Just like many other religions, the Wiccan faith has many sects or denominations. There are dozens of different types of Wiccans, Pagans & Neo-Pagans. In some cases, the differences between these groups is small. In many ways, the differences can be enormous. This page is a brief understanding of Paganism, Wicca and the Celtic Wicca we practice at Life Temple & Seminary in North Carolina.

All Wiccans are Pagans but not all Pagans are Wiccans. Some Wiccan traditions are associated with the founder or creator of their path. Such is the case with Gardenerian & Alexanderian Witchcraft. Groups that practice these traditions follow the teachings, beliefs & practices of the figure-head or founder. These groups have various cultural origins & in many cases do not have a specific history or anthropolgy. Instead their founders have chosen to borrow 'bits & pieces' from various cultures & myths. This is not uncommon & does not invalidate or devalue these paths. Many of these churches and covens are known as Ecletic.

 

Some Wiccan traditions are associated with a culture. Examples are Celtic Wiccan, Strega, Norse, Welch, Dianic & Egyptology. These paths are rooted in the society or culture they are named for. These groups follow & teach the history, mythology, anthropolgy & archeology of that culture. In some cases, like at Life Temple, the Temple (via it's founders) can actually trace its roots back to the same culture.

Witchcraft doesn't necessarily have anything to do with Wicca. One is the study & practice of magical arts. The other is a religion.

 

While most Pagans & Wiccans believe that magic exists it is not necessarily something that each group or individual dabbles in.

 

It is also helpful to note that many non-pagan religions have magical practices and practitioners. A Witch can be Jewish, Christian, Hindu etc. However it is rare that these free-thinkers will refer to themselves in this way.

 

The use of magic is a very personal thing. And most magicians have their own independent needs or reasons to resort to spells and the like.

 

For this very reason group magic is not a given amongst Temples and Covens. As group magic is not only difficult to perform but often has unpredictable outcomes. So please do not confuse witchcraft with Wicca.

Life Temple & Seminary is a traditional Celtic Temple. This means we value and honor the pagan practices of the Celtic Clans. We study the life, times and mythology of the ancient Celts. We strive to understand how they lived & worshiped. Our Sabbat & Diety names are Celtic or Gaelic in origin and we pass-down Celtic traditions & lore to our children.

 

If you are considering our Temple as a place for your own spiritual growth, we would like to clarify a few things. First, the Celtic path is not simply limited to the geographical area we now know as the UK. The Celtic Empire was massive and at one point (prior to the Roman Empire) dominated most of Europe. We attract many people who identify with ancestral roots in Ireland, Scottland, England & Wales; however the Celtic path could just as easily be called the European path as those with Mediteranian, Roman, Slavic & Germanic roots find a spiritual home with us.

 

An interest in Celtic heritage & geneology is wonderful but not necessary. You do not need to be of Irish or Scottish decent to worship with us or take our classes. At Life Temple we (as a group) agree to come together and practice a standardized form of Wicca. This means that when you attend one of our rituals you will find a consistant form of worship. All those participating in or officiating our rituals are 'on the same page'. This results in an environment free of politics, free of conflict and free of the confusion that comes from less structured more ecletic groups.