Spirit Walk Ministry - Traditional Witchcraft FAQ's

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Traditional Witchcraft FAQ's

Traditional Witchcraft Frequently Asked Questions

What is Witchcraft?

Witchcraft is the name that was used by the Christian Church to stigmatize the followers of "The Old Religion". It is the continuation of certain practices of the native spiritual and cultural beliefs of ancient Europeans that existed prior to the advent of Christianity.

Even under Christian persecution, the people continued to worship their Gods and Goddesses. Though many were forced to masquerade under the cover of Catholicism, these older religions often dominated in the more remote regions and tended to localize themselves, or were kept within the members of a family. In these families, the traditions of the religion were passed down from generation to generation.

Most people who follow these pagan nature traditions religions do not refer to themselves as practicing witches. However, using the term "witchcraft" is an easy way for the fundamentalist Church to collectively demonize so called pagan religious beliefs and the people who follow them.

“The first time I called myself a 'Witch' was the most magical moment of my life.”

Margot Adler

How is Witchcraft related to Paganism?

The term Paganism is used in contemporary times to refer to animistic, nature oriented religions which recognize the male and female duality which is found within nature. Paganism is an umbrella term which encompasses many religions including certain sects of Buddhism, Neo-Druidism, Wicca, and even some forms of the Abrahamic religions. Witchcraft is one of the many forms of rituals practices associated with Paganism.

Some of the practitioners of the older European traditions who would be considered to be "pagan" in religious practice do not refer to themselves as such. The reason for this is that in some cultures the term “pagan” refers to an unenlightened one. Instead, they will often refer themselves as “Heathens”.

"The 'Art' of Traditional Paganism and Witchcraft is an art of the spirit; the Traditional worldview is a "way of seeing" that places the power of the Land, and the unseen places within the Land, first in all a person thinks and feels" and the "Craft"is the Craft of living in accordance with the Land, with the source of dreams, and the deeper urgings of Fate."

~ Robin Artisson ~

For more information see our Paganism webpage.

Is Witchcraft the same thing as Wicca?

Wicca is not Witchcraft. Witchcraft and Wicca are two separate and distinct paths. Though many Wiccans often incorrectly refer to themselves as witches, those who practice the Traditional Craft will never say they are Wiccan. Traditional practitioners will either refer to themselves as being a witch, a heathen, or they will use another manner of description altogether.

The origin of Traditional Witchcraft probably goes back to pre-historic times and is a family of traditions that come from a common ethnic and cultural background and the Traditional Crafter (or witch) follows a folklore tradition that is reflective of that background and is not practiced as a religion, but a way of life.. While as in every age, individual practices may be modified to reflect modern personal experiences, these modifications are done within the context of the customs of the ancient peoples. Wicca however goes far beyond modifying the traditions of these ancient practices.

Wicca is a modern organized religion developed around 1954 by Gerald Gardner. Wicca, as created by Gardner, is a concoction of ancient Western European folk traditions, mixed with ancient Egyptian and Kabbalistic mysticism. Historically speaking, there is no evidence of the usage of the word "wicca" prior to 1920 when it first appeared in ‘An Encyclopedia of Occultism’ compiled by Lewis Spence. The word was later usurped by Gardner as a label for his Wiccan Movement and erroneously claimed to be the derivation of and a synonym for the word witchcraft.

Although initially Wicca was based more in magickal pursuits, it has since developed into more of a New Age religious movement centered around a hegemony of priests and priestesses who administer rites and practices based on a doctrinal system of beliefs and a shifting ethics base within each individual gathering or “coven".

This stands in complete contrast to Witchcraft's tradition of self-awakening and self-empowering in the craft. A Traditional Witch does not swear an oath to another human and is bound only by personal allegiance to their own moral codes and ethics. Witchcraft is not a religion, but an individualistic approach to spirituality. Although the witch is a practitioner of a pagan tradition, the traditions that individual witches follow most often vary widely.

"When looking at the real differences between Wicca and Witchcraft, it's hard to believe that people can think that they are one in the same. It's easy to see how Traditional Witches can become often irritated with Wiccan followers constantly calling themselves Witches. While using the term Witch to describe oneself, many Wiccans are trying to get away from the new age stereotype that has come along with the terms Wicca and Wiccan. However, a Witch is something else entirely. As the path of Witchcraft becomes more or more popular among people searching the Pagan religions, the terms of Wicca and Witchcraft to describe ones religious position will hopefully become more clear in time."

