Recently, I received some interesting questions that I believe are important to address for a better understanding of our tradition:
1. Can one practice Seax-Wica using the rites of The Tree while honoring gods other than the Saxon deities, those more aligned with the initiate?
2. Can I be Seax-Wica, honor the Saxon gods, and, at other times as a personal practice, honor non-Saxon gods?
Answer:
As someone who was close to Raymond Buckland, I can tell you that we discussed these matters in 2012, and the answers are clear to those who understand the system. I’ll explain it as follows:
In The Tree: The Complete Book of Saxon Witchcraft (2005 edition, page xvi), Buckland writes:
“Red Wheel/Weiser was kind enough to ask me if I would like to expand
this book, but I said no. The reason is that it is presented as a “complete”
book of Saxon Witchcraft and does not call for any expansion. It is presented
as a foundation for your own personal approach to communing with deity and
is complete on that basis. I urge you to adapt what I present to meet your own
personal requirements. If you want to use the name Frig for your goddess,
then do so. If you want to use entirely different names then-so long as they
are Saxon—do so. Names, after all, are only labels to help us identify with
the gods. If you approach this book with all the above in mind, I think you
will find it serves a very useful purpose.”
From this passage, and recalling our initiation or solitary dedication, it becomes clear that we swear allegiance to the Saxon gods, Woden and Frig. By choosing them, we make a personal commitment to these gods. Thus, it is not consistent to have “other gods” as a personal practice because the Seax gods are, by definition, a personal choice.
It is important not to get lost in curiosity about other deities before having matured within the Seax tradition. Personally, I have honored the Saxon gods as my spiritual patrons. As a Seax High Priest, I maintain this exclusive devotion within our tradition. I do not introduce other gods or celebrations outside the Saxon faith, nor do I promote the worship of other gods within Seax-Wica.
Spiritual maturity and understanding the divine essence require focusing on one divine force.
From my personal experience:
While I may be an exception due to having explored other traditions, I know that many are curious about these other paths. However, you must first excel in Seax-Wica before venturing into other realms. Before becoming Seax, I mastered Raya Yoga, Hermeticism, and the Thelema, among others. In each of these disciplines, I achieved mastery and led chapters of these orders in my city. Yet, in the end, I chose to fully dedicate myself to Seax-Wica, and that is where I remain today.
On Mystical Progression in Seax-Wica:
The Seax-Wica system, as established in The Tree, is our starting point. Practicing it with orthopraxis is essential for experiencing, living, and understanding its teachings. Once you comprehend this starting point, a new book opens— a blank book, ready to be filled with your own experiences and mystical connection with the Saxon gods.
Once you’ve completed that book, you’ll be ready to invoke and evoke the gods. Magic and power will flow through you, and you will feel the world opening up to you, allowing you to achieve your dreams. This is understood through this passage from The Tree (2005 edition, page 51, Esbat Rite):
“Give of yourself, your love, your life; And so will you gain immeasurably. Take that which is not yours to take, And you may find it not what it seemed. The Gods are just and all they do with reason. Work well with them and you will be rewarded More than you might dream.”
My Testimony:
In my 19 years of dedication to Seax-Wica, my path truly began to develop on November 1, 2005. In 2011, I re-established communication with Buckland, and together we started a project to clarify Seax-Wica. Over this time, I have grown not only spiritually but also in my professional and personal life. Those who have known me since 2001 can attest to this.
Thanks to my dedication to the gods and working with them, I continue to move forward in achieving my dreams. This is my testimony for you, and I hope you understand the importance of exclusive devotion and total dedication.
Blessings in Love and Light,
Seax Gesith Rasgael Hraefenwulf
High Priest
Meomerswiell Seax Coven
EXTRACT WITH PERMISSION- ©The Forest – A further guide for the Experienced Seax-Wica Practitioner: Insights After a Decade of Practice(2019) by Juan Manuel Espinoza Guzmán.
Thank you for being here!
We hope this post has sparked some inspiration and uplifted your spirit. Every step on this journey brings us closer to growth and understanding. If you felt a connection, we’d love for you to help us share the magic!
Give us a LIKE, share this post with your friends, and leave a comment with your thoughts. Your support means the world and helps keep the energy flowing! Let’s keep growing together. Blessed be!
2 Comments
By Mark Joseph
Are there any articles discussing Seax-Wica’s perspective on Anglo-Saxon mythical creatures, such as dragons, fae, elves, or dwarves? Is the practice limited to studying the materials already established within Seax-Wica, or is it acceptable to explore Anglo-Saxon beliefs, mythologies, and practices more broadly?
By Juan Manuel Espinoza Guzmán
Thank you for your question. Seax-Wica, while inspired by Anglo-Saxon culture, is not intended to be a strict reconstruction of Anglo-Saxon paganism. Instead, it serves as a modern spiritual path that honours the Saxon gods and incorporates elements of Anglo-Saxon tradition in a way that is accessible and meaningful for contemporary practitioners.
On Mythical Creatures
The established materials within Seax-Wica, particularly The Tree (Buckland’s Book of Saxon Witchcraft), primarily focus on the gods—Woden and Frig—and the essential rituals and practices of the tradition. While there isn’t a detailed exploration of mythical creatures such as dragons, fae, elves, or dwarves within the core texts, this does not mean they are excluded from your practice. These beings are indeed part of Anglo-Saxon and broader Germanic mythology, and they hold cultural and spiritual significance.
If you feel drawn to explore these mythical creatures, it is absolutely acceptable. Their inclusion can deepen your understanding of the Anglo-Saxon worldview and enrich your connection to the natural and mystical realms.
Expanding Beyond the Core Materials
Seax-Wica encourages personal exploration and growth. The core rituals and principles outlined in The Tree provide a foundational structure, but the tradition is designed to be flexible and adaptable. Exploring Anglo-Saxon beliefs, mythologies, and practices beyond the established Seax-Wica materials is not only acceptable but can also be a valuable way to enhance your spiritual journey.
For example:
You might delve into the Beowulf epic for its depiction of dragons or Anglo-Saxon concepts of wyrd (fate).
Researching the roles of elves (ælfe) in folklore or the connection of dwarves to craftsmanship can inspire your magical and spiritual work.
Connecting these elements back to Seax-Wica by meditating on their symbolic meanings or incorporating them into rituals is entirely in keeping with the tradition’s spirit.
Balancing Structure and Exploration
It is important, however, to maintain a balance. The foundation of Seax-Wica lies in its established rituals and the worship of Woden and Frig. Exploring additional Anglo-Saxon mythology should enhance your connection to the tradition, not distract from it. Remember, Seax-Wica is not about recreating an ancient religion; it is a modern path that honours the past while remaining rooted in the present.
Final Thoughts
Feel free to explore, read, and reflect on Anglo-Saxon mythology and culture. Incorporate what resonates with you, keeping in mind that your practice should always remain personal and meaningful. Seax-Wica is a tradition of freedom and individual growth, and such explorations can bring new depth to your journey.
Bright blessings,
Juan Espinoza