Is a witch a Wiccan?
By Rev. Valera "Doe Eyes" Childers
What is the difference between a witch and a Wiccan? Or is there any difference at all? The answer is a definite sometimes. A witch can generally be defined as a person, man or woman, who practices witchcraft. Witchcraft, simply put, being the practice of manipulating energy to bring about a desired result. Wicca, on the other hand, is a religion. It is an Earth-based religion whose members often practice witchcraft. So, one can practice witchcraft and not be Wiccan, but, generally speaking, most Wiccans do practice witchcraft. Both practitioners often will call themselves a witch, which can be confusing. Once we understand the difference, it is easy to figure out which witch is which.
There is also the aspect of ethics and morality when we talk about religion. Wicca, as a religion, has a set of morals, laws and ethics that its practitioners follow. Witchcraft, on the other hand, is based in science and therefore, since science tends to shy away from religion most witches will leave out the religion aspect if you ask them for a definition of their practice. That is not to say that those that practice witchcraft are without ethics or morals. We all have our own ideas of what is right and what is wrong and witches are no exception.
What we know of as modern day Wicca is generally accepted as our interpretation of how the ancients viewed deity and their practices. There is no definitive proof of when exactly Wicca began. Wiccans piece together what they know about their ancestors and those who have gone before us to come up with what they believe would be how and why the religion was practiced.
Witchcraft, on the other hand, has been around for thousands of years. The concept is actually quite simple, but the practice of it can take years to master. Witchcraft is simply tapping into the universal energies, focusing on one’s intent and then releasing that energy and being able to direct it for a given purpose. This practice may involve working with herbs, stones, elements or animals, depending on the desired end result. It is also the ability to tap into the energy of those who have practiced the same thing for centuries. It is a physiological remembrance of how to work with energy, of why certain rituals and spells are done in a certain way and of how to manifest a desired result.
So, when someone asks me how I describe myself, I say that I’m a witch with Wiccan tendencies. Like most pagans, my own personal tradition is very eclectic. I draw from what I know and what works for me. I don’t expect everyone to believe exactly what I believe because we’re all different, which is a very, very good thing. Everyone has their own belief system and it’s exciting to see them find their path and follow their heart.
Back to the original question, is a witch a Wiccan? Definitely…sometimes. But in the end, does it really matter?
Valera is an owner and Priestess of The Village Witch. To learn more about her click here.