are you a Witch who objects to being called Wiccan?

[Ben Gruagach]

The question came up in another thread whether there were any Witches who object to being called Wiccan. So here's a poll to ask just that!

Please feel free to post a message to the thread explaining your opinions and thoughts on the topic too.

[TheWomanMonster]

Not really too 'witchy' I don't think... but then...
I guess I probably am a little. _vb_
I don't mind being called anything, if people directly ask if I'm a wiccan I'd say no. But if they want to know more about me I'll tell them.
Normally I get asked it when someone sees a book, or notices my reference to the goddess or something like that. :)
Not a huge deal for me though.

[RainInanna]

I need the option "I am a Witch and do not consider myself Wiccan".

In other words I don't find it offensive, just misleading and inappropriate.

[Ben Gruagach]

I need the option "I am a Witch and do not consider myself Wiccan".

In other words I don't find it offensive, just misleading and inappropriate.

It didn't occur to me that anyone might find it offensive to be called a Wiccan (although I guess there is one in every crowd, eh?)

The poll was in response to someone in another thread saying that they didn't know of anyone who considers themselves a Witch who wouldn't also say they were Wiccan. (I guess this particular person hasn't ventured into the Christian Witches or the Kitchen, Green, and Hedge Witch sections here in Paths.)

[ModernKnight]

I would not like to be called "wiccan", not only is it inappropriate, I don't like the prevalent attitude that "wiccan" comprises the entirety of modern paganism.

[Xander67]

It really is not something that I would loose any sleep over, but personally I dont wear a label...

[PoisonIvy]

I object to being called Wiccan.
I have nothing against wiccans or their beliefs,but I'm not wiccan. I am a witch plain and simple. I practice the old ways of witchcraft,I do not worship multiple dieties,I think the law of threefold return is crap(no offense),and I don't see the reason behind having a hierarchy in a coven or that you must reach a certain level in your studies to obtain a certain status. You don't need someone to tell you when you're ready for whatever,you should already know in your heart where you are as a witch and we never stop learning.

As you can plainly see....I don't follow the Wiccan Rede.
If you do follow the Rede and you're happy and satisfied with yourself.....have at it!

[nightchild]

i am beginner here and i am wiccan so no i don't mind

[Rudas Starblaze]

I object to being called Wiccan.
I have nothing against wiccans or their beliefs,but I'm not wiccan. I am a witch plain and simple. I practice the old ways of witchcraft,I do not worship multiple dieties,I think the law of threefold return is crap(no offense),and I don't see the reason behind having a hierarchy in a coven or that you must reach a certain level in your studies to obtain a certain status. You don't need someone to tell you when you're ready for whatever,you should already know in your heart where you are as a witch and we never stop learning.

As you can plainly see....I don't follow the Wiccan Rede.
If you do follow the Rede and you're happy and satisfied with yourself.....have at it!

i agree totally. wicca seems to be based off of jewish and catholic traditions more with the whole hierarchy and all. *thinks* Hmmm.. cant wipe my ass without permission?? <--coven scenario.

[Vigdisdotter]

I'm a witch and I don't like being called Wiccan, since that's not how I self-identify.

[Carla O'Harris]

Actually, it's based on the Guild System.

[Rudas Starblaze]

Actually, it's based on the Guild System.

exactly! the similarities are shocking.:lol:

[elfmage]

I'm a witch and a NeoPagan, but not a Wiccan. And of late, I dislike being called one (mainly because being 18 and called Wiccan makes people automatically assume that 1) I'm a n00b, 2) I'm an idiot, and 3) I'm in it for the "kewlness" factor).

[CleftOfLight]

It doesn't offend me because I know that most people don't know the difference between a wiccan and a witch.Infact many books on the subject make the two seem like one and the same.I just politely tell them I am not wiccan,but do practise the Craft.

Though I can see were some people would get mad or frustrated exspecialy if it happens on a constant level.

[Cindlady2]

"Oh, your a witch? Your a Wiccan then."
(equals) =
"Oh, your Christian? Your a Catholic then."

No, I am NOT Wiccan.

[Philosophia]

At the start, it didn't bother me but now it kinda does. The main thing that does infuriate is when I have the Wiccan rede thrown at me and told that I'm not a witch because I don't believe in it, or that my principles of belief don't mesh with the Wiccan theology so I can't be one.
Otherwise, I usually just correct them by saying, "I'm a witch, not a Wiccan."

[Merrilyn]

I consider myself a witch, but not Wiccan. Been there, tried that, just not for me. It doesn't necessarily bother me if someone calls me Wiccan; I'll just politely correct them. Unfortunately, in my community, if you're Pagan you're pretty much lumped in as a Wiccan automatically. That's when I get irritated.

[RainInanna]

It didn't occur to me that anyone might find it offensive to be called a Wiccan (although I guess there is one in every crowd, eh?)

I've seen many who would find it offensive.

That said, the question is "are you a Witch who objects to being called Wiccan". I would say if someone objects that implies they find it mildly to extremely offensive, otherwise why would they object?

[VelvetBlade]

I object to being called Wiccan.
I have nothing against wiccans or their beliefs,but I'm not wiccan. I am a witch plain and simple. I practice the old ways of witchcraft,I do not worship multiple dieties,I think the law of threefold return is crap(no offense),and I don't see the reason behind having a hierarchy in a coven or that you must reach a certain level in your studies to obtain a certain status. You don't need someone to tell you when you're ready for whatever,you should already know in your heart where you are as a witch and we never stop learning.

As you can plainly see....I don't follow the Wiccan Rede.
If you do follow the Rede and you're happy and satisfied with yourself.....have at it!

Well said!!

~VB

[Lady Aeris]

yeah, i would pref. if people didnt call me Wicca just because im not Wiccan- i dont have anything against Wicca, but i dont practice it and do not wish to be stereotyped or assumed as wiccan- that probably sounds bad, but i dont mean it that way. Im a witch that doesnt follow religions, i dont appreciate the titles.

