What Defines a Witch: Topic of the Month
For the Topic of the Month of August, we decided to focus on how we define "Witch".
In it's simplest form a witch could be defined as someone who practices witchcraft. However, the word witch is so varied in its meaning and definition from person to person, societally, and cross-culturally, that a solid definition can be near impossible to settle on. The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines it as:
1. one that is credited with usually malignant supernatural powers, especially, a woman practicing usually black witchcraft often with the aid of a devil or familiar, a sorceress,compare warlock.
2. an ugly old woman, a hag.
3. a charming or alluring girl or woman.
4. a practitioner of Wicca.
These definitions are, of course, changing as the people who identify themselves as a witch are redefining the meaning of it.
By Martin Le France (1410-1461) - W. Schild.
Die Maleficia der Hexenleut' Wiki Commons
The history of the word can be dated back before the 12th century. Merriam-Webster, shows the etymology as: Middle English wicche, from Old English wicca, masculine, wizard and wicce, feminine, witch; akin to Middle High German wicken to bewitch, Old English wigle divination, and perhaps to Old High German wīh holy.
Witch has a long history of use and has accumulated a lot of preconceived meanings and baggage through the years. We would like to define what the word means to us.
How would you describe yourself as a witch?
I would describe myself as a very eclectic witch that strives to learn the old ways in a modern world. I put my energy into walking lightly on this word. I focus on the nurturing and protective aspects of my magic to heal and protect the earth, creatures, and beings around me. I am a little Kitchen Witch & Grey Witch, a bit of Hearth Witch, a lot of Wild Witch & Green Witch with some Celtic strains thrown in for good measure. I have respect for the dark as well as the light and believe that we walk in the shadows of this world. I believe that the witches of this world hold more responsibility than the average human on this planet and so I strive to be the "Hedge Rider" that goes between the worlds. We are the healers of both the earth and the magical world. We bridge the gap between the seen and unseen. We deepen the connection between the spirits of this place and the beings that dwell here. I feel the closest to my true self when I am in my garden, crafting, or with my animals.
-Silver
The word witch, by itself, is not something I openly refer to myself as. I am a witch of sorts but one with a lot of extra labels tied to it. I practice a witchcraft that involves trance work, hedge crossing, spell work, herb crafting, and creating of objects. I practice kitchen, hearth, grey, hedge, and cottage witchery, hoodoo practices and American folk practices, and I am a seeker of different types of knowledge and experiences. I believe in doing what you are called to do, regardless of it following a specific path. I don't really identify as a specific type of witch except to say that I am an American witch. Many Americans can trace their lineage and culture down a long winding path of influences. Essentially a cultural, economic, and spiritual melting pot. This is what I am. I am an amalgamation of beliefs and practices with an emphasis on American witchcraft and folk practices.
-Ayda
Historic definition of witch?
A witch was seen as someone who could influence the mind, body, or possessions of another and do so against their will. Unfortunately, one could also be labelled a witch when they lived outside the societal norms or somehow undermined the social or religious expectations of the community. People with mental or physical disorders, those who had folk knowledge not known by the masses, and those who generally kept to themselves or were viewed as different all carried the risk of being accused of being a witch. There is also a long history of accusations of witchcraft among the nobles for political gain. A king could accuse his queen of witchcraft to marry another, and could attribute her inability to produce an heir as proof. Health, birthing, and crops were the most important aspects of early history and anything that seemed to disrupt or potentially influence these in a negative way were oft attributed to malicious forces. The blame was often placed on those different people who may have, but not necessarily, direct contact with the issues at hand. The people, often times women, that tended to the birthing of babies and the administration of folk medicines were frequently the target of blame when things did not go well. The people who lived on the outskirts of the communities or displeased or insulted another member of the community were also at risk of accusations. People need scapegoats and unfortunately these people were easy targets. This early definition of what a witch is falls in direct opposition of what modernity and pop culture has begun to define it. Even in ancient times, people who we would now associate with witchcraft, but who would never directly call themselves this, were practicing their unique blend of magic and folk knowledge. The shamans and healers, the cunningmen and women, the soothsayers and oracles, midwives and knowledge holders of the groups all had different practices that today, and were sometimes viewed in a negative way then, could be viewed as a form of witchcraft.
-Ayda
By Midnightblueowl Wiki Commons
How do you think this definition has changed since the contemporary witchcraft movement was brought to public attention by Gerald Gardner in the 1950's?
Gerald Gardner is well known as "The Father of Modern Witchcraft", “Britain’s Chief Witch”, and "The Father of Modern Wicca". and he certainly brought the craft into the public eye. He is a founder of Gardnerian Wicca, a branch of the Wiccan religion that, as we have discussed, is not the same as witchcraft as a practice. A very controversial figure, Gardner brought his version of the craft into the mainstream. This is both a blessing and a curse in the minds of many modern witches.
