The vows in Seax-Wica are the same for solitary practitioners and coven members, though they differ slightly in focus:
- Solitary Dedication:
- To honor and protect the gods of Seax-Wica and all they represent.
- To love life in all its forms.
- To live by the principle that Love is the Supreme Law, and Love is the Bond that unites.
This solitary commitment is an intimate relationship with the gods, with a focus on dedication to them.
- In Coven:
- To honor and protect the Gods of Seax-Wica.
- To love and honor the brothers and sisters of Seax-Wica, supporting them in times of need, caring for them in sickness, and defending them from harm.
- To live by the principle that Love is the Supreme Law, and Love is the Bond. As a Gesith, you will be an equal among all other Gesiths, recognized as a brother or sister.
The First Step is: Crafting a Portable Altar
In the Seax-Wica tradition, one of the initial task that seems simple yet requires dedication and patience: creating one’s own ritual tools. This assignment marks an aspirant’s first encounter with the principles of the tradition and serves as a meaningful step toward a deeper connection with Seax-Wica.
The goal is to equip oneself with the necessary ritual tools to begin practicing Seax-Wica independently. This task is not only about gathering objects but about aligning with the spirit and practice of the tradition. While it may take time and effort, it is essential for fully immersing oneself in the Seax-Wican experience.
Why a Portable Altar?
Given that many aspirants may share their living spaces with others, it is recommended that the altar be small and portable. This way, the presence of the altar is subtle and non-intrusive to those who may be unfamiliar with the practices of Seax-Wica. Additionally, having a portable altar allows the practitioner to carry their sacred space wherever they go, facilitating continuous practice and celebrating rites no matter the location—honoring the orthopraxis, or correct practice, as outlined in The Tree.
A suitable portable altar can be crafted from a wooden box, ideally between 20 to 30 cm in width and length, with adjustable height based on the tools intended to be stored within. Whether one starts by purchasing a box and selecting tools that fit or acquiring tools first and then finding an appropriate box, the aim is to create a personal and accessible sacred space.
Once selected, the box can be decorated according to the practitioner’s taste, incorporating symbols and colors that reflect the Seax-Wican tradition, as specified in The Tree.
Basic and Primary Ritual Tools
The tools required for a Seax-Wican altar are straightforward, allowing the practitioner to establish a complete sacred space with simple, accessible items:
Basic Tools:
- Incense Holder: This can be a simple wooden holder for stick incense or a handmade mold to hold incense cones.
- Small Bowl for Water: Made of plastic, glass, or metal.
- Small Plate for Offerings: For placing cakes, cookies, or other ritual foods; can be made of plastic, metal, glass, or wood.
- Drinking Cup or Small Horn: Made of any material, for ritual drinks.
- Wind Instrument or Small Horn: Such as a ceramic ocarina or any small wind instrument.
- Small Container for Salt: Essential for ritual purification and grounding.
Primary Tools:
- Athame: A double-edged dagger with a symmetrical triangular blade.
- Main White Candle and Four Smaller Candles: Used to represent the presence of the elements or to call upon the gods.
- Images or Symbols of Woden and Frigg: These can be small statues, framed images, or any other symbolic representation that resonates with the practitioner.
The Tree: The Liturgical Book as a Sacred Tool
Another essential component of this first assignment is creating The Tree, a manuscript that serves as the practitioner’s personal liturgical book. This book is crafted by hand with green leather binding, ideally with pages sized A5, bound using a leather spine and durable thread. Those inducted into the seminary receive the contents of the ritual texts in both English and Spanish. Only after assembling the basic and primary elements are they permitted to add specific Seax-Wica rituals and teachings to The Tree, ensuring that each element of the tradition is respected and understood before practice begins.
The Symbolic Importance of Ritual Tools
Each tool on the Seax-Wican altar carries symbolic significance and reflects one’s devotion to the gods. For instance, the figures of Woden and Frigg are not mere representations but sacred focal points connecting the practitioner to these divine archetypes. Understanding their presence and symbolism is crucial, as they embody the gods’ roles and messages within the Seax-Wica tradition. For further insight, practitioners are encouraged to study texts such as The Eddas, which provide context to the gods’ symbols and stories.
The purpose of these ritual tools is not only functional but also deeply spiritual. They help the practitioner establish a harmonious connection with the Seax-Wican gods, honoring them through both action and symbolism.
