| "I consider myself a Witch, but do not refer to Witchcraft as a religion ~ I call it 'my Path' or simply 'The Craft'...it's not that I don't consider Witchcraft a religion as such ~ but more that I find people percieve religion to be too uniformed and structured and so allow others to be considered 'above' them. By calling my way 'my Path', I am letting others know how I see that Witchcraft is a way of life where all are considered equal, and that I am on a journey through life ~ a learning journey. I don't call myself a Wiccan ~ not just because of the uniformity of some Wiccan traditions, but also from what the word actually means: Wicca comes from the old English 'Wiccacraeft'...and 'Wicca' actually means 'male Witch'...the female being 'Wicce'. and the plural: 'Wiccan'. I occassionally refer to myself as 'Wiccian' ~ as this term means 'to bewitch, or to practise Witchcraft'. (*) I find it very difficult to follow any structured form of (modern) Wicca, such as Gardnerian, Dianic, or Alexandrian...simply because I was not raised to follow such a path ~ I was raised to realise my spiritual potential, following a 'Natural' and 'Solitary' Path...so using the label 'Witch' seems much more appropriate for me. Witches and Wicca has some basic differences ~ such as the way each percieves dieties...I see both the male and female aspect all around ~ in every aspect of nature ~ basic Witchcraft without being Wiccian or Pagan does not worship deities as such ~ though I myself see the Goddess in the Moon, and the Horned One in Nature. Basic Witches never go 'skyclad' ~ and it is extremely rare that a Witch will allow her Grimoire to be seen by others. I have been called a 'mixed breed' ~ sometimes meant very cruelly by some, as I draw certain aspects of my Path from Wiccian tradition ~ such as the Threefold Law...and I do have a Book Of Shadows as well as a Grimoire. The diversity within the umbrella name of 'Pagan' or 'Wicca' (or Witchcraft) is a wonderful thing ~ it allows people the freedom of being considered such, and yet still be comfortable within that religion...*** ...Regardless of the way one follows this path, we should all be able to listen to each other without declaring one person to be wrong. I can understand how a member of a religion other than the Craft can also consider themselves to be a Witch ~ as simply being a Witch does not mean that one is Wiccian...though it really depends on what path of the Witch one follows...***...Regardless of how one acts, what we call ourselves is simply a label so that others can have some idea of the path we follow. The problem with the word 'Pagan' is this: (Not a problem for me...it was referring to the question asked) Look up the word in a dictionary, and it will undoubtedly have the word 'heathen' listed after it ...and 'heathen' means "not adhereing to a religious system"...so I can see where some people outside of this religion (I do consider it to be a religion) can become confused! I have very often used these words: "The Way of the Witch is a varied one, unique to each Soul that follows this Path...just because someone does something differently than another when following this Path, it does not make it wrong ~ it simply makes it different." " |
| The following is an excerpt from a message I posted in a Yahoo Group I belong to (Garden Variety Witches). I thought some of the things I wrote there are quite relevant to the feelings I wanted to express within these pages, so I decided to write the words here also. The question asked was from a (wonderful) Pagan and Witch called Terra Gazelle. I believe her to be extremely wise, and 'well-grounded'. She asked if the people in the group considered Witchcraft to be a religion... |
| (*) Denotes : This was referring to a time when I did call myself 'Wiccian' occassionally ~ but this was a label that others used, and not myself as such. Though I have total respect for the Wiccan traditions, I do not think that I may be classed as such, and find most comfort (and pride) in the words 'Pagan' and 'Witch'. |
| *** Denotes where portions of the original text have been ommitted (due to irrelevancy) |
| Any words typed in red were not in the original text of the message. |
| Just To Add... |
| And a Little Bit More... Concerning Sabbats/Esbats and Me... |
| Originally, I had decided against including pages concerning Sabbats/Esbats (Pagan holidays) within this site for two main reasons: Firstly, there are so many other pages on the internet that you may visit and learn much more than I could write here, and... Secondly, because of the way that I practise the Craft, I do not celebrate these days in the way that a Wiccan or Celtic Pagan would do. Though I don't celebrate Sabbats, I do recognise the changing seasons within the year, and honour them. I am aware of these changes, as I am aware of Moon phases also. I am considered to be a 'Green' Witch by many others because of that fact, and also because of the other differences in the way I practise my Craft: I do enjoy personalising my Magick, I use herbs whenever I am able, I am a Solitary, and I apply practicality to all my workings when I can. Being a Witch is about seeing equality in all Spirit ~ and Spirit is a part of everything ~ it is a universal energy: in mankind, in Nature, even in the deitical figures of the Goddess and the God. It's about being tolerant, and fair in everything you do...and it's about being who you want to be without harming others. Be Pagan, be Wiccan, be a Witch... AND BE PROUD! However, I have since changed my mind (womens perogative...lol), and have decided to include a brief summary of the Holidays, You may find these pages listed on the homepage, and with an in-site link at the top of this page (wheel of the year) |
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