What is a Witch?

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What is a Witch?

The Definition of Witch

One of the most common questions I get as someone who has been studying witchcraft for more than a few years is, "what is a witch?" According to 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 having usually 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 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 Witch is related to the word wise. Therefore Witch means 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 unwanted to desired outcomes by understanding the Laws of Nature and the Universe. What a mouth full!

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 Witch exist, and although they can be fun and helpful for description, the titles can be overwhelming and limiting. My advice is 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. And you will find words to describe your practice that 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. But 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.

I haven't identified as a Christian since my early twenties because I disagree with a few critical dogmas of the religion. I do value the teaching of Yeshua and see wisdom and value in different proverbs. 

My family is predominantly Christian, and I find we use different words for similar things. They will say, "God called me to do this…" while I say, "My guides or my intuition is leading me here…" 

While I find common ground in both these statements, some would be very offended that I compare my higher power to theirs. Many religions embrace us vs. them and my god vs. their god dynamic. I like to think truth-seekers are more clever.

Do Witches Worship the Devil?

In large parts of the Western world, Christianity and Catholicism are the only religions with the privilege to project their philosophy on other spiritual paths and ways of life. Paganism and secular witchcraft remain persecuted in many areas of the United States. I mention the US not because I think it's the center of the globe but because that's where I pull my life experience from, and I cannot speak for everyone and every country.

It's worth mentioning that Satan, Lucifer, or the Devil is a primarily Christian creation…not in origin but in energy. Judaism explores Satan but isn't nearly as obsessed over it as Christ-centered religions. 

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 are curious about learning more, check out Lilith: The First Even, the Demon, the Witch.

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. 

How do I become a Witch?

Am I a witch? The answer to that question can only be answered by you. As mentioned above, the word Witch means "wise person," so if you are interested in energy work, the pursuit of 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: