Many people don’t realize that there are many different Wicca traditions. You might have been under the impression that Wicca was just one all-encompassing tradition involving spells, rituals, magic and divination. However, there are, in fact, several different kinds of Wicca practiced today.

This would be similar to Christian religions where many different faiths exist, all practiced by Christians. Within the practice or “religion” of Wicca there are different branches called “traditions”. These traditions can be confusing to an outsider as it makes it difficult to understand what each branch of Wicca believes and practices.

There are a number of different traditions and here we examine just a few of them. Bear in mind that even amongst those who practice particular Wicca traditions there will be small differences that make each coven distinct. So, what are the different Wicca traditions?

Wicca Traditions 101

Gardnerian – This Wicca tradition is named after its founder Gerald Gardner. Gardner was one of the first people to bring Wicca traditions into modern times. Gardnerians operate within strictly organized covens. Many of their practices are kept secret from others. Gardner himself is the inventor of many of these practices and they are spread via the covens as each learns to operate independently. Training in witchcraft works in ranks or different levels.

Alexandrian – This Wicca tradition was founded by Alex Sanders who was actually trained in the Gardnerian Wicca traditions. His different interpretations of these teachings led to a separate tradition. Alexandrian Wicca is similar in beliefs and rituals to Gardnerian traditional covens but they do not hide their activities and diverse Ceremonial Magic is practiced.

Reclaiming – Reclaiming Wicca traditions were founded by the author, Starhawk in 1980. In this Wicca tradition there is a strong political and social element. Covens within Reclaiming Wicca do not follow a strict hierarchy. Instead the inner spiritual journey and personal power are more important. “Witch Camps” are intensive retreats for study and ritual, held yearly.

Dianic – Dianic Wicca traditions were founded by Zsuzsanna Budapest in the 1970’s and are most Dianic Wiccans are female. However there are covens that allow men. Dianic Wiccas do not worship the male God, focusing on the Goddess exclusively. No formal initiation is required and covens have no hierarchy.

Eclectic – Eclectic Wicca traditions are really a form of Wicca where no set tradition is followed. This means that many of the above traditions may be incorporated and practiced. Eclectic Wicca is usually practiced by solitary Wiccas i.e. those who do not belong to a coven. However eclectic covens do exist.

British Traditional – British traditional Wicca is a family of Wicca traditions. The traditions can be traced back to British roots. Gardnerian and Alexandrian covens are viewed as British Traditional covens.

One would hope that such Wicca traditions as mentioned above are able to co-exist in harmony as different branches of the same “tree”. While each tradition practices according to its own set of standards and beliefs all are still bound by Wiccan ethics such as the Wiccan rede and the Three-fold law.