Table Of ContentWITCHCRAFT
FACT
BOOK
Edmund M. Buczynski
Published by
Magickal Childe Publishing, Inc.
35 West 19th Street
New York, N.Y. 10011
Preface
This booklet was prepared by a High Priest of the Wica
who has been initiated into the highest degrees of four separ
ate traditions of "the Craft. " It has been written with the hope
of helping to answer clearly many of the questions that are
frequently asked of those persons who are practitioners of
the "Ancient Craft of the Wise"-also, to assist sincere people
who are seeking a coven to sort out and know for themselves
"which Witch is which. "
Copyright c 1984
May the Great Mother guide your path.
by Magickal Childe Publishing, Inc.
Blessed Be, and may the Gods
Standard Book Number 0-939708-04-3
Preserve the Craft,
Edmund M. Buczynski
All rights reserved. No part of this book
may be reproduced in any form without the
permission of the publisher.
Printed in the United States of America by
COPPLE HOUSE BOOKS, INC.
Lakemont, Georgia 30552
The Book of Shadows (so-c:illed by modern Witches be
WICA
cause of the great need for keeping this book hidden during
the times of the persecutions in the middle ages) is the "ritual
book" of the Wica. It contains the directions for successfully
performing the rites of worship and magick necessary fo~ tlie
Wica, or "Craft of the Wise" has its roots in, perhaps the attainment of enlightenment and knowledge. Coven meetings,
oldest known religion. A Goddess and a Horned God are the or esbats, as they are called by Witches, are helt at least thir
deities worshipped. It is a matriarchal religion and, as such, the teen times a year, at the time of each Full Moon. Most covens,
female principle is the main object of invocation and a High however, meet from two to four times monthly. Their great
Priestess, as the Goddess' representative, presides over all the festivals are eight in number and are called "Sabbats" or
meetings of the coven which is a worship group of no more "Ritual Occasions." At these times,the coven meets to cele
than 13 persons. · brate the seasons of agriculture and animal husbandry, they
The Goddess represents the fertility of Nature as well as are_as follows:
rebirth into a new life (reincarnation). Among the Wica, She Samhain (Hallowe'en)-October 31
is called by a secret name, one which is never written and the Yule (Winter Solstice)-December n
meaning of which is known to a very few. Primitive man I mbolc (Candi em as Eve, Oimelc, Feast of Torc he s)-January 31
believed that •to know the true name of a person, place or Spring (The Vernal Equinox)-March 21
thing was to have power over that person, place or thing. For Beltane (May Eve)-April 30 •
this reason, he jealously guarded his own name and those of Midsummers Eve-June 22
his Gods. Today, the Wica believe that, by keeping the name Lugnasad (August Eve)-July 31
of their Goddess secret, they preserve, in their own minds, Autumn (Autumnal Equinox, Harvest Home)-September 22
her powers which they alone (through their secret rituals)
Worship is, nowadays, usually held indoors (although outdoor
can invoke and use for the benefits of mankind.
worship would be more appropriate, but in this day and age,
The God is a Horned God representative of hunting,
almost impossible). This is done traditionally naked, which th_e
Death, and "what lies beyond" (rest and peace while the soul
Witches prefer to term "Sky Clad" (clothed by the sky). This
grows young again to be reborn upon the Earth through the
comes from the belief that power is emanated from the body,
intervention of the Goddess). His Kingdom is the "Summer
and that clothing would hamper its emission and its collection
lands" (from the Welsh 'Gwlad Yr Haf" (Land of Summer). In
within the circle (the temple constructed at each meeting to
a sense tl-iis is a Western European version of the Amerindian
hold in the raised power until it is ready to be used by the
"Happy Hunting Grounds." Within the scant mythology of
Witches). There are, however, many Witches who disagree with
the Wica, it is said that he was once Supreme. Out of His
this, saying (and logically so) that, if the power can travel
great love for the Goddess, He resigned all His powers to Her,
great distances and go through walls, solid rock, metal, etc.
knowing that She would use them wisely .and justly.
