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The views expressed in this blog reflect the North Coven's perspective on the Alexandrian Tradition and the Craft. Each coven is autonomous, and other covens may hold different views and practices. What we share here is our experience and understanding, not a definitive statement on behalf of the tradition as a whole.


Kabbalah and Planetary Magic in Traditional Witchcraft
In the Alexandrian tradition, Kabbalah and planetary magic shouldn't be optional reading: the Tree of Life maps how forces relate to each other, Planetary hours and correspondences shape when we work, what materials we choose, and how we direct the magic. If you've studied these systems in a Western esoteric context, you already know the architecture. The difference is that we use it in circle, with a coven, in practice.
North Coven
Sep 24 min read


The Five Fold Kiss in Witchcraft: What It Is, What It Means, and Why It Matters
The Five Fold Kiss is not a person kissing another person. It is an act of adoration directed at the divine as it lives in the initiate's body. The one who kneels humbles themselves before the one receiving the blessing. If you've encountered the rite in a book or online and felt uncomfortable, that reaction is worth examining. What the Five Fold Kiss is actually doing is nothing like what it looks like from the outside.
North Coven
Aug 264 min read


High Magic and the Alexandrian Tradition: Not the Witchcraft You Were Expecting
The Alexandrian tradition descends from British Traditional Witchcraft, but its roots run through the Golden Dawn, Hermetic Kabbalah, and ceremonial magic. There are no idols on our altar, only the work itself. If you've dismissed Wicca as soft and nature-centred, you haven't found us yet. This is High Magic practiced in circle, with gods, with lineage, and with a coven that works as a unit.
North Coven
Aug 193 min read


The Ceremonial Magic Side of Alexandrian Witchcraft: What Most People Don't Know
Alexandrian Witchcraft draws from the same well as the Golden Dawn: Kabbalah, planetary correspondences, structured invocation. The difference is that we practice it inside a living religious framework with gods, seasonal cycles, and initiatory lineage. Most people hear "Wicca" and picture candles and crystals. That image has nothing to do with what we do. If you've studied ceremonial magic and dismissed Wicca, you might not have found us yet.
North Coven
Aug 123 min read


‘What Alexandrian Witches Do’: or the followers of the ‘old ways’ do anyway . . .
Alexandrian Witchcraft, established by Alex and Maxine Sanders, is a rich and structured tradition rooted in ritual, knowledge, and personal experience. Known for its emphasis on coven autonomy, respect for other paths, and the safeguarding of Mysteries, it encourages seekers to engage deeply with its teachings. The practices, philosophies, and rites of Alexandrian Witchcraft continue to inspire and shape modern witchcraft communities worldwide.
North Coven
Jul 18, 20256 min read


Is Witchcraft Spiritual, Magical, or Practical? Or How to Practice with Purpose
Witchcraft isn’t a trend or a label to wear for a season. It’s a path—an ever-evolving relationship between you and the sacred, between your will and the world. It asks you to slow down. To tune in. To trust your senses, your symbols, your soul.
When we live Witchcraft as a spiritual path, we find meaning.
When we work it as a magical practice, we find transformation.
When we hold it as a craft, we find discipline and beauty.
Let your path be full-bodied. Let it be deep, inte
North Coven
Jul 9, 20255 min read


Ottawa’s Pagan Community and the Many Paths of Witchcraft
Ottawa's pagan and witchcraft communities are more accessible than they first appear. This post lists active covens, Facebook groups, occult shops, Ontario pagan festivals, and online resources for seekers. Whether you're looking for a Wiccan coven in Ottawa, a study group, or just want to meet other pagans in the area, start here.
North Coven
Apr 5, 20254 min read


Witchcraft Beyond Stereotypes: You don’t have to look a certain way to be a Witch
Witchcraft isn’t about looking the part—it’s about living it. Forget the cute or edge stereotypes; magic lies in authenticity and intent.
North Coven
Nov 19, 20245 min read


The Power of Words: Coven, Temple, and Other Terms
Words carry power in witchcraft. Terms like "Coven" and "Temple" reflect deep significance, linking us to tradition and the divine.
North Coven
Oct 24, 20244 min read