~ Spirited Enterprise ~

Are Witches only Women?

Witchcraft is not exclusive to any individuals on the basis of sex, race or ethnicity and the only "society" one need be a part of is the society of Nature. Although women do seem to predominate in the Craft and some traditions have only women practitioners, others do accept men as equals. However, the idea of needing to be part of any collective is often counter productive t0 discovering your path, as the essence of witchcraft is as a personal experience based on your individual awakening and not a product of "groupthink".

In the common vernacular, a male practitioner of the Craft is often called a "Warlock". The word warlock, as derived from the ancient Scottish word "waerloka", actually means "liar and oath breaker" and many consider it an insult to call a male witch a warlock.

In popular culture reference (Harry Potter), a male witch is often called a "Wizard". From the Old English “wys-ard,” meaning “wise one.” it originally referred to anyone whose wisdom was respected; but later came to mean a male witch; now it is used to mean a powerful and wise magician of either sex. In most cases male witches prefer to be called simply "Witch".

As a male wishing to explore the path of witchcraft, do not be discouraged if you meet with animosity from certain "circles". You may encounter groups who will tell you, for example, that they only allow homosexual men as they are supposedly more in touch with their feminine side and thus more acceptable to the goddesses. Though you may find this nonsense to be misandristic and even homophobic it would be of no use to argue about this with those of prejudiced mindsets any more than to argue against discrimination on the grounds of race or ethnicity.

These manifestations of ignorance and intolerance are anathema to true practitioners of paganism and witchcraft and the onus falls not upon you but upon the holders of these opinions and being a part of any group espousing hatred and discrimination disguised as a spiritual precept would do more to retard your search for spirituality than help it.

Further reading: "Men & Magic: Can Men Actually Be Witches?" (The Traveling Witch)

"It really gets to me!
I see so many Instagram photos, quotes, articles and slide shows
made by fellow witches,
and so many of them revolve around women,
referring to witches exclusively as "she" and "her"
and acting like only pretty young girls with long hair can cast spells.
It's silly to me!"

Anonymous

Do all Witches practice magick?

Magick is a tool. As a tool, it can be used within any religion. Some people who follow the path of witchcraft do not practice magick. It would be inaccurate to say that magick has nothing to do with witchcraft. Still, there are those who choose not to practice magick. Foremost, “magick” as practiced within witchcraft ceremonies is not dissimilar in idea from that of the concept of “transubstantiation”, the miraculous change by which, according to Christian dogma, the Eucharistic elements at their consecration become the body and blood of Christ while keeping only the appearances of bread and wine.

Some "magickians", like artist and writer Alan Moore believe that any act of creation is an act of magick and that Michelangelo sculpting “David” was as much a magickal act as any spell work. Michelangelo himself said he did not sculpt “David” but “released him” from the marble, which implies he himself saw that “ART IS MAGICK”.

"Witchcraft is a Science, an Art, and a Spiritual Practice. Much of the magical tradition I practice ...is rooted in folk tradition and lore."

Maggie Haseman

Are there valid scientific principles behind Witchcraft?

Traditional witchcraft often is found to have science, history and the arts at its foundation and while the usage of magic varies greatly depending on the nature of the caster, some principles of magic seem to be universal. Modern scientific understanding of quantum physics, especially in the theories of quantum mysticism, supports the ideas of the interconnection and interdependence of energy and matter and this scientific concept of an interconnected universe is at the heart of the mystical, spiritual system of witchcraft.

Therefore, while the usage of magick varies greatly depending on the nature of the caster, some principles of magic seem to be universal. By the careful study of the structure behaviour of the phenomena, especially by watching, measuring, and doing experiments, the development of scientific theories to describe that phenonema is possible.

"Magic's just science that we don't understand yet"

~ Arthur C. Clarke ~

What Deities do Witches worship?

The Gods and Goddesses are seen as the male and female aspects of Nature. They do not reign over the Universe; they instead are the Universe itself. Most of the early inhabitants of ancient Europe followed one God and one Goddess, even though there might be many more deities in their particular pantheon. Often times the particular pair of deities someone followed would reflect some important aspect of their life such as their work, their home, their family, or their path in life.

The God is usually represented a protector or warrior and the Goddess often related to fertility or the land. The Gods and Goddesses are not omnipotent beings, they have egos and what we would consider to be human characteristics and failings.

