I have heard these arguements before that one cannot be wicca without being in a Gardenian coven. Wicca has become a broad label that has many sub-catagories whether the Garenian Wiccan like it or not. There are many sub-catagory labels that seem to fall under wicca. Some of these catagories are pagan, neo-pagan, witch, solitary wiccan, wiccan, druid, neo-druid, shaman and so on. The labels keep on going. Before I label myself, I would like to explain and question some aspects of this arguement.
The reason why some people state that they are wiccan is because it is short and sweet. The other catagories need an explanation while wiccan is known by the common joe.
There are many types of wiccan covens. We have the Alexandrian Wicca which is simular to Gardenian Wicca. We have the Dianic Wicca which has two different branches within itself. We have Celtic Wicca which is also known as church of Wicca. And last but not least, we have Georgian Wicca which seems to use Alexandrian material. Each one of these wiccan religions have their own coven. Remeber I said religion not faith. A religion is definite differently than faith or belief. Religion comes with all its dogmas. It is the practice and rituals of that religion. While a faith or belief, one does not have the dogmas of the rituals and practices because that stays within the covenant like any other religion. One can have a belief and faith in wicca with being in a covenant. So, how do we help the ones that want to join wicca as a religion? What if you want to be wiccan but there are no lineage coven in your area? Does that mean that person cannot practice wiccan or anything else? What would be that person's solution?
Then we run into another problem. Gardenian did not exist until the 20th century. What happened to the lineage that has been passed down and practiced in families for centuries? Do we say that they are for not because they are not part of the Gardenian society? Are we saying that what is pass down and practiced in secret by these families throughout the centuries is wrong because the Gardenians say so?
As for I, I come from a family lineage that has been passed down and practiced in secret for centuries. Just like my ancestors, I teach my children these ways because it is part of our heritage passed down from generation to generation.
As for a label, I feel I cannot find a fit. Some say I'm a witch. Others say I walk the shaman path. I do not declare myself wiccan for Gardiner created wicca. Can I say I'm pagan? Probably yes. Do I walk a shaman's path? Yes, I do. Do I know the old ways of the craft? Yes. Does that make me a witch? Maybe I am. Whatever my label shall be, I walk the path that the spirits guide me upon.
Each person walks a different path. It does not matter what ones label is or shall be because that path is unique to that individual. A label is just that; a label. For the ones that want to be true wiccans, there has to be a way to help in finding a lineage covenant for you or some type of solution.
