We are a Goddess oriented Earth based shamanic healing group in the Celtic traditions, with some spiritual influence from Robert Cochran and the practices of 1734. We observe the Moon by the Coligny calendar, and celebrate 8 Sabbats of the year, as well as life milestone ceremonies. The cycle of the year guides our goals, and we direct our magick to flow with the natural seasons, as well with the monthly waxing and waning of the Moon. We consider ourselves to be a reconstructed living tradition, flexing and growing as mysteries come to light.
As a fertility religion we are concerned with all aspects of prosperity, abundance, creativity, growth and healing for ourselves, while also working for the veneration and protection of the natural world promoting awareness of Mother Earth and all Her creatures. We believe that self-reliance and self-discipline are of great importance in magickal work. Creating sacred space, raising energy together and grafting our will with positive energy brings into existence the desired results. We encourage creativity in ritual assembly and design. Self-reflection, meditation and various study programs are tailored for each individual apprentice. There is legal ordination available through a traditional hierarchical order. However, this three-degree system in no way makes any of us better than the other, rather, the cords are a way of representing those who have dedicated themselves to the Path of the High Priest or High Priestess. Some folks would like to attend circle on a more casual basis with no particular responsibilities or duties. Although, if one is willing and interested, they may be able to assist in some rituals. The Priests and Priestesses rotate as leaders of our sacred ceremonies so that each one has the opportunity to create rituals.
The Celtic Witan Church was originally formed to further the study and practice of the traditional spiritual beliefs of the ancient Celtic peoples, particularly those of the British Isles. We honor and celebrate different deities and practices of those ancient Celtic peoples.
ABOUT the WITAN:
When the group was originally formed, founders spent hours in school and public Libraries researching what they could find at the time. The information they discovered could have been more accurate at defining the group they were bringing together, but they worked with what they had at the time. Mainly they knew they weren’t Wiccan and didn’t want to be thought of as such. They were Witch’s, the wise women of old. This may have been a reason behind the name partially because of its near sounding to Wicca or a similar function that the Witan had for the people of their time. The CWC group also strove towards being considered the seers, the wise ones that “the people” could consult for advice, healing, counsel and foresight into the future. The Witan were considered the wise priestly advisors to the Anglo-Saxon kingdom. Witan comes from Wita/ root wit(v) meaning wise/man of knowledge. They foretold things like the weather to who would be the next monarchs. These advisors would gather in assemblies called the Witenagemot to make decisions for the kingdom. These moots/council meetings were where information could be exchanged, and all kinds of decisions could be made. The Anglo-Saxons were not originally Celtic but as time passed, and people moved, their cultures were absorbed into each other. The Druids were also a priestly class of advisors, leaving us to speculate that these wise counsel type moot/meetings have been around a very long while. We as a group maintain that we gather together in moots do similar actions of divining and decision making but also to honor the Sun and the Moon, cycle of the year and our ancient Celtic deities and roots while we’re there.
The Celtic Witan Church (est. 1984 and incorporated 1992) is a 501 (c) 3 non-profit organization chartered in accord with the laws of California.