[Kaylara]

I'm a Witch and Wiccan, so no, it doesn't bother me.

[covenofkeys]

yes it bothers a little me to be labelled a Wiccan.but admittedly, there are those who know no different , but im a forgiving person, so i can deal with that.to each their own.

[Felidae]

I don't like people to assume I'm Wiccan just because I'm a Witch, but I don't get all huffy-puffy about it, either.

[Ben Gruagach]

I've seen many who would find it offensive.

That said, the question is "are you a Witch who objects to being called Wiccan". I would say if someone objects that implies they find it mildly to extremely offensive, otherwise why would they object?

Well, we've had more than just one or two on this thread alone who have said that they let people know that they aren't Wiccan and would prefer to not be called one, but at the same time they aren't offended by it. It's more about being accurate rather than being offended.

And for those who are offended by being called Wiccan I can understand their point of view too. Especially since it sounds like at least in their area people equate Wiccan to be naive in-it-for-the-shock-value sort of thing (no matter whether THAT is accurate or not!)

[Semjaza]

Hmmm... I'm not Wiccan, and to be called so would be just as incorrect as being called a Druid, or a Christian, or whatever. If I were talking with pagans, and was called a Wiccan, I'd probably correct them. With non-pagans, I usually just let them keep whatever assumptions they have about me. If they think I'm Christian, or Baha'i, I'm not going to tell them otherwise. If they think I'm Wiccan, and they can accept Wicca but not witchcraft, then I won't disagree, or agree, with them.

So, with pagans, I'd correct them; with non-pagans, it's a non-issue.

Cheers,

Semjaza
FFFF

[Zephyrstorm]

I'm a witch, and not Wiccan, but I chose other on this poll. Since my methods have been influenced by Wicca, I can see why someone might think of me as Wiccan, and I wouldn't be offended. but it wouldn't fit how I see myself. ;)

[skilly-nilly]

"Oh, your a witch? Your a Wiccan then."
(equals) =
"Oh, your Christian? Your a Catholic then."

No, I am NOT Wiccan.


Well, we've had more than just one or two on this thread alone who have said that they let people know that they aren't Wiccan and would prefer to not be called one, but at the same time they aren't offended by it. It's more about being accurate rather than being offended.

I generally correct people who call me Wiccan. I'm far from 18, so they don't do it to imply that I'm a nOOb but (I think) as either a kind of acceptance token or to indicate that they have some understanding of the concept.

Like Cindlady, I use it as a kind of educational moment; I say that I'm a different kind of Pagan than a Wiccan and use the Methodist/Catholic example to explain what I mean.

Mostly people who feel that 'Witch' (what I self-identify as) is a pejorative term use 'Wiccan' as a substitute, but I don't see those 2 terms as necessarily congruent at all.

I voted 'object' in the poll, but I would have to say that I object pretty mildly.

[Sionnach le Fey]

I don't like people to assume I'm Wiccan just because I'm a Witch, but I don't get all huffy-puffy about it, either.

I'm the same.

[Garnet]

I practice withcraft & honor the G*ddess, but I consider myself, first & foremost, a Jew.

So I belong to the Jewitchery community & a non-Wiccan witches forum.

[moonbride]

It really is not something that I would loose any sleep over, but personally I dont wear a label...


What he said LOL.
It's all words in the grand scheme of things. I know what I am and what I'm not so that's all that really matters to me as far as this is concerned.

[wolf]

I am not offended to be called Wiccan, because most folks don't know there are different types of witches, but it's not an accurate term to describe me, and so I'll typically correct people about that.

[Nitefalle]

I prefer not to be called Wiccan because, well, I'm not Wiccan. I follow a very different path than the Wiccans and I don't want to misrepresent them, or have others think that that's what I do. I don't find it offensive, but it's very misleading, especially as all the sects/paths/traditions are VERY confusing to people not on the Pagan path for awhile.

[Meadhbh]

The other reason it bothers me is because I'm not wiccan and its never a good thing to be called what your not.

[Circe3]

I am wiccan and I am a witch.
I'm a solitary practioner and don't believe you need to be initiated or reach certain levels in a coven but everything else I agree with. I know there are other wiccan witches like me and to answer the question no it does not bother me because I am Wiccan.

[Remia]

I like how "Wiccan" has fewer connotations, or at least, less connections to halloween than "witch." usually (when the subject arises) i introduce myself as a witch then explain my way back, just because it's more shocking. i like people to be put out of their comfort zones just because they don't KNOW.

[WiccanGoddess]

I am Witch, far from Wiccan, far from a witch.

[Amelserru_halqu]

I prefer to be called a metaparanuclearsorcerousizard, but that's just me.

[HetHert]

Witch yes....Wiccan no.

[Windsmith]

It used to depend on who was calling me Wiccan (I think some other people have said similar things upthread, but I'm too tired to reread all the posts again). If a non-Pagan (especially someone I'm not particularly close to) called me Wiccan, I let it go, because trying to explain why that wasn't right took more time and effort than I was willing to expend - and they usually didn't actually care, anyway. But if a fellow Pagan called me Wiccan, I'd correct them, because 9 times out of 10 they were people who just assumed that every Pagan was Wiccan. It got especially frustrating because half the people in my tradition say we're Wiccan, and the other half say we're not, which made it difficult to defend my not-a-Wiccan position.

Of course, these days I'm not sure I'm even calling myself Witch, so I'll probably start finding it amusing. "Wiccan? Buddy, are you ever barking up the wrong forest..."

[MankyCat]

No one has made that mistake about me...

But I would be offended if someone was told I am not wiccan but continues to call me as such simply because I allow the term witch to be applied. I am definitely not a wiccan.