After the repeal of the last antiquated witchcraft laws in England in 1951, Gardner decided to bring his version of the craft public. This brought the craft into the limelight and made information on witchcraft accessible to the rest of the modern world. Unfortunately, many people believe that some of Gardner's information is questionable and that the attention he sought may have also had a negative effect on witchcraft in modern society. Honestly I may have to do an entire blog post just about him!
-Silver
Gerald Gardner, whether you love him or hate him, created a space for people to stand up openly as witches and started the dialogue that eventually led to some semblance of acceptance. Since his bringing Wicca and witchcraft to the masses, many witches began to openly define themselves and their personal practice. This allowed those practicing in secrecy to see that there were others like them and that there is such a varied practice of witchcraft. A witch can mean so many different things now and, like paganism, has so any individual and personal definitions to it that it has become impossible to fully understand what someone means when they call themselves a witch without additional information. The internet has been a tremendous blessing, and sometimes curse, to the witchcraft community in that it has become a place to find other witches and socialize. It provides a place for information to be shared and a connection to other witches around the world. The openness of being a witch and the acceptance, if maybe not complete understanding, has greatly changed since the days of Gardner and is headed into a direction that has and can lead to complete open practice without the fear of persecution.
-Ayda
Wicca and witchcraft are at times used synonymously, how do these two terms differ? Wicca is often times one's first exposure to witchcraft, what's your experience with both?
This is the frustration of many witches and Wiccans alike. Wicca is the most widely known path in the pagan umbrella. Wicca is a religion but witchcraft is a practice. So while you can be both a witch and a Wiccan, they are not the same thing and you can be either without the other. For example I am not Buddhist but I do practice meditation, In the same way I am not a Wiccan but I do practice witchcraft. Many pagans, myself included, started out on the path to Wicca. Most of the books and learning tools that are readily available are based on or about Wicca so it is the first information most new pagans can get their hands on. After a few years I discovered that Wicca did not quite fit me anymore so I began researching different types of Paganism and learned a bit about a lot of different paths before I decided that my personal path did not have to have a Name. I am a Witch and a Pagan and that is more than enough for me!
-Silver
Wicca was my first exposure to witchcraft. It is a much more gentle introduction into paganism than a pantheon of Gods for many people who are moving from the monotheistic religions. It is gentle, earth centric approach to witchcraft that I found very appealing. I was Wiccan for a number of years and really tried to force that into my practice, but ultimately felt it just wasn't right for the beliefs that I hold. I was part of a coven that was primarily Wiccan and loved the fellowship of like minded beliefs and worship toward a specific deity, but found as I progressed toward initiation that I didn't believe wholeheartedly. I knew I was drawn to witchcraft but was at a loss since I thought it needed to have belief system tied to it. Only within the last couple of years did I come to realize that witchcraft could be as religious or nonreligious as you make it. That is doesn't have to have any deities tied to it, but that it is also just fine if it does. This was a huge eye opener for me and one that has lead me to the comfortable place I am with my practice now.
-Ayda
What about paganism and witchcraft? How do you think these differ?
Witchcraft is a practice, something that you do or preform. Paganism is an umbrella term for a great number of different religious beliefs. It is very similar to the difference between Witchcraft and Wicca. You can be a Pagan and a Witch, just a witch, or just a Pagan. They are completely independent of each other. Many pagans practice some form of the Craft but not all of them do.
-Silver
Does one need to have a belief in the divine to be a witch? Does divinity play a role in your witchcraft practice?
You can absolutely practice witchcraft without any belief in the divine what so ever. You can also practice wholly separate from your religious/spiritual belief or include them in your craft. For me personally, my relationship with the divine and my craft are intertwined, they not all inclusive. I sometimes work with the divine but I also call on other energies in my magic workings. That, in my opinion, is the beauty in the Craft. You can go your own way and do what feels right to you.
-Silver
Religious belief is not a requirement of witchcraft just as witchcraft is not a requirement of religious belief. They can be mutually exclusive or all inclusive depending on the practitioner. Divinity shaped, and was a big part, of my early practice. As I explored my understanding in Divinity's role in the natural world and the role that other beings play, I discovered that while I believe in the Divine, it is a removed, albeit honored, part of my practice. I find that I do not have a personal relationship with the divine like I do with the spirits around me and I do not feel there is any discordance or negative feeling for having a distant relationship. I honor them at every rite I do but rarely call on them to be active in a working. I do not have a specific pantheon and may never have one. But I do still honor the Divine and give offerings and blessings to them. What is important is to do what feels right to you despite what you hear or read from others. Spirituality is after all an intimate and personal experience.
-Ayda
What defines a modern witch?
Witches nowadays combine the magic of the old ways with all of the convenience of the 21st century. Some keep a traditional book of shadows while others have a digital version. A modern witch may make her brews in the microwave or electric stove instead of over an open fire. Ordering spell ingredients is a snap with online ordering and you can even surf the web for products made by witches for witches. A modern Witch strives to reconnect with nature, the earth, and the old ways that have been long forgotten in this era of convenience.