Crafting a Practice with Purpose
This task of crafting a portable altar, assembling ritual tools, and creating The Tree is more than a preliminary step; it is a rite of passage into Seax-Wica. By dedicating time and intention to these items, aspirants engage in self-reflection, contemplating the reasons they wish to follow this path. This assignment encourages them to embody the tradition’s values and commitment.
The Seax-Wica Seminary, grounded in the teachings of The Tree, emphasizes self-sufficiency and respect for the tradition’s core principles. As each tool is gathered and each element is completed, aspirants grow closer to the heart of Seax-Wica, building a foundation for lifelong practice.
For those ready to begin, the first assignment is clear, and any questions or reflections can be shared in the comments of this post.
3 Comments
By Mark joseph estareja
Gusto ko po malaman kung paano ko sisimulan ang tatlong taon na pag-aaral ng seax wica. Ano ang mairerecommend ninyo po upang makapag simula ako. Saan ako banda magsisimula nais ko po kasi na maging sistematiko ang aking pag-aaral. maraming salamat po.
By Juan Manuel Espinoza Guzmán
Pagbati, Mark Joseph,
Nakakatuwang makita ang iyong dedikasyon at hangaring simulan ang iyong landas sa Seax-Wica nang maayos at organisado. Ang tradisyong ito ay dinisenyo upang maging bukas at angkop sa iba’t ibang kalagayan ng bawat indibidwal, habang nag-aalok ng lalim at koneksyon sa mga Diyos ng mga Saxon, sina Woden at Frig, at sa kalikasan mismo.
Bagama’t posible na gawin ang Self-Dedication matapos ang isang taon at isang araw ng pagsasanay ayon sa The Tree, inirerekomenda ko na ipagpatuloy mo ang pagsasanay na ito nang hindi bababa sa dalawang taon pa bago mo itanghal ang iyong sarili bilang pari o pari ng tradisyon. Ang dagdag na panahong ito ay magbibigay sa iyo ng mas malalim na pag-unawa at koneksyon, gayundin ng pagkakataon na tiyakin kung ito ang tunay na landas mo. Sa mga taon ng pagsasanay na ito, maaari mong ituring ang iyong ginagawa bilang isang anyo ng debosyon na nauuna sa Self-Dedication.
Ang pagiging Seax-Wica ay nangangahulugan ng pagtanggap sa isang bokasyon ng pagpapari sa loob ng tradisyon, na may kasamang buong responsibilidad at dedikasyon.
Paano Magsimula: Isang Gabay na Tatlong Taon
Unang Taon – Mga Batayan at Pagsaliksik:
Basahin ang mga introduksyon ng The Tree: Maglaan ng oras upang pag-aralan ang parehong orihinal na introduksyon noong 1974 at ang edisyon ng 2005. Bigyang-pansin ang huli, dahil naglalaman ito ng mahalagang konteksto ukol sa mga layunin sa likod ng pagbuo ng Seax-Wica.
Sundan ang Rueda ng Taon: Ipagdiwang ang bawat Sabbat at Esbat ayon sa nakasaad sa The Tree. Panatilihin ang isang journal kung saan itatala mo ang iyong mga karanasan at pagninilay.
Kumonekta sa mga Diyos: Maglaan ng oras para magnilay kay Woden at Frig, tuklasin ang kanilang mga simbolismo, at alamin kung paano umaayon ang kanilang enerhiya sa iyo.
Transkribahin ang iyong sariling Tree: Isulat nang kamay ang mga pangunahing ritwal at teksto. Ang prosesong ito ay magpapalalim sa iyong pag-unawa at personal na koneksyon sa materyal.
Ikalawang Taon – Pagpapalalim at Eksperimento:
Pag-aralan ang The Complete Buckland’s Book of Witchcraft: Subukang gawin ang mga praktikal na ehersisyo, lalo na ang may kinalaman sa paglinang ng espiritwal at mahika.
Saliksikin ang mitolohiyang Saxon, Germanic, at Norse: Basahin ang mga kuwento ng mga diyos at diyosa at magnilay kung paano maaaring makaapekto ang kanilang simbolismo sa iyong espiritwal na paglalakbay.
