I'm wondering what exactly is witch craft?

[Kate VonDiva]

Hi Everyone,

I'm curious about witch craft, and I was wondering if any of you can explain or forward me to a website that goes into detail of what exactly is witch craft. _witchball

[KC Destroyer of Worlds]

Hi Everyone,

I'm curious about witch craft, and I was wondering if any of you can explain or forward me to a website that goes into detail of what exactly is witch craft. _witchball


Be forewarned you are going to get many varied answers.

IMO it is a practice by which the person/worshiper/practitioner in question uses rituals and spells to commune with the earth/ goddess/ or gods. The practitioner also uses botany, herbs, and alternative medicines to heal and alter the energy of an ailing person. They may also use ritual and spell to alter the energy of the space around them or to work at great distances.

This is a loose definition based on my experience with witch craft, and is by no means wrote for everyone.

[Rudas Starblaze]

its crafts that witches do.
ye know, coloring, carving, stinciling, sewing, and popsicle stick house making (gotta use glue for that!), and making those cute little stained glass things ye hang from your windows. :smile:

[KC Destroyer of Worlds]

its crafts that witches do.
ye know, coloring, carving, stinciling, sewing, and popsicle stick house making (gotta use glue for that!), and making those cute little stained glass things ye hang from your windows. :smile:

Oh Rudas, I would hate to have a world without you.

[Corvid]

You just opened a whole big mess of worms...

I'm sure there are many threads on this topic here on MW, but I'm also sure there will be several pages on what every individual person sees as there definition. Keep in mind that each opinion will be as unique as the person giving it, then, when your done with the thread, pounder the ideas presented and ask the same question of the only person who's opinion really matters... you.


lol@Rudas

[Ivy Artemisia]

Well, in my opinion...

Witchcraft is the practice of harnessing energy from forces- both external and/or internal- to aid in the creation of a desired outcome. This could include spells, petition/wish magic, or using sage smoke to cleanse an area. Also, IMO like the practices of meditation and prayer, this practice can be applied to many spiritual paths and religions.

Some witches use the external forces of herbs, crystals, universal, elemental (ie: earth), or deity energy. Some use internal power, energy from chakras, or from their own energy body.

Not all witches will utilize all of those energy options. Some non-theists or agnostic witches don't use god/dess energy. Some green witches will use mostly herbal and plant energy. And one doesn't need to be adept at the use of all of these catalysts to be a "good" witch.

[Louisvillian]

Hi Everyone,

I'm curious about witch craft, and I was wondering if any of you can explain or forward me to a website that goes into detail of what exactly is witch craft. _witchball


The precise definitions may vary, but witchcraft is generally a catch-all term for a variety of similar folk magic practices. Despite the common misconception, it is not a concise system with a singular origin or continuity to a past system. Modern witchcraft is closely tied to the occult revival of the 19th century; the idea of witchcraft in preceding centuries was and is radically different from the modern concept.

The modern witchcraft "movement" that hived off of the occult revival developed into several distinct traditions, one of which became Wicca. Over time, some of these traditions became a part of the larger pagan revival movement; and, so, "witchcraft" entered into mainstream neopagan thought.

[LESSTHAN3]

witch⋅craft
 /ˈwɪtʃˌkræft, -ˌkrɑft/ [wich-kraft, -krahft]

–noun
1. the art or practices of a witch; sorcery; magic.
2. magical influence; witchery

That's what Dictionary.com says. I have a feeling debates are going to start up and since I don't really have an idea on how to explain it, I'm just gonna go with that definition.

[Shawn Blackwolf]

Actually , you have gotten some good answers...

I shall add one more , from my Tradition...

Though many may think it modern...we know
very differently...

Lord and Lladia , invoked into High Priestess ,
and High Priest...Great Rite...

One of the greatest goals of our Tradition...

Is to create the Witch - Child...

And we incorporate many techniques to do so...

Including preparations for a year and a day...

And using stellar and earth magic...:uhhuhuh:

[Caitlin.ann]

Bending energy to your will? The others had great answers which I can't add on to.

[David19]

Well, in my opinion...

Witchcraft is the practice of harnessing energy from forces- both external and/or internal- to aid in the creation of a desired outcome. This could include spells, petition/wish magic, or using sage smoke to cleanse an area. Also, IMO like the practices of meditation and prayer, this practice can be applied to many spiritual paths and religions.

Some witches use the external forces of herbs, crystals, universal, elemental (ie: earth), or deity energy. Some use internal power, energy from chakras, or from their own energy body.

Not all witches will utilize all of those energy options. Some non-theists or agnostic witches don't use god/dess energy. Some green witches will use mostly herbal and plant energy. And one doesn't need to be adept at the use of all of these catalysts to be a "good" witch.

I agree, witchcraft, to me, is about using energy for certain goals, whether it be internal (your own) or external energy, either from the environment around you, from others, from the Divine, or other beings, etc. It's about the exploration of your abilities, improving yourself and learning more about yourself. That's just my own definition, though, like others have said, witchcraft is a subjective thing, and there are many different definitions for it, if I were you, I'd just learn about different definitions, then come up with your own, and really make it yours.

[Lunar Raven]

its crafts that witches do.
ye know, coloring, carving, stinciling, sewing, and popsicle stick house making (gotta use glue for that!), and making those cute little stained glass things ye hang from your windows. :smile:

Gotta love popsicle stick houses :D

[SpiritCaller]

"Witchcraft" has an individualized meaning for each practitioner. Some choose for it to be a religion, others do not. It is literally the Witches Craft or Craft of the Witches.

Personally, it is a craft, something you work/practice to master and develop a deeper awareness of. In the meantime, you develop a greater sense of Self, become more acquainted with the energies/Deities that you work with, and learn your own personal set of morals, code of ethics, and religious standards.

[Kate VonDiva]

Thank you soo much for all the wonderful advice you all gave me. I now have a better understanding what witch craft means.

Also are there any "Atheist Pagans" on Mystic Wicks?

[parallax]

Thank you soo much for all the wonderful advice you all gave me. I now have a better understanding what witch craft means.

Also are there any "Atheist Pagans" on Mystic Wicks?

Try here: http://mysticwicks.com/forumdisplay.php?f=379