Mainstream Wicca / contemporary Paganism
Contemporary Wicca (Gardnerian, Alexandrian, eclectic) and broader Pagan / Druidic / reconstructionist movements are very low-CLCI traditions. No central authority, voluntary coven membership, individual exit at any time.
CLCI radar
BITE breakdown
0 — among the lowest-control religious traditions; minimal hierarchy.
In context
Modern Wicca dates to Gerald Gardner's 1950s publications. Contemporary Paganism is an umbrella for Wiccans, Druids, Heathens / Asatru, and various reconstructionists. Most participate solitary or through small voluntary covens. Specific high-control coven leaders or larger organisations occasionally produce abuse cases (Gavin and Yvonne Frost; Frosts' controversy) but these are not characteristic.
Key control doctrines
- No central doctrine
- Wheel of the Year ritual cycle
- Coven or solitary practice
Timeline
- 1954Gerald Gardner publishes 'Witchcraft Today'
- 1979Margot Adler 'Drawing Down the Moon'
Sources
- Ronald Hutton, 'The Triumph of the Moon' (1999)
- Jone Salomonsen, 'Enchanted Feminism' (2002)
We cite sources by name and outlet rather than fabricating links. Search the source title plus the group name to find the original.