Whitch witch is Whitch?

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Which Witch Is Which?

What is a Witch?
A witch is a person who practicies magick as part of their spiritual belief or as an act of manipulating energy. The label Witch is not specific to the religion of WitchCraft. There are many religious faiths who also use this label.

The label is often associated with Anglo-Celtic, Celtic and Southern Teutonic traditions. Within these tradtions there typically exists a spiritual practice that underlies the use of magik. This "label" of spiritual practice has long held some negative conotations and major misconceptions. Actually WitchCraft is a peaceful religion of honor and respect.

Other labels include, Wizard, Mage, Shaman/Shamanka and Magikan. Warlock is also often associated with a male witch. However it is important to note the 2 distinct meanings of the word.

Warlock' comes from an Old Norse word 'vardlokkur'. There are debates about the exact meaning of the word in it's original form, however there are several mythological tales about the Vardlokkur guarding the gates of knowledge. In these legends, the Vardlokkur were the wise men of divine knowledge who protected that wisdom and guarded it with their life. The magik of the warlock was/is to ward off evil spirits and to lock or bind them up, keeping the sacred wisdom safe.

In the Scots dialect the word warlock, means a 'cunning man' or 'male white witch', it is rarely used today. In part because of the Anglo-saxon meaning, 'oath-breaker'. The label has fallen from use and is often seen as a derogatory title.

The Sects Of Magik
There are many different types of magikal sects. Just as in the familiar Christian faith, you'll find Catholics, Baptists, Methodist and so on, there are variations of belief in magik and paganism.

Once again, it's important to note that a witch does not have to be a member of a sect to practice the craft. Nor does a sect have to be Wiccan to practice the craft. The sister/brotherhood of witches is often called the WitchHood. Each of these sects can be assoicated with one of these three major traditional groups of the Witchhood.

Classical Witches
~ Early Nordic which included the Germanic languages, Dutch, Icelandic, Danish, Norwegian and Swedish peoples.
Gothic Witches
~ Celtic Anglo-Saxon which includes Druid, Irish, Scottish, and English, as well as, many of the French, and Italian cultures.
Neo-Pagan Witches
~ Modern NewAge American which has primarily been influenced by the melding of all previous sects through imigration and the country's natural evolution.

These different sects are all based on the ancient craft traditions, but were influenced by regional customs and existing spiritual beliefs. These sects are the result of a successful melding of these ancient Pagan traditions and current civilizations. The following is a small sampling of many different sects and traditions.

The Craft Sects

Classical Craft

Ceremonial
Encompases many traditional rituals with a basis of Egyptian magick and often follow the ceremonies outlined in the ancient Kabbalistic writtings.
Strega
A tradition begun around Italy around 1353 with a woman called Aradia.
Teutonic
The Teutons have been recognized as one of the earliest and formal practioners of the craft. Their ways of practicing the Craft are also known as Nordic.

Gothic Craft

Caledoni
Of Scottish traditions, this sect is also known as Hecatine. It continues to encompass many of the festivals and celebrations of the Scots.
Celtic
A mix of Celtic/Druidic pantheon energy. This sect focuses heavily on the elements, nature and the Ancient Ones. With a great knowledge of healig and the magickal qualities of nature, including plants, animals and stones, this tradition is most commonly linked to in the Neo-Pagan sects. Aided by the little people, gnomes and fairies, Celtic magick is full of fun, myrth and mythology.
Deborean
A combination of Celtic tradition and Native American, most often Cherokee. Formed in the Smoky Mountains of Tennessee, the Carolinas and southwestern Virginia sometime between 1780 and 1800. This tradition originated as a result of marriages or family unions between the predominantly Celtic settlers and the Cherokee residents.
Farrar
A very famous husband and wife team from England, Janet and Stewart Farrar compiled and researched many of the ancient and modern sects to pull the best parts of all into one. Many of today's modern sects are in one way or another based on these studies and compiled materials.
Hereditary
Based on family traditions passed on generation to generation, (does not included Channeling). Also called "Family Trades", it is up for debate how far back on the family tree one must go to meet the conditions of this sect. The traditions can be passed on to blood relatives or adopted offspring which have been raised within the family ceremonies and rituals. The beliefs are typically Celtic in nature, but include a smattering of many of the current and ancient structures, as well as, many home spun ones.
Pictish
Also of Scottish tradition, this sect focuses heavily on all aspects of nature. But is different from Celtic sects in that Pictish is a solitary form of Craft.

