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The Mohsian Tradition by Season It is important to note that 'traditions', as we now know them, did not exist at the time our 'tradition' began. The Elders knew, worked and shared with each other. The strong boundaries of separate 'traditions' did not come about until later. The Mohs were running a coven in 1965. They began using a "tradition" name around 1969: American Tradition or Eclectic American Tradition. In 1973-1974 the term "Mohsian" began being used in Corax Coven; the term stuck and has been in use ever since. Our American Tradition is not the same as the Scott Cunningham American Tradition and bears no resemblance to his. The Mohsian Tradition began in the Los Angeles area. It has particular roots in the European Mystery Traditions and consists of a combination of three main traditions: 1734, The Plant Bran and Gardnerian. Mohsian has also been influenced by the Boread tradition through Thomas Giles. This combination of traditions into one harmonious whole gives our tradition its distinct flavor. We practice the Old Religion of Wicca. We take the role of Priest or Priestess and service to our Gods seriously, and we value our personal relationships and experiences with them. We practice the Mysteries of the Art and the Craft of the Witch. We observe the Sabbats, which are drawn from the beliefs and practices of European cultures, and we observe the 13 Esbats of the year. The influence of The Plant Bran brings a great depth of beauty to our tradition. The influence of 1734 adds a strong connection with European Shamanism and vision work. Most working Mohsian covens at this time are working with the Celtic pantheon and Celtic Patron Deities. We work in balance with both the Goddess and the God. Our Gardnerian lineage came into the tradition in around 1969. Initiation is usually preceded by an Outer Court rite of dedication at which dedicants take a pledge of silence and make vows to the Gods. Our three degree initiations are Gardnerian based and cross-gendered. Our initiates are oathbound; self-initiation is not practiced -- nor, do I believe, would it be recognized as valid without direct confirmation from the Gods. We are not a political organization. Third Degree Elders and their covens are wholly autonomous. Second degree initiates may hive off and form their own coven at the discretion of their High Priestess and under her authority. Money is never charged for teaching, initiations, or magical work. Much of this sounds rather staid, but, for the most part, Mohsians are a fun-loving family -- we have a rather well-deserved reputation for being the worse of punsters. We do laugh (a lot!), but we also know when to roll up our sleeves and do the work! There is a strong feeling of family that runs through the tradition, as well as 'A driving thirst for knowledge' - we all seem to be strong supporters of the local bookstores in our respective areas... Caveat: Insofar as all 3rd Degree Elders and their covens are autonomous in our tradition, none of us may speak for all of us. The foregoing thoughts are my own opinions concerning the nature of the Mohsian Tradition for which I hold a great deal of love and respect. Grateful thanks are offered to Mevlannen for her generous permission to adapt this caveat for the purpose of this article. written by Season, HPS, Keepers of the Flame Coven, Sacramento, California For further information about the Mohsian tradition, look at: Contact information, for Mohsian study groups and covens in North America. You may also return to: The index of English Traditions of the Craft. |
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