Who prefers to go by the term "witch"

[Hærfest Leah]

What does the word witch mean to you? How would you define it in your words not by a glossary definition? Why do you prefer to call yourself this?

I am a firm believer that this term needs to be out in the open more in order to change the incorrect meanings thats given it the bad name from those of the closed minded. What do you think?

[Ben Trismegistus]

I am a witch in the modern, neo-Pagan definition of the word. That is, a practitioner of witchcraft, a magical craft which primarily involves low magic or thaumaturgy (things like herbs, stones, incenses, etc.)

That said, I don't use the word "witch" much in public. I find that the general connotation of the word makes it easily misunderstood, so I only use it in the company of other witches.

[Moriquenya]

I am a witch in the modern, neo-Pagan definition of the word. That is, a practitioner of witchcraft, a magical craft which primarily involves low magic or thaumaturgy (things like herbs, stones, incenses, etc.)

That said, I don't use the word "witch" much in public. I find that the general connotation of the word makes it easily misunderstood, so I only use it in the company of other witches.

What he said.

[silverstard]

I may sometimes call myself a witch - when doing magickal things, but I usually call myself Wiccan. I will only call myself a witch when I'm with close friends & family.

[Sleet]

I do not practice spellcraft, so although I am pagan I am most certainly not a witch.

[Gede]

MM~
What he said.

What she said...:P

I rarely ever associate the word Witch with myself in public or when I am talking to curious others about my spirituality. I feel much more comfortable with the word Pagan, as besides Witch it is, I feel, the only word in the English dictionary which adequately defines me in any possible way.

This is my own definition of Witchcraft, it comes directly out from a glossary I wrote a while ago in accordance with my own feelings:

An individual, male or female, who works with the universal flow of energy (Magic/k) and who commits to serve the Self and humanity through this celebrated link. A Witch may concern themselves with religious devotion and morality; however these are extensions of the essence of Witchcraft.

Namaste, Gede...

[-Sky-]

I may sometimes call myself a witch - when doing magickal things, but I usually call myself Wiccan.

I agree.I sometimes call myself a witch because I think it is a more general definition but I usually call myself a Wiccan.
I used the term witch for myself before I was introduced to Wicca.When I was a young girl believing I had powers and that I didn't belong in the christian world.
For me a witch is a.Someone who practices witcraft.Who casts spells,potions etc
b.Someone who has supernatural powers.

~Anna

[DebLipp]

I used to call myself a witch more publically, but now that the word "Wiccan" doesn't usually get a response of "huh?" there's no point.

[*Rain*]

I just refer to myself as Pagan, If anyone asks 'Are you a witch?' I tend to answer with - not in the way you are thinking of. If they question me further I tell them I practice a form of witchcraft and will go on to explain the ins and outs of my beliefs (short version) if they seem genuinely interested.

[WhiteRavenBran]

I use the term witch when referring to myself privately or with people of like mind, but in "public" or around people who aren't familiar with my beliefs I don't use that word to describe myself...I tend to just say "pagan" because it's a bit more generic (even though it still gets a bit of a :wth: response). I personally like the idea of kind of "reclaiming" the word witch...the meaning I ascribe to it is that of "wise woman" (you can thank Shekinah Mountainwater for that one), so in that way it's an honor to hold the title, IMO. But that's just me...

[-Ember]

I used to use witch as distinctive from wiccan, but have been moving away from it the last few years. Like wicca, it just doesn't mean the same thing anymore.

[Mab]

I use the term in private & among friends who understand my beliefs. I find it very difficult getting through to strangers once they hear that word....and really....as I posted in another thread...I try to stay away from labelling myself BECAUSE only a few ppl understand what I mean when I say "witch". I'm not a Pagan, and not a Wiccan, and not a Shaman....so....it takes about an hour of me explaining who I am before ppl "get it", and I just don't find many worth that effort.

[misschief]

me. it's what i am. i'm not of any religion, not wiccan, just a witch.

