British Traditional Wicca

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British Traditional Wicca (abbreviated BTW) is the wording used to group a set of Wiccan traditions originating in the New Forest region of England. The most prominent of these traditions are Gardnerian Wicca and Alexandrian Wicca, but other traditions (either derived from them or claiming a shared New Forest history), such as Central Valley Wicca, are also considered to be British Traditional Wicca.[1] In the case of some traditions (such as Blue Star Wicca), some lines are considered to be British Traditional Wicca and some are not. Obviously this wording is used outside Britain, especially in America, because in Europe this traditions are part of the classical Wicca and don't need to be defined by their British origin.

History of the term Wicca

The term "wicca" is well-attested as the Old English word for "[male] witch", the female form being "wicce" both older forms of the Modern English "witch".[2] In modern usage, however, it came into the public lexicon with the works of Gerald Gardner, with the spelling "wica".[3][4]

See also

References

  1. New Wiccan Church International. British Traditional Wicca FAQ.
  2. Wiktionary:Witch
  3. Gerard Gardner, Witchcraft Today, ISBN 0-8065-2593-2
  4. Gerard Gardner, The Meaning of Witchcraft, ISBN 1-57863-309-5