There are many denominations of NeoPaganism, contemporary nature-based religions. Wiccan Traditions is synopsis of what many consider to be the major branches. While adherents may practice differently within all traditions, they follow the Wiccan Rede, to do as one desires and cause none harm.
Stregheria
This religion is devoted to preserving Italian Witchcraft’s Pagan roots. Goals are presenting material supporting the existence of a pre-Christian religion, tracing its evolvement and dispelling erroneous association of prevalent teachings of magic with legitimate forms of Stregoneria Italiana.
Seax-Wicca
This religion, founded by Raymond Buckland, has a Saxon base, but isn’t a re-creation or continuation of the original one. Rituals are open and published. Although primarily democratic, it has a High Priestess and/or Priest of the coven, and includes solitaires.
Pecti-Wicca
This Solitary Scottish tradition is in tune with lunar and solar changes, the balance of the Goddess and God. Divination, meditation and magick are practiced.
Nova
This eclectic denomination, based on Gardnerian, usually uses this trad’s dieties’ names. It has a degree system and offers in-depth training. Covens may invite the public to Grand Sabbats.
Northern Way or Asatru
Traditions are Old Norse, not Teutonic. The four major Solar Fire Festivals, Greater Sabbats, are celebrated.
Maidenhill
The major focus is on the Goddess and the Horned God, her consort. Gardnerian is taught, but members are encouraged to choose the specific path they believe in.
Green Witchcraft
This craft, based on family tradition, has its roots in the Celtic/Iberian. Its approach is a mix of NeoPagan and mainstream. Practitioners may invoke Pagan dieties, the Holy Spirit, angels and saints. Old Religion and mainstream holidays may be observed. The Goddess and the God are identified as female and male in balance and as one.
Faerie
The denomination is based on the belief in these earth spirits. Invocations of these and energy work with blue fire and pentacles are used. Some of the practitioners, Kitchen Witches, employ herb and plant magick that honors fays.
Deboran Witchdom
This eclectic branch works with balanced polarities. One goal is to reconstruct the craft as if the Burning Times, zenith of witchcraft persecutions and executions, hadn’t happened. Followers use divination, research and logical deduction to reach this goal. Sabbats are open to the public; Esbats, full Moon rites, aren’t.
Coven of the Forest, Far and Forever
Formed by a Priestess and Priest, with backgrounds in Gardnerian, Egyptian, Dianic, hereditary Spanish and Qabbalism, this religion emphasizes the Book of Shadows, balances between female and male and the Goddess and the God as living forces manifested on different levels.
Circle
Founded by Selena Fox and Jim Alan, Circle is an eclectic blend for Wiccans, Druids, NeoPagans, Pantheists, Shamans, Mystics, AmerIndian and Ceremonial.
Church of the Crescent Moon
The Church, serving the Goddess and the God, offers many paths for practitioners to follow. It honors Ireland’s ancient religion, dieties, practices and history.
Church of Y Tylwyth Teg
Goals are to exalt human dignity, serve humanity in the search in the universe of the supreme one and promote the interrelationship of humans and nature. The Welsh/Celtic tradition teaches balances of nature, mysteries, mythology and folklore.
American Celtic
Ceremonial magick, believed to be the most powerful ancient means of psychological and arcane therapy, is practiced and many Gardnerian practices are followed.
Related articles:
North Berwick Witches' Persecution
Sources:
Buckland’s Complete Book of Witchcraft, Raymond Buckland, (Llewellyn Publications, 1990)
The Encyclopedia of Witches & Witchcraft, Rosemary Ellen Guiley, (Facts on File, Inc., 1999)
Green Witchcraft II, Ann Moura (Aoumiel), (Llewellyn Publications, 1999)
Ways of the Strega, Raven Grimassi, (Llewellyn Publications, 1994)
