The Wiccan tradition is the Awakened manifestation of one of the Sixth World’s largest recognizable neo-pagan movements. Wicca is collection of beliefs, tenets gathered from nineteenth century sources and New Age reasoning merged with earlier, pre-Christian concepts. The central tenets of the religion are harmony with nature and the Wiccan Rede or a similar code.

Wiccans generally venerate two deity-like figures, the Horned God and the Great Mother, although some believe they are aspects of a single being. Mentor spirits for the tradition are generally the Wise Warrior for adherents of the Horned God or the Peacemaker for the Great Mother. All Wiccan magicians who summon a spirit show deference and normally make a small payment of some kind, as the Law of Threefold Return is a constant theme in the tradition’s teachings.

Wiccan followers are not part of a monolithic entity but are composed of several different sects or lineages, frequently called traditions. The largest tradition, known as Gardnerian or British Traditional Wicca, follows a hierarchal model of leadership within their covens, with witches and wizards attaining higher levels of initiation within the religion through mandated rituals, whether or not they are Awakened. This tradition is nearly hermetic in their approach and largely follows The Book of Shadow. The other traditions are frequently referred to as the Eclectic or Goddess Wicca and are a collection of less-structured organizations.

Katherine Stubbard maintains a talismonger shop in Ontario with a large inventory of ceremonial bowls and candles for sale. The middle-aged dwarf rarely shows her talent, although she has stopped three different burglary attempts since she opened her shop. A member of the local Gardnerian coven, she frequently helps young Awakened find places to help their understanding of the changes affecting them. While the other members of her coven are unknown, it is unlikely Katherine is alone in the city. They also seem to have no problem accepting any strays she decides to keep on rather than pass off to other magicians, although they are rarely seen in the area after initiation. One of her first jobs is to remind newcomers that initiation into a coven is not standard magic initiation—you do not gain any powers as a result of the action. You do, she’ll continue, get started on the right path.