For the most part, the majority of Alexandrian tradition is virtually identical to the Gardnerian material, this much most scholars of the Craft can agree on. While Alex said for years he was initiated by his Grandmother when he was a child, this story is not generally accepted as gospel. In fact, Alex Sanders, was initiated into the Gardnerian Tradition by Pat Kopanski, an initiate of Patricia and Arnold Crowther, -'first line' initiates. (Priesthood who were directly initiated by Gerald Gardner).

One of the fundamental differences between Alexandrian and Gardnerian Craft is the approach to Secrecy. Garrdnerians are much more adamant about maintaining secrecy - Alexandrians aren't as rigid. Rather, the Alexandrians tend to be less wary of newcomers. It's not uncommon for an Alexandrian group to host a semi-public (invited guests) ritual - usually a Sabbat.

While initiates in both traditions view keeping true to their path as being important, there are differences in expression of Alexandrian Craft rituals from the days in which Sanders himself was practicing.

Two main schools of thought exist on this subject:

The first is that some are adamant about keeping the tradition pristine by neither excluding nor adding anything. Their aim is to follow the BoS material to the letter. No changes are ever made.

The second focuses on the evolution of the Craft - creating and adding new material. While they may keep the original BoS as Alex wrote it, they are not opposed to writing new material and creating books of their own.

Circe Argent is one such coven. We are creative in our approach and encourage the writing of new rituals, while adhering to a specific ritual style or expression - starting with the preface to the rite, the purification of self and of the Circle and proceeding thence to the actual casting and ritual.

Spirituality is organic and ever evolving, With that in mind, our rituals and the expression therein, develops as well.

In hierarchical traditions such as Alexandrian and Gardnerian Craft, there exists usual and identifiable series of clothing and jewelry which serves to differentiate the various ranks of priests and priestesses.

First Degrees

Red cord (cingulum)

Amber necklace

Initiate cuff

May wear a crown/diadem

First degree Priesthood often wear red robes or robes trimmed with red.

Second Degrees (High Priesthood)

Green cord (cingulum)

Amber and Jet necklaces - on separate strings.

May wear a crown/diadem

Initiate Cuff

Second degree Priesthood may wear green robes or robes trimmed with green.

Third Degrees - (High Priesthood)

Whatever they want!

Purple cord (cingulum)

Amber and Jet Necklace - together on one string

Horned Crown (Priests), Crescent Crown (Priestesses)

Initiate Cuff

Third Degree Priesthood may choose purple and black robes. Priestess' robes often have pentacles around the hem.

Amazing true fact! -
Handmaidens are usually second degree priestesses because their office is an honour confirmed upon them for life. This is so because they are the High Priestess' heir and 'second in command'.

And finally: A short, humourous quote that was recently used to describe our coven's structure:

"I like to think of it as a 'benevolent dictatorship'."
- Lord S., 2002