First of all, we are witches. We follow the path of Wicca, sometimes known
as the Craft. We live by one rule and one law within our practice that
basically is a framework for our behavior and way of life. In order to
better unserstand this, what follows is a set of definitions and explanations
regarding Wicca and Witchcraft.
Wicca (pronounced wick-a') has only been around as a religion since the
1950's. Prior to that, the practices of the old ways were shrouded in secrecy
and usually a family practice. These traditions have been traced back to
predate most christian religions. Thats not to say that christian religions
are wrong. Its just another form of practice that works for those that
follow it.
The term wicca comes from the old english word, wicca (pronounced wich-a')
which for all pretenses was the masculine word for witch. The feminine
form of the word was wicce (pronounced wich-ay). So, what about the term
warlock? Its a term we as witches don't like. Translated, it means oath
breaker. Its basically a hollywood grab that came in handy for dramatization
of the evils of anything but christianity.
The term witch can possibly be traced to the old english noun of wit, whose
derived adjective is witich, contracted to witch. This noun comes from
the verb weet which is defined as to know. Thus a reference to witchcraft
being the craft of the wise and witches having the titles of wise ones.
Throughout history, there are references to these so called wise ones in
tribal and agricultural village lore. From nomadic middle eastern tribes,
to old European villages to even native North American tribes, one or two
individuals have held the knowledge of the land and seasons, plants and
herbs. They have been healers, midwives, local matchmakers and advisors
for many subjects.
Does this mean that we are trying to revert back to the old ways in Wicca?
Absolutely not. Modern day witchcraft deals with modern day situations.
We use the knowledge of the old ways for a new way of life. We have adapted
to a different environment and work to improve our surroundings. Maybe
that is why some classify us as tree huggers.
So, who do we worship? It certainly is not the christian concept of the
devil. To us, there is divine energy. Some find it as an all encompassing
divine that is the one and can be found in all things natural. Others see
it as a God and Goddess form seen in many names dependent on culture. Please
note, nowhere in all our teachings is it required to make some kind of
blood sacrifice. This means we do not harm animals or other humans for
the sake of our religion. This again is a myth created by uninformed and
zealous christians.
One more thing. Wicca and Witchcraft are classified as pagan practices.
However, pagans encompass a large variety of earth based religions including
shamanism, voodoo and many others. This means that all witches are pagans
but not all pagans are witches.
Wicca today is a religion. Its the voice inside you that tells you that
everything you do is right and meets your own personal needs of spirituality.
Regardless of what you read in these pages, any other site or any book,
it still comes down to you, for spirituality is a personal choice. You
make of Wicca what you are.
For that reason, you will not find us on the corner trying to convert you
to our form of religion. We don't go door to door finding new members.
That you are here reading these pages means that you have some interest
in the craft. We may never meet you face to face, but it is my hope that
what you read here gives you a direction to finding your own personal path.
*An ABC of Witchcraft, Doreen Valiente ISBN 0-919345-77-8
*The Spiral Dance, Starhawk ISBN 0-06-251632-9
*Buckland's Complete Book of Witchcraft, Raymond Buckland ISBN 0-87542-050-8