Witch and Wicca, The Differences

 

In these days of Pagan Revival there has been much confusion between the terms Witch and Wiccan. Don't be disheartened if you thought the terms to be synonymous, even long-time crafters are often unsure as to the differences. What you call yourself is wholly your choice, this FAQ will perhaps help you distinguish some of the differences between the two practices.

 

Wicca and Its modern origins... Regardless of the claims that Wicca is thousands of years old, it is in actuality a comparatively new arrival on the religious scene. In fact, Wicca, is most often traced to a man known as Gerald Gardner. The hotly debated story is that Gardner was initiated into a surviving Witches coven by one Dorothy Clutterbuck in 1938 or 1939. Some scholars doubt that this witches coven existed and have even accused Gardner of "inventing" the story to lend credence to his new religion, Wicca. It has also been said that Gardner "revived and preserved the ancient religion" and that we owe him a debt of gratitude. The fact is, Witchcraft is not a religion (Wicca is) and has been in continual practice, often underground for centuries! What Gardner actually created was a mix and match religion composed of ancient and modern traditions, with both history and fantasy elements. To this, he added his knowledge of magical systems (from wildly divergent cultures) and then added some rituals, specialized tools, rules and regulations and threw in a religious structure for good measure. The result is known as Gardnerian Craft.

 

The other traditions (trads) of Wicca, either add or omit "traditions" from this "craft base." Pre-Gardnerian Witchcraft... Many Wiccans consider themselves to be Witches but fewer "trad/hereditary witches" will call themselves witches and fewer still call themselves "Wiccan." Let me also point out that the term, as used here, refers to the Anglo Saxon, Teutonic and Celtic descended ways of life and traditions. (Strega or "Italian Witchcraft" is a religion, as is Voodoo and Santeria.) Most witches eschew any sort of label, preferring to mumble some innocuous term like "seeker." The reasons for this reluctance to "stand up and be counted" are manifold. Not least of which is the fact that "witches" have been looked upon as suspect since the dawning of humanity. Another reason is that most do not consider their way of life as being "special or superior" and in fact may not have ever considered whether or not they ARE a witch! What most Christians will find surprising is that one can be a "witch" and ALSO a "Christian", "Atheist" or whatever other religious or economic label that you can think of! In short, witches are human beings with likes and dislikes, subject to being generous or stingy, gentle or violent, loving or hating... just like anyone else!

 

What makes a Witch, a witch? Witchcraft is about manipulating energy and seeking to find balance and harmony in this life. Witches use their affinity for the varied life forms on this planet to attain those goals. If it sounds like this definition could be applied to anyone who "strives for harmony" or one who tries to manipulate things to favour them, it is because it can! The witches of the past didn't think of themselves as special, they were and are just trying to live as they were raised or taught. In fact, the majority of witches think of themselves as being personally responsible for their actions and strive to be as self reliant and earth conscious as possible. So, you see, it is really about being empowered, self and earth reliant and just plain trying to be the best person that you can be magick is a means to that end and to some it is even secondary!

 

Moving on to the FAQ proper... Traditional Witchcraft (tradcraft) is as varied as its motherlands but in general it holds the same views on many points...

 

Is Traditional Witchcraft a Religion?

No. Witchcraft is a way of life, of being. The closest thing to a religion that all witches tend to have in common is their deep loyalty and reverence of their ancestors, the family of origin, land and the kindred. This kindred may include just the close family or may encompass both family, relatives and any non-blood relation that was adopted into the family traditions. This is not to say that some trads haven't developed or borrowed some form of theology and passed it down to their descendants.

 

Is it Wrong to use Magick for Personal Gain?

This "teaching" of the popular television show "Charmed" has caused a lot of confusion among beginning crafters. If one can not use their Craft to better their lot in life, then why be a crafter? This notion seems to be a very American viewpoint and seems to come from WASP sources. I can guarantee you that the average Wiccan leader has no qualms about casting for personal gain and I know of no Tradcrafter who would either! There is a difference between being greedy and looking after your own interests. If you do not harm other people, then bettering yourself can only lead to good!

 

Are Male Witches called Warlocks?

The word Warlock is not used by males of the craft and in fact most male witches are offended by the term. (Not surprisingly as it means "Oath Breaker") The word "Witch" is not gender specific and as such denotes either a male or female of the craft.