[Erincelt]

I am a Witch, and a Wiccan, and voted as such, but I wanted to note the telling results thus far in the poll. (And its relevance to the original discussion that inspired it. I'd say this answers their question rather thoroughly, Ben. ;))

I think the essential rule is this: never call somebody an adherent of any path you've never heard them call themselves. And when all else fails: just ask. If Bob has called himself Witch, then so far as you need to know, that is what he is (assuming you haven't seen blatant evidence to the contrary, this is all hypothetical, no need to get into technicalities). If you think Bob might be... uh, a Christian Witch, for example, but you aren't sure -- just ask him! Wouldn't things be so much simpler if people could be honest and integral with labels, their own and everyone else's? Then we can stop worrying about the appropriateness of labels, and go back to just using them for the lingual convenience that they are.

[omar]

I prefure pagan,wizard or shaman. Wiccan & witch just freaks out the Christians & turns the neighborhood against you.

[wolf]

I think Wizard and Shaman both have a particular specificity of definition that does not fit the general class of 'follower of pagan path.'

[Silver and Iron]

I am a Wiccan, and a witch. I have been so for 10 years now. I've never been called a Wiccan or a witch, probably because I do not tell people.

[Dawa Lhamo]

i agree totally. wicca seems to be based off of jewish and catholic traditions more with the whole hierarchy and all. *thinks* Hmmm.. cant wipe my ass without permission?? <--coven scenario.lol, that's definitely *not* been my experience... Just thought I'd inject that in there...

I consider myself both a Witch and a Wiccan... but I have a more sentimental attachment to "Witch"... "Wiccan" was always (in my family) something to call yourself when you want to sound nicer or more socially acceptable (when not pleading Lutheran or "not really anything"). A synonym (as I learned it), but "Wiccan" didn't (and still doesn't) evoke the same visceral reaction in people that "Witch" does.

So even though I'll commonly identify (when someone asks) as a Wiccan, I suppose I like it more to be called a Witch. ^_^

But I'm not offended at all...

[Teresa]

Witch , yes .Wiccan , no but most people who know me know that already. I correct people only because I do not want them to hold me to standards I do not adhere to or believe in. I am what I am what I am. My form of magic is Hoodoo.

[~Elise~]

Don't like to be called Wiccan--but it depends on who is doing it. Non-pagan, don't normally correct because it takes too much time and it will go over their head, most likely.
pagan--oh yeah--correct 'em right away...

Elise

[confused.woman]

I am a *witch* not a *wiccan* I don't follow their "codes" and "laws" and redes. I am a witch. I use magic. I have no "faith" just myself. The last person to tell me I was a Wiccan and not a witch was a teacher in HS and he got a very rude talking to, in front of what was left of the kids in my class who hadn't left for lunch yet.

[ladyraven]

I don't follow any path except my own, so I don't like to be called a Wiccan. If my own beliefs had more in common with Wicca than I may not mind it, but since the Wiccans are here and I tend to disagree and they like to tell me I do things wrong, I don't like being called so. It especially bugs me when another pagan or Wiccan calls me a Wiccan after I have said something about being pagan or a witch, I get a little irratated and correct them right away.

[VelvetBlade]

Reading this thread brought a funny story to mind. I have a sweatshirt that says.."NOT ALL WITCHES ARE FROM SALEM". I wear it to work now and then. One time that I wore it, one of the editors came up to me to read my shirt and he grinned and said "come on...I don't think you're a witch". And I replied, "No, really...I am". He just giggled and walked away. He was taking "Witch" to mean "Bitch". Of course, I can be one of those too...lol

~VB

[Annest]

I´m a solitary ecclectic pagan and a witch. I don´t like to be called wiccan, ´cause I´m not.Simple as that.

Anne

[Xirian]

Personally, I object to being called Wiccan, because it has been made very clear to me on many forums that it is an initiatory religion and I must be in a coven to become a Wiccan. I personally don't believe in the Wiccan Rede, the Law of Three or other beliefs from this particular religion.

It is offensive to me when another pagan calls me a Wiccan. They have obviously not taken the time to ask me what my beliefs are. I certainly won't lose any sleep over it, but I will most definitely correct someone if they call me one. I tend to have the same view as pearls59, that if someone who is a non-pagan calls me one, I will ignore it because it's generally too convoluted to explain at the time.

I find the structure of the Wiccan religion to be very much like how I was raised in the Jehovah's Witness religion and the more that the Wiccan religion is accepted in mainstream society, the more structured this religion appears to become. I am a pagan and a witch because I didn't like that structure, the hierarchy, the fact that one must learn at someone elses pace, and the fact that only some people can really know the "truth" on a whole, which is how the JW's are set up and run.

That is how I see Wicca as well. There is a structure there, a hierarchy, one can't know the "mysteries" of spirituality unless they have been initiatied and the year and a day idea seems to not recognize that everyone learns at a different pace. I am beginning to see the Wiccan religion as I see many Christian religions. I don't feel this is bad or wrong, but it certainly isn't for me and I don't like being connected with either.

I also agree with the following thoughts:


I object to being called Wiccan.
I have nothing against wiccans or their beliefs,but I'm not wiccan. I am a witch plain and simple. I practice the old ways of witchcraft,I do not worship multiple dieties,I think the law of threefold return is crap(no offense),and I don't see the reason behind having a hierarchy in a coven or that you must reach a certain level in your studies to obtain a certain status. You don't need someone to tell you when you're ready for whatever,you should already know in your heart where you are as a witch and we never stop learning.

As you can plainly see....I don't follow the Wiccan Rede.
If you do follow the Rede and you're happy and satisfied with yourself.....have at it!


The main thing that does infuriate is when I have the Wiccan rede thrown at me and told that I'm not a witch because I don't believe in it, or that my principles of belief don't mesh with the Wiccan theology so I can't be one.
Otherwise, I usually just correct them by saying, "I'm a witch, not a Wiccan."


