Seax-Wica

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Seax-Wica is a tradition of the Neopagan religion of Wicca and inspired by Saxon tradition. It is specifically not intended to be a reconstruction of ancient Anglo-Saxon religion.[1]

In 1973 Raymond Buckland, an author and practitioner of Gardnerian Wicca, created a new variation of Wiccan tradition, which did not break his Gardnerian Wiccan oaths. He wrote a book called The Tree as its definitive work. It was published in 1974 by Samuel Weiser and subsequently republished in 2005 as Buckland's Book of Saxon Witchcraft. There are also online Books of Shadows for the tradition on assorted websites.

The tradition honors the Germanic deities Woden and Freya, and uses a minimal set of the usual ceremonial tools and a spear. Runes are significant and regularly discussed.

Contents

[edit] Openness

The Seax tradition does not employ any secrecy oath.[2] The official books of Seax-Wica don't intend to omit or misrepresent the tradition although they may be a bit sparse in terms of detail, leaving such things to individual practitioners or groups.

Buckland's Book of Saxon Witchcraft doesn't mention how a solitary practitioner with no consecrated tools available gets started, as consecrated tools are used to cast the circle, and tools are consecrated within the already cast circle. Indeed, Bucklands Book of Saxon Witchcraft was written in mind that the reader would already be well versed in the various techniques of Witchcraft and Wiccan ritual; therefore intense study of other sources is imperative if one is looking to enter this tradition. However, Buckland has pointed out that his 'Big Blue Book' gives instructions on how to proceed when no tools are available. These are sufficient to allow one to begin, self initiate, and consecrate one's first tools.

Also, there are several Yahoo Email lists and web-based discussion boards for the tradition where one may inquire for more detail and clarifying commentary. (See below.)

[edit] Organization

Seax-Wica allows for self initiation into the Seax path.

There are also many covens. A coven is autonomous, and ruled by the vote of its members, who elect or unelect the officers. There are 4 officers as currently called for in Buckland's Book of Saxon Witchcraft. High Priest and High Priestess are elected by the members of a coven to serve for 13 moons; also there is the Thegn, a sort of sergeant at arms/guard/watchman, who may also be responsible for the covenstead or guarding the ceremony, and a Scribe/secretary, keeper of the coven's records - and if one incorporates a congregation, a treasurer to satisfy the legal demands of most US states. This last office is not mentioned in the current edition of the book, but may be a legal requirement in your state if you legally incorporate the congregation - you should check with a lawyer licensed in your state or territory on the matter.

Dr. Buckland is not the leader of the order, but is respected as its founder, and continues to practice it and contribute to it.

Raymond Buckland has also written extensively on a number of topics relating to Wicca, neopaganism, and witchcraft.[3]

[edit] Offshoots

Lyblác Anglo Saxon Witchcraft is an offshoot of Seax Wica. This tradition based on Anglo-Saxon practices was founded in 2003 by Wulfeage/Sean Percival and has members from all over the world. In July 2007 Wulfeage was voted into the position of Stiweard of Seax Wica by coven and solitary based Gesith (Seax Priesthood) from the UK,Sweden, Germany, Holland, Peru and Australia.

[edit] References

  1. ^ Buckland's Book of Saxon Witchcraft, ISBN 1-57863-328-1, p. xi.
  2. ^ Buckland's Book of Saxon Witchcraft, ISBN 1-57863-328-1, p. xi.
  3. ^ Amazon.com bibliography

[edit] External links

7.Applionicisumn Witchcraft-by : Rebecca M. Lee 8.The wiccan ways/by/Rebecca M.Lee 9.The vampires Bible/by/Rebecca M.Lee 10.Too reclaimn the powers of a witch/by/Monte Plaisance 11.The sptitual sience of miricals/by/Jason Blancherd