What is a Witch?
What is a Witch?
The Definition of Witch
One of the most common questions I get as someone who has been studying witchcraft for over a few years is, "What is a witch?"
According to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, the definition of Witch dramatically differs depending on who is saying it. One definition is, "1 in fiction and folk traditions a: a person (especially a woman) who is credited with usually having malignant supernatural powers." or "b: a woman who is believed to practice usually black magic often with the aid of a devil or familiar [such as a] SORCERESS." The dictionary goes on to define witchcraft as "2: or less commonly Witch: a practitioner of witchcraft, especially in adherence with a neo-pagan tradition or religion (such as Wicca); 3: a mean or ugly old woman [example:] HAG, CRONE; a charming or alluring girl or woman."
No wonder the definition of a witch feels like a gray area with so many interpretations. I think it is helpful to go to the word's origin in times like this. The source of the word is still disputed among historians, but the most agreed-upon thought is that it is related to the word wise. Therefore, a witch means a wise person; witchcraft is the Craft of the Wise. In my own words, I define a witch as a truth-seeker, a seer, and an alchemist of desired outcomes by using their Will, their understanding of the Laws of Nature, and their connection to Divinity.
Religion and Witchcraft
Witchcraft is not a religion, whereas Wicca is a religion. Witchcraft can be practiced secularly, meaning you do not work with deities. You can be atheist, agnostic, Pagan, Buddhist, Catholic, etc. Each Witch is free to choose their faith if desired according to the rules and restrictions of each religious path. Some witches will avoid any religious label because of these restrictions.
Witch is such an umbrella term. No two witches are identical, and we can vary significantly in values, beliefs, and traditions. You can be a secular witch. You can be a pagan witch. You can be a Hindu witch. You can be solitary or in a coven. You can be an eclectic witch, which means you take from many different types of witchcraft (becoming more common with technology, the internet, and global communication.) You can be a green witch, a chaos witch, a kitchen witch, and the list goes on and on. Check out 45 Types of Witches for more examples!
So many labels and sub-categories of the witch exist, and although they can be fun and helpful for description, the titles can be overwhelming and limiting. I advise you not to get caught up with the labels, especially when you are only a couple of years into learning! As you grow in your path, you will find avenues of the Craft that call to you. You will find words to describe your practice that make you feel comfortable.
As for witchcraft and non-pagan religions, just because you claim a particular religion as a witch does not mean the religion will claim you. Christian witches exist. It's natural for someone to want to hold onto some traditions of their roots while adjusting their spiritual practice to what feels the most authentic to them.
Religions often melt and evolve into new branches of traditions. This evolution is valid, especially now, as the world is more multi-racial and multi-cultural than ever. However, this does not mean that the philosophy of that religion will acknowledge your validity or that the values will line up when we compare the majority belief system. Contradictions need to be acknowledged on an individual level.
I don't say this to dissuade anyone from a path they feel called to; my point is that it can still be hazardous to claim witchcraft in certain religions, demographics, and areas of the globe. Not everyone keeps an open mind! I'm not saying to live in shame and fear; just be thoughtful about sharing.
Do Witches Worship the Devil?
Satan, Lucifer, or the Devil is a primarily Christian creation…not in origin but in energy. Judaism explores Satan but isn't nearly as attached to it as Christianity. While some forms of witchcraft parallel to Christ-centered religious influence acknowledge the saints and demonic forces, many witches use the Devil as a metaphor for restrictions or shadows inside each of us. Good versus evil is not nearly as accentuated as in Christianity or Catholicism but instead focuses on the balance between destructive and creative forces in equilibrium, each necessary for life.
Even proclaimed Satanists do not believe in the literal Devil. They see him as an archetype that opposed tyranny, similar to the feminist acceptance of Lilith, but that topic is for another day. The story of Lilith is intersectional with the creation and vilification of the Witch. If you want to learn more, check out Lilith: The First Even, the Demon, the Witch.
How do I become a Witch?
Am I a witch? Only you can answer that question. As mentioned above, the word Witch means "wise person," so if you are interested in energy work, pursuing enlightenment, and learning traditions of the old ways across the globe, you might just be a witch. A few factors that might signal a calling to witchcraft include:
A deep connection and compassion for nature and wildlife.
An interest in the occult or dark arts.
Heightened sensitivity to the metaphysical.
A desire to focus your intentions to manifest desired results