Journey into the Alexandrian Tradition of Witchcraft: Karagan & Michael’s Insights (Ep.2)

Karagan Griffith
For Coven’s Sake
Published in
3 min readMar 1, 2024

In this episode, Karagan and Michael invite us into the heart of Alexandrian Wicca, offering a profound exploration of its principles, practices, and the pivotal role of lineage and initiation. Their dialogue weaves through the fabric of tradition, autonomy, and the dynamic interplay between adherence to foundational practices and the evolution of personal craft.

The Essence of Tradition and Lineage

Karagan emphasizes the significance of lineage, viewing it as a vital link to the tradition’s roots and founders. He believes that recognizing and understanding one’s lineage deepens one’s connection to the craft and enriches the practice. Michael adds to this by discussing the transformative power of initiation, highlighting it as a journey of personal growth and commitment to the Wiccan path.

Defining Alexandrian Practice

Both hosts engage in a reflective debate on what it means to be an Alexandrian initiate, distinguishing between being a witch, a pagan, and an initiate. They explore the balance between maintaining the integrity of traditional practices while embracing individual interpretation and adaptation. This balance is crucial for the tradition’s relevance and vitality in contemporary spiritual practice.

Autonomy within Tradition

The discussion further explores the concept of coven autonomy. Karagan and Michael debate the extent to which covens can or should innovate within the Alexandrian framework without losing the essence of the tradition. They argue that while every coven is autonomous, there should be a thread of common practices that aligns them with the broader Alexandrian tradition, ensuring a unified identity despite diverse expressions of the craft.

The Role of Innovation and Evolution

Karagan highlights the tradition’s encouragement of experimentation and evolution, noting that the founders themselves were innovators. This legacy of innovation is seen as a call to current practitioners to continue exploring and expanding the craft, ensuring its growth and adaptation to modern needs while staying true to its roots.

The Challenge of Preserving Core Practices

Michael raises concerns about the dilution of core practices and the risk of tradition becoming merely a series of empty rituals if not underpinned by genuine belief and understanding. He stresses the importance of the initiatory experience and the ongoing development of practice as indicators of an authentic Alexandrian path.

Navigating Tradition and Individuality

This second episode of “For Coven’s Sake” offers a rich tapestry of insights into the Alexandrian Tradition of Witchcraft, illuminated by Karagan and Michael’s experiences and reflections. Their conversation underscores the delicate balance between preserving the sanctity of tradition and embracing the personal journey of discovery and innovation within the craft. As they conclude, the essence of the Alexandrian Tradition of Witchcraft lies not just in its rituals and lineage but in the lived experience and evolution of its practitioners, marking a path of continuous learning, growth, and spiritual exploration.

To listen to the whole episode, go to “For Coven’s Sake” Episode 2 on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and YouTube

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Karagan Griffith
For Coven’s Sake

Alexandrian Priest and Witch, blogger, publisher, film director and author. Host of “On the Blackchair” and “Hidden Light”