McFarland Dianic

The McFarland Dianic tradition (previously known as Old Dianic) was founded by Morgan McFarland and Mark Roberts in 1971.^[1][2] It is distinguished from the feminist traditions of Dianic Wicca begun by Zsuzsanna Budapest, Starhawk, and others.

Concepts

The ideas that distinguish the McFarland Tradition as a “Dianic” tradition from other wiccan paths concern its focus upon the "Immortal Goddess in Her threefold aspects of Maiden, Mother and Crone".

In the McFarland Dianic Tradition the Goddess "was never born, and She never dies. She always was, is, and always will be. She is the fertile Void at the Center from which the universe is born."

Another important concept is "Immanence". The Goddess is immanent in her creation. She is not separate from her creation, she is her creation, she gave birth to herself. She is in everything, everywhere. "She is the Goddess of a Thousand Names".^[3]

The tradition recognizes goddesses of different cultures and pantheons as different aspects of "The Immortal Goddess".

Female and Male Principles

Unlike many other Dianic traditions, McFarland Dianic Wicca allows for male membership and coven participation, though the title of High Priestess is reserved for women.

Background and structure

Inspired mainly by Celtic, especially Welsh, mythology, it also draws from the traditions of other cultures. The tradition celebrates 13 moons throughout the year. Each moon has its own ritual and mystery which are believed to be revealed only to those who are initiates to that tradition. Each moon is associated with a tree from the Celtic ogham tree alphabet as described in Robert Graves' book The White Goddess.

The McFarland tradition also celebrates solstices, equinoxes, and the Celtic cross, quarter holidays, Samhain, Lughnasadh, Imbolc and Beltaine.

Before initiation, prospective members of the tradition are generally compelled to study with a High Priestess for a year and a day. The study group is called a "Grove", based on the sacred groves that were places of worship for the ancient people of northern Europe. After initiation the individual is considered a priest or priestess. When a priestess is ready for more advanced training, she undergoes "Passage" for a year and a day participating in rituals which celebrate the solar mysteries. After completing passage she is then considered a High Priestess and is authorized to teach and initiate others and start her own circle or coven. Forming a new coven is called "hiving". After hiving, each High Priestess is considered autonomous. Some men in the tradition have the honor of being named High Priests. Although the provision for this is not widely agreed upon, members of the tradition consider a priest a High Priest when he has participated in the hiving ritual.

An Elder is considered such by the consensus of the community. There is no ritual to specify the position. There is a Council of Elders that can be reached for questions and ethical discussion.

Basic laws

The McFarland Dianic Tradition follows the Wiccan Rede—

An (if) you harm none, do what you will.

Some break this into two laws: Harm none and, Do what you will.

The McFarland Dianic Tradition observes the Threefold Law (threefold is manifestation in body, mind and spirit): "Everything that you do will return to you threefold."

References