*For more information on the Goddess movement
please visit our "Earth Mother" webpage

What is "The Homeland" in Witchcraft?

The homeland is quite possibly the most important aspect of Traditional Witchcraft. A deep spiritual connection to the ancestral homeland lies in the heart of the true witch and "The Homeland" is quite possibly the most important aspect of Traditional Witchcraft. The ancestral homeland is the home of the Gods and Goddesses, and in many beliefs the two are synonymous. The early inhabitants of Europe believed that the spirits they venerated inhabited the land itself. Many were migratory people, and when they traveled across the continent they took their deities with them. When these early Europeans wished to honor their deities, they created a connection between their ancestral homeland and the land where they now stood. In this way, the new land becomes a part of their ancestral homeland along with its spirits and when a Witch wishes to connect with these spirits they evoke (or invoke) the spirits of the land itself.

"The homeland is quite possibly the most important aspect of Traditional Witchcraft.
The homeland is the home of the Gods, and in many beliefs the two are synonymous."

Lady Abyss

Do all Witches meet in "Covens"?

One of the primary differences between Traditional Witchcraft and the "New Age" or "Neo-Pagan" movements ‎‎is that these modern movements are primarily ‎‎"‎‎hegemonic‎‎" ‎‎assemblies, ‎‎with a‎‎ sacrosanct hierarchy‎‎ and an immutable doctrine of beliefs. Traditional Witches, by contrast, are more ‎‎autonomous‎‎ and solitary in the nature of their practice. ‎

Wiccans and other neo-pagan movements will refer to their assemblages as " covens, though historically the word "coven" did not come into usage until 1921 when Margaret Murray promoted the idea, now much discredited, that all witches across Europe met in groups of thirteen which they called "covens".

Traditional Witches usually refer to their gatherings as "clans".

As nouns, the difference between a coven and a clan is that a coven is a clique that shares common interests or activities, while a clan is an extended family descended from a common tradition of ancestral lineage or native homeland.

"The natural size of a coven is one.
Witches only get together when they can't avoid it."

Terry Pratchett

What is the ethical standard for Witchcraft?

The life of a witch teaches that you should follow your heart and take responsibility for your actions. There is no good or evil. There is only the intent that one has when committing an action. Emphasis is thus placed on the intent of the action. This concept can be seen within a quote from a magickal tradition that says, "The whole of the action is the sum of its consequence". Energy is not constant and in terms of returned energy, this means that the energy can have many things happen to it along the way including deflection, absorption or transformation. Things are often viewed in the perspective of survival and some witches see this in terms of protection of home, family, clan and self and they may take action if wrongfully provoked.

"We do not seek power through the suffering of others, nor accept that personal benefit can be derived only by the denial of others."

.Ethics in Witchcraft: Green Witch Farm

Is Witchcraft a form of Satanism?

Traditional Witches do not worship Satan as this is a Christian concept not recognized in traditional pagan beliefs. Accordingly, the labels of “white witch” and “black witch , (popularly meaning a “good witch” as one who practices “white magick” and a “wicked witch” as one who practices “black magick”), are also misnomers as Traditional Witches practice a “natural magick” drawing on the forces of Nature and they refrain from attempting to manifest any form of black magick and the drawing down of negative or demonic energies.

"The major misconception about Witchcraft today is that Witches worship Satan, which is just not so. We do not believe in Satan. That is a Christian creation. We don’t worship evil. Indeed, to give evil a name is not a real intelligent thing to do, because then you give it power."

~ Silver Ravenwolf ~

Can one be born a Witch?

To become a witch, one must become a practitioner of the religion. Different traditions have different methodology for becoming a part of their tradition. For most, this involves some form of self-dedication to the Gods and Goddesses of the Earth. Even for those born into a family tradition, a conscious decision to follow the "Old Ways" must be made.

"Witchcraft is a craft, meaning that it is something that must be learned. It is not an innate skill, although it does rely on your ability to be in tune with all you senses. Witchcraft is also a journey. It is about discovering and nurturing your spiritual side. You can not be born at the end of this journey."

~ Silverlotus ~

Can I Be A Christian Wiccan or Witch?

(By Patti Wigington 2018)

Many people in the Pagan community were raised in a religion that wasn't Paganism, and sometimes, it can be a challenge to set aside the beliefs with which you were raised. Occasionally, however, you'll encounter people who didn't set their beliefs aside at all, but have found a way to blend their Christian upbringing with Wicca or some other Pagan path that they've discovered later in life. So, that begs the question, what about that whole "Thou shalt not suffer a witch to live" (Exodus 22:18) thing that appears in the Bible? ...