 

What are the Difference between "White" and "Black" Magick?

The fact is Magick is nothing more than the manipulation of energy and energy is neither good nor evil, black nor white. Only INTENT can place (an artificial) colour on that which has none of its own. But if a colour is needed, than let it be Grey! Each action has an equal but opposite reaction and this is true of ANY manipulation of energy. While it is noble to talk of only performing "White Magick", there is a need for balance, nature demands it and wise crafters strive for it. Even if you only cast for needed rain, does it not pose a problem somewhere? What of those who have roof leaks? Or those whose tires are bald and the road slickness sends them careening into a tree? Let me ask the thoughtful reader a question... Because you have never learnt karate, will telling a would be mugger this sad fact keep him from harming you? Chances are good the answer is "No". My firm belief is that every crafter must be versed in both the positive and negative manipulation of energy. At the very least, this will give them an understanding of the repercussions of even a simple magical act.

 

Do Witches use a Book of Shadows?

No. The Book of Shadows is a Wiccan term for a book that is "written in the hand of its owner to record rituals amongst other practices in. The "old ways" were passed down orally and by example. Two very important things need to be recalled,

1. Most of the common people in earlier centuries could neither read nor write.

2. To have information written down, in any form, could have been used as evidence against you. In today's society, there are a great many witches who still carry this deep distrust of the written word let alone it being written by their own hand!

Chances are that you have heard of Grimoires. These books of the "Medieval Mystics" were interesting blends of valid oral tradition with bits of Hebrew, Persian and Christian beliefs thrown in. In some cases, deliberately misleading information was added and utter balderdash was sprinkled in. This does not mean that these treatises on transcendental magick should be taken lightly or made sport of. There are some powerful magick gold nuggets mixed in with the pyrite here.

 

Do Witches Cast Circles?

Yes, however not in the sense that Wiccans do, eg. a ninefoot circle and pentagram. This standard of the Wiccan ritual is either omitted or used only in very special circumstances by witches. (Some witches do "draw" one mentally.) Here is a good point for your consideration. When you place a label on yourself, say "Ceremonial Magickian" for example. You bind yourself to their rules and must heed by them. You need to follow the precautions set, not to do so could get you into a situation you are not equipped to handle.

 

Do Witches Invoke Watchtowers or Draw Down the Moon?

No. These are Wiccan inventions.

 

Do Witches have to use special tools, such as an Athame?

No. I find it interesting that Wicca has very proscribed rules on the fashioning and usage of tools. If one were to stop and think about it, you would realize that our ancestors cut herbs and ropes, skinned game and lanced wounds, cut up and even sleign their ration of meat with the same knife, namely the "dagger" they carried on their person. To have had special tools inscribed with fancy symbols would have been both foolhardy and superfluous. This is not saying that it was not possible, anything is possible as common sense dictates. However it is merely being pointed out that the common witch was not wealthy enough to own a tool without a mundane use and short of some kind of personal marking, it was more than likely not inscribed with anything, let alone magickal symbols. Many modern witches own "the cool stuff" simply because they can or because they want to. Again, special tools are not necessary for traditional witches. This is not to say that tools are not used, as they are... the point being that one does not need a £200 Athame!

 

Do Witches pour libations to a God/Goddess?

Recalling that a witch can be of any number of religions, this question is one of personal choice and tradition. As a rule of witchcraft, no. It is often used in the honouring the Ancestors type rituals, but to the ancestor, not a specific God or Goddess.

 

Do Witches "do cakes and ale"?

Done by peoples of all eras, this is good old hospitality. It is a Wiccan custom but is not universal among them. It is not a tradcraft rule.

 

Do Witches celebrate Sabbats?

No. The word Sabbat is a takeoff of the word "Sabbath". What witches did and do is to observe the "Seasonal Tides". Knowledge of the seasons were both crucial to agriculture and husbandry. To be caught unawares could mean starvation or even death. In almost all countries, some sort of festival was held to "unwind and rejoice" after the crops were in.

 

Do Witches use titles such as High Priestess or High Priest?

Not usually among themselves. Because a point of reference is needed when communicating to others, either in or outside of the craft this word has gained a sort of creeping acceptance among some witches. It is used to denote a leader or teacher but is by no means in the common parlance of traditional or hereditary witches.

