It is a universal experience of humanity to search for a place of belonging. Many of those who are drawn to the Occult have found solace and community similar to other religions. Just as there are many different types of Faiths along with various denominations within them, there are also many types of Wiccan Denominations, better known as Wiccan Traditions.
Each Wiccan Tradition follows some of the same beliefs, however, each operates a little different and creates their own set of rules and practices, be sure to do your research so that you are able to make an educated decision if you are looking to define your beliefs and connect with like-minded individuals. With permission, below I have listed several known Traditions and a few of their key characteristics. There are some Traditions that are not listed due to their secrecy and desire to protect their privacy.
Alexandrian Wicca
Kabbalistic influences blended with Celtic practices
Covens practice Rituals Skyclad
Initiation is required and follows a Degree system
There is equality between the Goddess’ and God’s
Ceremonial Magick is very important during Esbats and Sabbats.
Celtic or Druidic Wicca
Ancient Celtic and Druidic Deities and belief systems are implemented
Focuses on the Magickal and healing powers of plants, the elements, Gnomes, Fairies, and mythical Spirits.
Covens prefer couples primarily, a husband and wife
Ceremonial Magic is the primary work
Follows a Degree system
Coven of the Forest, Far and Forever
Not worldly known
Each personal book of shadows must be handwritten
Esbats occur every full Moon
Rituals are performed Skyclad
There is equality between the Goddess’ and Gods as well as men and women
Their objective is to grow closer to the universe.
Deboran Witchdom
A group of eclectic Practitioners
Follows a Degree system, however, the titles are Apprentices, Witches, and Elders
There is equality between the Goddess’ and God’s
Helps Practitioners to find pathways to their own power
Allows those curious to observe Sabbats but Esbats are closed and private
Dianic Feminist Wicce
A Tradition that practices both religion and Magick
Feminist and humanist orientated
Encourages female leadership, however, male Practitioners do exist
Includes female Covens, mixed-sex Covens, and solitary Practitioners
Rituals can be carried out either Skyclad or robed
Gardnerian Tradition
One of the first Traditions in Witchcraft that was made public knowledge
Goddesses are preferred over Gods
There is a three-tiered Degree system
Magick primarily focuses on healing
Rituals are Skyclad
Equal amounts of men and women are required to form couples
Georgian Wicca
Are eclectic Practitioners
Individuals work either Skyclad or robed
Creating personal and unique Rituals are encouraged
8 Sabbats are celebrated
Practices both religion and Magick
The Northern Way
No initiation is needed
A blend of the old Norse and Celtic ways
Take part in four Solar Fire Festivals
Rituals are always robed
Traditional authenticity is important
Nova-Wicca
Eclectic Practitioners
A Degree system implemented
Initiations are Skyclad
Sabbat and Esbat Rituals are robed
Sabbats are open to the interested public
PectiWita
Reigns from Northern Scotland
Primarily solitary Practitioners
Attuned to the Solar and Lunar phases
Magick is far more important than worship
Focuses on Nature, Meditation, Divination, and Herbalism
Uses Magick in everyday life
Seax-Wica
Blend of Saxon lore and Gardnerian Wicca
Main focuses are the Germanic Deities and Runes for Divination
Mix of male and female Practitioners
Rituals are performed robed or Skyclad
Self and Coven Initiations can be performed
Open public Rituals
Thessalonian Tradition
Ancient Greek oriented
Mix of Ancient Greek religious philosophies and Magickal practices
Practitioners have a balance of both masculine and feminine Energies
Consecrated and Sacred grounds are used for Rituals
Focuses on attaining Divinity through the invocation and application of Divine power and knowledge
