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If you ask 1000 practitioners of Witchcraft, or "The Craft" to define their practice, you will get 1000 answers. That is one of the first things that drew me to this path, it really is your OWN path, and what you make of it. The following is some of the things I believe. Any some or none may be believed by the next Witch you talk to!
Pauline Campanelli says, "Witchcraft shares with ancient shamanism the fundamental belief that all of Nature is a manifestation of the Gods and therefore everything has a spirit. We are not separate from Nature nor "above" it, but a part of it."1 My theory is this. There is a Universal Life Force that many religions call GOD. This is the Center of All, Creator of the Universe. Leading to this is millions of paths. All are valid for the person on them, for all lead to this center, much like all spokes on a wheel lead to the hub. No path is more valid then any other, or more true, except in reference for that person travelling on it. Throughout this hub, connecting us all, is that spark of the Divine in all of us. It is in me, you, the animals, plants, stones, and Earth itself. I like Star Wars, they called it "The Force." Witches believe that this "Force" cannot only be seen or felt, but can be altered or changed by use of will. This is what we call to practice Magick. I feel that this "Force" is neither good or evil, white or black, much like the same electrical current can be used to turn on a light, or fire up an electronic detonation of a bomb. It just IS! It is SOLELY the intention of the Witch that determines the outcome. Because of this, I feel that there ARE Witches who have practiced Witchcraft with the intent to harm. It is the law of averages if nothing else that would prove this fact. Most Witches do not. Most witches practice Magick to benefit themselves, help others, to provide healing, and to just celebrate the holidays and the seasons of the year. Most of us follow a simple rule, which is called "The Rede":
A witch is a person who practices the
science and religion of Witchcraft. One who believes that
divinity flows through and connects all things to the Gods. This
flow of energy can be felt, and tapped into by a witch. For
healing, for blessings, for protection, for joy, for creating,
for connecting with others.
Because "the God/dess in Me sees the God/dess in you"
we recognize that all life is sacred and because of that practice
the law "an it harm none."
A witch believes this, and studies and practices tapping into
that power, to draw closer to the Gods and their will for
him/her. As s/he learns to do this, she grows.
Many witches use this ability to heal, to help. To practice the
science of "spellwork" wether it be to bring money into
their life, or heal a sick friend, or consecrate a home as sacred
space to protect the inhabitants.
A witch celebrates too the divinity in nature, and the passing of
the year with seasonal celebrations. A witch recognizes that
death is but a passing to another plane, and many believe in
re-incarnation.
Many Witches practice forms of divinitiation wether it be reading
tarot cards or by casting runes. Others are "crafty." I
make almost all my own candles, a lot of my ritual tools. Some
are more skilled at growing and harvesting herbs for potions.
There are many types of Witches - Celtic Witches, Egyption, Fairy
Traditions, Strega, Kitchen, etc. They can follow a particular
pantheon of Gods/Goddesses, or make one up as they go.
To me the term is a broad as it needs to be,and there is PLENTY
of room for your own interpertation.
Other Definitations on What is a Witch.
I took a class a few years ago called "The Art & Science of Witchcraft" offered by Pandora. The following is some of the more beautiful definitations of What is a Witch from my fellow classmates.
"A witch is a person who is the summation of fire and water, earth and full of life and giving life to all that surrounds them. Never fleeing death or sickness, but healing what they can, and never harming anything if they can help it. Someone who will go out of their way to make sure nothing and no one is left out. One who includes nature in their otherwise citified life." The Chipster
"A witch is a person...who is in tune with Nature, the elements, the seasons, and the ebb and flow of life. She listens to and understands the message from the Source which enables her (him) to use "magic" to create her own reality and to heal and transform other peoples reality to bring balance and harmony." Mary
"Witches work to have a heightened awareness of the world and the things in it, athat can give them great insight into human nature and the natural world. Overall, a Witch is someone who strives to honor the God and Goddess in all their endeavors, practicing their religion on a daily basis,rather than just an hour on Sundays. This connection with the world and with divinity is what being a witch is all about." Jadanna