[Iris]

Hey, yo, howdy. :)

I don't use the term 'witch', because

A) I'm not one. I rarely cast spells of any sort.

and

B) There are so many negative connotations, it's just easier to use another word, like 'pagan'. Which I find is more descriptive of me anyway, so everyone's happy :)

[Yasmine Galenorn]

I go by the term Witch. Now, though, instead of people asking if I'm a Satanist, I get, "Oh, you're Wiccan?" and I still have to say "Nope!" LOL....what a shift. I then add a qualifier, "I'm a shamanic Witch." Then they don't know quite what to say and I meander off leaving them to ponder that one.

Yasmine

[Tzhebee]

I do not practice spellcraft, so although I am pagan I am most certainly not a witch.
Yup, here too.

[malltynos]

witch,period.

[DebLipp]

I go by the term Witch. Now, though, instead of people asking if I'm a Satanist, I get, "Oh, you're Wiccan?" and I still have to say "Nope!" LOL....what a shift. I then add a qualifier, "I'm a shamanic Witch." Then they don't know quite what to say and I meander off leaving them to ponder that one.

Yasmine

See, when people get close enough I say "more or less," or "it's quite similar." If they don't want to be further educated I don't see the need to bother.

[Yasmine Galenorn]

See, when people get close enough I say "more or less," or "it's quite similar." If they don't want to be further educated I don't see the need to bother.

LOL...I prefer leaving them slightly confused. Gives me time to get away before they want to know more. I simply hate 'explaining' my beliefs any more and just refer them to my books or my website if they want to know more. :colorful:

Yazzapanther

[Aidron]

I refer to myself simply as a witch. However, like you Yasmine, I've gone from hearing "Oh, so you worship the devil?" to hearing "Oh, you're a Wiccan!" without ever noticing when this happened. Also, like you, I have to correct them.

I tend to elaborate very little beyond "I am an eclectic witch", and explaining what I mean by that somewhat. Of course, it doesn't really matter, I still get called a Wiccan, Satanist, and heck even a Druid once or twice. I'm not really sure why people even bother to ask me anymore. :foh:

I am now to the point where I am simply going to start informing people that I am a Buddhist, and if they hassle me with annoying questions that funk up my zen state, I'm gonna bludgeon 'em to death. :bouncysmi

[Aidron]

LOL...I prefer leaving them slightly confused. Gives me time to get away before they want to know more. I simply hate 'explaining' my beliefs any more and just refer them to my books or my website if they want to know more. :colorful:

Yazzapanther


Now, this bothers me. I dislike people attempting to slam me into a corner so that I will 'explain myself' when I am preoccupied, such as shopping for groceries, checking out, pumping gas, going to a movie, or simply walking down the street. Who the hell are these vigilante freaks who somehow misconstrued that not explaining oneself to their satisfaction equals certain death? :eyebrow:

[Avalon]

I call myself "Witch", because I follow a tradition of my own making, mostly concerned with folk magic and the honoring of my Gods in a simple way. To call myself Wiccan would be incorrect...but I do call myself Pagan when speaking to the public at large. As others have said, the word "witch" can automatically shut people's minds...

[misschief]

when i get 'oh you're wiccan?' i usually just don't answer, i get so tired of it.

[Ben Trismegistus]

when i get 'oh you're wiccan?' i usually just don't answer, i get so tired of it.
*shrug* At least they're trying.

[Yasmine Galenorn]

Now, this bothers me. I dislike people attempting to slam me into a corner so that I will 'explain myself' when I am preoccupied, such as shopping for groceries, checking out, pumping gas, going to a movie, or simply walking down the street. Who the hell are these vigilante freaks who somehow misconstrued that not explaining oneself to their satisfaction equals certain death? :eyebrow:

Yep, I don't ask them to explain their beliefs, I don't see any real reason to go into mine unless we're already on the subject of spirituality and/or religion. If I'm out shopping or doing errands, I tend to avoid the subject if at all possible, not because I'm trying to 'hide' because I never hide...but because it's not the appropriate place to discuss it and when I'm busy, I'm busy! Actually, most of the people I meet are more interested in my tattoos, which I don't mind (after all, I'm pretty inked up, and it's hard to ignore when I'm wearing sleeveless tops)...and when they ask if the tattoos have some significance, I usually just say, "They're spiritual in nature..." and that has been enough--haven't had anybody ask me to go into more depth than that. :colorful:

Yazza :colorful:

[Hærfest Leah]

I am now to the point where I am simply going to start informing people that I am a Buddhist, and if they hassle me with annoying questions that funk up my zen state, I'm gonna bludgeon 'em to death. :bouncysmi

haha too good

[misschief]

*shrug* At least they're trying.i know... i guess i'm just a big meanie sometimes. lol.

