In 1999, a circle of seven Hermetic Initiates crossed paths with Wicca, seeking to unveil the mysteries of this sacred journey. The first encounter with Seax-Wica occurred in 2001 within the official Seax-Wica Yahoo Group, where they met Raymond Buckland. In this space, we shared deep exchanges with fellow gesiths, discovering that many principles of Hermetism resonated with the magical practices of Buckland’s Wicca. Later that year, the seven members, guided by a shared calling, performed the Self-Dedication Rite, embracing the Seax-Wica path.

At that time, communication was entirely through email. In February 2002, two Seax-Wica initiates from New York, Ethan and Sophia Lauber, visited Peru for a blend of tourism and spiritual purpose. During their time with the Circle of AU – Thoth’s Scribes Hermetic Order, long meetings unfolded, where it became clear that the next step was initiation. Following Hermetic tradition, they recognized the deep connection they had cultivated with Raymond Buckland and, with this sacred bond, performed the first Seax-Wica initiations in Peru. On May 1st, 2002, the seven members were formally initiated by the Laubers. The first Priest, Mars, and the first Priestess, Roselynn, rose as the guardians of this new coven in the heart of Peru.

I, Juan Manuel Espinoza Guzmán, was one of the founding members of this first Seax-Wica Coven in Lima, Peru. Though known originally as Duan Manael, my Seax-Wica name has evolved through the sacred process of palingenesis. Duan Manael transformed into Ariel Phoenice, then to Nimrod, and finally into Rasgæl Hræfenwulf. Today, as one of the initiates of this sacred tradition, I am here to share with you the story of our journey, woven into the fabric of this website.

In 2013, Michael responded with wisdom that resonated deeply:

“In response to your other less specific concern: Wicca is not a monolithic religion like Christianity is. There is no central authority, therefore charging or not is a matter of conscience of each individual. Gardnerianism has strict written laws that no money can be collected. Other traditions may or may not follow this rule.

Ray always charged for teaching Seax-Wica. For him this did not break any rules. On a personal note, I always charge when I teach Wicca. Originally, many people misunderstood that this idea of ​​not charging that it only concerned initiations and extended it to everything related to the teaching of Wicca. Just like Ray and I, teachers like Raven Grimassi, Christopher Penczak, Laurie Cabot, Lady Sabrina from Our Lady of Enchantment Seminary of Wicca, and Witch School International all charge to follow their courses. This is quite common here in the US. We charge for our many years of instruction, knowledge, and expertise. Many of us are published authors, our time is as valuable as that of any professional. Still, none of us charge for initiations. The one you charge for Wicca, herbalism or tarot classes is your choice.

You need to start trusting your inner guidance and stop seeking external authority. He gets out of your mind and into your heart. This is the true essence of Wiccan spiritualism.

Blessings,
Michael”

Emboldened by this wisdom, Juan continued his commitment to the Seax-Wica tradition, collaborating closely with Raymond Buckland from 2012 to 2017. During this period, Raymond recognized Juan’s dedication and began referring seekers to him, affirming Juan’s role as a guiding light for those wandering the spiritual path. Juan devoted countless hours to assisting seekers in Peru and beyond, always offering his insights and support free of charge.

In 2014, Juan’s contributions were further acknowledged when he was interviewed by Alaric Albertsson as a reference for the Seax Tradition. He wrote an essay titled “The Seax Tradition” for the anthology Witchcraft Today: 60 Years On, where Alaric honored Juan’s status as a Gesith. This essay can be read on the publisher’s blog at the following link: Witchcraft Today: 60 Years On – The Seax Tradition.

[You can read this essay in the blog of the website of the publisher in this link & about the author check this link and this link. 

Through these experiences, Juan embodies the spirit of humility and service, honoring the legacy of Raymond Buckland while dedicating himself to guiding those who seek the wisdom of the Seax-Wica. His journey reflects the profound interconnectedness of the tradition, demonstrating that true leadership lies in uplifting others and nurturing a shared sense of community. As he continues to walk this path, Juan inspires others to trust their inner guidance, fostering a collective spirit of exploration and growth within the Seax-Wica tradition.

Since 2012, within the framework of the Guidelines of the Seax-Wica, a vision has blossomed—a haven for those who feel a profound connection to the Saxon gods. In the nurturing embrace of the Meomerswiell Seax Coven, Juan and Adriana (Priest Rasgæl Hræfenwulf and Priestess Eostre Æfer) explored various dynamics to illuminate the path of spiritual teaching in Peru. This sacred journey culminated in June 2017 when they gathered with esteemed priests from other Seax covens, led by Renzo Medina (Xerox), Freedy Obregón (Iarvin Frey), Luis Lopez (Freyjoy), and Manuel Yañez (Thrakenn). Together, they crafted foundational teachings for those who sought to embrace the Seax Tradition without the burdens of formal initiation, allowing them to cultivate their faith in the Mighty Ones as cherished members of our vibrant community.

This precious material was humbly presented to Raymond Buckland in July and was approved, as he recognized its simplicity and potential to resonate with those yearning for spiritual connection in the fleeting moments of life. Thus, the Seax-Treów label was born—a designation for devoted believers in the Saxon gods who long to share in the outward expressions of the Seax tradition, participating in Sabbaths/Symbels, and Esbats according to the unique rhythm of their personal journeys.

On September 27, 2017, the world felt a profound loss as Raymond Buckland departed, leaving an expansive void in the hearts of many. His followers, along with English-speaking Seax initiates, began to turn to Juan for guidance, seeking solace and answers to their uncertainties about the Seax-Wica practice. While the Seax-Wica tradition embraces individual exploration, Juan understood the vital importance of fostering trust in one’s inner wisdom. He took it upon himself to gently guide seekers toward self-discovery, empowering them to choose their own sacred paths within this revered tradition.

From that pivotal moment until 2020, Juan endeavored to revive the spokesperson system that had once flourished between 2005 and 2007. However, he soon realized that any role labeled as “representation” could foster dependency, hindering the autonomy of individuals within the spiritual realm. The pitfalls of ego and power dynamics that Buckland sought to avoid were evident in mass leadership—an essential lesson for future generations to steer clear of becoming tyrants. It is crucial to understand that true strength lies not only in the autonomy of covens but also in individuals striving to connect with one another as equals on their spiritual journeys.

Seax-Wica is a deeply personal spiritual path, and while Buckland championed the freedom of the individual, these liberties must not lead to chaos or isolation. For instance, a person claiming to be a gesith while honoring deities from Egyptian, Celtic, or Incan traditions—often without a profound understanding of their rituals—may diverge significantly from the essence of the Seax tradition. Similarly, a gesith who suppresses freedoms—whether as an apologist for extremist ideologies or as a moral authoritarian—contradicts the very tenets of Seax-Wica. Our tradition celebrates individual freedom while respecting the realities of our shared society. We cannot impose our beliefs on others; rather, we honor their autonomy, recognizing that genuine support can only be offered through mutual consent and the exercise of our own free will.

Ultimately, Juan strives to continue offering support to seekers, seax-treows, theows, ceorls, and gesiths around the globe through this website—a sacred sanctuary where the enduring teachings of Raymond Buckland can be found. Here, the timeless wisdom of the Seax tradition thrives, guiding all who seek the radiant light of the Mighty Ones.