Don't like to be called Wiccan--but it depends on who is doing it. Non-pagan, don't normally correct because it takes too much time and it will go over their head, most likely.
pagan--oh yeah--correct 'em right away...

Elise

[Moonlight's Daughter]

Just remember-not all Wiccans beleive you have to be in a coven, get initiated, and do the whole year and a day thing.-I am a solitary wiccan, but Wiccan none the less. (just clarifying) I am a Wiccan and a Witch-so it doesnt bother me at all

[Xirian]

Just remember-not all Wiccans beleive you have to be in a coven, get initiated, and do the whole year and a day thing.-I am a solitary wiccan, but Wiccan none the less. (just clarifying) I am a Wiccan and a Witch-so it doesnt bother me at all

Thank you for the clarification, but to try to keep my post shorter than I had planned and not rant about everything I find wrong with the Wiccan religion, I opted to keep out the parts about some wiccans being solitary (which many are told they can't be anyway) and some other wiccans who are in covens having a problem with that. I just didn't think it belonged.

[halfwaynowhere]

i find nothing wrong with the term wiccan, but it seems to be overgeneralized lately... everybody just assumes i'm wiccan, and i'm not. I'm a naturalistic/humanistic witch. calling me wiccan would be like calling a protestant catholic. calling a catholic christian would be alright, but not all christians are catholic, just as wiccans are pagan, but not all pagans are wiccan... does that make sense? i try to avoid wiccan stereotypes, because i don't want to be mistaken for wiccan, not that i'm against wicca, but because that term really does not fit in with my beliefs.

[Moonlight's Daughter]

Thank you for the clarification, but to try to keep my post shorter than I had planned and not rant about everything I find wrong with the Wiccan religion, I opted to keep out the parts about some wiccans being solitary (which many are told they can't be anyway) and some other wiccans who are in covens having a problem with that. I just didn't think it belonged.


Ahh-Okay, now I understand! LOL:cheers:

[Xirian]

Ahh-Okay, now I understand! LOL:cheers:
Cool!!! :D

[Prophecy]

I am a Witch through and through. Tired of people asking "are you a Wiccan?" Now I just say sorry no, I'm not a new age witch. I studied Wicca for quite awhile and found that it is based on the new age train of thought taking from all possitive beliefs to make their own.
As for Covens, well Not all Covens are wiccan and not all Covens are Witches. I have a Coven here and we are all equals in it and it is a teaching coven. The similarities of the 2 can be explained like this. One stole it all from another just like other Catholic and Christian faiths have done in the past. Witchcraft really is a religion and it is a science. If it wasn't for past followers of the Craft we wouldn't have modern medicine as we have it now nor would we have a lot of other things such as wonderfully hand made capes robes wands staffs candles and "other religions" :hahugh: :fpraise:

[*~Amora~*]

Being that a Wiccan is not necessarily a witch, and a witch is not necessarily Wiccan, it is not appropriate to assume the two are linked. Although there are people who fit into both categories.

[wooleybob]

Makes no Diff to me..call me what ever,its the inner truth of your belive,and statifaction of knowing in your Heart of what you are and what you stand for.

[BlueMoon13]

I am a witch, NOT a Wiccan, and over time have become more and more offended when someone calls me a Wiccan. Not the general populace-if a non-pagan calls me a Wiccan, I may or may not correct them. I'd like to set them straight everytime, but it's not always appropriate, but I do when I can.
In the case of another pagan, I immediately correct their misconception. Unfortunately, I have come across those who say " No,no you're a WICCAN, a WICCAN!!!!!" or another gem, "You're a Wiccan, you just don't know it yet". Then we have those who insist you're not a witch OR Wiccan if you don't kiss the ass of a certain erstwhile stripper:bangyourh and on and on. Perhaps it's because where I live there are large numbers of witches, Wiccans, and pagans of various despcription that it's become a sore point with me, but it has become so, perhaps because some Wiccans in this area are having a difficult time accepting that they don't have a stranglehold on psychic ability, herbalism, and so on.

Not to paint all Wiccans with the same brush, but I have noticed that when I hear a faction in the pagan community putting another faction down, it always seems to be Wiccans putting someone else down. What gives?_inabox_

[Prophecy]

I am a witch, NOT a Wiccan, and over time have become more and more offended when someone calls me a Wiccan. Not the general populace-if a non-pagan calls me a Wiccan, I may or may not correct them. I'd like to set them straight everytime, but it's not always appropriate, but I do when I can.
In the case of another pagan, I immediately correct their misconception. Unfortunately, I have come across those who say " No,no you're a WICCAN, a WICCAN!!!!!" or another gem, "You're a Wiccan, you just don't know it yet". Then we have those who insist you're not a witch OR Wiccan if you don't kiss the ass of a certain erstwhile stripper:bangyourh and on and on. . What gives?_inabox_

LOL SISTAH Sistah tehehehe ah yes a fellow Sanderson sistah reincarnated LOL

[Cyzarine]

I do not really like to be called a Wiccan but I know that some people just use the term loosely or they do not know any better. It does not bother me if it's because of any reason I stated. I know what I am and that is all that matters. I will usually explain to them that I am a witch and that there is a difference. If they want to listen great. If they do not I don't mind either.

[Bethra]

I am NOT a wiccan, I do not follow the teachings of Gardner or Alexander. I have never been part of a coven of this nature and I am not initiated. So why on earth do folks insist on calling people like me wiccan? *roles eyes* I wouldn't say I find it offensive but I sure do find it irritating.

[inkywitch]

I don't strictly adhere to the Rede, nor the ceremonial structure to ritual in Wicca, but my beliefs run along a line fairly similar. I don't call myself Wiccan because I have not studied and been initated into a Wiccan coven. I'm Eclectic, I supose. And I avoid those heated Badger vs Fluffy discussions on Wicca being initate-only and whether solitary un-initated practice is aceptable, or not.