From Mundane to Magical: Habits That Signal It’s Time for Ritual
Daily habits and cues that help shift our mindset from mundane to magical, preparing for a powerful and consistent magical ritual.
North Coven
Oct 21, 20245 min read


Everything is Connected: How Neoplatonism Aligns with Witchcraft
Neoplatonism's theory of emanations aligns with the web of power, showing how everything is connected in magical and spiritual practice.
North Coven
Oct 4, 20243 min read


Traditional Wiccan Covens: Not As Stiff As You Think
Traditional Wiccan covens aren't as rigid as they seem. Discover how they balance ancient rituals with modern life, fostering inclusivity and personal growth.
North Coven
Sep 23, 20243 min read


Wicca vs Witchcraft: Origins, Evolution, and Misconceptions
Gerald Gardner never called his practice "Wicca." He called it Witchcraft, the Witch Cult, or the Old Religion. So where did the word come from, and how did its meaning change? This post traces the origins of Wicca and Witchcraft as terms, how they evolved, and why many Alexandrian Witches prefer to identify with Witchcraft rather than modern Wicca.
North Coven
Sep 11, 20244 min read


Dealing with Death in Witchcraft: Why Some Covens Avoid It
Learn why people in death-related jobs should approach Witchcraft cautiously due to energetic dynamics in British Traditional Witchcraft.
North Coven
Sep 6, 20244 min read


Exploring 'What Witches Do': Stewart Farrar's Insightful Book about Alexandrian Witchcraft
Stewart Farrar first met Alex Sanders through an article he was writing about witchcraft for a magazine. Fascinated by the subject, Farrar decided to seek out practitioners of witchcraft and arranged an interview with Alex Sanders, who was a well-known figure in the witchcraft community at the time. The interview led to a meeting, and Farrar was impressed by Sanders' knowledge and charisma. This initial encounter sparked a friendship between the two, and Farrar eventually bec
North Coven
Aug 11, 20232 min read


Separating Fact from Fiction: Truth About Real Witchcraft
Photo by Joy Marino Complex symbols, books of shadows with elaborate drawings and letters, unknown magic circles, witches with tribal paintings... We often encounter many things that appear to fit our preconceived notions of witchcraft, leading us to believe they are true. To imply that just because we recognize 3 symbols, a pentacle belongs to 15th-century witches is shallow thinking. Equally shallow is thinking that a St. Cyprian book will bring you all the ancient dark sec
North Coven
Jul 31, 20232 min read


A brief view of the Alexandrian Tradition: its origins, evolution, and unique approach to witchcraft
The Alexandrian tradition refers to a specific group that follows a set of beliefs, practices, and rituals passed down through generations of initiates. Its origins can be traced back to the witch cult that emerged in London in the 1950s with the publication of Gerald Gardner's books on witchcraft, which formed the foundation of modern-day Wicca. Gardner's coven initiated numerous individuals, who in turn initiated others, eventually leading to Alex Sanders. During the 1960s,
North Coven
Jul 24, 20232 min read


Tradition & Autonomy: diverse covens, shared essence
Since the renaissance of Witchcraft began in the 1950s, many initiates have left their marks, teaching others, founding covens and forming lineages, what we simply call "lines." Within the range of Alexandrian initiates, all lineages carry on the legacy of our founders, Alex and Maxine Sanders, while nurturing their particular approach. These variations are manifested in rituals, practices and even minor changes in the Book of Shadows. As lineages can differ, differences emer
North Coven
Jul 17, 20232 min read


High Priestess and Witch Queen - by Maxine Sanders
Witch Queen; Magus. The Title given at the Higher Degrees of Witchcraft, Witch Queen; Magus. These titles are ceremonial. The Witch Queen...
North Coven
Jul 10, 20232 min read


The Joys of an Alexandrian Witch - by Maxine Sanders
In the sixties, Alex and I believed our work and joy as witches meant nothing and no one is too high or low, including lords and beggars,...
North Coven
Jun 26, 20232 min read
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