(which it undoubtedly does, as I can attest to it doing so)
The Wica faithfully believe that the Gods love man,
then why would a thin layer of cloth prevent it from being
especially when he is happy. And so, their rituals take the
released? These Witches usually worked robed. However,
form of dance and song-happy expressions-a Celebration of
ritual nudity does have other purposes. There is a great feeling
Life! The Gods arc not all-powerful, and thus need the aid of
of complete freedom induced by being ritually naked. Also,
man in order to help man. This aid takes the form of a special
when one is within a group of people, naked and free, there is
kind of Magick (very difficult to do at times} yet essential
nothing to do by "be yourself' completely. There are no
to the Mysteries of the Wica.
social barriers, no artifices-one is forced, so to speak, into
All Witches are Priestesses and Priests of the Gods. There
being oneself, a human being with nothing to hide, like all
is no congregation within the Craft; therefore, it is not a reli
other human beings, either male or female, like the Gods
gion for everyone, but rather., for a select few.
themselves. Nudity, in this sense, is a great equalizer. Many
argue that this state will induce overtly sexual reactions.
j
Will it? Docs it? I have been in circles that work robed. There eventually given a Second Degree elevation which prepares
is nothing more sexually arousing and erotic than a robe them for the High Priesthood. Tu.ere is no reason to elevate
flying open in the heat of the dance, exposing a thigh or anyone to the second or third degrees unless this is the goal;
breast. When we are all naked from the start, after a few however, in so~e instance, those of long standing within the
seconds, we don't even notice the bodies around us, and our coven, whose words are con.sidered very wise and who are
minds become more concerned with what we are doing rather often called in to council the High Priestess and High Priest in
than who is doing it. It's the Soul that counts. This is my own important matters, are given second and third degree eleva
personal opinion, of course. But think about it, it does make tions for their labors. These persons receive the title of "Elder
sense. of the Coven" and, as such, are very highly regarded indivi
Because ot the dual sexuality in Nature, the Wica always duals.
work from male to female, in couples, in order to bring the Generally, a period of thirteen moons (one year and one
majority of natural power into play. Although most of us do day) are the minimal time requirements between degrees. For
not pry into the sexual preferences of our Brothers and Sis very special cases, this may not be necessarily so-but this is
ters, within the circle we INSIST upon a female-male atmos the exception, not the rule. Most covens find that it is often
sphere. The Wica are not bogged down with bigotry (sexual, . wise to keep this rule with those who are applying for mem
racial or otherwise). As all Pagans, bigotry is unknown, but we bership, and will often correspond and meet with each appli
ARE the "wise-011es," and as such, wisely use as much as we cant .for this period before initiating them. In Wica, we are
have going for us. taught patience and tolerance-and patience and tolerance
Mental and physical control is stressed to the utmost. always "pay off." As said before, not everyone is suited to
There is a minimal age of 18 years required by all covens, the priesthood. While all may worship the Deities freely, less
unless the parents are members or give their full consent than one percent of the applicants are admitted into the Wica.
legal and written- for the initiation of their child. This is as The Craft has never searched for converts, nor do we do
it must be according to the law of the land and, also, accord· so now. It is entirely up to those who seek for initiation to
ing to common sense. In the old days it was common to bring convince the coven that they are worthy and suited for the
your child up in your own faith, and this is still done in most CrafL Without Perfect Love and Perfect Trust, no one is
religions tod2.y. But who are we to judge which is the correct accepted into a coven, no matter what branch of the Craft
path for our children in spiritual matters? Isn't it best to leave it may be. These things are absolutely essential to the per
that decision up to the individual themselves, when they have formance of the Rites in the correct way. Any other way
reached the capacity to reason and understand the importance would probably prove to be harmful to all involved.
of the matter7 Of course, in this day and age, reason and Once initiated, the Witch is not taughL The Rites have
undcrstar.ding are often reached well before the age of 18. been set up to open the mind of the Witch (much as an hallu
But, in order to be sure, we keep to the standards set down by cinogenic drug would) to the point where the Witch will
social law. No coven has any maximum age limit. realize his or her own capabilities and utilize them for the
Because of the nature of Wiccan beliefs, only initiated advantage of themselves and others. From there, the High
members may attend meetings. There are few exceptions to Priestess and High Priest will help to guide and advise to the
this rule. . best of their abilities. All that is taught are the Rites and
Each coven has a High Priestess and a High Priest (both of Rituals, from there, the Witch is on his/her own.
the Third Degree) who preside over the meetings, perform
ALL INITIATIONS, and conduct coven affairs as well as
train and teach the other members of the coven. The other
mem9ers of the coven are usually of the first degree. Each
lends his or her power in serving and worshipping the Gods .
and performing magick.
