of a Horned Lord and a Moon Goddess. And this is where I think a lot of prospective Wiccans go astray. They want the witchcraft without the religion. But without the religion it isn't Wicca. It is simply Witchcraft...and the two things are not the same at all.
So in regards to the Wicca Academy you ask about, it is difficult to judge fully as one cannot see the whole syllabus without signing up and paying for the course. ( Traditional Wiccans will tell you that one never charges to teach the Craft ). But from what I can see the emphasis there is on magical practices and I see nothing about the God or Goddess, or the religious practices. So in my opinion, what they are teaching is basic witchcraft and not Wicca at all. I think they are making the common mistake of confusing Wicca with Witchcraft. The course if probably fine for someone wanting to learn the basics of divination and magic, but I, personally , would not recommend it for anyone who truly wants to learn about Wicca.
You might also want to take a look at a couple of other articles that I have on this site for more information:
hmmm... :) well for me at least I think there are many solitary practitioners who don't require a system or to be sworn in as such. Some may feel this may make them more adequate and that's cool, but I believe we choose what we believe and what our path is whether it be Wiccan, pagan just plain old school witch, you are what you believe. I have visited many sites, joined schools, and received degree certificates but I can promise it all helps but it starts within, I did not understand things at first not properly, until I understood what it all meant to me and then everything made sense, I like to take a bit of everything that I learn from others and its nice to share experiences or feel part of a group/ family even. It's inspiring but in the end, the best teacher was listening to my intuition and myself and taking in the energies I was drawn to. I hope this helps and it's just my opinion, thought id share a different point of view on the importance of systems or degree programs. I think to go with what school or community speaks to you the most in tradition and how they teach and practice :).
Thank you for that explanation. I stubble across the Wiccan forum by chance and found your articles. I really appreciate the time you share by explaining this to us. I am interested in the craft but not sure which path I want to follow yet. This definitely has been a help to me.
I really don't understand about something, Do we need to travel to England, to be a Wiccan? and Do we need aBritish Citizenship to be a Wiccan?Because it said 'British Traditional Wiccan', so if someone create a wiccan coven in America, that person should take Agreement from British Wiccan?
When they say British American Wicca, is about the wiccan traditions that come from Gerald Gardner, as he learned the tradition in england, and most of his legacy is also based in Britain. It has nothing to do with the country itself or where are based the covens.
Re: BTW vs Wicca Academy By: kts Moderator / Adept
Post # 8 May 10, 2022
In response to Quest, BTW is a type of Wicca that has roots in Britain however it has branched out into many countries as new covens form from the former students of existing BTW covens.One does not need to travel to Britain to become apart ofBTW however you may have to travel to the closest coven to you in order to study with them.
The BTW coven I studied with traced their lineage from Britain to the US and has branches in multiple states. To give you an idea of how and why it's not necessary to travel to Britain to become a student of BTW.
I find it is also helpful to read different authors whom have written about Wicca. This was my first step prior to my studies with a BTW coven and it helped me to understand the BTW information easier.
