Founded in England during the 1960s, Alex Sanders referred to himself as the "King" of his Witches. The rituals are said to be modified Gardenarian
Asatru:
"Many followers of Asatru regard themselves as 'Heathens' rather than 'Neopagans.'
Blue Star:
Blue Star is a very eclectic tradition that was formed in the 1970's. Their main focus is worship.
British:
A mix of Celtic and Gardenarian beliefs. Most famous organization at this time is the International Red Garters. British Traditionals move mostly from within the Farrar studies (the famous Witch husband and wife from England.) They too are fairly structured in their beliefs, and train through the degree process. Their covens are also co-ed.
Celtic Wicca:
The use of a Celtic/Druidic pantheon mixed with a little ritual Gardnerian, and heavily stressing the elements, nature and the Ancient Ones. They had a vast knowledge of and respect for the healing and magickal qualities of plants and stones, flowers, trees, elemental spirits, the little people, gnomes and fairies.
Ceremonial Witchcraft:
Followers of this Tradition uses a great deal of ceremonial magick in their practices. Detailed rituals with a flavor of Egyptian magick are sometimes a favorite, or they may use the Qabbalistic magick.
Dianic:
First pinpointed by Margaret Murray in 1921 in "The Witch-Cult in Western Europe," this term appears to include a mixture of various traditions. However, their prime focus in recent years is on the Goddess, and has been pegged as the "feminist" movement of the Craft.
Druidism:
The Druids emerged from the ancient Celtic tribes, at a time when the people had to live close to nature to survive. By the light of the storyteller's fire, and with the play of the harp, the Druids dreamed magic for their people. In the deep woods they would gather, bringing together their mysticism and philosophy, their insight and learning. Their spirit emerged from the the tides of the sea, the light of the sun, the wind in the Oak, the cry of the deer. In this way, they created an institution that inspired, frightened, and uplifted their world.
Eclectic Witch:
Look in any personals column in a Craft-oriented newsletter or journal and you will see this catch-all phrase. Basically, it indicates that the individual does not follow any particular Tradition, demonimation, sect, or magickal practice. They learn and study from many magickal systems and apply to themselves what appears to work best.
Gardnerian:
Organized by Gerald Gardner in England in the 1950s. Just why is this fellow so darned important? Gerald was one of the few people so determined that the Old Religion should not die that he took the risk of publicizing it through the media. Under all the hype, I truly believe he understood that the young needed the Craft as much as the Craft needed a new generation to survive.
Golden Dawn:
The Golden Dawn system of magic is not a religion, although religious imagery and spiritual concepts play an important role in its work. The Golden Dawn was designed by its founders to be an Hermetic Society dedicated to the philosophical, spiritual, and psychic evolution of humanity. It was also designed to be a school and a repository of knowledge, where students learned the principles of occult science and the various elements of western philosophy and magic. Tolerance for all religious beliefs was stressed, and symbolism used within the G:.D:. came from a variety of religious sources. Today, people from many diverse religious paths consider themselves practicing Golden Dawn magicians--including Neopagans, Gnostics, Jews, and Christians.
Hedge Witch:
Basically, a Hedge Witch is a witch that works with nature. They don't follow or believe the Wiccan Rede or the Threefold Law. Hedge Witches are NOT Wiccan. They honour nature, but don't really worship anything/anyone. Being a Hedge Witch is more about Spirituality than religion. (also known as Green Witch)
Hereditary Witch:
Also known as FamTrad or Family Tradition. Some people say that they were born a Witch but some people don't believe that you can be born a Witch. These people (including me) believe Witchcraft is a practice and therefore you can not be born a Witch. However, if you are born to Witch parents and they raise you a Witch, I suppose you could be a Hereditary Witch. Hereditary Witchcraft is also sometimes considered practicing the "Old Ways."
Hindu Pagan/Indo Pagan:
Paganism for those who follow a Hindu Pantheon.
Jewish Pagan/Witch/Wiccan:
A mixture of Judaism and Paganism.
Kitchen Witch:
This term refers to Witches who practice using items from the Kitchen. Herbs are often used.
Pictish Witchcraft:
Scottish Witchcraft that attunes itself to all aspects of nature; animal, vegetable, and mineral. It is a solitary from of the Craft and mainly magickal in nature with little religion.
Satanic Witch vs Satanic Wiccan:
What I had here before was incorrect. A Witch is someone who practices Magick, no matter what religion. So therefore, there is a such thing as a Satanic Witch, however, since the religion of Wicca does not believe in Satan, there are no Satanic Wiccans. Confusing huh??
Seax-Wicca:
Founded by Raymond Buckland in 1973.
Slavic Paganism:
Paganism of Polish, Russian and surrounding areas.
Solitary Witch:
A solitary witch is someone who practices alone, either most of the time or all the time, regardless of Tradition, demonination, or sect. Some (like me) have always been a solitary, some were apart of a coven/group but decided to leave. There is nothing special you need to believe in to be solitary, the only difference is that you work alone and therefore your rituals will be different.
Strega Witches:
Follows a tradition seated in Italy that began around 1353 with a woman called Aradia. Of all the traditional Witches, this group appears to be the smallest in number in the U.S.; however, their teachings are beautiful and should not be missed. Of Italian Origin.
Teutonic Witch:
From ancient time the Teutons have been recognized as a group of people who speak the Germanic group of languages. Culturally, this included the English, Dutch, Icelandic, Danish, Norwegian and Swedish peoples. This is also known as the Nordic Tradition.
Welsh Witches:
Originated in Wales. They believe themselves to be one of the oldest traditions. Members are believed to be awakened and there are 9 levels of attainment. It is hereditary but you can 'convert.' Either way, people are seen as either being Welsh Witches or not, no matter if you pursue it or not.