[~Elise~]

What does the word witch mean to you? How would you define it in your words not by a glossary definition? Why do you prefer to call yourself this?

I am a firm believer that this term needs to be out in the open more in order to change the incorrect meanings thats given it the bad name from those of the closed minded. What do you think?

I do think it needs to be more out in the open. While it is a part of who I am--it doesn't encompass all. Most generally I say I'm Pagan and leave it at that. If they ask more--I say I'm a Celtic Shaman--then they nod their heads and say, Cool. End of conversation for the most part.

I did get a response once that asked if what I did was like what was in The DaVinci Code...I nodded and said pretty darn close. He was happy, and I didn't have to explain anymore. LOL

We are becoming so mainstream...*sigh* (that was satire, BTW)

Elise

[CaitrionaMorgaine]

It's funny I should come home to find this thread. I was talking with my grandmother today about the fact that my former roommate is getting married to a man who finds me terrifying because he knows nothing about my spirituality. His fear led him to believe that I was a bad person simply because I was not Christian. My grandmother shook her head and said, "You're a witch! There's nothing wrong with that!"

My grandma is awesome.

I refer to myself as a Pagan, then a Priestess, then a Witch. They all apply, and it really depends on who I am talking to as to what name I use.

Avalon's Blessings, ~Rhiannon

[Aidron]

Yep, I don't ask them to explain their beliefs, I don't see any real reason to go into mine unless we're already on the subject of spirituality and/or religion. If I'm out shopping or doing errands, I tend to avoid the subject if at all possible, not because I'm trying to 'hide' because I never hide...but because it's not the appropriate place to discuss it and when I'm busy, I'm busy! Actually, most of the people I meet are more interested in my tattoos, which I don't mind (after all, I'm pretty inked up, and it's hard to ignore when I'm wearing sleeveless tops)...and when they ask if the tattoos have some significance, I usually just say, "They're spiritual in nature..." and that has been enough--haven't had anybody ask me to go into more depth than that. :colorful:

Yazza :colorful:


I stare at people who are very inked a great deal. I always flash a smile if they happen to notice me, but I enjoy seeing how they decorate themselves. Sometimes I am in such awe I want to run up to the person and ask to see more (if it's partially covered for example).

However, to get back on topic, I understand where you're coming from about the not hiding aspect. I don't hide. I wear tons of obviously magical jewelry, heck even my belts are enchanted to the discernible eye. If you are a seasoned practioner I'm sure you would realize that the occult plays a big part of my life, and if not you may presume it is or simply think I am weird. This is where I think people get the impression that they have a right to badger me into an explanation. Sort of like celebrities who have people come up and say "You know, I didn't really care for what you wore to (insert event here)" as if they have brass balls the size of Idaho. Perhaps you do ask for it some time, but I have met more than my fair share of people who no matter how I explain things, attempt to drag more out of me. I adore the ones who seem to be genuinely fascinated by the world around them and wanting to learn, but most of the time it's as if they are trying to catch you in a web of your own words to make you look foolish, then call you on it.

[misschief]

I want to run up to the person and ask to see more as an inked person i can tell you, usually we are more than happy to show off our work... so go ahead and ask to see it :)

[Pandoras]

I am a witch in the modern, neo-Pagan definition of the word. That is, a practitioner of witchcraft, a magical craft which primarily involves low magic or thaumaturgy (things like herbs, stones, incenses, etc.)
Yep, this part of what he said.

I do occasionally use the word witch outside the company of Pagans and witches; it depends on the situation. I know it makes many people uncomfortable, but my opinion is that one way to dispel negative misconceptions is to confront them and show people what a witch really looks like.

