Website design By BotEap.comTraditional witchcraft in Britain and Wicca are not the same. Traditional witchcraft, or “traditional witchcraft”, is the historical form of witchcraft that dates back to Britain’s storied past. Wicca was created in 1954 and includes many beliefs and practices that are foreign to Britain.

Website design By BotEap.comIt is said that “Wiccans spend most of their time preparing for ritual and magic, while traditional witches spend most of their time making ritual and magic.” That could very well be true. Compared to the ritualism and formality of Wicca, rituals in many traditional witchcraft traditions could be considered downright haphazard. Certainly, there is little use of props such as correspondences, Unless they are useful…

Website design By BotEap.comThe traditional witch will generally use only one or two white candles for both rituals and spells. Wiccans use a wide range of colors, each color for a specific “magical” reason not based on any one witchcraft tradition.

Website design By BotEap.comWiccans will always use a “circle” for rituals and spells because they believe they need to create a “sacred space”. But in Traditional Witchcraft, the earth and the air are sacred by nature, which means that all space is sacred. Therefore, most traditional witches will not create a circle, or “compass round”, because it is not necessary. However, a seeker, one in training, will be directed to use a compass as an aid to her concentration. Of course, a compass will also be used if there is a very special need, especially a group meeting; again to aid concentration and not to create a sacred space.

Website design By BotEap.comThe location of the rituals is another matter of little concern to the Hack Witch. Once again, because all space is sacred, there is no preferred place where rituals must be performed. Of course, on a beautiful, warm day, there is no reason why a ritual should not be performed in the woods or in a secluded spot in the field. All things being equal, however, the location is irrelevant. As the British climate tends to be very cold and rainy, traditional witches have always preferred to perform spells and rituals indoors.

Website design By BotEap.comAn important exception to this general rule is ancient circles and other ancient sacred sites located in Great Britain. If possible, it is always good to visit such wonderful places and soak up the energy. However, care must be taken as rituals and spells should never be observed by outsiders.

Website design By BotEap.comIn traditional witchcraft rites and spells, it is the tradition of many to ask for the help of friendly spirits, including earth spirits, spirit guides, and other spirits. In some traditions, when a compass is drawn, the Spirits of the Earth, the Spirits of the Four Realms (or the Elementals or Directionals), will be asked to heed and uphold the compasses (all four directions).

Website design By BotEap.comSpirits are always treated respectfully. Your invocation is always phrased as a petition. Spirits would never be “commanded” to attend as in Wicca.

Website design By BotEap.comIf possible, a ritual fire, such as a small campfire or hearth, is used during rituals. If it is not possible to light a fire, then one or two white candles are used inside, or a lantern is used outside.

Website design By BotEap.comBecause the land is sacred, an altar is considered redundant and would only be used for convenience. Inside the house you can use any nearby table. Outside, the earth is often used.

Website design By BotEap.comThe ritual tools used can vary widely. One or more of the following may be used: a stang (two-pronged staff), cane, dagger, or simple kitchen or shop knife, mirror, bowl, broom, cauldron, some stones, or a “horn” (usually a Gold Cup glass).

Website design By BotEap.comFor rituals and spells, traditional witches are usually dressed in street clothes or occasionally in robes. Being “heavenly clothed”, or being naked in the Wiccan manner, is believed to be an insult to spirits and gods. Therefore, it is never done.

Website design By BotEap.comThe most important ritual celebrations are the full moon celebrations, outside of the traditional witchcraft called esbat. The term “esbat” is certainly not traditional. The Full Moon is special because magical energies are enhanced during that time of the month.

Website design By BotEap.comFestival celebrations are of secondary importance and are not universally celebrated. Many Traditional Witches celebrate the solstices and equinoxes of the moon because they are closely associated with the seasons, with sacred Nature. Other traditional witches observe the four Celtic festivals instead. Of course, there are some who keep all the Feasts. But traditions vary quite a bit. The god/goddess narrative story is not followed as in Neopagan and Wiccan celebrations.

Website design By BotEap.comIt should be noted that this information is a generalization, as traditions within traditional witchcraft can vary.