The Moonlit Path: A Discussion on Pathways and Traditions
The Unicorn Tradition
I’ve had many conversations with people over the years about differing Traditions and what their personal experiences have been. The focus for this month’s article is the Unicorn Tradition.
A good friend of mine is a member of this tradition and it’s always sparked a great deal of interest for me because of the way it is structured and their take on certain aspects of Wiccan teachings. We have often discussed and debated topics with her perspective having come from a very traditional and structured background and my own eclectic learning here in the Midwest.
The Unicorn Tradition stems from Atlanta, Georgia and was founded by Lady Galadriel and Lord Athanor. The many branches of the Unicorn Tradition share a common belief and practice. Each group has its own flavor and main deities while keeping the core framework in place.
The Unicorn Tradition is an initiatory mystery tradition. It is teaching and working tradition. The Unicorn Tradition celebrates the Sabbats, Full, and New Moons. Both the God and Goddess are revered as aspects of the One Source.
The Unicorn Tradition has distinct levels and degrees within their system. Its structure includes 5 levels and 3 degrees. Those just starting out are Neophytes. Neophytes are those interested in Paganism and the Unicorn Tradition, but are not members of the group. They may choose to dedicate to the group, to the Pagan path in general or not at all upon completion of 13 classes. The next level is that of the Dedicant. A dedicant has chosen to continue with the group. First, Second and Third degrees come after dedication. Finally a member of the tradition may become an Elder. Progression within the tradition is not just time and information based. The tradition also stresses community support and work. As my friend says, “It is not a cookie cutter tradition.”
So, what sets the Unicorn Tradition apart? There are two major differences from other Wiccan traditions. The celebration of the Sabbats is based on astrological calculations. The calculations are based on when the Sun reaches certain degrees in the astrological circuit. The use of astrological dates instead of the more familiar calendar dates allows for a more even spacing of the Sabbats.
The other most noticeable difference in this tradition deals with the elemental correspondences. In the Unicorn Tradition the correspondences are:
East – Earth
South – Fire
West – Water
North – Air
The reasons that they are aligned in such a manner is to first place masculine and feminine elements across from one another. This promotes balance and a better flow of energy in the circle.
Unicorn Tradition teachings also state that the earthly journey begins in the East and ends the journey in an incorporeal form through the North. Also, the directional correspondences are based on the seasonal aspects of the year.
Since the elemental and directional correspondences vary from the more traditional Wiccan set, the tool correspondences also vary. The pentacle is associated with Earth. The athame is associated with fire. The chalice is associated with water. The wand is associated with air. The cauldron is associated with spirit. The tool is an extension of the element and what it represents.
Though there are some striking differences between the basics tenants of the Unicorn Tradition and other Wiccan traditions, the reasoning for the divergence is sound. The Unicorn Tradition goes to great lengths to make sure that all its members are on the same page. The same sets of classes are taught to all of the new students. A common set of beliefs and philosophies binds all the groups of the tradition, but is accommodating enough that each group retains its own unique essence. It is an inclusive system that utilizes its structure as a strength that unites its members in all the groups associated with the tradition.
Ostuni, Ro. Email Interview. 15 October 2009.
Welcome to the Unicorn Tradition (2009). Retrieved October 1, 2009 from The Unicorn Tradition Website: