Traditions of Witchcraft

Evening all,
I'm really sorry for my ignorance, but I'm hoping to reduce my lack of knowledge somewhat by asking a few of the burning questions I have here and, if anyone is kind enough to answer, then I'll be immensely grateful. Again, terribly sorry if I come across as ignorant or otherwise rude; I'm just a little new, I guess. Here's the stuff I can't get my head around/ find info on:
1)So, firstly I was wondering if a Witch has to commit to a tradition and area of Witchraft and, if so, do some of these traditions involve initiation, similarly to some Wiccan practice?
2)I understand there is Eclectic Witchcraft. How much of practice is mish-mashed together? So to speak,would you take from any tradition you felt interested in, or a select few?
I hope these are clear enough. Thanks to any and all replies made, and hopefully these questions arent too blunt or vague :)

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To commit to a tradition is simply that. You take up the mythology and or pantheons. Witchcraft and religion are two separate things.

To be eclectic, there isn't a specific tradition one follows, or religion at all. This is more towards finding your own path and to practice what feels right to you.

1) Not i n the slightest. Many people are eclectic, and even those who draw from traditions don't adhere 100% to it, get initaited, or even are parts of groups.

I for example, am a traditional witch. I draw from Cochrainian and Sabbatic traditions, like the Cultus Sabbati, as well as folkloric cunningcraft and witchery. Even though I am not apart of that tradition (or any particular tradition), I still draw from it.

Historically speaking, most witches and cunningfolk were not in covens nor were they apart of a "tradition" but rather traditional folk practices and their own visionary experiences.

To be a witch, all you have to be able to do is practice witchcraft. That's it.


2) If you don't strictly follow one tradition, you are in some way, eclectic.

I'm eclectic in certain ways, but I don't use it to label my witchery. I go off my experiences and gnosis, draw from folklore and traditions that currently exist, into my own unique paradigm and praxis.

In my opinion the only "traditions" of Witchcraft are cultural or coven based. Anything else is New Age, watered down garbage that should be avoided. Unfortunately the New Age, watered down garbage is what you find in modern literature. Your best bet is to speak with local witches/covens in your area (witchvox.com is a good place to track those down) and talk with experienced magick practitioners in online communities like this

Thanks everyone, this is really helpful.
@Whiterav3n the only problem with that is that my location is fairly isolated and I'm not sure if I'll be able to meet other practitioners. I have researched covens in my area, which seems to have drawn a blank, although from my understanding there might be a pair of witches a little bit away but technically 'local'.

Nymree, you live in the UK. There are hundreds of Covens, and Pagan groups, in England, Scotland, Wales, Ireland, Eire, Isle of Man, the Orkneys, Shetlands, and the Channel Islands.
You must be in a very isolated location if there is not one near you! Contact The International Pagan Federation in Scotland. THey have a list of all groups in the UK.

Thanks Brysing, looking into it now!