-Silver
I think a modern witch is someone that applies the technology and resources available to their practice. But, there is nothing wrong with, nor do I think they are any less "modern", someone choosing a natural or more specific path. The internet has created a forum for witches to grow individually and I think nearly all modern witches have atleast a few, if not exorbitant, amount of books and bookmarked webpages. I think that is probably what I see as a modern witch. The access to information that we have in the modern age has created a new breed of witches that can define and make their practice into anything they want it to be. We are no longer limited by the knowledge being held by only a few since we can google anything we want to know or head down to our local witchy shop to inquire on a subject. I think it is still our responsibility to not allow cultural practices to become lost or muddied by modern invention but having access to these practices has expanded and created a wide eclecticism in witchcraft.
-Ayda
By Vassil Wiki Commons
Does hexing and cursing have a place in modern witchcraft?
Hexing and cursing can have a place in modern witchcraft. I think if a positive spell can be used, then that should be the first approach. The old saying "you catch more flies with honey than vinegar" is so true and can be used to ones advantage in a situation. Wish for a bothersome coworker or neighbor to be blessed with a job, possibly far away, that can't be passed up. Or, if someone owes you money, do a spell to give them an abundance of money instead of jumping straight into a spell that results in them being ill or uncomfortable until they repay you. However, if a situation is desperate or dangerous for an individual, then certainly, hexing should be an option. Stalking, violent neighbors, harassing co-workers, etc can all call for the use of hexing. Hexing and cursing have been used and associated with witchcraft since witchcraft has existed and I feel there is still a place for it in modern witchcraft. However, any hexing and curse work should be approached with the respect, caution, and seriousness it deserves and an acceptance, by the worker, of the potential repercussions.
-Ayda
I absolutely believe that hexing and cursing have their place just as blessing and healing do in modern witchcraft. Some new age pagans ascribe to the White Witchcraft thought or the 'An it harm none' rule. I personally believe the old adage "A witch that can not curse and not heal". The world is not simply made up of black and white for me, I live in the gray as much as anywhere else in my practice. That is not to say that I strive to live a life of the least harm that I can. However 'No Harm' is not possible as our very life choices or actions can inevitably harm someone or something. (For example: Do you eat meat, harvest vegetable, walk on the ground? All of these simple things lead to some form of harm to something.) I do however believe that cursing and hexing should be a last resort. Something that you use when you have run out of other solutions in your spiritual and physical bag. If you would not be willing to physically cause what you are about to do and accept the consequences, you should not be doing it magically either.
-Silver
Do witches have a responsibility to the magic community as a whole?
I don't think witches necessarily have a physical responsibility to the community as a whole, but I think they do have a responsibility to not contribute to the misrepresentation and negative stereotypes of witches and witchcraft. This view has been slowly changing since Gerald Gardner introduced it to the mainstream media but still has a long way to go until it is fully accepted.
-Ayda
For me, I do feel a connection and a small amount of responsibility to the Magical Community. I feel a responsibility to help others that may be struggling and to put information out into the cosmos so that other pagans that may be struggling have a varied and eclectic selection of reading to choose from. I also, as Ayda said, feel a responsibility to not contribute to the misrepresentation of witches and pagans in the media and in people's minds.
-Silver
Do witches have a responsibility to the communities they live in?
I think anytime a person has an ability or resource that can contribute to the community they have a moral obligation to do so if they can. That being said, I do not think it is a necessity and I don't think it will negatively affect them if they don't. But, if one is able to then by all means be the positive this world desperately needs. Many witches don't have the ability to openly give magically to their communities. The type of magic someone is most successful at may not be conducive to positive work or if someone are still in the broom closet may put a damper on getting them out and open in the community. However, small workings toward the general well being of the land or people around you can be done without anyone knowing. One doesn't have to work directly with the public or get recognition for the work they do. "Mundane" things can also be done to help the community. Pick up trash or volunteer somewhere, and while you're at it and if you're able, say a little prayer or even bring a small bit of herbs or other easily concealed magic working to release for the betterment of the community. A little bit can go a long way and combine with others to create a wonderful thing.
-Ayda
She took the words out of my mouth. I think that even as humans, we have a responsibility to our community and the people and lands that surround us. Even if it is something as simple as recycling or lighting a candle for a sick neighbor. Unfortunately, many of us can not, or will not, be able to publicly offer our witchy services to our wider community. This does not mean that we should not do what we can to heal, better, and enhance the communities around us when we can. Perhaps making a healing soup for a neighbor or lending a hand in a friends garden. You can volunteer at a shelter for homeless people or pets. I have even gone to town meetings I knew were going to be heated and done my best to inject a calm and communicative energy into the situation through both magical and mundane methods.
-Silver
*All answers to the Topic of the Month questions are of our own experience and opinions and we do not in any way claim to represent witches, witchcraft, or pagans as a whole. This is purely to give two witches' opinions on a given subject and no more. If you would like more information on a topic, please feel free to contact us and we will be more than happy to try to direct you to some resources on the subject.
