whatiswicca

Who are these witches anyway?

A practitioner of a nature based system or religion. Not all Witches follow the same belief system. Some practice what is called the Old Religion which has it's roots in Pagan pre-monotheistic folk ways and beliefs and usually follows the seasonal cycles. These belief systems of Traditions of Witches are often based upon the particular culture from whence they originated. Many Witches believe in a polytheistic deity structure (usually based upon local Gods and Goddesses of the area of origin), but some simply practice magic (sometimes spelt with a k to differenciate it from stage magic). These are also family groups of traditions which trade their practices and beliefs within the same close group throughout several generations.

TRADITIONAL WICCA:
A modern form of Witchcraft is called Wicca. Traditional Wicca is based on the teachings of Gerald Gardner, is coven based and each coven can trace it's lineage (line of teaching passed on by initiated Traditional priests and priestesses) back to Gardner himself. There are offshoots of Gardnerian Traditional Wicca such as Alexandrian Wicca, Geogian Wicca and many others. Traditional Wiccans are considered a mystery religion, require initiation by the coven and have a degree system of different levels of rank based upon coven training and the readiness of the initiate to accept the duties and responsibilities of the degree. They have a core of inner knowledge often called the Book Of Shadows which is known only to the initiated Wiccans. Most Traditional Wiccans believe in the balance of male-female divinity. Traditional Wiccans are seldom solitary except for those Elders usually former priests and priestesses who may have retired from active coven involvement.

OTHER FORMS OF WICCA:
A newer form of Wicca has developed since the 1970's which is looser in structure and practice than the Traditional Wicca. These practitioners may follow a mixture of various or eclectic Pagan and/or non-Pagan beliefs. Some have formed traditions or covens of their own, with or without a degree system, and have written a Book Of Shadows outlining their own belief system and coven structure. Many are solitary practitioners who practice their beliefs and formulate their rituals in their own way.

PAGANS:
Since the terms Witch and Wiccan are often mistakenly interchanged, many simply call themselves Pagans or neo-Pagans when talking with others who may not be farmilia with the complexity of the different belief systems. But just as not all Christians are Lutheran or Catholic, so not all Pagans are Witches or Wicca. Neo-Paganism is a term used most often to describe people who follow an earth-based belief system of religion.

Wicca is not an easy option or a way out of hard work. It can be a lot of hard work and study, but it is worth it. Wicca is not, as some may say, Devil worship. All Wiccans must abide by the Wiccan Rede "An it harm none, do as ye will" which means the Wiccans cannot hurt or harm anyone or anything. Therefore, Devil worship is definitely NOT a Wiccan practice.
It's not a get rich quick scheme, although some Witches use money spells, this is only to get the money taht is needed, not the luxery thereof. Although some of the practices Witches partake in are impressive to watch, Wicca is not to be a way to impress. However, Wicca is from the ancient "wise ones" and when you learn about the path of Wicca, you will have an impressive knowledge not only of your own religion, but of a lot of other religions and more. Wicca is defifinitely NOT a way to gain power over others or a way to harm others.
What Wicca is, is a religion and a philosophy of life. It is a way to make sense of the world and it's a way of life. When you are able to use the Craft well, it is a way to gain control within your own life and a road to self-mastery. Wiccans are atune with Nature's cycles as well as the Moon's and the Sun's cycles and themselves. Wiccans can examine and change themselves and can live harmoniously with nature, the planet and the universe. They fuliil their Karma and find the Godhead alive within themselves.

Druids and the Norse tradition of Asatru (who tend to prefer the tern Heathen) are considered to be Pagan belief systems, but their adherents are neither Witches nor Wiccans. Neo-Paganism should also not be confused with the "New Age" movement as Pagans are almost exclusively involved in distinctive nature religions of earth-based practices while New Age spirituality draws from many sources and esoteric spiritual techniques.