Not Witches Or Wiccans

Gwyddons Aren’t Witches Or Wiccans

More and more, we are asked what the differences between the Gwyddoniad and Wicca are, so we created this list. We hope that you find it helpful.*

  • We emphatically do not view “all gods as one god”; we are hard polytheists. In other words, to us, deity is as individual as we are. We take the time to know our deities and don’t just pull names willy-nilly out of books or from endless correspondence lists.
  • We don’t consider ourselves witches. We don’t have Witch Queens. We are Gwyddons.
  • We don’t use those Lord and Lady hierarchal titles. We don’t go skyclad – who wants to be naked around family? We don’t use robes or cords of certain colors to denote hierarchy. We don’t require that someone obtain permission before speaking to someone in another College or of another rank.
  • We don’t cast circles or spells.
  • We don’t have rituals just because – “it’s Beltaine, time for ritual!” (for example, if you will). We have ritual because we have a purpose for having that particular ritual.
  • Our rituals don’t require a lot of time, as they’re strict and to the point; although, they do require a lot of energy.
  • We don’t revere the Moon or the Sun and have no rituals in their honor.
  • We don’t write new rituals every time we need one; we use the same rituals that were given to us – unless need arises that we don’t have a particular ritual to use. We don’t celebrate just wherever we take the notion to – we have a set place and use it consistently over and over.
  • Our “wine blessing” isn’t “the sacred marriage” – it’s the union of the group into One, the joining of us all into a more cohesive group mind.
  • We don’t consider ourselves to be on an “earth-centered” path – because we’re not earth-based by any stretch of the mind.
  • We don’t have the Rede or a threefold Law – if something needs to be done, we do it.
  • We don’t put female participants on sabbatical just because they’re pregnant or menstruating.
  • We don’t flaunt our lineage, nor do we require our students to memorize it.
  • We don’t have what anyone outside our Tradition would recognize as a “BoS” or a Grimoire.
  • While we answer all questions about our Craft to the best of our ability, we don’t teach anyone who doesn’t have a serious intent of becoming a full-fledged Gwyddon – i.e., we don’t hold Gwyddon 101 classes.

*Disclaimer: The term “Wicca” as used in this page is a generalized term, and is not intended to convey or imply that all Wiccan groups, Traditions, or individuals partake in any of the above practices or activities.