Septing was the alliance of a smaller family with that of a larger more prominent or powerful one, usually within the same territorial juristiction.  Septing was not generally brought about by marriage, since the latter brought mutual blood ties between the two families.  Septs also had to abide by existing alliances stuck by the House to which they were forming an alliance.

The practice of Septing was not new or isolated to Scotland, throughout Europe and indeed in every cultural entity there have existed family alliances based upon political  interests, or for protection. In Scotland, the old the practice was also used to associate oneself or family with a Great House for elevation of social stature.

In modern times this is found to be useful for individuals or families that did not originate in Scotland, yet wish to associate themselves with a Scottish House to obtain a Scottish identity.  The process of Septing today still involves a formal Pledge of Allegiance, though the mingling of blood, is a practice not used today.