Feminist Witchcraft Part One

When I first came across Feminist Witchcraft I was discouraged by the definition of it. This particular definition is from Issac Bonewitts. I think it’s more of a definition of Dianic Feminist Witchcraft than anything else.

"Several new monotheistic or henotheistic religions started since the early 1970s by women in the feminist community who belonged to the women's spirituality movement and/or who had contact with Neopagan Witches. It is partially an outgrowth of Neopagan Witchcraft, with male deities booted unceremoniously(!) out of the religion entirely, and partially a conglomeration of independent and eclectic do-it-yourself covens of spiritually inclined feminists. The religions usually involve worshiping only the syncretic Goddess (who is all goddesses) and using Her as a source of inspiration, magical power, and psychological growth. Their scholarship is often abysmal and men are usually not allowed to join or participate. Note, many other varieties of Witches also consider themselves feminists or act like ones whether they use the term or not."

Note the Reclaiming (this tradition using feminist spirituality as well) has both the Goddess and the God in their teachings. The Dianic tradition does have training for men; it’s just separate from the women-only circles. Feminist Witchcraft is related to the Dianic tradition. Let’s not forget that, but feminism is the belief in the social, political, and economic equality of the sexes, its' only logical to connect that to the whole Feminist Witchcraft practice (note: this is my definition, other Feminist Witches may disagree).


Let’s break things down. Witchcraft is a meaningful magical practice involving a conscious use of spells and rituals in order to achieve a goal. It can be religious or non-religious (often times this religion is Pagan) depending upon the Witch. Feminism is the belief in the social, political, and economic equality of the sexes. It is also the movement organized around this belief. Like Witchcraft, feminism depending on the person can be different. To some it contains political action as well as belief. To others it is a means to be a complete person. There is academia feminism and activism. Well, you get the idea. Feminist Witchcraft is linking your magical practice with your feminist one. This is a very easy definition, however both the Reclaiming and Dianic tradition are Neopagan, it is safe to say the most Feminist Witches are. Some aren't, some use Witchcraft as just a useful, practical (secular) way for life.

So, this is my definition of said topic. Feminist Witchcraft can be a Neopagan Witchcraft path usually just involving the Goddess, but other paths do have the God as well (I know I do). Feminist Witchcraft incorporates personal healing, a spiritual practice and political action. Spells and rituals are a means to become whole and integrated as well as a use in activism. Every act of magic is political. Personal is political. Very much like many other Pagan paths, Feminist Witchcraft is a means of empowerment.