 

Do Witches really do rituals sky clad (naked)?

No. Witches do not practice sky clad. This fallacy was pure silliness on the part of the ancient witch hunters. It is however a common practice in some Wiccan "trads" and if it is something you are comfortable with, then go ahead. :-)

 

How many degrees of initiation do tradcrafters have?

None, Wiccans generally have three degrees of initiation. Traditional Witches, if given an "induction" ceremony at all tend to do it as a rite of passage. The practice is not widespread. Some traditional witches just (informally) think of themselves as being a maiden, matron (mother) or crone. It is interesting to note that "croning" ceremonies are in vogue amongst baby-boomers of all religions.

 

What about the Threefold Law?

Many hereditary traditional witches do not recognize the "Threefold law" and if they do, they tend to think of it in terms of a ninefold return (3x3) of their actions. Again, this is a concept lifted from other religions. However, that does not make it invalid for use in the craft. Basically, "What goes around, comes around" is good advice to remember, for anyone.

 

What about The Wiccan Rede?

(You can read a long version on The Wiccan Rede.) Aleister Crowley's Law of Thelema read... "Do what thou wilt shall be the whole of the law. Love is the law, love under will." Gerald Gardner adapted the first portion of this into "The Wiccan Rede." There are several "long versions", the abbreviated version is... "An it harm none, do what thou wilt".

It can also be argued that both are a take off on the "Golden Rule." Another point for consideration could be "Do what thou wilt" refers to acting in accordance with one's True Will, which is basically what the individual "must do". There isn't any morality in True Will, there isn't really any "do unto others" in it. Although not a part of tradcraft, it is good advice for anyone but is generally not recognized "as a rule" by witches. What witches do tend to recognize is the fact that they are accountable for their actions to both the kindred and themselves. If a witch thinks that the outcome is worth the risk then they just might do something that Wiccans would not dare to dream of. Amber K's version of the rede makes it clear that in cases of self-defence the "Rule of Three" does not apply.

 

Do Witches perform elaborate rituals?

Very, very rarely. I was brought up believing that the test of a good witch was to be able to write and execute a "ritual" on the fly, that is, without preparations, tools or incense. I Agree. All a witch needs is the mind, no fancy words, candles, incense, or tools are needed. This is another of the big differences between Wicca and witchcraft, Witches use these items if at all as a focus for the mind... to induce the right mood, if you will. The candle could be a fat little sand-casted thing of any colour. Not necessarily "green" for prosperity or "white" for "good magick" or whatever. The same applies to the magick gemstones.

 

What deities do Witches worship?

None. Witchcraft is not a religion and as a group, the worship of deities, Pagan or otherwise is not done. Tradcrafters do however revere and respect their ancestors. In Wicca you can mix and match your Gods and Goddesses. eg. It is not uncommon to see a group or an individual "worshipping Odin and Isis"! That does not mean it is wrong, it simply means that is the person's preferences.

 

I once read that Witches "kiss the butt of the Devil, to gain their "powers", is this true?

Tradcraft is taught, crafter to crafter. There is no "devil" doling out power. It is long hours of study and years of honing skills. Satan, or the devil, can arguably be called a Christian "God", (before you e-mail me on this one, recall that Satan in Christianity holds a very powerful place) and as such, he is not recognized as having anything to do with tradcraft. (OR Wicca for that matter). So, the answer is no.

 

Do Witches really fly?

In Aeroplanes, aye! Seriously, in ancient times, mind-altering herbal mixtures were used for a variety of reasons. Contained in (some of) these ointments were herbs we now know to be strongly hallucinogenic. Short of "flying high" on the drugs effects these folks did not "fly"; wither it be under their own steam or on a besom. (broom).

 

Are Witches compelled to stop and count "the number of sieve holes" or grains of rice or whatever placed in their path?

This fallacy seems to have been believed in Colonial America. I am unclear as to the origins of this thought.

 

Is it true Witches can be killed by shooting a silver bullet into an effigy of him/her?

This was another common belief in Colonial America. A Witch, like any other human being is flesh and blood, shooting a bullet (silver or otherwise) into an effigy will not kill them. Shooting anyone in a vital spot, just might result in death.