So, if you go strictly by the very definition of the words, one could not be a Christian Wiccan any more than one could be a Hindu Muslim or a Jewish Mormon. There are Christians who practice witchcraft within a Christian framework, but this is not Wicca. Do keep in mind that there are people who declare themselves to be Christian Wiccans, or even ChristoPagans, honoring Jesus and Mary as god and goddess together. It's generally rude to argue with how people self-identify, but if you go by actual semantics, it seems that one would rule out the other ... (read full article)

"Scratch the Christian and you find the pagan -spoiled.

Israel Zangwill

13 Things You Didn't Know About Witches

The month of October culminating in Halloween is known as the season of the witch. And while we all might think we know what a witch is — thanks to The Wizard of Oz, Harry Potter, and other onscreen interpretations — the stereotypical green skin, pointy hats, and blood-red fingernails are more fiction than fact. A Wiccan herself, author Judika Illes knows a fair amount about witch folklore and the modern witch, and in her new book, Encyclopedia of Witchcraft: The Complete A-Z For the Entire Magical World, she explores the history and mysteries of witches. Here she shares 13 of the most unusual facts about witches paired with excerpts from the book:

Halloween is not the only night that witches celebrate. Other holidays include Beltane, which marks the first day of May, and Midsummer's Eve, which coincides with the Summer solstice.
In Sweden, Easter is associated with witches. It was once believed that in the days leading up to Easter Sunday, Swedish witches would fly up chimneys on their brooms to meet and revel on mountaintops. These days, children dress up as witches and go door to door seeking treats, similar to trick-or-treating.
Witches come in all shapes, sizes, ages, colors, ethnicities, and genders. There are plenty of powerful male witches. However, just as in years past, all over the world, women are most likely to be identified as witches.
"Whether one admires, detests, or fears powerful women will have a lot to do with how one defines and perceives the witch."
Witches perform many roles. Rather than being dangerous, they tend to be of service to others:
"Witches around the world participate in all kinds of activities, ranging from healing to divination, from spell casting to spiritual guidance and leadership."
Not all witches are Wiccan, although many are. Witches follow many religions and also none. There are atheist witches, just as there are Christian witches, Jewish witches, Buddhist witches, and witches who follow virtually any other religion you can name.
Although many witches still practice ancient traditions, others are cutting-edge modern. Technowitches utilize computers and other forms of technology as magickal tools. A fictional example of a technowitch is Buffy the Vampire Slayer's Jenny Calendar.
Fairy tales feature witches living reclusively, hidden deep within forests. In fact, many witches are sociable city dwellers. Glamorous city witches are featured in the movie Bell, Book, and Candle, which stars Kim Novak as Gillian Holroyd, a Greenwich Village witch with a fabulous wardrobe.
Fairy tales are filled with "wicked witches," but historically it has been the witch or those accused of being witches, who have been persecuted. Unfortunately, this continues today.
Witches have many kinds of familiars, not just black cats. Other popular familiars include dogs, ferrets, rabbits, and snakes. Celebrity witch Sybil Leek's familiars "included Mr. Hot Foot Jackson, her jackdaw, and Miss Sashima, a boa constrictor."
Witches are worshiped. Among the most famous witch goddesses are Hecate, Diana, Lilith, and Freya.
The witch goddess Circe inspired what is considered the first ballet in 1581.
"Catherine de Medici, mother of the French king and an alleged sorceress herself, sponsored a dance company, La Ballet Comique de la Reine, whose first production was an over six-hour-long extravaganza featuring dance, songs, and elaborate floats devoted to the saga of Circe."
Witches have historically been associated with dancing. The waltz derives from dances enjoyed at secret witches' balls during the 16th century. It was initially very scandalous:
"Elegant, masked observers of witches' balls learned the dance and began enjoying it elsewhere. . . . The dance was called shameful and indecent. Dancers were warned that it would stimulate miscarriage and murder."
First published in Spain, the book widely considered to be the first true Western novel, is named after its central character, La Celestina, a witch:
"La Celestina, published at the height of the Spanish Inquisition, mocks the gentry, while simultaneously expressing empathy for witches, prostitutes, and poor struggling women in general."