Those persons who aspire to the Third Degree, and arc
in fact, training to be a High Priestess or High Priest, arc
Branr-hes of the Wica
There are many different traditions or branches of the
Wica. These depend upon the original location of each coven's
ancestors within the area known as Western and Insular
Europe. Each is different in many ways-the way in which the
rituals are performed, the wear (or lack of wear) within the
circle, the language which is spoken within the circle, the
system of training, the symbols used, etc. All are the same in
that they honor the Deities of Nature, live by the philosophy
of "Harm none and do what you will," believe in Reincarna
tion, and have the knowledge of working a specific form of
magick.
There are many so-called "courses" on "How to become a
Witch" ranging in price from a dollar to several hundred dollars,
none cif which are enlightening to the well read, nor do they
reveal any of the secrets of the Wica. For the curious, perhaps,
they can be of benefit-for the serious, they are at most
worthless, and more often than not, dangerous and inaccu
rate.
The following are brief descriptions of the various tradi·
tions -.yithin Wica:
Gardnerian. A branch of Wica deriving its name from
Gerald B. Gardner who was initiated into a coven of Witches
in the New Forest in Britain and who helped greatly in the
advancement of the truth about Wica by his love for it and his
writings on the subject. It is inherently Celtic in origin encom
passing rituals as practiced in Southern England. Ritual nudity
is required at all times.
Traditional. Many branches of the Craft which claim to
be pre-Gardnerian. This covers a lot of territory, again depend
ing upon the area of origination (i.e., Wales, Scotland, Ireland,
etc.). Ritual nudity is sometimes required. Some groups are
strictly Robed.
Alexandrian. A branch in Wica deriving its name from
Alexander Sanders. This is a form of Gardnerian Wica (rather,
a form which "borrowed" much of Gardnerianism). It is very
!Me ceremonial, encompassing much Kabbalistic magick, etc.
Ritual nudity plays a part but is not required, the choice
~olless being left to the ind.ividual Witch.
Continenul. This can be put 1Jnder the heading of ''Tra
ditional," again depending upon origin (France, Germany,
Spain, Basque, etc.)
Welsh Traditional. This is a Celtic-derived tradition which
Stregeria. This can be put under the heading of "Con incorporates the teachings and mythology and traditions of
tinental." It is Witchcraft as practiced in Italy and Sicily, Ancient Wales. There is a large group at present in Georgia,
each area of Italy and Sicily practicing according to their own California, and New York. You may contact these groups
folk-tradition. These are extremely secretive peoples, but through Earth Star Temple, 35 West 19th Street, New York,
much can be learned about them by reading Leland's Aradia: N.Y. 10011.
The Gospel of che Witches and Leo Martello's Witchcraft: Minoan Brotherhood and Sisterhood. These groups are
The Old Religion. worshippers of the Cretan snake goddess whose holy priests
Hereditary. Pockets of Hereditary Witches do exist in and priestesses were historically homosexual. The Brotherhood
Europe and America, carrying on their family traditions. They and Sisterhood meet separately at the Esbats, but meet toge
are usually the most secretive, preferring to work alone or only ther at Sabbats.
within their families. Their form of Witchcraft is almost
entirely different than what we k.now as Wica.
Dianic. This branch. of Wica lay a great stress of The Anyone wishing to contact a coven of any one of these
Goddess, sometimes entirely ignoring Her Horned Consort. traditions may write to: Magickal Childe, Inc., 35 West 19th
I do not know much about them, but they seem to be similar Street, New York, N.Y. 10011 (212) 242-7182 and we will
to Gardnerian (or vice versa). Perhaps this was the original attempt to forward your letter to an appropriate coven in
tradition that Gerald Gardner was initiated into. your area or advise where you may obtain additional infor
The New Reformed Order of the Golden Dawn. A neo mation.
Gardnerian or quasi-Gardnerian group founded by a Cali
fornian named Aidan Kelly. They are a beautiful and ideal
istic form of the Wica, constantly researching into our ancient
heritage.
American-Celtic. Perhaps the largest and fastest growing
form of Wica in America originating out of the Twin City
area (Minneapolis-St. Paul). Their form is akin to Gardnerian,
however, ritual nudity is not requird by all of their covens.
Two of the newest branches of the Craft are the Seax
Wica, formulated by Dr. Raymond Buckl;nd (formerly a
Gardnerian), based upon the religion of the Saxons. It is a
unique system which has elminated the Degrees and operates
upon a democratic level. Unlike other traditions, non-initiates
arc permitted at times to witness the rituals. The other of the
two is simply called WICA and was formulated by myself
(also a former Gardnerian) from nine years of study and
research into pre-Celtic and Celtic religions. It al:;o is operated
upon a Democratic level. However, the three degrees have
been kept as well as ritual nudity. Only initiates are permitted
to attend meetings.
