However, I'm also a strong supporter of Traditional paths. There are a great many strengths and advantages to training and practicing within an established tradition. The benefits include working with people who share common interests and experiences, and who can anticipate and help resolve the stumbling blocks that occur on the spiritual journey.
I am defining the term "Tradition" according to the "Traditions Project” at The Witches’ Voice: "[ It's a Tradition if ] it's been defined and practiced by three or more groups for at least one full year. Individual practices or the practices of single covens, however interesting, are not traditions." (http://www.witchvox.com/xtrads.html). Traditions such as Gardnerian, Alexandrian, Feri, Proteus, Seax Wica, Reclaiming, etc., represent the well-marked trails that lead through a forest of possible spiritual expressions.
The first compelling reason for following an established tradition rather than making up your own is that, by definition, there are people who have gone before you down that particular path. In a word, Elders. They can help lead you down that same path, helping you avoid the obvious dangers and pitfalls, and steering you more swiftly towards your goals. You’ve got the advantage of their wisdom to draw on, when a solitary is alone.
When you establish your own practice from scratch, you have to be your own teacher. You have no guidance but your own inner promptings, and no one to teach you how to listen to that inner voice. You have no one to bounce ideas off of, and no one to tell you when your ego is getting ahead of your accomplishments. A teacher can serve as both an inspiration and a reality check. The solitary path of study is uncharted territory, littered with detours and pitfalls. A Tradition can help you navigate.
The next good reason for following an established tradition is another obvious one. There's a good reason those practices became a tradition in the first place: namely, they worked for many people over an extended period of time. Saying something is good simply because it's "tradition" is a fallacy, but there is merit in practices that have withstood the test of time. If it has worked for so many, so well, for so long, then perhaps we shouldn't be so quick to abandon it.
The third reason that Traditions are good is that it helps reinforce the self-discipline that is required for all true spiritual growth. Face it... really progressing toward higher spiritual goals takes time, patience, and effort. Practicing with a group of like-minded individuals helps to reinforce your goals, and helps to keep you motivated when you get in a slump and lose your initiative. The routine and practices within a more formal tradition gives support and structure to the practitioner, creating the appropriate environment to stretch and grow. So, can you make up your own tradition? Sure, if you are dedicated and self-disciplined. Well, you can make up your own personal practices at least, and call it your tradition. It becomes a Tradition-with-a-capital-T when others share your beliefs and practices with others, and they withstand the test of time. I believe that one can in fact create your own Tradition, but it takes dedication and time.
But why re-invent the wheel? Study the Traditions and learn from them, even if you later choose not to follow them. Traditional beliefs and practices might hold value even for one who wishes to pursue a solitary path. (You can be solitary practitioner of a Tradition, after all.) There is a reason that the Traditions continue to be taught, and it's not because of some central charismatic leader. The Traditional teachings have value, and should be supported and respected for the role they play in helping shape our community and broaden our knowledge.
Traditions shouldn’t be dismissed before an eclectic practitioner has had the chance to truly explore and learn from them. From the wisdom of Elders, to the support of like-minded others, to the direction and guidance of a clearly defined path, Traditional working groups contribute to the health, stability, and growth of the Pagan community as a whole.
~Flame RavenHawk
January 18, 2004