Pagandahin ang iyong mga ritwal: Ulitin ang Rueda ng Taon nang may mas malalim na pansin sa detalye. Tingnan kung paano nagbabago ang iyong koneksyon kumpara noong unang taon.
Ikatlong Taon – Pagpapalakas at Paghahanda:
Konsolidahin ang iyong kaalaman: Balikan ang lahat ng natutunan at naitala sa iyong Tree personal. Magnilay kung paano nag-evolve ang iyong kasanayan at espiritwal na koneksyon.
Isulat ang isang epilogo sa iyong Tree personal: I-dokumento ang iyong mga karanasan, aral, at pagbabago sa loob ng tatlong taon.
Maghanda para sa Self-Dedication: Kapag naramdaman mong may sapat kang lalim ng kaalaman at koneksyon, isagawa ang ritwal ng Self-Dedication at itanghal ang iyong sarili bilang Gesith ng mga Diyos Saxon at ng tradisyon.
Isang Landas ng Debosyon
Sa loob ng mga taong ito, tandaan na ang pagiging Seax-Wica ay higit pa sa pag-aaral ng mga ritwal. Ito ay nangangailangan ng malalim na dedikasyon sa mga Diyos at sa tradisyon. Ang patuloy na pagsasanay, pagninilay, at katapatan sa sarili ay susi sa espiritwal na paglago.
Nawa’y gabayan ka ng mga Diyos sa iyong landas.
Pagpapala sa liwanag at pag-ibig,
Juan Espinoza
a.k.a
Rasgæl Hræfenwulf
High Priest
Meomerswiell Seax Coven – Lima/Perú
By Juan Manuel Espinoza Guzmán
Greetings, Mark Joseph,
It’s heartening to see your dedication and desire to begin your path in Seax-Wica in a structured and meaningful way. This tradition was designed to be accessible and adaptable to individual circumstances, while offering depth and connection to the Saxon Gods, Woden and Frig, and to nature itself.
While it is possible to perform the Self-Dedication after one year and one day of practice as outlined in The Tree, I would recommend continuing this practice for at least two additional years before committing as a priest or priestess of the tradition. This extended period will allow you to deepen your understanding and connection, as well as confirm if this truly is your path. During these years, you can treat your practice as a form of devotion leading up to the Self-Dedication.
Becoming a Seax-Wica means embracing a priesthood within the tradition, with all the dedication and responsibility it entails.
How to Begin: A Three-Year Guide
Year One – Foundations and Exploration:
Read the introductions in The Tree: Take time to study both the original introduction from 1974 and the 2005 edition. Pay particular attention to the latter, as it provides valuable context on the intentions behind Seax-Wica and its principles.
Follow the Wheel of the Year: Celebrate each Sabbat and Esbat as described in The Tree. Keep a journal to record your experiences, reflections, and learnings.
Connect with the Gods: Dedicate time to meditate on Woden and Frig, exploring their symbolism and how their energies resonate with you.
Transcribe your own Tree: Handwrite the main rituals and texts. This process will help you internalise its content and establish a personal bond with the material.
Year Two – Deepening and Experimentation:
Study The Complete Buckland’s Book of Witchcraft: Attempt the practical exercises where possible, especially those related to developing spiritual and magical skills.
Explore Saxon, Germanic, and Norse mythology: Read about the stories and symbolism of the deities, reflecting on how Woden, Frig, and others influence your spiritual practice.
Refine your rituals: Revisit the Wheel of the Year with greater attention to detail. Observe how your connection and understanding evolve compared to the first year.
Year Three – Mastery and Preparation:
Consolidate your knowledge: Review all you’ve learned and documented in your personal Tree. Reflect on how your practice and connection have grown.
Write an epilogue in your Tree: Document your experiences, lessons, and personal transformation over the three years.
Prepare for Self-Dedication: When you feel you have achieved a profound understanding and connection, perform the Self-Dedication ritual, committing yourself as a Gesith of the Saxon Gods and the tradition.
A Path of Devotion
Throughout these years, remember that being a Seax-Wica is more than learning rituals; it is about embracing a deep commitment to the Gods and the tradition. Consistent practice, reflection, and honesty with yourself are essential for spiritual growth.
May the Gods guide you on your path.
Blessings in love and light,
Juan Espinoza
a.k.a
Rasgæl Hræfenwulf
High Priest
Meomerswiell Seax Coven – Lima/Perú