 

Do Witches worship trees?

Witches honour and respect all life forms. Some ancient Pagan paths could be said to have worshiped trees or more accurately, the spirits residing in the tree.

 

Do Witches have a formal school?

Hereditary Witches are most often taught by example. (Just as a child learns to be gentle with the family pet or not to throw trash on the ground in any family.) By the age of eight or so, the subtly trained child is usually ready for more in-depth training. This is most often done on a one-on-one basis and tends to be both intensive and lengthy. The focus of the training is tailored to the specific "gifts" of the individual or to fill a specific need in the kindred. It also encompasses other magick for balance. This includes methods of defending yourself. If there is no knowledge of "dark" and truly there is really only "grey magick", how can one know the "light"? In general, the training also focuses on the use of magick, divination and healing as vehicles for personal attainment and a deep sense of "duty" to the kindred or family is instilled. The need for Secrecy is so deeply ingrained that to even write about tradcraft a little, as I have done here, causes a feeling of unease. (Why do I do it? Because the craft is about balance and most of what I have seen written about it is told from the perspective of those who would persecute us further.)

 

Do Witches dance Widdershins or deosil?

The term "Deosil" means "as the sun moves" (clockwise.) Widdershins (alt. Withershins) means counter-clockwise. Wiccans dance in a "Deosil" direction for "positive power" rarely dancing or casting the circle counter-clockwise. Some say witches dance only "widdershins", not being a dancer or coming from a tradition of dancers I can't honestly say if this is true of other witches.

 

Do Witches wear or use pentacles?

Some do... some do not... if one is a witch and also holds pagan beliefs in a tradition that uses the pentacle as a symbol, then chances are they just might. A Christian witch might wear a cross! One thing does seem to be universal amongst traditional / hereditary witches, is that they often go to great lengths to "not stand out." (Many Wiccans wear a lot of occult jewellery or "special clothing", some even wear their makeup or hair in "witchy" styles or may even paint or tattoo symbols on their bodies.)

 

You say Witches respect all forms of life, Does this mean witches are vegetarians?

No, as in any population, tastes in foodstuffs vary. Many Wiccans are strictly vegetarian. (Let me point out here and now: If you hook up a bio-feedback machine to a vegetable plant in your garden, then "harvest" it, a very audible high pitched squeal will emit from the monitor. Experiments prove that the plant knows it is being "harvested".) Tradcrafters (Witches) tend to recognize this fact. However, just as you will probably never see a witch littering as they respect the land too much for that, you will not see them killing just for the sport of it. In fact, most witches ask the plant or game which they have "harvested" for forgiveness and understanding. Many ask permission from the life form before they will take its life for their own usage.

 

Do Witches have to be born into being "Witches"?

No. If one is adopted into a kindred and taught the ways of that kindred, then one can, in time become a "Witch" or whatever the Kindred calls themselves. Anyone who wants to truly become a witch can by becoming a keen observer of both people and the world around them. There are not many (if any) "How To Be A Witch" books like there are books teaching Wicca, but it can be done. I would suggest looking into books of folklore, reading Mother Goose and Bardic tales, almanacs and other books with nuggets of wisdom. I would especially suggest talking to your elders; noticing if your family has little customs or ways of doing things and then adopting the ways yourself. In truth, there is no one way to gain this wisdom but with a sincere desire, you can become a witch and start your own "Fam Trad".

 

Loose Ends...

 

I use the modernistic common spelling of magic as magick to denote the difference between the "magick of witchcraft" and the "magic of David Copperfield". As with any article that you read, this article may contain errors and certainly contains my opinions. Different traditions have different methods of doing things. Yes, I am aware that there are some whom are witches and call witchcraft a "religion" wherein Gods and Goddesses are invoked. I am also aware that having a deep reverence of one's ancestors can be construed as being a religion. I am certainly not familiar with all variables, but have done my level best to be as accurate as possible.

 

This article is in no way claiming to be the definitive FAQ on either Witchcraft or Wicca and in the case of "Witchcraft" you will not find these answers in that book that you borrowed from the library. For some this may cover some grey area's relevant to this matter, for others more information will be sought and of course some will disagree...In creating this section it's here that I am given the opportunity to air my views and thoughts, thus they are mainly documented as a guide!!

 

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