There are many different types of witches in the world today. For most, witchcraft is seen as a skill set, and it's not always necessarily a religion—this means that the practice of witchcraft is accessible to people of any spiritual background.

Let's look at some different types of practices, and what makes each uniquely different.

Gardnerian Wicca -

This practice follows the belief system of Gardnerian Wicca, which was created by Gerald Garner in the 1950s.

Gardnerian Wicca uses a hierarchical system that consists of a high priest or priestess. Each one trained by the one before them. Creating a powerful lineage and basis of experienced, educated leaders within the covens.

You can only be initiated by another Gardnerian Witch and once initiated, you're sworn to secrecy. 

Unfortunately, this means not much is known on the exact practices within the path or its covens.

Making it difficult for new comers or even just curious onlookers to learn more about their practices.

Recognized Deities - Horned God and The Mother Goddess. Each with respected names that are kept secret from non initiates. 

Alexandrian Wicca -

Alexandrian is like Guardian Wicca in that it's a formalized belief system that has its own traditions and initiations.

They believe in a three degree system, as well as look up to a goddess or god. And have the leadership of a high priest or priestess.

One notable difference is they recognize their gods differently.

Their god has two different forms called the Oak King and the Holly King. These two battle it out and defeat one another, each time a season changes.

There rituals tend to be very formal and rely on ceremonial magick. Luckily, its far less secretive than its Gardnerian and allow for more eclectic ideas.

Dianic Wicca - 

Varies a lot from the other types of wicca. It has two distinct branches, each having their own levels of strictness on how devoted one is.

Typically, dianic wicca is a feminist practice focusing on the supremacy of the goddess rather than a balance of genders. Which is very different than the Gardnerian concept of a deity.

However some branches do view the Horned God to be the Goddesses consort.

There is no typical hierarchy within the practice so personal spiritual growth is easily obtained.   

Since dianic covens are typically very feminist in nature, most practices don't allow men to join.

There covens may be very political in nature and are very up-to-date on women's issues revolving around oppression and injustices.

Solitary Wicca - 

Is the practice without the support  of a coven. Mosts wiccans start here, and that's completely okay!

It allows you to expand your practice and learning before joining a more traditional coven. Some chose to never join a coven and continue to practice solitarily. While others start off in covens and chose to go off on their own.

They may chose to practice a single tradition by educating themselves and aligning with it. Or they may chose to create their own unique set of ideas from many different traditions, ones that resonate with them.

There are alot of significant differences between coven practices and solitary. But they share some of the core ideas that bases all wicca traditions.

Eclectic Wicca - 

This practice is unique to each practitioner as well as the path they build for themselves.

 An eclectic wiccan will pick and choose various elements from traditions that resonate with them. Creating their own unique system of beliefs. 

The eclectic path is tailored to the individual, it's no surprise that many choose this as their practice. It offers freedom and spiritual growth for each individual.

It's built on the understandings they've come to. Built on a very unique set of ideals.

YES! 

There are many more beliefs and ideals regarding wicca and witchcraft. 

To truly find your practice you will want to research each one and see which one fits with you. 

You don't want to change yourself for a practice.

Ideally you pick a set of beliefs and ideas that fits best with who you are, at your core. 

- Traditional Witchcraft
- Hereditary Witchcraft
- Hedge Witch
- Kitchen Witch
- Green Witch
- Cosmic Witch

There are other practices not included in this list.

If you'd like to see more, let us know at contactethereallywicked@gmail.com