Most every religion has different "sects" within it. This branching off allows
each group to specialize in a particular area, as well as creating a healthy diversity
within the tradition. Strega also has branches or sects. Making up the Old Religion are
three groups, known as the Triad Traditions. They are known seperately as the Janarra, the
Tanarra, and the Fanara. When Aradia first brought the Old Religion to the people of
Italy, she taught her followers the secrets of the Earth, the Moon, and the Stars. With
the beginning of the persecution of witches in Italy, the Religion split. Each group was
entrusted with one section of the mysteries. They seperated. The Fanara, who are the
keepers of the Earth mysteries, centered in Northern Italy. They kept the secrets of the
forces of the Earth. The Janarra and Tanarra both occupy central Italy. The Janarra are
the keepers of the Lunar mysteries. They are entrusted with the mysteries of the Lunar
energy and other powers of the Moon. The Tanarra are the keepers of the Stellar mysteries.
They hold the mysteries of stellar forces. Common to all three traditions are the arts of
herbalism, divination, magick, ritual and other aspects associated with the Old Religion.
Each tradition has one person who is responsible for maintaining the purity of the
tradition, as well as ensuring ots continued survival. This leader is called the Grimas.
The Grimas allows only new aspects to be added to the tradition that do not deviate from
the original teachings. Each Grimas has a working knowledge of the other traditions. They
work together in making decisions which will effect the Old Religion. Basically, it is
their job to make sure the Strega religion stay true to its followers.
A fourth tradition now also exists, developed by Raven Grimassi. Originally a branch of
Tanarra, it is known as the Aridian Tradition. It is a blending of the Triad Traditions
and is an attempt to restore the original Religion Aradia brought back to the people long
ago.
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