Alexandrian Tradition

Alex Sanders, the founder of the Alexandrian Tradition, was initiated into the Gardnerian Tradition by Pat Kopanski, an initiate of Patricia and Arnold Crowther. Although Alex claimed to have been initiated into Wicca by his grandmother, what he taught was essentially Gardnerian Wicca, and no one really believes the grandmother story anymore. In general, Alexandrian Tradition tends to emphasize ritual form, and each coven tends to stick to an established ritual framework rather than coming up with a completely new ritual each time. Within that framework, there may be specific points where improvisation based on the inspiration of the moment is allowed; but the ritual structure at least makes it clear whose turn it is to improvise. As a result, Alexandrian training tends to focus first and foremost on ritual skills: learning to follow the form and fit into the energy pattern of a ritual. Some covens also teach practical magic, such as divination, spellcraft, herbal magic, etc.; some covens teach their own particular flavors of theology: the nature of the Gods and other spiritual beings, beliefs about reincarnation; but these vary considerably from coven to coven.

For further information go to:

Janet and Stewart Farrar's Web Site