Wicca – The Ancient Way

Wicca: The Ancient Way, recently re-published by the Hermetic Arts Learning Center, is the subject of podcast episode 158. We’re joined by Apollonius Mithras who is part of the Isis-Urania lineage of Traditional Witchcraft, the same that produced this text.

Isis Urania

“The now passing Aeon or Age of Pisces has seen western man almost completely lose his working knowledge and direct experience of the Mysteries and replace it with faith and superstition. As the Sun moves into the sign of the water-bearer, Aquarius, the awakener, mankind finds faith alone to be insufficient. Thus he begins again the search for the Old Gods, for the “knowledge of the spirit eternal, and certainty, not faith.” In his innocence, man has always looked outward to the external world and his own projections for truth. All religions, sciences, and technologies arise from this tendency. But the more answers we find, the more questions we ask. Unsatisfied and unfulfilled with our answers, we have become more and more fascinated by our own projections and further from our goal. But the rhythm of the New Age now grows to a louder, more distinct beat, and as understanding grows, man turns away from his invented gods and looks deeper into himself to find reality and the meaning of life. And so it is: the Old Gods move upon the face of the Earth once again in power and presence, as mankind prepares for his journey unto the kingdom of Our Lady, Queen of Infinite Space, whose name is also Understanding.”

Wicca: The Ancient Way

“The purpose of this book is to acquaint the reader with the existence of a living, initiated, and Traditional Mystery religion. It was written … partly as a reaction to misconceptions and misrepresentations outside and inside the Craft, but mainly to convey clearly the tenets and teachings of the Wicca, what it means to be a “Witch,” and what our goals are. Hopefully this little book will give the reader a glimpse of Traditional Witchcraft from the inside, as the initiates themselves see it. In this way, we sincerely hope to banish some of the common misconceptions and general ignorance on the subject of Wicca.”

“Wicca the Ancient Way is a small book of non-fictional and inspirational pieces of value for students and practitioners of all types of Wicca and Witchcraft. It presents the existence of an ancient tradition of Witchcraft of European origin, now practiced by some English speaking Witches.”

Hecate

“Not a spell book, nor a book of rituals, it contains 9 pieces of thought provoking and defining works of Traditional Wicca, including:

• the Attitudes and Qualities of a True Witch, calling upon witches to aspire to the loftiest goals
• the Gods of the Wicca, explaining how so many gods can be respected, yet treated by witches as just two and even One
• the Mighty Ones, explaining the children of the God and Goddess of witches, constant companions and aid to the Traditional Wicca
• the Training of a Witch, giving an overview of the kind of training that is undergone in Traditional Wicca
• the Three Degrees, providing insight into the stages of training, spiritual growth and spiritual development that is at the core of Traditional Wicca
• the Protectors of the Craft, talks about different manifestations of Wicca and Witchcraft, and how they all have their place in protecting the tradition
• The Grand Sabbath: All-Hallows Eve, is an inspirational piece about the most hallowed night of the year for Traditional Witches: Hallowe’en. It explains why this night is the way it is, and why this night is so important to Witches
• where to Find the God and the Goddess, not in the original hand-crafted printing, is a table of attributes for contemplation and meditation
• a further defining and thought-provoking Afterword, also not appearing in the original hand-crafted printing, explains why true Traditional Wicca is so rare

Cernunnos

“Since 1981 when the book was first written and crafted by the hands of the founder of the Isis Urania Tradition of Wicca, with the aid of some of his students, it has gone out of print twice. When out of print, it was so cherished by students of Wicca around the world, and was required reading in many training covens, it has long been photocopied and passed around from student to student. Now in its third printing, new information about the history of the Isis Urania traditional of Witchcraft has been added by the authors, and offered here for your own enjoyment and continued inspiration.”

Pentagram

I find Wicca: The Ancient Way interesting because it portrays the tradition of witchcraft as a Mystery religion and describes the philosophy behind it, which can sometimes be obscured by more practical and aesthetic aspect of witchcraft. I also appreciate that this work comes through a lineage of traditional witchcraft that can be reliably traced back in time and place.

In the Occult of Personality Membership Section, David Newman, the man behind the Hermetic Arts Learning Center will join us to discuss his work, including the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn, ceremonial magick, the goetia, the Tarot, and his own personal grimoire which is soon to be forthcoming. Don’t miss that fascinating conversation. Just go to occultofpersonality.net/membership and sign up if you haven’t already. It’s the best way to support the podcast while receiving access to a tremendous amount of additional exclusive content.

Wicca: The Ancient Way

Dreaming at the Feet of Hades: Thoughts Along the Path

The Hermetic Arts Learning Center

intro music by Paul Avgerinos

outro music – “Salem (Instrumental)” by Ceremony of Darkness

{ 2 comments… add one }
  • Rosaleen October 22, 2015, 9:23 AM

    Thank you so much for this interview!! I’ve been looking for more information on this tradition for years, and they are much more elusive than so many other groups!! Also, I’ve been anticipating an Occult of Personality episode dealing with Witchcraft for some time, and I’m so pleased that you selected an excellent source for this interview.

    • G K October 22, 2015, 11:04 AM

      You’re quite welcome! I’m so thrilled to bring you this interview with such an authoritative source, but as you point out, so elusive…

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