Gardnerian Wicca, or Gardnerian Witchcraft, is a mystery tradition or denomination in the neopagan religion of Wicca, whose members can trace initiatory descent from Gerald Gardner. The tradition is itself named after Gardner (18841964), a British civil servant and scholar of magic. The term "Gardnerian" was probably coined by the founder of Cochranian Witchcraft, Robert Cochrane in the 1950s or 60s, who himself ridiculed the tradition.
Gardner claimed to have learned the beliefs and practises that would later become known as Gardnerian Wicca from the New Forest Coven, who he claimed initiated him into their ranks in 1939. For this reason, Gardnerian Wicca is usually considered to be the earliest tradition of Wicca still extant, from which most subsequent Wiccan traditions are derived.
From the New Forest coven, Gardner formed his own Bricket Wood coven, and in turn initiated a series of women who acted as High Priestesses, founding further covens and 'downlines' of initiation. In the UK and most Commonwealth countries someone claiming to be Wiccan is usually understood to be claiming initiatory descent from Gardner, either through Gardnerian Wicca, or through a derived branch such as Alexandrian Wicca or Algard Wicca. In North America, where the term "Wicca" has come to include many unlineaged groups and individuals, the lineaged traditions are termed "British Traditional Wicca".
The religion tends to be non-dogmatic, allowing each initiate to find for him/herself what the ritual experience means by using the basic 'language' of a shared ritual tradition, to discover the nature of the Mysteries. The tradition is often characterised as an orthopraxy (correct practice) rather than an orthodoxy (correct thinking), with adherents placing greater emphasis on a shared body of practices as opposed to faith.
Becoming Priesthood:
Traditionally in the Wycroft line (Named for the priestess) one will be invited to ritual by a friend, and after going to formal ritual for a year can then ask a member of priesthood (2nd degree or higher) to train under them. Once accepted the individual will go though usually about 1- 2 years of classes and practical work before being offered their first degree..
As for questions that are typically asked...well heres some examples of questions that show up now and again
1. Name
2. Phone:
3. Where did you find out about us?
4. Are you at least 18 years of age?
5. Where do you live?
6. How long have you been practicing the Craft?
7. What do you think worshiping in the old religion is all about?
8. When is the last time you were in a Circle?
9. What Craft related books have you read?
10. When did you first find a goddess? When did you last worship her?
11. When did you first find a god? When did you last worship him?
12. How do you feel about worship of and service to the old gods?
13. Which gods and goddesses have you studied and/or worked with?
14. Are you an initiate of any pagan, magical, esoteric or mystery school or group? If so please give names of groups and your level of experience in each group.
15. Do you belong to any other groups, societies or associations?
16. If you are in a committed relationship, how does your significant other feel about your interest in the Craft?
17. How do the other people in your household (parents, children, roommates) feel about your interest in the Craft?
18. How do you feel about alcohol?
19. How do you feel about drugs?
20. How do you feel about gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered persons?
21. Have you ever been convicted of a felony?
22. Have you ever been under psychiatric care?
23. What is your most memorable Craft, magical or Circle experience?
24. What is your most significant or moving psychic experience?
25. Do you have valid driver's license and/or reliable transportation?
26. Are you employed and/or a student?
27. How is your health?
28. Have you completed one full year of circles If so please give us your favorite memories of the year.
29. What do you think traditional Wicca is all about?
30. Have you ever worked with a traditional Coven? If so, which tradition?
31. Have you ever worked with a non-traditional coven or other Wiccan or pagan group?
32. Please provide a complete outline of your religious training and experience to date.
32. Why are you interested in becoming a member of this tradition?
33. What do you believe you can offer the tradition?
