So, what is your tradition?

My answer to that question has been in the past, "Solitary Eclectic Wicca". This has sometimes been met with negative responses from those who were "Coven Initiated". The inference being that because I wasn't initiated and don't trace my "lineage" back to Gerald Gardner, I was somehow not a "real witch".

I mark as the beginning of my pagan journey . . .

. . . when in my sixth year I intuitively danced sky clad in a circle under the August full moon in 1947. By the time I was in high school I was fascinated by the myths of the Norse, Greeks and Romans. I came across what I thought of as a couple of interesting books in the school library, namely High Magic's Aid by Scire, (better known today as Gerald B. Gardner) and  The White Goddess by Robert Graves. People are some-times amazed that these books would be in my high school. When I was in school, the majority of books on the shelves of the school library were from England. Canada is a Commonwealth country, with strong ties to Britain, and we have ready access to British imports, including books.

Throughout the next four decades, I studied, and eventually met others of like mind. I had interactions with several covens over the years, although I was never initiated into a Tradition. Over the years my bookshelves grew to include The Complete Art of Witchcraft by Sybil Leek in 1971 and Witchcraft--Ancient & Modern by Raymond Buckland in 1972. In 1988 I discovered Wicca: A Guide for the Solitary Practitioner by Scott Cunningham. I still remember the joy I felt when, in reading in the Introduction, "…..anyone, anywhere in the world, can practice Wicca. No initiations are required." For those who want to know, yes, I created my own Self-Dedication ceremony and performed it at midnight on December 21st. 1988. So, what's my tradition? Solitary Eclectic Wicca…..until….

When the teacher is ready, the students appear . . .

. . . is a play on the phrase, "When the student is ready the teacher will appear," and in my case the reverse certainly is true. In 2002, the Universe gave me several kicks in the butt. Not the least of which, was the beginning of Deerglade. We are a small coven and intend that it should stay that way for now. However, in our discussions we've decided to become facilitators for those who want to learn. It is of course desirable to study under the elders of a coven, however, sometimes this is not possible. This website is for those who need guidance in their studies.

We have no hierarchy . . .
No High Priestess nor High Priest. All initiates are considered equal and all have studied at least a year and a day before their initiation. The first year consists of  White Cord Studies and on completion the student is initiated and receives their White Cord and becomes a Priestess or Priest. They are expected to continue with the Red Cord Studies, which must take a minimum of a year and a day. Upon completion, which is when both the teacher and student, feels they are ready, they receive their Red Cord in a special ceremony. They retain their title of Priestess or Priest. We also have a Black Cord which is given to those who are mature in the craft and have studied for a period of no less than five years.

Any female initiate may use the address "Lady" and any man the address "Lord". The term Crone is used as an address of respect to women past the age of menopause.

Our White Cord Study Plan is outlined below. We hope that you find it of use to find your own spiritual path.

Lady Christena

This is the course outline for those who study the Craft at Deerglade. It is designed to cover the first year of studies, each Part taking approximately three months to complete. The texts cited are the ones we use at Deerglade and all reside in the Deerglade library. The dates listed are taken from the editions we have in the Deerglade  library. You may find later editions have been printed.

We realize that there is a major expense involved to obtain all these books. You may find some in your local public library, and also inquire about the Interlibrary Loan System in Canada, if a particular book isn't listed in your library. Try the second hand book shops in your area and also see the section on book stores in your area on the Deerglade site. Ebay may also be a source.

The books in the lists below are of primary importance and every effort should be made to obtain them. Consider them your textbooks. There are no substitutes for them, if you are to learn through Deerglade.

General Studies

To Ride a Silver Broomstick  -  Silver RavenWolf (Llewellyn Publications, 1993)

Begin using the rituals in the book.  This book is a good starting point for anyone just beginning in the Craft. From it you can Begin your own Book of Shadows by making your own notes, not copying Silver's words.

Use the rituals in the book as they will give you a solid foundation to create your own rituals.

We have heard some criticism concerning Silver RavenWolf's books from the over 40's crowd. Some folks think she is talking down to them. Our answer to that is:

Divination

Begin your Divination Studies at this time. You are expected to be proficient in at least one method of divination and have a working knowledge of at least two others. If you are unsure which method you wish to pursue, the Complete Illustrated Book of the   Psychic Sciences, by Walter B. Gibson & Litzka R. Gibson (Doubleday, 1966)  and  Wiccan's Guide to Prophecy and Divination, by Gerina Dunwich (Citadel Press, 1997) may help you decide. It is important that you go with your own inner feelings in making your choice. Later you may want to take up other disciplines in the art of divination.

At the end of Part I, it is expected that you will be able to give a reading using your choice of divination method.

A general knowledge of astrology is very useful, but, it must be understood that, to become proficient the student must be mathematically inclined, and devote long and serious study to becoming an astrologer.

Another way is to purchase a computer program that will do the calculations for you. Some of these programs are very expensive so we advise that unless you plan on becoming a professional astrologer, a shareware program may best suit your needs.

We suggest that you read a book on your Sun Sign and maybe have a chart cast for yourself, if you can afford it. Linda Goodman's Sun Signs (Bantam Books, 1986) will give you a good general understanding of each sign. There is a newer printing of this ever popular book and it can be found in large book stores such as Chapters. This will give you an understanding of astrology and a basis on which to proceed should you decide to study astrology further.

Thought and Reason

Don't skip over this, it is important. The Craft isn't just about rituals and spells, it is a way of life. You can only gain in insight and wisdom by studying these books

Positive Magic: Occult Self-Help by Marion Weinstein  (Revised Edition / Foreword by
                                                                                            Colin Wilson, Phoenix Publishing Inc., 1984)

Mind Magic: Techniques for Transforming Your Life  by Marta Hiatt, Ph.D. (Llewellyn Publications, 2001)

Using the techniques given in these books, write a meditation. Consider how mind control aids us in using the 'Power in the Craft'.

The History of the Craft

If you are going to be a witch, then it is important that you know how the craft has evolved. This book will give you a good look into the history of The Craft. To become proficient in The Craft you must know the history of what it is you are doing. Our history isn't boring, and you really don't have to memorize dates, unless you want to. Get excited about your studies and you will find that you will excel at the "art of learning."

Witchcraft, Ancient & Modern by Raymond Buckland (Castle Books Inc., 1970)

Raymond Buckland studied with Alex Saunders who was initiated by Gerald Gardner, so there is a very important connection here to the origins of the modern day Craft.

There will be a test on Friday . . .

The only test for you will be putting in to practice what you have learned. The more you work on what you have learned the more proficient you will become. In short: