Greenwood Tradition Celtic Shamanic Wicca

Introduction
Greenwood Tradition Celtic Shamanic Wicca is a dynamic Wiccan tradition that was created by Meri Fowler in 2004 in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. While it appears to be a new tradition, its roots and connections are made up of an interesting tapestry of many old teachings bringing together a solid Traditional Wiccan training with an intense spiritual practice that assists the Seekers in going deeper into Wicca as a religion and a mystical way of life. The Greenwood Tradition has many differences from Traditional Wicca while remaining true to its purposes and spirit. The main differences are in the ritual structure, the Shamanic training and Celtic study.
Ritual
In the Ritual Structure there is room for flexibility, with space for creativity and spontaneity simmilar to the Reclaiming Tradition. Like Traditional Wicca (TW) the circle is cast with sword or athame, but the Totemic Guardians of the Four Quarters are invoked rather than the Watchtowers. The tradition is connected with the Celtic Pantheon but it is not a requirement for the Coveners in their private work, they can pursue their connection to any pantheon that resonates with them. This is the influence of Eclectic Wicca. TW performs a symbolic or actual Great Rite, but in this Tradition the practice is taught only to working couples and practiced in private.
Training
The beginning of the training is a 9 week, 18 hour course called Elements of Wicca gives a solid introduction to Wicca and is also the introduction to the Greenwood tradition. Within this course participants are introduced to Shamanic practice with a power animal retrieval. Those who wish to continue may sign up for Advanced Elements of Wicca in which the group forms a working Coven for a year and a day, lead by Initiated practitioners. During this course they study the four paths, Bardic, Warrior, Healer, and Mystic, learn Shamanic technique and begin their understanding of the Celtic worldview based on old manuscripts, mythology and legend. The training contains the same elements as the TW training.
The Seekers may apply for Initiation after a year a day if they and their teachers think they are ready. After Initiation they may leave the group and become a Solitary or may stay with their group permanently. In the second year the Coven goes into more depth in their training, they also celebrate the Sabbats according to the tradition Book of Rituals, and may choose if they wish, one of eight Solitary Pathworkings. They are as follows:
*Path of the Wand: Faery Shamanic Training
*Path of the Magick Mirror: Magickal and introspective involving meditation
*Path of the Beads and Bell: Ritual and devotional
*Path of the Bolline: study of the Green Witch healer (Kitchen Witch)
*Path of the Stang: study of the Oghams and Trees
*Path of the Mask: Celtic Shamanic practice using the myths and journey into Annwn
*Path of the Cauldron: Welsh studies and Shamanic practice to find the Cauldron of Cerridwen
*Path of the White Goddess: This path is for 2nd degree initiates only who have completed one of the above paths.
None of the Solitary pathworking is mandatory and each person has a mentor. It takes two to three years to complete one pathworking. Initiates that continue their studies may receive 2nd degree(Priest/ess) and 3rd degree (Elder)Initiation.
Coven Structure
The Coven is structured like Gardnerian Wicca with a High Priestess, a High Priest, a Maiden, and a Summoner. The Coven is usually made up of thirteen or less people, often a balance of men and women. No-one under eighteen years of age is admitted for the training. Robes are not worn nor are ceremonies practiced skyclad but members are encouraged to wear special ritual clothes. High Priestesses may wear amber and jet necklaces.
Present Day Feb 2011
There are currently 11 Greenwood Tradition covens in Montreal and a Wiccan Community Center where the Covens meet. Many activities are open to the general public such as workshops and public Sabbats.
Further Reading
*The Way of the Shaman by Michael Harner
*The Encyclopedia of Celtic Wisdom by John Matthews
*Oak, Ash and Thorn: Advanced Celtic Shamanism by D.J. Conway
*Spiral Dance by Starhawk
*Book of Shadows by Phylis Currot

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