The Correllian Nativist Tradition: History, Evolution, and Enduring Pagan Legacy

By Marty Mullenax | Bull & Thorn

Origins and Founding

The Correllian Nativist Tradition traces its roots to the High-Correll family, blending Cherokee Didanvwisgi (medicine practices) with Scottish Traditional Witchcraft, later influenced by Aradian Witchcraft and Spiritualism. Founded by Blv. Orpheis Caroline High Correll in 1879 CE, this syncretic faith sought to unite Pagan and Native paths under one vision of spiritual harmony and universalism.

Evolution and Major Milestones

Year (Pisces)	Year (CE)	Event
1479	1879	Founding of the Correllian Nativist Tradition by Orpheis Caroline High Correll.
1504	1904	Lydia Beckett, a student of Charles Leland, passes Aradian lineage to Orpheis Caroline.
1579	1979	Council of Elders convened by Regent LaVeda Lewis-Highcorrell. The Tradition becomes more formalized.
1586–1591	1986–1991	Rev. Don Lewis-Highcorrell begins writing the first standardized correspondence lessons.
1592	1992	Name officially changed to Correllian Nativist Tradition. Outreach and public education begin.
1598	1998	Revised Correllian lessons launched publicly, paving the way for WitchSchool.com.
Current Era	2000s–Today	The Tradition operates worldwide with a unified Priesthood and an online learning structure.

Leadership Lineage

• Matriarchal Heads: Orpheis Caroline High Correll → Mable High Correll → LaVeda Lewis-Highcorrell → Krystel High-Correll → Alyssa Maxon Kemp

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• Fraternal Heads: William High → Frank High Correll → William High Correll → Donald Lewis-Highcorrell → Phoenix Coffin-Williams

This dual leadership honors Cherokee clan structure, balancing matriarchal and fraternal energies.

Practices and Beliefs

Correllian Wicca emphasizes:

• Worship and ritual over purely magical practice.

  
  

• The Wiccan Rede: “Do As You Will, But Harm None.”

  
  

• Spiritual evolution, karma, and reincarnation.

  
  

• Structured degrees of initiation (Dedicate → Postulant → 1st, 2nd, 3rd Degree Priesthood).

• Temples and Shrines dedicated to education and service.

The Correllian Philosophy

At its heart, Correllianism preaches Pagan Universalism — the belief that all Pagan faiths share divine kinship and should unite in mutual respect. This philosophy encourages interfaith harmony, education, and active public presence through ritual, art, and teaching.

Comparison: Correllian vs. Other Wiccan Traditions

Aspect	Correllian Nativist Tradition	Gardnerian Wicca	Alexandrian Wicca
Founded	1879 CE (formalized 1992 CE)	1954 CE	1960s CE
Founder	Orpheis Caroline High Correll	Gerald Gardner	Alex & Maxine Sanders
Lineage	Cherokee, Scottish, Aradian, Spiritualist	British Traditional	Gardnerian offshoot
Structure	Dual leadership, online temples	Covens with strict initiations	Ceremonial & hierarchical
Focus	Education, Universal Paganism	Ritual secrecy, initiatory mystery	Ritual power & formal ceremony
Accessibility	Public, global (via WitchSchool)	Initiation by lineage only	Semi-public, initiatory
Key Motto	“Unity through Diversity”	“Perfect Love and Perfect Trust”	“As Above, So Below”

Legacy and Modern Role

Today, the Correllian Tradition thrives across 114 countries, with over 100,000 members. It pioneered online Pagan education and continues to evolve under the guidance of its modern Priesthood. Despite skepticism regarding its early historical claims, its influence on accessible, inclusive Wicca is undeniable.

The Correllian Tradition stands as a bridge between ancestral Pagan wisdom and modern spiritual education—a living reminder that the sacred path continually adapts, grows, and welcomes all who seek truth.