There are many other groups, many are "underground"
and shun any publicity. Most are small and isolated (like the
Boreads, a lovely tradition who call themselves the "children
of the north wind"). The fact remains thJt all of these groups
are legitimate representatives of Wica in the world today.
The Tools of the Craft SOME TOOLS OF THE CRAFT OF WICA
Each person in the coven has one or more ritual tools to
use. Generally, this is usually only the Athame, the Witches Note: The symbols on these
tools are notthe correct sym
black-hilted knife, or which I will speak later.
bols, since the correct symbols
Some covens permit their people to copy the book of
are a closely kept secret.
shadows, but most traditions hold to the fact that, with too
many copies around, the book will eventually find its way
into print. Therefore, only when a suitable (Third Degree)
woman is about to split off and form her own coven is she
permitted to copy, by hand, her High Priestess' Book of The Sword
Shadows.
Most of the coven tools belong to the High Priestess and
High Priest. Although the amount of tools upon an altar
depends upon the Tradition involved, the majority of the
Wica hold that there are eight "essential" tools.
The Athame. This is the Witches' knife. It is the most
important of the Witch's tools and every witch must have The Athame
one. It is always double-edged and having a black handle The Pentacle
with certain symbols upon it. The Athame has all the powers
of the Magickal Sword and is used in the same fashion.
c:::::::::::::J
The Pentacle. This is a disc of copper of silver (some
times wood or wax) engraved with certain symbols and used in The White-hilt Knife
a secret w;i.y.
The Wand. A shaft of straight wood usually a branch of
a tree. The wand has always been associated with Magick and,
in the Craft, is used for the working of Magick in a very beau
tiful and secret ritual.
The Scourge
The Scourge. A symbolic flail (not used by all traditions).
The Wand
It is a symbol to the Witches that to learn we must sometimes
suffer. It is also a symbol of Purification.
The Cords. Symbolic that we are all bound together in
Oath to the Gods arid to each other. The cords are usually
?
red in color and nine feet long.
The White-Hilt Knife. This is the only knife used to cut /~\
with. It is used to make amulets and talismans and other tools
of the Craft, but may only be used within a Magick circle.
Censer. This is the incense burner. It is used as in all other 0
,,._
religions to make the atmosphere pleasant to the Gods and to The Censer
carry our paryers upon the incense smoke to the ·heavens.
,
Usually a small statuette of the Wica Goddess stands upon
the altar along with some flowers for beauty. Most Wiccan
altars are extremely simple.
Questions and Answers
What do I do if there is no Coven near me and I want to
Do Witches worship the devil and do evil? No on both become one of the Wica? Witches be!ieve that, in each life,
one
questions. The "devil" is purely a Christian concept, those who were of ihe Craft in previous lives eventually return
would have to be a Christian to believe in it. Witches, being to the Craft in this life. If you are serious about joining a
Pagans, do not believe in any "devil" so, logically, they do not coven, you too will know this to be true. If you believe this
worship it. As for doing evil, the Wica know a basic truth-The to be true, then you wil: instinctively know that nothing, let
Rule of Three (Karma). This Law states that, whatever one alone distance, will keep you from your people for very long.
does will eventually return to the sender three-fold. Naturally, Therefore, correspond with the b. anch of your choice and be
anyone in their right mind would want to do good so that patient and tolerant. Eventually a way will be found.
good would return to them three times over. The question of
doing evil, under these circumstances, is absurd and self Must tht: Book of Shadows still be copied by hand, even
defeating. though the Persecutions are over? Are the Persecutions over?
What would your neighbors think of you if they knew that
What do Tarot Cards, Astrology, Scrying (crystal gazing), you were a Witch? How would they treat your children?
etc., have to do with Wica? These things, of themselves, have When one enters the Craft, one soon finds out that the perse
little to do with the actual rituals of Wica. They are, however, cutions are not over, in fact, they are still going strong (al
often used successfully by Witches as a matter of personal though their methods are quite different than the Dark Age
choice. The Wica, being members of a "Mystery" religion, varieties). This is why the Wica have kept the old laws of
often tend towards the occult side of things. Successful per secrecy. Also, hand copying the Book helps one to become
formance of "the Mysteries" (the Witchcraft Rituals) opens completely familiar with its contents. The Wica today, gen
the mind of the Witch to many things not usually perceived erally have a typed copy· of the book for convenience in circle
in the course of daily life. The Wica are taught from the use (it is, of course, easier to read clear type), but they will
beginning to use all avenues of knowledge and that which still hand copy it in the old way so that they can absorb its
leads to it. contents.