I wouldn't care if you labled me Wiccan, though I'd say technically it's incorrect. I'd only care if I was not taken serious because I was labled as Wiccan. Wiccans seem to get a bad rap for being eith airy fairy flufbunnies, or anal retentive stick-up-the-arse badgers. No one seems to reconise the inbetween.

[SylverStar]

It's one of my little pet peaves actually. Not that I find anything wrong with being Wiccan...it's just not who I am. I sometimes have to correct friends of mine. I get called the wiccan one a lot by them. I think it's mostly that they don't know/understand the difference. That and other people have a somewhat concept of what wicca is...but use the term witch...and the think halloween.

[Lauren Michele]

I am a witch and I would like to be addressed as one. Someone may accidentley say I am a Wiccan, like my mother, who thinks it sounds better than the word Witch. But mom dear...I am still a witch.:wave:

Lauren~

[Desert_Witch]

I only define myself to facilitate comunication and understanding with others. So I do not care what people call me as long as we can come to some kind of agreement as to what that name means! As i am a Initiate of Wicca, I can be a Wiccan if someone wants, but as I do not practice Wicca unless it is with my coven, I feel Witch is more all encompassing of my Path. My new Title for myself is American Cunning Man, cuz it sounds cool:lol:.

[darkchild]

I am a witch, not Wiccan though. The issue doesn't really come up often, as I live way out in the woods and do as I please without the scrutiny of others. ;)

[darkchild]

I am a witch, not Wiccan though. The issue doesn't really come up often, as I live way out in the woods and do as I please without the scrutiny of others. ;)


Dawn

[darkchild]

Oops, don't know why that posted twice.

Dawn

[Romani Vixen]

I am a witch, and I'm not Wiccan.

[morganxpage]

I get annoyed when people call me Wiccan, because it would offend so many Wiccans. :lol:

[RoseKitten]

I'm not wiccan. I following nothing of wicca, and in fact, have no religion at all. :) I don't like being called wiccan, and gently correct those who say that I am. ^_^

[neoshayna888]

I personally wouldn't like if someone called me Wiccan. I have nothing against Wiccans or anything, but I don't like how nowadays, most people think the only "witchy" religion is Wiccan. I think we need to help break this "cycle" and correct people if we're not really Wiccan. But that's just my opinion...

[Keldra]

I don't get offended if someone calls me Wiccan, but I do correct them. If they continue to call me Wiccan after I've corrected them, then that I would consider offensive, but no moreso than being described as a member of any religion I have explicitly stated I am not part of.

[PhoenixfireLune]

I don't find it offensive if someone asumes I'm Wiccan, I simply correct them. I know that Wicca is the most popular and well known form of witchcraft today, so I can't blame them really for thinking that.
It DOES irritate and offend me, however, when I try to correct someone and they "inform" me that Wiccans and Witches are the same, and anyone who isn't a Wiccan, isn't a Witch! Yes, I have been told that by one ignorant person, even after I gave evidence and logical reasons as to why she was wrong, believe it or not. It sadens me.

On one hand I'm greatful that other Witch traditions aren't so popularised, as they seem to dodge the fluffy crap written about them that way. On the other hand though, it does mean that some people will simply ignore any tradition that isn't Wiccan as "not real Witchcraft". Not everyone, but some, and I had the misfortune to meet one such person. ><

[Kimberlily]

I voted "I don't care". Why? Because I started off on a Wiccan path, which has evolved over the last 11 years into a more eclectic practise. If someone calls me Wiccan, I correct them and explain my path to them since there are lots of people who assume that if I'm a Witch, I must be Wiccan.

[Pesha]

I started my journey as a Wiccan and have over the years become more eclectic and know I am a natural born witch. And as far as Wicca is concerned, it did me much good and you have to have a starting place.

[Prinsazz]

Im a witch and not a wiccan- i didnt mind before until i tried to explain it once and I said I was a witch- i was asked "are you a witch or a wiccan?" to which i responded Witch. He replied "ah so you are bad then, wiccans are good."

ignorance at its best right there

[Rainbow]

I don't get upset when people mistake me for a Wiccan initially, but I don't like being called "Wiccan" because I do not follow Wiccan tenets, do not believe in Wiccan theology... etc. In other words, I object to being called Wiccan because I am not a Wiccan.

[demonique]

The poll is a bit misleading, I think. I voted "I am a Witch, and I object to being called Wiccan" - but this sort of leads one to believe that the two terms are interchangable, and I just... object to one.

That's not true. I object to being called Wiccan because I am NOT Wiccan. I could just as easily say: "I am a Witch, and I object to being called Christian." See how funny it sounds?

More accurate would be an option for "I am a Witch, and I am NOT Wiccan." It's a matter of being a flat out wrong term for what I am, not a matter of just objecting to one of many terms for the same thing.

But maybe I'm too literal. In any case, I am a witch, not a wiccan, and hence, naturally, I don't want to be termed a wiccan. But it's not something I lose sleep over.

My closest friend still calls me a wiccan, even though she knows better, and even corrects herself mid-speech.

[nightcrawler25]

I'm an eclectic pagan witch. I really don't like it when people call me wiccan because I don't believe the same ways as wiccans. PoisonIvy-- I completely agree with you here. :)

[~Belladonna~]

I Witch and Wiccan so no, it doesn't bother me.

[Adrianus]

A witch and a Wiccan are two different things. I am a British Trad Witch, or a Traditional Witch, and the traditions, practices, magic, and beliefs of Traditional Witchcraft are too dif to be considered Wicca. Those that taught me objected very strongly to many things that Gardner invented and tried to pass off as witchcraft.

Need to keep in mind that Wicca is a modern religion founded in the 1950's by Gerald B. Gardner. His Wicca contains some elements from the traditions of British witchcraft, however, Wicca was a new creation that was primarily based on many external sources including the beliefs, structure, and the much more formal ceremonial magick of the Golden Dawn, the Freemasons and other occult societies. That ain't witchcraft.

