Witches FAQ

Witches have been misunderstood and stereotyped for many a year. Here are some common questions and answers to help educate and dispel myths regarding our beliefs.

What is a Witch?

A Witch is someone who is well versed in, and performs magickal workings. They worship the Earth, and all living creatures, the Moon and Sun, but no particular deity. They have been around a lot longer than the new Neo Pagan religions, passed down through writings and orally through generations. However, their are far more Witches that follow another religion such as Druid, Celtic, Fairy or Wicca, as well as practice Witchcraft. After one officially dedicates themselves to study the Craft, you must study very intensely for a year and a day. This amount of time is traditional in every Pagan religion I'm familiar with. At the time, you will have a much better idea as to what Witchcraft is all about, and if it's the path for you, along with another religion, if that's how you've studied. At that point you go through an initiation ritual and are officially a Witch. A Witch is usually a very good healer. They know much about the use of herbs, trees, plants, rocks and gemstones, etc. Witches also tend to be good at divination, particularly tarot or rune stones.

Wicca or Witchcraft? Are they the same?

No, they aren't. Witchcraft in an of itself is considered a path, more than a religion, but I believe both terms are accurate. Witchcraft is the art of being very adept at performing magick. Wicca is the most popular Pagan religion by far. Wiccans worship a Goddess and a God represented in the Moon and Sun. Most Pagan religions incorporate the use of magick into their religious practices, that's were it starts getting confusing. Say you are a Wiccan, but you are also an adept Witch, what do you call yourself Wiccan or Witch? The answer...both, just pick what feels write for you.

Do Witches worship the Devil?

No we don't. The Devil or Satan is part of the Christian and Muslim religions. Witches don't even believe in the existence of a Devil, Satan or Anti-Christ. That being said, how could we worship something that we don't think exists? Doesn't make sense dose it? Witches believe that each and every human being is completely responsible for their own actions. To us, evil is a choice, albeit a bad one, that a human might make, not an entity to blame our actions upon. If an individual chooses to do evil, we believe they will be punished via The Law of Three or karma. If one is working for the good of others, we feel that the same laws will reward them. In other words, "What goes around comes around."

What are pentacles & pentagrams? What are they for?

A pentagram is a five pointed star. The top point represents the Spirit and the other four points represent North, South, East and West. A pentacle is a combination of the five pointed star with a circle around it which represents universal wisdom or the "Goddess". It's a symbol of protection worn as an amulet and used as a tool in spells or rituals. Pentacles and pentagrams are not Satanic. Pythagoras used it as a symbol of health and his followers wore them in order to recognize one another. In Medieval times, some Christian knights used the pentagram as their symbol. Satanists turn the symbol upside-down, which puts the elements of Fire and Earth at the top (Fire symbolizes willpower and passion and Earth, prosperity and earthly goods) and Spirit, spirituality, at the bottom. Satanists also turn the cross upside-down. This, in itself, does not make the cross or pentagram a Satanic symbol. In some Wiccan traditions, the reversed pentagram is a symbol of "second degree" status-one who has been elevated from "initiate". To members of these traditions, the reversed pentagram is considered highly positive and has no connection to Satanism.

Do Witches sacrifice humans and animals?

No. Although many ancient religions did perform these sacrifices. Today it's called murder. We don't eat babies or drink blood either. The nature of sacrifice is to give up something of one's own in order to gain something more important. We do not feel that the life of another creature is ours to give. Witches believe in the sanctity of all life. We may occasionally use a drop or two of our own blood, by poking a finger, but that's it.

Do you use magick to curse or hex people?

These two words have such a strong stereotype to them that it's going to be a bit hard to explain. There are different kind of hexes and curses. For example, an adept Witch who just got assaulted could curse the man to slow him down and make him easier to find, or prevent him from leaving the country. You aren't hurting the man, just trying to bring him to justice. If you found a dream car that you've wanted since you were a kid, but don't have quite enough money to get it, you could curse the car, making people feel uncomfortable around it until you can afford to buy it....and lift the curse. However to curse or hex a person out of malice, anger, jealousy, or any bad intentions is not allowed. The consequences would be far too severe, and it's just plain wrong.

Are you a black Witch or a white Witch?

I'm just a Witch. I don't know how this white/black, good/bad thing started but I've been asked this question a lot. There are no black/white or good/ bad Witches, just good or bad people, and a lot of magickal 'gray' areas in between. It is your sense of ethics, and common sense, that will tell you if the magick you're planning is karmic ally good or bad for you. Magick is not simply black or white, just like you can't point to everything and say whether it's good or bad, it may be somewhere in the middle, or as I say, the 'gray' area. Just remember that magick done for selfish or hurtful reasons will come back to bite you in the bum...and boy will it hurt!

Why don't Witches try to convert me?

We believe that finding your religious path is a personal choice. There is no right or wrong path. Yours should be the one that fills you will love and content. What ever path that is, is for you to discover. We respect all religions and wish that the same respect is reciprocated. The only time you may encounter a Witch at your door would be on Samhain (Halloween). They will be small in stature and will quickly leave if you give them a treat.

Can you be a Witch if you are gay?

Yes. There is no sexual or racial bias in any form of Witchcraft or Paganism. You can be straight, gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender. The universe loves everyone.

Are male Witches Warlocks or Wizards?

A male Witch is a Witch. To call him a Warlock would be an insult as it means "oath breaker." As For Wizards, only in story books and movies.