GALDRAHEIM COVEN

Traditions, Aims and philosophy

Galdraheim Coven is an Initiatory, working, celebrating and development Coven within the Alexandrian tradition.

The Alexandrian tradition of the Craft was founded by Alex and Maxine Sanders as a development from the Gardnerian tradition of the Craft. Since then other traditions have arisen- StarKindler, Faery Wicca, Dianic, Seax Wicca, and a variety of other forms and traditions. 

We respect and value all Wiccan traditions and forms, and see all of the Craft of the Wise as being a rich tapestry woven from all of these different threads- together we make a bright weave. Alone, our tapestry would be nowhere near so rich and beautiful.

We favour the Alexandrian tradition for a number of reasons:-

• It recognises and stresses the power of initiation within a vibrant and challenging tradition.
  
  
• It values and acknowledges both the female and the male principles, but without excluding the huge choice and variety  of human possibility. (See "Issues arising" section for more on this.)
  
  
• It was founded from ancient roots, but in a form that allows for flexibility within a well established tradition.
  
  
• It has a powerful inner core of rituals, ceremonies and forms that are a direct continuance of the most ancient wisdom.
  
  
• It is an inclusive and supportive tradition, within which all people are valued.
  
  
• It is a connected tradition- there are a lot of Alexandrians, and so this forms a global community of people who hold certain values and principles in common.

From this core tradition we draw strongly for our rituals and ceremonies, but this is not a rigid, unchanging and inflexible tradition. We also use powerful shamanic techniques such as drumming, dance, chanting and trance work within our rituals, and draw particularly strongly from Celtic, Druidic and other Native Northern European and ancient British wisdom sources for inspiration.

We use the Runes and other ancient magick, are affiliated to The British Druid Order, and also have strong links to other traditions to ensure that all we do is as powerful and inspired as possible.

Galdraheim Coven is not 'stuck' in inflexibility and rigidity- we change, grow and develop constantly.

From this we can say that though there is room in our circle for those of simpler needs, there are always challenges and new areas to explore for those who want to stretch their capabilities, to grow, and to develop magickally, psychically, spiritually, and psychologically.

AIMS AND PHILOSOPHY

Our overall aims and philosophy are twofold- 

1. We 'Coven' for ourselves- that is we do all that we do because of the benefits it brings us as individuals. 
   
   
2. Galdraheim is also a training and development Coven within a training and development tradition, that helps people develop within the Craft so as to both work for themselves, and also to function as Priestesses and Priests within our societies at large as well as within their own Covens and circles.

We take a long, wide view of everything related to Wicca- Witchcraft is more than just small groups of isolated people separate from each other group, and separate from society at large. Wicca is the Craft of the Wise, and the Wise take leading roles within society.

We therefore use the Wiccan system of three degrees and Initiations to develop strong structures of support and development as detailed elsewhere on this website.  (Such as in "The future of the Craft") This then ensures that we can help a broad range of people- those who will stay within our circle, and those who will work their way up through the degree system so as to form covens themselves, or work as solitary but initiated Witches, and with a structure of support and guidance to draw from when they need.

From within our guiding principles we see the Craft as being potentially far greater than just a little fringe religion. Because of this we work from high standards, and seek to act responsibly in regard to who we do train, who we initiate at all, and who we elevate to the higher degrees of the Craft. 

See "The degree system of Wicca" for further information.

The Craft is matrifocal but not matrilineal. Which means that we honour the High Priestess as 'first among equals', and as a living representative of the Goddess. The HP is representative of the Horned God of the Craft, but he is the consort of the Goddess, and she is Queen.

In simple, practical terms this then means that all good Wiccan Covens are led by a woman. 

The leadership 'style' and approach of women and men can be very different, and the entire 'feel' of a Coven led by a man is very different to that of one led by a woman. Male led Covens always feel to me to be lacking a 'certain something'. I'd have to say in this that it's a case of each to their own, but I'd personally not want to be a member of a male led Coven.

Joining our circles- both Inner and Outer

We have certain criteria for who can join our circles-

• You must be over 18
  
  
• You must be able to attend meetings, Esbats and Sabbats regularly.
  
  
• You must not be currently receiving treatment for major psychological or psychiatric problems or disturbance. This does not include counselling or minor problems.
  
  
• It is preferred that you be in a stable relationship or partnership.
  
  
• It is preferred that you be reasonably fit and able-bodied.
  
  
• You must have at least a basic knowledge, through reading at least, of the history, practises and basic principles of the Craft.

All of these criteria are for those who join our circle- if you do not "qualify" for some of these criteria right at this time, do still contact us about training with us as all things in this world can shift, flex, change and grow, and if you have problems with any criteria right now, we may be able to help you shift from that. 

For example, our criteria about psychological problems is to protect those for whom working magick may exacerbate ongoing problems, and our criteria about being in a stable relationship or partnership helps prevent problems in this area.

Having some basic knowledge and a strong inner sense of 'rightness' in relation to the Craft are necessities- our circle is for Witches, not thrill-seekers or spiritual dilettantes. We intend no insult to anyone, but have to say that Wicca is for 'together', balanced people, Our criteria concerning age is also not an insult to young people- we understand how you feel, we felt the same when we were under 18. And we also understand how your parents might feel. For anyone who is under 18 but feels drawn to Wicca I would say this: The Craft will not go away. If you are still interested when you are a little older, get in touch.

Galdraheim regards itself as part of a network of working Covens within the greater circle of the Craft, and so is very pleased to hear from other Covens to talk about celebrating rituals and festivals together, communal circles, and exchanges of ideas and inspirations.

 Our lineage and connections:  Who we are:  Traditions:  Coven structure: Issues arising:  Newsletter:   
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