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The Moonlit Path: Discussions on Pathways and Traditions

Correllian Nativist Tradition

It never ceases to surprise me the number of times I am approached about learning opportunities for newcomers to Wicca and Paganism.  Most times the same advice is given to those starting out on a new path: read and study more.  The question at that point becomes what to read and how much more to study?

Often learning with an established tradition is not immediately possible for a newcomer.  So they muddle through a few books and then the individual often becomes discouraged.  However, there is a tradition that takes its commitment to outreach and teaching to new levels making learning accessible to everyone.  I’m pleased to discuss the Correllian Nativist Tradition in the column this month!

The Correllian Nativist Tradition originated in Danville, IL, USA.  The current headquarters are located in Hoopeston, IL, USA.  The Correllian Tradition is based on the teachings of the High-Correll family.  It is from these teachings and basic philosophy that the Correllian Tradition arose and has flourished as one of the fastest growing traditions around the world.  It is truly a global tradition that seeks to embrace community and to promote outreach.

The basic ritual structure is not inherently different than any other Wiccan tradition.  The circle, quarters, and evocations are similar to other traditions I, myself have studied.  They do take study, spirituality, and the inner mysteries seriously.

There are two aspects of the Correllian Tradition that set it apart from most other Wiccan Traditions.  The first is the strong commitment of Correllianism to public service.  The second is its cohesive structure in the governing body of the Correllian Tradition.

Correllian Wicca seeks to reach out to and help enhance/advance the pagan community in which we live.  The way that they seek to contribute includes an emphasis on Pagan Clergy, teachers, accessible learning, and ritual.  In order to accomplish these goals not only are there local opportunities to study and learn, but they are using the internet to teach.

Witchschool.com is a teaching tool that has spread the practice of Correllian Wicca throughout the globe.  Though the online school has drawn some criticism there is no doubt that it is accomplishing the goals of the tradition.

The school uses online and in person mentoring to augment the course work.  Typically Third Degree teachers are assisted by First and Second degree mentors to deal with the amount of students.  The online curriculum allows those seeking knowledge the opportunity to learn from an established tradition.  It also offers a more permanent spiritual path is to those who choose to embrace Wicca and Paganism as their spiritual pathway.

The structure of the Correllian Tradition provides stability to its global reach.  Correllian temples are represented on every continent save for Antarctica.  The tradition accomplishes unity by having a singular leadership.  The tradition has a Witan Council which is comprised of Temple Heads, Elders, and Officers in the tradition.  The council gives guidance on the policy of the tradition and also serves to confirm the succession of the First Priest/Priestess of the tradition.

In order to help foster a community atmosphere that includes cooperation and yet provides stability the tradition has official recognized groups.  The tradition recognizes temples, proto-temples, shrines, witan shrines, formal shrines and personal shrines as a formal extension of the tradition.  These are established by charter and represent the public face of the Correllian Tradition in their communities.

The Correllian Nativist Tradition takes an inclusive perspective on spirituality.  Those who have sought out the teachings have found a stable and growing tradition that is accessible on and offline.  More opportunities for reaching the pagan community as a whole should be taken.  The Correllian model shows that working with structure and a governing body of pagans can and does work.

The Correllian Tradition (2009). Retrieved November 10, 2009, from The Correllian Website: http://www.correllian.com/