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How did feminism, gay rights activism, and environmentalism influence Wiccan traditions?
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Witchcraft
El conjuro or Las brujas (“The Conjuring” or “The Witches”), oil on canvas by Francisco Goya, 1797–98; in the Museo Lázaro Galdiano, Madrid.
During the 1960s and 1970s, Wicca spread rapidly through the United States, becoming deeply intertwined with the countercultural zeitgeist and various social movements. These influences helped shape the religion's modern identity and diversity:12
- Feminism: Second-wave feminism significantly influenced the development of new traditions. For example, Zsuzsanna Budapest founded Dianic Wicca in 1971, a women-centered tradition that places a central focus on the goddess.2
- Gay Rights Activism: The gay rights movement inspired the creation of inclusive traditions, such as the Minoan Brotherhood, established in 1977 by Eddie Buczynski specifically for gay and bisexual men. While some early covens excluded LGBTQ individuals, such practices became less common, and the religion now includes a high proportion of LGBTQ adherents.23
- Environmentalism: Growing environmentalist sentiment led Wicca to increasingly present itself as a "nature religion." This is reflected in the celebration of the "Wheel of the Year," which incorporates eight seasonal festivals (sabbats) based on the natural cycle.23
By the end of the 20th century, these influences contributed to a shift in the community, which became numerically dominated by individuals with progressive and left-leaning political views.2