What Is The Value Of Tradition
In Witchcraft?
It is here in this space that
the Crone would like to share
her thoughts and wisdom. If you
have any questions or comments
please let her know.
When we think of tradition in the
relationship to our lives we think of family
celebrations and holidays where we look
forward to traditional customs being part of
our experience. We meet up with friends for
mundane ritual get togethers to stay in
touch and feel connected. There is even
tradition steeped in our learning of formal
education and our daily routines we perform.
I am sure we can all picture a teacher
standing in front of the class boring us
with the details of English literature,
world history or the theory of music all
with the good intention of laying
foundational understanding of the world
around us. Or picture your craft teacher
explaining the importance of doing a ritual
or spell in a concise and specific way, a
way that is rooted and has tradition behind
it. Both classical and foundational learning
and understanding is indispensable when
executing a symphony or casting ritual
circle.
So why would we not think that there would
be value to tradition in a spiritual or
religious practice?
The word “tradition” can evoke the
words-old-archaic-stilted and outmoded or it
could evoke the words-rooted-time
honored-established-or foundational.
When we are using and practicing traditional
methods, what we are experiencing is the
time-honored ways things are done. Whether
it be building a wall, cooking a meal,
decorating a Yule tree or tanning a hide.
We are using reliable time tested ways that
are rooted in foundational understanding of
the “way things work”—-The Old Ways.
And these “Old Ways” when practiced the same
way they were practiced for generations
before us, we tap into the “momentum of the
past”. The “momentum of the past” is a
leyline, if you will, of an energy current
that has been built up by those who have
practiced in this traditional way for
generations.
The Old Ways are the root connections to the
vital essence of the wisdom and knowledge
preserved and passed on by our ancestors.
A misconception of following a traditional
or initiatory system of witchcraft is that
it prevents you from self-expression or from
changing or adding anything new. Although
the latter may have some truth with reason,
the self-expression limitation is not true.
The “structure” of a ritual or spell, a word
some people cringe at hearing, has purpose
that is essential to the success of the
outcome or desire of the person performing
it. The “steps” that are taken in the order
presented within a tradition create a
pathway and keys to an altered state of
consciousness. This is necessary for
alignments to be made, for astral journeys
to take place, for messages to be received
or communion with deity to transpire. It is
these steps we take, in their time tested
order that allow for the transformation and
evolution of the soul. The self-expression
comes into play when we apply our personal
style and spontaneity within the traditional
format. This makes tradition ever ancient
and ever new.
Typically when someone wants to add or
change something within the structure of the
tradition the question has to be posed ”What
does it add to what already is present?”
“Will it enhance what is already being
done?” If it is just something that “is
cute” or exotic, it may be better to add
this to a personal path outside a tradition
( as things can get a little cluttered).
Part of tradition is the role of the Crone
as the keeper and preserver of tradition.
She writes in her book of ways, she recites
the oral teachings and passes on tradition
that is as simply as a recipe for cookies or
a complicated enchantment for love or a
beloved potion for healing. The Crone
advises from a discernment using her life
experience, her knowledge of tradition, her
collected wisdom and inherent intuition.
Her spirit is as enduring as the tenacity
that continues to give purpose and vitality
to her life.
It is from this viewpoint that I hope to
give to you from my experience, knowledge,
wisdom, intuition, and desire for yours and
my spiritual journey and evolution to
continue.