[Rubber_Piggy]

I do not practice spellcraft, so although I am pagan I am most certainly not a witch.

ditto

[Kalika]

I refer to myself as a witch, rather than a pagan most of the time.

A witch to me is someone who practices magick, believes in a goddess, reveres nature, and is spiritual. I know that's kind of vague, and could apply to a number of things - but I think being a witch is a personal path for each individual who chooses to follow it, and while there are more things than I listed above involved for me, those are some of the basics.

[turtlerain46]

While I don't go around saying "Look at me I'm a witch, I'm a witch". I am fond of the term and use it within private circles. When I think of the term I think about all the people who died for bogus convictions. I think about the struggle to save traditions of old.

[Blair]

I often use the term witch to prefer to myself. My definition of witch is anyone that practices magick(or magic if you'd prefer), anyone who manipulates energy for physical or spiritual gain, or someone who does herbology and/or folk healing. Generally in my book in order to be a witch, one must work with outside forces even if that outside force is simply the energy surrounding their body.

[ckynes1968]

I call myself a "witch" because I don't follow a strict Wiccan path so I don't feel that is correct to identify myself as Wiccan.

[Damage]

I go by the "term" Witch because that is what I am. More aptly, Pagan Witch. If people don't like it, tough tatas!

[gillian_greenleaf]

I do not practice spellcraft, so although I am pagan I am most certainly not a witch.

That pretty much fits me ... I'm sorta uncomfortable trying to fit myself into a premade container, particularly since I'm really a primarily goddess worshipping, sorta wicca, rarely magick-using pagan woman married to a mostly druid, lotsa magick-using pagan man (LOL). **Sigh** Life is just too confusing sometimes...

[morrigen]

"Kemetic Witch" to those who understand or are likely to understand with explanation...

...generic "Pagan" to anyone else.

Occasionally, "None of your ******* business" :lol:

[Stormcall]

I tend to not even go there.. I won't give people any reason to ask me what religion I practice, as I live in proverbial BFE and would probably get physically harmed, especially if I were to use the word witch!!! However, I DO like witch, and if I am comfortable with who I'm speaking to, I use it, mainly because I don't follow a strictly Wiccan path. Plus it'd be kind of nice to reclaim the word...
To me a witch is anyone who believes in the power of nature, of more than one representation of the divine, and works magick.

[~Anamorata~]

I will use it, and most often refer to myself as a Witch...my SO refers to himself as a Celtic Witch... :acheeer:

[zakzekezedd]

I sort of like the "definition" of a "witch" as being someone who manipulates natural energies to manifest a desired outcome. I have no problem calling myself a witch, it's who and what I am..

[Grey]

*sighs* Because of how I go about my practice, and my religious sides I prefer the term of Mage, though I am fine with the use of witch and will take no offence to it.

[tygherrayn]

A Witch is a person who lives close to Nature, as close as possible anyway, and who makes a point of understanding the natural cycles of life. A Witch doesn't have to practice any magick .. and even when one does it's less often in the form of High Ritual and more simply exertion of one's will upon the Universe.

[kitsch]

obviously, i like the term witch. it seems to suit the path i follow more. i used to be heavily wiccan (with a capital W, which you'll notice i never use anywhere.) for me it was transitional: when i first dabbled, i was under the impression that wiccans were the real-life version of movie witches. i didn't realise that real people were also witches, and that it was just as valid a craft.
i did the wiccan thing for a while, devoured all the cunningham i could find, but it didn't click for me well. i wasn't into the tools he insisted on, i didn't agree with where he said to place the altar, etc. i stopped thinking of myself as a magical person for a bit, because i thought this was the only option open.
once i clicked and decided to be a witch anyway, it all kind of worked. i started making my own way, leaving out tools and substituting. which is how i ended up a kitchen witch.

end babble.