[gurlygurl2004]

I sort of object to it considering I now know the difference but considering that most of witchcraft philosophies come from Wicca, I guess I don't mind.

[Adrianus]

...I now know the difference but considering that most of witchcraft philosophies come from Wicca...

Oh? It would be the other way around, if at all. I wonder if you can name a "philosophy" in witchcraft that comes from Wicca?

[Autumn-Forest]

I am not a Wiccan, its more organized than I am. lol
I'm eclectic, which means I derive my practice from many magicks and lore, I would not be able to do that if I were Wiccan.
Also, Wicca means you must be iniated into a coven and that is not how I wish to worship, by getting iniated. And Wicca usually depicts the Goddess and God, which I just got aquainted with the Goddess, but its not the one that Wiccans use. Same with the God.

Anyhow, thats my 2 cents,
Autumn-Forest

[blueangel]

I don't consider myself Wiccan as I do not follow any of those traditions but dip in and out of whatever i fancy. It's tough to define but Wiccan seems too specific.

[ajc2184]

I object to being called Wiccan.
I have nothing against wiccans or their beliefs,but I'm not wiccan. I am a witch plain and simple. I practice the old ways of witchcraft,I do not worship multiple dieties,I think the law of threefold return is crap(no offense),and I don't see the reason behind having a hierarchy in a coven or that you must reach a certain level in your studies to obtain a certain status. You don't need someone to tell you when you're ready for whatever,you should already know in your heart where you are as a witch and we never stop learning.

As you can plainly see....I don't follow the Wiccan Rede.
If you do follow the Rede and you're happy and satisfied with yourself.....have at it!

:cheers:

[Sea-Witch]

I agree with the others who have said that a Witch and a Wiccan are not necessarily the same thing. I am a Witch and I am also a student of Druidry. I am not a Wiccan.

I chose "other" in the poll. :)

[pkm]

I'm a witch period.

I didn't even know that wicca existed until I was in high school and was free to learn what I wanted to learn, which I have found out wasn't much because everything I needed was already there I just had to open myself to the knowledge I already had.

I don't need books, classes, nine foot circles or half an armory to learn to be who I am, who I have always been. I do believe in karma but if someone pisses me off...well sorry for them.

I have some books for reference, but quite honestly they don't get used cause I just can't get past the fluff in some of them. I don't even know where half of them are anymore. I do what I do when I do it and I don't need a bunch of preparation or bells and whistles to do it.

[Xentor]

I'm no witch; I consider myself a healer. I suck at witchcraft. I'm not Wiccan either.

[aniraangel]

I need the option "I am a Witch and do not consider myself Wiccan".

In other words I don't find it offensive, just misleading and inappropriate.

Thats how I feel too.

:D

[Drako3]

The question came up in another thread whether there were any Witches who object to being called Wiccan. So here's a poll to ask just that!

Please feel free to post a message to the thread explaining your opinions and thoughts on the topic too.
I am pagan but my path is somewhat similar to that of the wicca religion though I refuse to claim it as I have differences of opinion with it...:viking:

[Jadewynd~]

Definitely a witch but, not a wiccan. Though I have adopted wiccan ideals and practices it doesn't stop there; I have also adopt other paths as well. It's not that simple. My spiritual lifestyle is constantly growing and transforming.

[peggarty]

I'm a Witch, and while some of my practises may be Wiccan in origin, I'm personally not Wiccan. I'm more of an Ecclectic/Hedge Witch kinda 'make it up as I go along' kinda Witch. But it works for me :)

Although after the civil ceremony at my recent wedding we did have a Handfasting which I think was essentially Wiccan.

[Rainsong]

my belief system is very ecclectic. I am just pagan. I at this point don't have a label for it and don't know if I ever will. I am me -very spiritual-empathic and open minded. at least in comparison to most people I know.

[VestaMoon]

I don't imagine that it causes me any harm if someone were to call me by a name or belief not my own.. It just shows they are uneducated about me.. doesn't say anything about me at all.. What they call me doesn't make it so.. :)

[Garden of Eden]

It does sort of irritate me to be called Wiccan. While I was reading this thread I began to try and figure out why. I indentify myself as a witch, without any preamble or particular prefix... and while I'm sure that it would be quite easy to say that some of my practices bear similarities to Wicca, I don't consider that I adhere to any of religious rules etc. stuff like the three-fold law, the rede, etc. They're just not 'mine', if you know what I mean. So it does bother me when I tell people that I'm pagan, or a witch, and they respond with "Oh, you mean like a Wiccan?" (or worse... You're a Wicca? I blame Buffy the Vampire Slayer for that one. Yeah, I'm a Wicca... are you a Christianity?) 0.o

[Caitlin.ann]

I'm a witch and I don't find it offensive to be called Wiccan, but in general in general I try to correct anyone who may think or ask or assume I'm Wiccan. There's nothing wrong with being Wiccan, but I'm not one.

[WynterWynd]

I am a Witch, not a Wiccan. I do not like being called a Wiccan. Being called Wiccan infers that that I follow the Rede and all the other tenants of Wicca, which I do not.
I do not follow the threefold law.

And on an entirely OT question......why does the spell checker keep telling me that Wicca/Wiccan is being spelled wrong?:hrmm:

[Catiana]

I am a witch and Wiccan. So no it doesn't me, since that's what I am.

[brymble]

To be totally honest, I would prefer not to be called either.

[BlackLili]

Witch here, but not a Wiccan.

Interesting to see so many. I think the prevailing perception of Pagans is that we're mostly Wiccans, but anyone reading this thread and poll would notice differently.

[aluokaloo]

i'm a witch, and a pagan but not a wiccan, i don't object to being called wiccan, probably because no one ever called me one before. and i wouldn't object either, i would merely correct if the situation ever came up.

