FAQ
Adapted from the original FAQ by TygerMoon Foxx and Moondancer
Is the Georgian Tradition a form of British Traditional Wicca (BTW)?
Georgian Wicca is similar to Alexandrian and Gardnerian practice in that it is an initiatory line and oathbound. Many of the rituals are similar to those published in various books on what is sometimes referred to as British Traditional Wicca, such as the Farrar’s Eight Sabbats for Witches and The Witches’ Way, as well as Ed Fitch’s Grimoire of the Shadows. However, strictly speaking, all BTW groups descende from a lineage that goes back to the New Forest covens and the Georgian Tradition does not. BTW-derived and influenced, yes.
There is little information posted on actual Georgian beliefs. Why?
Much of the information you may be seeking is contained within the degree materials and these are protected by oath. The Georgian website has the Georgian Manifesto on it, which describes the basic beliefs and the contents of this site give you a pretty good feel of who we are and what we do.
Can anyone start a Georgian coven?
No. In order for a coven to be a valid Georgian coven, it must have at least a 3rd degree elder who is a High Priestess or High Priest. Very rarely, you may come across a study group that does not have an elder. However, these are always under the direct guidance of one such as a group of people completing distance study under a remote High Priestess or High Priest.
If you would like to verify whether or not someone is a legitimate Georgian Elder, or otherwise qualified to run such a group, please contact us.
How does one become initiated into the Georgian tradition?
A person may be initiated into the Georgian Wicca tradition a following a successful period of study with a recognized Georgian Wicca teacher. The program contains lessons, exercises, required reading, and assignments. Typically, the dedicant study period lasts at least a year and a day after which s/he may be initiated into the tradition.
How can I study Georgian Wicca?
Please explore this website to learn more about our tradition. There is also a Georgian Chat Yahoo group for people interested in Georgian Wicca. We take a hands-on approach to teaching and learning. We encourage potential students to meet with a local teacher, but our founder Pat maintained an active, worldwide study program via correspondence, and we have maintained this practice. There are several students engaged in distance learning. This is an active and interactive process, not an independent, correspondence course and the Georgian tradition does not offer independent online study. Please note that Georgian training is not always available and is at the discretion of Georgian teachers.
Do I have to join a coven? Does the Georgian Wicca tradition support solitaries?
There is no obligation to join a coven. A person may study individually under the direction of a Georgian Wicca teacher. The tradition supports both covens and solitaries.
Is the Georgian tradition secretive?
The practices, rites, and mysteries of the Georgian tradition are private and bound by oath. Only initiated members of the tradition have access to that information. Georgians in the Yahoo group, however, are friendly and willing to share general information that will help you to decide whether or not the Georgian Tradition is for you.
Are there any books on this tradition?
The Georgian tradition has been mentioned in several books such as Drawing Down the Moon and Keepers of the Flame. Some essays written by Georgians appear on various websites. Although her books are not specifically Georgian, Dorothy Morrison is a well-known Pagan author and a Georgian priestess.
Speaking of the internet, several articles indicate that the Georgians are eclectic and others say they are traditionalists. Which is it?
Ultimately, both are correct. There is a core set of rituals, lore and training that each Georgian should have been taught. Once that material is understood fully, the members are encouraged to craft their own rituals and spells for personal use or to share with the tradition as a whole. Pat once said:
A few of our rituals are used just as we received them, but most are a composite of Traditionalist, Celtic, Alexandrian and Gardnerian. We take what we believe are the best or most effective parts of each and combine them into new rituals. And we don’t look down our noses at any other branch of the Craft, although I’m sure that not all others will take the same attitude towards us.
However, just because a particular ritual is written and conducted by a Georgian does not automatically make it a Georgian ritual.
If you have any more questions, please feel free to contact us.