Lycian Wicca: An Overview

The Lycian Wicca Rede: "An it harm none, do as you will. An it cause harm, do as you must."

Photo: Handcarved cover of the original Lycian Book of Shadows on Boniface's altar.
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Core Belief

That we can and do leave our bodies at night, and that those of the Wolf Clans will find each other between the worlds, no matter the time or place. The best-known historical documentation of Wolf Clans can be found in "Night Battles" by Carlo Ginzburg, that of the Benandanti of Italy as found in Inquisition records. This is not the only historical source, but it is the most focused.

Patron/Matron Deities

The primary Deities of the Lycian Tradition are the Lamed God & the Dark Mother.

History and Influences

The heart and soul of Lycian Wicca come from the inner initiations of Boniface, instigator of the Tradition, in 1985. The teachings were later verified by him to be historically connected to the Wolf Clans. He spent the next 4 years writing down the inner teachings in ritual format. The Tradition was formally established in 1989 when he initiated his first student, "Rashal." The 3 initiatory Degrees are based upon his direct experiences.

The main influences in the technical structuring of the Tradition are the pagan witchcraft practices of Europe, early Wicca and Freemasonry, and their historical interconnections. It is not of Gardnerian lineage, and there are some core differences between what is considered "standard" Wicca and our Tradition. Shamanic technique and experience play a key role in many aspects of our teachings.

The Lycian Wheel of the Year and its mythology is based on the astrological zodiac and the hero's journey (eloquently laid out in the works of Joseph Campbell). The elements associated with the zodiac signs are based on pre-Ptolemic astrology, not modern interpretation.

Ethics

The Wiccan Rede is held as one version of a universal ideal. Though our practitioners use the Rede as individuals, it is not mandated by the Tradition; only that the ideal itself is intended. We also hold to the ancient Pagan Virtues of Strength, Judgment, Temperance and Justice. The Lycian version of the Rede is located above.

Initiation and Degrees

There are three initiatory Degrees, which are considered the path to clergy. It is not a requirement to be initiated to enter a Lycian coven. Initiation itself must be asked for by the individual, and performed by a qualified intiator. The initiator determines the readiness for advancement into the next Degree.

As stated above, initiation is not required to become a Lycian coven member, though a recognized coven must have a Lycian initiate as priest/priestess. Each autonomous coven has its own guidelines as to membership requirements, expectations, teaching methods and focuses. The Tradition has core elements essential to the practice of Lycian Wicca, which each priest/ess is expected to maintain in the course of coven work and rites.

The official site of the Lycian Tradition of Wicca is located here. The site is maintained by Boniface. Included are a more involved historical overview, pagan history timeline, an on-line basic Wicca course, FAQ, altar setups of the Deities, clergy requirements and other features.