The Ganymede/Chthonioi branch (1975) by Janus Covens in the Ganymede/Chthonioi branch of Alexandrian Wicca tend to emphasize the creative and dynamic character of Alexandrian  Tradition. Since Alex Sanders  himself continued to change and evolve his practice of Wicca throughout his life, the Ganymede/Chthonioi branch feels empowered, and even positively obliged, to continue the creative growth and  development of the tradition. These covens place  a great emphasis on group ritual, and often incorporate ideas and techniques from non-Wiccan forms of ritual magic. The magic practiced in this branch is primarily theurgic in  nature, aiming to effect a subtle inner transformation of the  spirit. The main distinguishing characteristic of covens in the Ganymede/Chthonioi branch is the use of some variant of the Provider Cycle, a cycle of seasonal  rituals following the planting, growing, and harvesting of the grain through the  personifications of the Harvest Lord and the Corn Maiden. These covens also tend to work with the Greek pantheon, particularly those goddesses  and gods the Greeks referred to as 'chthonic' - gods of the Earth, gods of the Mysteries: Demeter,  Persephone, and Hades, plus the primal Earth-deities Gaia and Pan. The titles 'Lady' and 'Lord' for the High Priestess and  High Priest of a coven are recognized but not generally used in this branch. These covens are relatively open and  non-secretive, on the principle that the Mysteries guard themselves quite well enough without us throwing  additional obstacles in the path of understanding. written by Janus, June 8, 1998 navigation rearranged by Brigantia, November 7, 1998 document GANYTRAD © Janus You may go ahead to: A short list of contacts for the Alexandrian Tradition in America, including the  Ganymede/Chthonioi  branch. You may return to: Introduction to the Du Bandia Grasail line of the Alexandrian Tradition. The index of English Traditions of the Craft. You may also wish to look at: A short note on the NFG branch of Alexandrian Wicca.