[Shanti]

I'm not a which nor wiccan and I don't care what anyone calls me period.

[Sethserpenthus]

I strongly dislike being called a "Wiccan." Well, maybe perhaps if they're mistaken, but if I correct somebody and they still call me that I will get unnerved.

[Dark Phoenix]

I'm both a Witch and a Wiccan, so no it doesn't bother me.

[Sage]

Another Witch who is not Wiccan. I checked the first option because I don't want to misrepresent any religion. I am not Wiccan so I wouldn't want to be called something I am not.

Sage

[Tullip Troll]

nope do not like to be called wiccan, in fact I sometimes get tired of the assumption that I must be wiccan.

I to do not follow the rede, nor three fold law. In fact I don't follow !

[peggarty]

nope do not like to be called wiccan, in fact I sometimes get tired of the assumption that I must be wiccan.

I to do not follow the rede, nor three fold law. In fact I don't follow !

It's interesting that you should say that. Usually I strongly object to being referred to as a Wiccan, but just recetnly I'm having a slight rethink. Let me try to explain.

I've been a solitary practitioner for about 14 years, but have had no training at all, am self taught in just about everything I do, and have never been initiated. Therefore I've always referred to myself as an Eclectic Hedgewitch, or sometimes a Kitchen Witch.

You may be wondering what's wrong with that? Well, nothing, I don't suppose. Except that now I feel that some kind of formal training and initiation might be useful. But I don't want to join a Coven. But if you look at training that is available, it does seem to be mostly Wiccan. So while I'll never actually call myself a Wiccan, I am currently undergoing their training.

[Sethserpenthus]

So while I'll never actually call myself a Wiccan, I am currently undergoing their training.

I also took some Wiccan training, mostly to be well-rounded and see what's all out there, I still object to being called "Wiccan" because I don't feel it describes me.

[Branwen_Yr_Hardd]

I ticked other. While I don't object as such to being called Wiccan I will always point out that it is in err to call me as such. I have not been initiated into a coven that practices Wicca and nor is it a part of my beliefs. As such I will set people right. It is more an irritation than an objection for me. I don't imagine if someone was to say to a Muslim "you believe in Allah who is G*d so you must be Christian" they would let that go without pointing out the mistake either.

[Wolf O Volos]

I object to most "labels"... I am what I am, and I dont need someone declaring themselves a "high priest/ess" to make my inner spirit "valid"

And those who say "You cant be a pagan, or a witch, or whatever" because I never got "initiated" into the fold... Kiss my @ss. :D

[Rosetta Morrigan]

In my opinion, Witchcraft and Wicca are entirely different things. Me? I'm a Witch- I do not consider myself a Wiccan and I know I could never be one due to too many conflicting beliefs. I have nothing against Wiccans, however, and I do borrow some of their ideals and rules in my practice (ie The Rede, the Threefold Law).

[lil'BuddhistWitch]

i personally dont like being referred to as Wiccan, but being on a college campus... i find it so much easier to say Wiccan rather than having to explain Pagan to a bunch of people who wouldn't understand...

but im just a witch.

[Aidron]

Very much so. I find it insults both me and those who are genuinely practicing Wicca.

[WitchyLady777]

It's not an applicable term for what I do really. Nothing against it but I don't really consider my tradition to be all that akin to modern Wicca. It's a convenient label sometimes in so far as the public is concerned, but it doesn't really fit me or what I do...

[LibraMoon]

I am not wiccan and dont like being referred to as such either.

the only "label" I do use, is pagan.. Im growing and changing and like pagan because I feel its the loosest of labels.. and I only use that when asked :)

[RivaWitch]

I am a Pagan & a Witch but not Wiccan.

[Convallaria]

My mother tells her friends that I'm Wiccan because she doesn't know the difference between Wicca and other traditions of paganism. I don't like it, and I correct her every time, but I don't think she'll ever fully understand, haha. Otherwise, I never tell people I'm Wiccan. I tell them I am pagan, and then if they ask I try to explain how/why I am not Wiccan.

[Windsmith]

My mother tells her friends that I'm Wiccan because she doesn't know the difference between Wicca and other traditions of paganism. I don't like it, and I correct her every time, but I don't think she'll ever fully understand, haha.My mom does the same thing. I've called her on it a couple times, and I'm pretty sure she understands that I'm not Wiccan, but she claims that nobody else in her area has heard of any form of Paganism besides Wicca, so she just uses Wicca because it's easier. I personally think it'd be easier to just say "Pagan," but maybe "Wiccan" feels like a safer word to her.

[Convallaria]

My mom does the same thing. I've called her on it a couple times, and I'm pretty sure she understands that I'm not Wiccan, but she claims that nobody else in her area has heard of any form of Paganism besides Wicca, so she just uses Wicca because it's easier. I personally think it'd be easier to just say "Pagan," but maybe "Wiccan" feels like a safer word to her.

Maybe it's that "Wicca" is a recognized tradition and our mothers don't want to have to explain themselves further when they tell people, lol. I never thought of it that way. I may have to be a little more forgiving from now on, haha.

[TheLittleWitchy]

I don't like being called Wiccan as that isn't what I am or how I practice. It bothers me when people assume someone is Wiccan just because they say they are a witch.

[~*Sacred*~]

I'm a witch, do not like to be called Wiccan.

[Caelestis ♥ Raven]

ewww Wiccans! :excuseme: I hear they have cooties!

lol jk ofcourse :)

I am not Wiccan but a witch. and yes I do wish that we had more of a clear line drawn between them in the overall community.

Sometimes it does get old when you have to explain to people yes I am a witch but no I am not Wiccan.

At the same time it isn't like being Wiccan is the plague or anything that I wouldn't want to be associated with it. It is usually just that confusing when my path is not Wiccan and trying to discuss my views ya know?


