There are many many wiccan traditions that have arisen throughout history. They are highly variegated and can always be divided into further sections of belief. Listed below are some general descriptions of some of the main wiccan traditions. However, I would like to underline the fact that these are strictly Wiccan traditions, meaning they do not include the many traditions that fall under paganism.
Alexandrian Wicca
Alexandrian refers to ancient Alexandria, but is credited to Alexander Sanders who was initiated into a Gardnerian Coven (1933) by Pat Kopanski. It was founded in England in the 1960s by Alexander and Maxine Sanders. He initiated a great number of people in the 1960s and 1970s. Alexander Sanders (1926-1988) died in Sussex, April 30, 1988 (morning of the Festival of Beltane). Alexandrian Wicca is very close to Gardnerian Wicca, but is more eclectic and liberal. It focuses on training in Ceremonial Magick (Qabalah, Angelic Magick, and Enochian). It has a strong following in the United Kingdom and Canada. Alexandrian Wicca followers are referred to as Alexandrians.
Asatru/Norse Paganism
With its origin in northern Europe, this tradition is practiced today by those who feel and affinity with their nordic and teutonic ancestors, and who wish to study the Sagas, Eddas and Runes.
British Traditional Witchcraft
Blends together Celtic and Gardnerian beliefs and practices. The British Tradition is known for its training of Coven members through the Degree process. Its most famous follower is the International Red Garters (Sacramento, California).
Celtic Wicca/Church of Wicca
Founded by Gavin and Yvonne Frost, this really should not be called Celtic Wiccca for they just recently included a Goddess in their deity structure. It is based on the ancient Celtic pantheon and Druidic magick and rites. Celtic Wicca uses three circles (one within the others) made of salt, sulphur, and herbs with runes and symbols between them instead of just one circle. They insist on the white-handled athame instead of the black-handled. It embraces Old Irish myths, natural healing methods, and wortcunning (knowledge and use of the secret healing and magickal properties of herbs). Celtic Wicca is also known as "Baptist Wicca".
Dianic Wicca
Named after the Roman Goddess Diana, there are two branches of Dianic Wicca. Founded in Texas by Morgan McFarland and Mark Roberts. This form of Dianic Wicca gives primacy to the Goddess and Covens are mixed. It is also known as "Old Dianic". This form of Dianic Wicca focuses exclusively on the Goddess and consists of women-only Covens and groups (has a strong lesbian presence). It is also known as "Feminist Dianic Witchcraft".
Druidry
The modern tradition of Druidry emphasises artistic skills such as poetry and music, and often encourages its members to undertake a study program in these, and other more academic, disciplines. Most modern Druids follow a seasonal cycle of celebrations.
Egyptian Tradition
A popular Tradition in which the Goddesses and Gods of ancient Egyptian pantheon are honored and invoked. Its spells and rituals are performed in a style similar to Ceremonial Magick.
Gardnerian Wicca
It is the most well-known and widely practiced Wiccan Tradition. It was largely promulgated and popularized by Gerald B. Gardner (a retired British civil servant) in the late 1940s. He is known as the "Grandfather" of almost all Neo-Wicca. In 1939, in the New Forest region of England, he was initiated into a Coven (by a High Priestess - "Old Dorothy" Clutterbuck). Gardnerianism was brought to the United States in the 1960s by Raymond Buckland and his then wife Rosemary. It is gaining popularity among the Pagan community. Gardnerian Wicca is both Traditional and Family with principles of love and trust. It is a structured Tradition with definite hierarchy within each Coven (a High Priestess rules the Coven). The typical Gardnerian view of the Goddess is that of a dominant Three-Faced Goddess (Maiden, Mother, Crone) with a male consort (has two sides - Young Summer King and Old Winter King). They work skyclad, practice binding and scourging, are hierarchal, secretive, and controversial. Gardnerian Wicca requires ritual . It centers on the worship of the Goddess and the Horned God, involves formal Coven initiations, and uses three degrees of advancement. Norse Wicca is based out of Gardnerian Wicca. Gerald B. Gardner (1884-1964) was a member of the Ancient Druid Order and, along with Ross Nichols, founded the Order of Bards, Ovates, and Druids.
Hereditary Witchcraft/Family Tradition/Fam-Trad
A pre-Gardnerian from of Wicca in which one must be able to trace the practice of the Old Religion through there family tree. One must be initiated into the Craft by a parent/grandparent. Saxon/Seax Wicca Saxon Wicca was started by Raymond Buckland (originally a leader in promoting the Gardnerian Tradition). It has provisions for Solitaires.
Shamanism
Shamanism utilizes skills and practices such as travelling in the spirit realms, tree lore, herb lore, and the use of totem animals. The tribal shaman was often responsible for spiritual matters within the tribe, and also for matters connected with birth, death and healing. Shamans are able to speak with the tribal ancestors and gain knowledge for the use of the tribe. These same practices are used in non-tribal societies today by many modern Pagan men and women.
Strega
A pre-Gardneria form of Witchcraft with roots dating back to the mid-14th century Italy. Strega is based on the teachings of Aradia. Its followers are usually of Italian heritage. Strega is Latin for "Witch". Teutonic Wicca/Nordic or Neo-Viking Tradition Teutonic Wicca is based on many of the magickal customs and ancient myths of pre-Christian Iceland and Scandinavia. Associated with the runes, invocation of ancient Norse Deities. Teutonic Wicca first sparked in the 1970s.
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