What about Extra-Sensory Perception and the Wica?
Are drugs and sacrifice used in the rituals? Definitely
As stated already, the Wica are trained to develop all areas
not on both counts! Drugs were undoubtedly used in the
of knowledge, ESP being one of them. It is a known fact that
old days, but then, it was not against the law of the land to
all persons have these abilities; however, most people shun
do so, and one of the first things that a Witch learns is that
them and, as a reult, get no chance to develop them.
he or she must live by the laws of the land. As for sacrifice,
What can I gain from the Craft? Three-fold what you put the Wica do not believe that it was ever used. If it was, it
into it. To most of us, this means fulfillment. To all of us, has not been handed down to us in the Book. If I could open
this means a different and deeper understanding of ourselves the Book of Shadows to you, you would see clearly that the
and the universe around us. To others, a freedom of self rituals do not call for anything in the way of destruction
expression, a feeling of joy and a knowledge of the Love that of life in any of its forms. The Goddess herself says in the
pervades the entire universe. Book of Shadows, " ... nor do I demand aught in sacrifice."
A quick look ·at history will show that it wasn't the Witches
Can I gain money and happiness if I become a Wica? It who performed human sacrifices-it was their Christian op
pressors who performed the murders.
is much easier to go out and work for the money, and anyon&
can find happiness if they know how to look for it. Wica is
not a quick way to either money or happiness, although to
those who are a part of it, happiness takes on-a greater and Do all covens work naked (sky-~lad)? No. Some work in
deeper meaning.
robes, some work nude, and some work both ways according
to what they are seeking to accomplish.
k
SYMBOLS
What do covens require of a prospective initiate? All
require hard work on the part of the individual. All require
As in all Mystery Religions, symbols and symbolism play an
that the individual beiieves firmly in the religious tenets of
important part in opening the inner mind (subconscious).
Wica. Plus, there must be a "oneness" or compatability with
Wica is no exception and we use many basic symbols to do
all others within the coven.
this. Below are some of the more common symbols used
within the Wica branches.
Can anyone form a coven? Yes, anyone can. But they
wouJdn't necessarily be Wica. In most cases, they will find it Symbol Gardnerian Alexandrian Traditional
difficult to stay together for a very !ong time. In many cases,
\1 "V 9
they might find that they are doing more harm to them5elves
First Degree
than good. The rituals of Wica, although very simple, were ¥
ordained to be very exact for a purpose. To perform rituals Second Degree ~ ~
without the proper training and knowledge, even if they are
the correct rituals (which can never be gotten without ini
Third
tiation) would at least be disappointing and perhaps disas (High Priest or ~ ~
trous! There are many books which claim to be the true rituals. ~ ~I'
Priestess)
of the Wica-1 have never seen one that actually is ... and I've
JX(
read all of them. The Goddess SQ.11\e. S0..11\C..
How much will the Craft cost me? A lot of hard work The Horned God (:5 same.
~~lY\t.
and no money! If you have to pay for the Craft, it isn't the
s
true Craft. You don't even have to buy your Athame; in fact, The Sa.lute 5n:m'- Sal"\e..
it is preferable to make it yourself. Most members of a coven
do, however, bring wine and cakes if they can. Some bring $ same. none
The Scourge
the candles and incense used in the ceremonies. Nothing is u~c.d
¢
•'jm!Jol
required of you, it just makes us feel better to share. The Cords "ftO none..
use.d
0 ¢ u
Why do covens reject !jO many applicants? Simply because The Circle
the Craft is for a very special few. Sometimes there just isn't *
any more room in the coven. But most of the time, those The Eight Paths S2.Yf\C. SA~e
of Power
rejected are just people looking fo( kicks or power out of
loneliness or idle curiosity. The Craft of the Wica is very _fl_
Perfect Couple SA'l"\C s~mc..
serious business and immaturity, thrills; curiosity and boredom
just don't fit.
Abbrev. for Hrs \-\pp Hrs
High Priestess
Abbrev. for Hy \.\p "r
High Priest
