Dianic Wicca

Dianic Wicca, sometimes called Feminist Wicca, was begun by Zsuzsanna Budapest in California, and is named after the Roman goddess of the hunt, Diana.  It is a feminist tradition and often excludes the male God aspect and asserts that the female aspect is the true creative source of the universe.  Within the varieties of Dianic Wicca are polytheistic as well as monotheistic strains. Most Dianic traditions excludes male membership, but there are some that include males.  Oftentimes lesbians are attracted to this tradition since it is internally supportive of women and women's rights, and provides emotional intimacy.  Nevertheless, the majority of its members are heterosexual.

Within Dianic tradition is the belief that ancient cultures were matriarchal in structure and passive in action.  Dianic Wicca maintains that it was not until the rise of patriarchal systems that war began.

Members of the Dianic Wiccan tradition are often involved in politics, were associated with the feminist movement of the 1960s, and seek to improve the position of women in society.  They focus on Sabbat celebration and various esbats including Winter Solstic, Imbolc, the Spring Equinox, Beltane, Summer Solstic, the Fall Equinox, and Samhain.1

The New Moon Chant for Diana:  "Waxing, waxing, growing, growing, Diana's power is flowing, flowing."2

• 1. Cantrell, Gary, Wiccan Beliefs and Practices, St. Paul, MN: Llewellyn Publications, 2004, p. 35.
• 2. Cunningham, Scott, The Truth about Witchcraft Today, St. Paul, MN: Llewellyn Publications, 2005.