Though one time I was a member of a general pagan/witchcraft yahoo group. I was having a discussion with a group of people about my path. This woman starts in that if you practice magick you are a Wiccan no matter what.

At first I was amused as I had seen lots of people try to tell others they were not Wiccan but never trying to tell someone else who said they weren't that they had to be!

But then she really got quite rude when I tried to explain to her that I was not Wiccan.

[blackbird]

Before i started using the internet i never had issue with being called Wiccan..beacuse i was so solitary that it just never occured. Over the last few years online, i have realised there is this whole world of cyber Witchcraft out there..and a lot of confusion abounds! I started out not minding so much..but now i do a bit, although i try not too, it depends upon who is making the mistake. A newcomer may easily be forgiven if they have obtained thier information online, i did not learn about Witchcraft form the internet initially, and i am glad beacuse it can be very misleading actually..but i have a couple of contacts who cant seem to differentiate between Non Wiccan forms of Witchcraft and Wicca at all..and i find this very frustrating. I also have a member of my local Pagan society who is herself Wiccan, but cannot grasp that i do things a little differently to her. I suppose i would say then, yes. I do mind being called Wiccan, i am a Witch. i do not follow the Wiccan religion, it is not my path.

[Kalioppee]

I don't like it when it is someone that knows me and what I do, I am not wiccan, and I will correct them, if it is a non-pagan person I let them call me what they want, I don't go into trying to explain these things because they honestly are not interested. If by chance they are interested they will ask usually in a private place, to not let others know that they are interested.

[Sekhmet Soul30]

I voted that I'm a witch but not a Wiccan. I personally don't call myself a Wiccan, though I didn't mention it on the thread, that Wicca has been hijacked by the teens for the coolness factor. Sorry, don't want to be associated with witchlings that don't have enough sense to obey their parents rules. I follow my own rules, my own rituals, and in that area I'm not going to go into details because then this thread will be taken south. I totally object to be called a Wiccan. It's like they think that all Wiccans are Witches and all Witches are Wiccans. Give me a break!

Love authors that don't pack their books full of nonsense by making Wicca and Witchcraft seem the same. Witchcraft isn't the same as Wicca. Everyone here has said it and I'm going with the flow. Now off to do some ritual.

[herbal_legends]

I mind as much as a Christian minds being called a Muslim.
It's not my path in life so why would I want someone to identify me that way.
I have no ill feelings towards Wicca but I'm not Wiccan lol
I'm a Witch. :thumbsup:

[LadyDryad]

I mind as much as a Christian minds being called a Muslim.
It's not my path in life so why would I want someone to identify me that way.



This.

...except I am a Christian as well as a witch. Please don't call me a Muslim. :cutie:

[herbal_legends]

This.

...except I am a Christian as well as a witch. Please don't call me a Muslim. :cutie:

:lol:

[Cloaked Raven]

I'm a Christian Witch. There was a time when I would have identified myself as Christian Wicca but not these days, my path has changed and evolved over time.

Don't get me wrong, Wicca of any type is a beautiful path... Just not for me, that's all. ;)

[Cloaked Raven]

This.

...except I am a Christian as well as a witch. Please don't call me a Muslim. :cutie:
Agreed. :giggle:

[Sekhmet Soul30]

I personally respect the Christian Witch path. I even picked up a book called Christopaganism, the Allusive Path. I learned a lot about Christianity that I never knew and I deeply respect those that choose to walk that path. Glad to see the thread staying straight :thumbsup:.

Note: I hope I spelled part of that book right.

[TuathaSidhe]

Do I get all bent out of shape about it? No, not unless they keep pushing the issue after I have told them otherwise. That however, is a different matter.

[Lilac Moon]

Not Wiccan, I've never even entertained the idea.. long learned that I can not be other than I am.... I sometimes long for a more explicable definition, for conversation purposes.. however.. I am not offended by the assumption but when given the opportunity, I will correct the association... It's like saying all Christians are Methodist... Similar, familiar but unique and often worlds apart...

[DiscordianKitten]

If i'm called a Wiccan i don't really get upset, i just set people straight - BUT i can't handle statements like "All witches are Wiccans, Wicca is the witch's religion" and "Witchcraft, also known as Wicca" - Ergh. See red instantly. If you're going to write about something or talk about something at least try to have a little knowledge about the subject before you start.

[kagekarasu]

BUT i can't handle statements like "All witches are Wiccans, Wicca is the witch's religion" and "Witchcraft, also known as Wicca" - Ergh. See red instantly. If you're going to write about something or talk about something at least try to have a little knowledge about the subject before you start.

Totally agree. I personally don't care if someone calls me Wiccan, they can believe what they want, though one bit of a descent conversation with me about beliefs points very far away from Wicca. I've actually found that more people are comfortable in thinking you're a Wiccan witch, instead of a wicked witch, which at times is nice. I will never tell someone I'm Wiccan, but I'm not going to shouting around about how I'm a witch. That just gets you funny looks.

[herbal_legends]

- BUT i can't handle statements like "All witches are Wiccans, Wicca is the witch's religion" and "Witchcraft, also known as Wicca" - Ergh.

I don't know how many times I've seen that on Wiccan sites or book descriptions.

Like, REALLY??? Apparently anyone can publish things these days. Witchcraft and Wicca are not synonymous.

And I dislike being tricked into reading a book about "Witchcraft" only to find out half way through the book that I need to cast a circle lmao.

[Sekhmet Soul30]

I'm telling you it's going to suck when I start practicing folk magic full time and they call me a Wiccan. Seeing red, big time.

[Chaos Hawk]

I don't ever really call myself a witch, but I'll chime in and say that I'm a pagan who objects to being called Wiccan. I don't get angry about it, but it does make me *sigh* that there are a lot of people out there who think that all pagans are wiccans.

[Sekhmet Soul30]

True but others might.