Dianic Wicca emerged from the feminist movement and was established by hereditary witch Zsuzsanna Budapest in 1971 in Venice Beach, California. On the Winter Solstice of that same year, she created the first Dianic coven called the Susan B. Anthony Coven Number One. She served as the High Priestess until 1980, and this coven still operates today under the name “Circle of Aradia.” According to Zsuzsanna, the Dianic beliefs include: “We always recognize, when we say “Goddess,” that She is the Life-giver, the Life-sustainer. She is Mother Nature.”
The practice of Dianic Wicca centers on embracing the Goddess aspect, dedicating minimal time to the God aspect. This doesn’t imply that the founder opposed the male aspect or sought separation; rather, the tradition acknowledges the inherent differences between genders as bestowed by the Goddess, Mother Nature. The fundamental belief of the Dianic path is that it forms a holistic religious system rooted in Goddess-centered cosmology, emphasizing “She Who is All And Whole Unto Herself.” In simpler terms, this represents a Goddess-focused and feminine-centered spiritual framework.
To further shed light on the beliefs within the Dianic tradition, Zsuzsanna Budapest shares:
“There are fundamentally two types of individuals: mothers and their children. Mothers can cultivate life for each other as well as for men, who cannot do so independently. This creates a reliance on the Female Life Force for rejuvenation, a gift once revered in ancient societies as sacred. Unfortunately, during patriarchal times, this sacred blessing was weaponized against women, undermining their roles of autonomy and strength.”
She gathered a community of women eager to form Dianic groups, which followed her teachings. She began to ordain High Priestesses, who, in turn, ordained others, allowing the tradition to expand.
Exclusively Women
Being a staunch feminist, Zsuzsanna Budapest highlighted the necessity for women to have their own culture, resources, and traditions. This strong belief led to controversy in 2011 when she denied a transgender woman entry to a Dianic coven ritual. Her group’s website explicitly states that membership is available only to cisgender women.
As a result, numerous covens within the Dianic tradition distanced themselves from Budapest’s coven. Nevertheless, she remains steadfast in her beliefs.
Taunt the Witch T-shirt from The Moonlight Shop
Hexes and Curses
While many Wiccan paths discourage hexing, cursing, or engaging in black magic, Dianic Wicca allows for these practices in certain situations. Indeed, many Dianic Wiccans assert that it is acceptable to cast a hex or curse against individuals who harm women.
Misconceptions
Most Dianic Wiccan covens are women-only, with only a few that may include men (often just for the sake of polarity). This has led to the mistaken view that Dianic Wicca is synonymous with lesbianism; however, that view stems from misunderstanding. Many covens within the Dianic tradition embrace women of all orientations, irrespective of being straight, gay, or transgender. Recalling the 2011 incident, if you identify as a woman, you are likely to be welcomed warmly.
God and Goddess Pendant from The Moonlight Shop
What are your thoughts on the Dianic tradition? We would love to hear from you in the comments below. 🙂
I was almost interested…. until it spoke of hexes. What ever happened to the rule of three? These people are playing a dangerous game. I’m not against this idea at all. But I am against using your magic for ill intent. To forget the God is to forget balance. And makes can be feminists too. I am just seeing too many plotholes in an otherwise great story.
Sorry, men not makes. XD
You obviously didn’t follow what it said about hexing and curses. Hexing is only used when a woman is being harmed.
the moment your “feminism” excludes trans women, it’s no longer feminist.
the moment your “wiccanism” encourages hexing, it is no longer wiccan.
period.
i ABSOLUTELY agree! the rule of three and the rede(which teach against harming another) are necessities if you consider yourself Wiccan, and respect/equity for all women(regardless of what they were assigned at birth) is a necessity if you consider yourself Feminist.
I love the Dianic tradition, Z is a hero for excluding those who were not born women, it’s too bad that men want to trample on out traditions. There is no area where women want to be alone that men will not try to infiltrate. Plenty of other Wiccan traditions, it’s bullshit that they think they should be included in ours.