[Lunamoth]

I prefer the term 'witch' though my husband likes to warn me off using that too openly, saying that people have the wrong impression of what it means. Not in an evil-you're-damned way, but in a "wacky New Ager with 30 cats" way. :D I too started my studies in Wicca, but determined that path wasn't for me. I perform magic and raise power, so to me that's the witch part. The rest is a spiritual heathen, if you will. In other words, I understand that one can be a witch without need for a spiritualistic side. For brevity's sake, I call myself a witch among trusted people, pagan or heathen among everyone else. If I were to outline for non-pagans every aspect of my spiritualism, it would sound like a laundry list and just confuse people.

Right, I seem to be rambling. *shuts up now*

[Rudas Starblaze]

well, i'm not sure. for years i've wondered exactly what i am..... i am not a Pagan, and i've been told i'm not a wiccan, but the same person who told me that said,,,,"you are a witch,,,,, a christian maggi, because you are different then the rest of us" i dont really consider myself a "christian maggi" for the fact that i dont always do the right thing. i dont use herbs, i dont use stones, i dont use potions (unless beer counts, hehehehe), i use my mind and apperently spells,,,, but i dont have a spell book??????? strange,,,,very strange... but i dont mind being called a witch,,, have been for years, if people dont understand, then they dont have to talk to me!!!!!

Rudas

[HorseCrow]

I am a witch. To me a witch is someone who has knowledge and respect for Nature, herbs, healing and the waning and waxing of all things living....

[Hugo]

I think of myself as a Witch. I dont tell most people that though. I dont like to talk to people about my religion because of being judged. But to those who know my religion, I consider myself a Witch.

[Grey]

A Witch is a person who lives close to Nature, as close as possible anyway, and who makes a point of understanding the natural cycles of life. A Witch doesn't have to practice any magick .. and even when one does it's less often in the form of High Ritual and more simply exertion of one's will upon the Universe.
That sounds more like a Druid... just MHO.

[Theres]

personally i could care less about 'reclaiming' the word (or anything else, for that matter). it's just not that important.

but i go by witch (when i feel the need to go by anything) because it is the most accurate description of what i am.
i was a witch before a very long time before i became Wiccan, and i was a witch for 11 years as a Wiccan. and though i no longer consider myself truly Wiccan, i am still a witch.
i am very drawn to the Greek pantheon, but i can't really call myself a reconstructionist. however, i have been trying to find more information on the Thessalian Witches of ancient Greece. perhaps that is where my label lies?
:hmmmmm:
if not, oh well.

[Wolf O Volos]

Lets see... I work in a hospital that used to be run by nuns, priests and others of the christian faith. And I can assure you, there are still a LOT of people who hold that it is a "Good Christian Facility". IF I was to outright proclaim I was a witch, they would have me in the chappel, praying over me to save my mortal soul.... I tend to tell folks that I am pagan, and that I follow a religion older than can be *named or classified*... Besides that, I am curious as to the origin of the word "Witch"; it was my understanding from some of the things I have learned over the years, that the word Witch, much like warlock, is a christian connotation, used by christians to appoint those who did not follow their God, or their saviour, Jesus. Someone who was destined to burn in Hell for their sins. So, seeing as I have no intentions of ever burning in a place I really do not even believe in, I do not refer to myself as a witch.

[Hærfest Leah]

Besides that, I am curious as to the origin of the word "Witch"; it was my understanding from some of the things I have learned over the years, that the word Witch, much like warlock, is a christian connotation, used by christians to appoint those who did not follow their God, or their saviour, Jesus. Someone who was destined to burn in Hell for their sins. So, seeing as I have no intentions of ever burning in a place I really do not even believe in, I do not refer to myself as a witch.

Ya know, thats a good point. I have not had the chance to do much research on anything lately. I see where your coming from. I wouldn't want to call myself by a name that christians invented for the sake of something to label their so called damned.

[Lunamoth]

I'm of the understanding that assuming Christians "invented" the word "witch" is incorrect.

Witch Word Origins (http://www.flindersclubs.asn.au/pagan/paganism/witchorigin.html)

[MorningDove030202]

I prefer to call myself a Wiccan becuase I'm not sure that Witches realy exisisted histoicaly speaking. So far I have seen no evidence of a Pre-Christian magick positive religion that actualy called themselves or their clergy "Witches". But hey, If someone has evidence, feel free to show me!

Dove