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Paganism
Paganism refers to a spiritual path that is rooted in nature, the cycles of the seasons, and astronomical markers. One can also call this “earth-based" or "nature-based" spirituality. Some people identify as Pagan because they are polytheists—honoring more than just one deity. Many individuals in the Pagan community combine both these aspects. In general, modern paganism can usually be defined as an earth-based and often polytheistic form of spirituality.
Core Principles of Paganism
The Divine makes Itself manifest through many deities in different places, at different times. No one deity can express the totality of the Divine. This is called polytheism—the Gods are many.
The Divine is present in Nature and in every being. This is called pantheism—the Divine is everywhere.
The Divine is represented as both the feminine principle of divinity (Goddess) and the masculine principle of divinity (God), while understanding that It is beyond the limitations of gender.
Many Pagans share a fourth principle or ethic: "If it harms none, do what you will."
Midlands Grove focuses it foundational teaching (beginner level) on a nature-oriented Pagan approach that emphasizes the celebration of nature over magic and does not have a formal, initiatory system. It is a beautiful, mellow, and user-friendly practice that has wide appeal because it can be used in both group and solitary situations.
Wicca
Wicca is the religion of Witchcraft or Wisecraft. It is based on the spirituality of our ancestors—a worship of Goddess and God, and the natural universe—in a form meaningful to people today. Wicca is a magical path which empowers us to change, grow, and heal. It is a spiritual tradition which helps us to achieve balance within ourselves and to live in harmony with others and the universe.
British Traditional Wicca
Midlands Grove focuses its intermediate teaching on a type of Wicca that is referred to as "British Traditional." This is the term that comprises older Wiccan traditions such as Gardnerian and Alexandrian. The Gardnerian tradition, for example, can trace its roots back to Gerald Brosseau Gardner (1884-1964), a British civil servant, author, and keen anthropologist and archaeologist, considered to be the "Father of modern Witchcraft." Gardnerian Wicca is an experiential, initiatory, oathbound, mystery tradition. British Traditional Wicca (BTW) is defined not so much by its beliefs, but by its practices. Beliefs, or enlightenment in the Mysteries, tend to follow the practice.[1]
The Grove focuses its intermediate teaching on an “Outer Court” training praxis of British Traditional Wicca adapted to our modern times and specially designed as a learning experience to prepare students for initiation.
New York WICA
A path of traditional, initiatory Wicca, derived from Gardnerian Witchcraft, founded by Edmund M. Buczynski in 1973, Brooklyn Heights, New York.[2] Midlands Grove proudly offers initiation and advanced, coven-level work in the New York WICA Tradition. Like our foundation and intermediate training, our advanced practice is positive, beautiful, gentle, and inclusive, while still retaining the magical effectiveness of traditional Wicca. Please visit our New York WICA subpage for more details.
[1] To learn more about BTW, the difference between BTW and other traditions that identify as Wiccan, and other frequently asked questions, visit the NWC's FAQ page.
[2] Pronounced "boo-CHIN-ski."
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