Neo-Pagan Craft

Alexandrian
Founded in the 1960s by Alex Sanders in England, this sect is losely based on the Gardenarian beliefs. Sanders built his sect in England and called himself "King" of the Coven.
British Traditional
A mix of Celtic and Gardenarian rituals it is the most famous organization in the International Red Garters society. This sect is based on the Farrar studies of Wicca and is exceptionally structured in belief and ritual. A witch becomes part of the Coven through a training, education and degree process.
Dianic
Also called "the Feminist" movement of the craft, this sect focuses on the Goddess aspect of Wicca. It was first brought to major attention in 1921 by Margaret Murray and includes aspects of many Classical and Gothic traditions.
Eclectic
This is a label for the "everything else" in Wicca. It does not follow any particular tradition, ritual or ceremonial practices. Rather practioners focus on what "feels" best and most comfortable to them. Study and practice is than based on information gathered from books, or other practicing witches.
Gardnerian Wicca
Named after it's founder Gerald Gardner in England during the 1950s. Gardner wanted to ensure that the Old Religion not become extinct by all the new found knowledge and inter-mixing of beliefs. He took his cause to the media at great personal risk to bring his cause and information to a new younger audiance in order to bring growth and life to the ancient traditions.
Seax-Wicca
Based on the Saxon beliefs, this sect is very closely related to the Gardnerian traditions. Without breaking his oath, founder Raymond Buckland wanted to pull the ancient rituals into modern language and acceptable ceremonies. In 1973 his dream became a reality with the organization of Seax-Wicca, bringing Wicca into the public as a very positive force.

What A Sect Is Not!

Kitchen Witch
This label pops up every now and then, but is often frowned upon as a derogitory term. More closely related to the Hereditary sect, these witches are practicing healing and ceremonies based on family tradition. "Old wives tales", Grandma's healing concoctions and special family traditions all make up this sect of the craft.. However, since these beliefs are often handed down from generation to generation, the label Heredity is more appropriate.

Pow-Wow
A mis-labeled sect, based in South Central Pennsylvania. It is based on a 400 year old German magick system and has deteriorated into a a simple faith healing. The mis-use of the term maybe offensive to the original practioners of a true Pow-Wow, the Native American nations. It is advised that this term remain connected to the originators and not to this adopted society. Even at 400 years old, the Pennsylvania/German system is new in comparison to the Native American beliefs. See "" for a further discussion of this topic.

Devil Worship
An important NOT!
Craft practioners do not worship "the devil", because pagan Witches do not belief in the devil. The misconception was mainly created by the Christian Church as a means to destroy Craft beliefs which were often preceived to be at odds with what the "Church" wanted spread across the world. Many detractors of the Christian faith often site this type of propoganda as an example of the "Churchs'" attempt to gain control over the people.

Satanic
An other important NOT!
Craft practioners are not Satanists. Satanism is also a pre-christian pagan religion, however there are significant differences between these two faiths. Many people often confuse Satan with the Christian devil. Again, this is due to Christian propaganda. Satan is the translated name of the Egyptian God Set, who was the deity of ego and confidance. These traits when taken to extremes are simolar to Lucifer and thus the association stuck. Satanists however, do not believe in the existance of the devil, and do not worship that being. They see themsevels as the God force and practice a faith of eye for an eye. If you'd like to learn more, I strongly suggest you visit the University Of Virginia's Religious Freedoms site and review their study on Satanism.

	What is a Witch? A witch is a person who practicies magick as part of their spiritual belief or as an act of manipulating energy. The label Witch is not specific to the religion of WitchCraft. There are many religious faiths who also use this label. The label is often associated with Anglo-Celtic, Celtic and Southern Teutonic traditions. Within these tradtions there typically exists a spiritual practice that underlies the use of magik. This "label" of spiritual practice has long held some negative conotations and major misconceptions. Actually WitchCraft is a peaceful religion of honor and respect. Other labels include, Wizard, Mage, Shaman/Shamanka and Magikan. Warlock is also often associated with a male witch. However it is important to note the 2 distinct meanings of the word. Warlock' comes from an Old Norse word 'vardlokkur'. There are debates about the exact meaning of the word in it's original form, however there are several mythological tales about the Vardlokkur guarding the gates of knowledge. In these legends, the Vardlokkur were the wise men of divine knowledge who protected that wisdom and guarded it with their life. The magik of the warlock was/is to ward off evil spirits and to lock or bind them up, keeping the sacred wisdom safe. In the Scots dialect the word warlock, means a 'cunning man' or 'male white witch', it is rarely used today. In part because of the Anglo-saxon meaning, 'oath-breaker'. The label has fallen from use and is often seen as a derogatory title.
	The Sects Of Magik There are many different types of magikal sects. Just as in the familiar Christian faith, you'll find Catholics, Baptists, Methodist and so on, there are variations of belief in magik and paganism. Once again, it's important to note that a witch does not have to be a member of a sect to practice the craft. Nor does a sect have to be Wiccan to practice the craft. The sister/brotherhood of witches is often called the WitchHood. Each of these sects can be assoicated with one of these three major traditional groups of the Witchhood. Classical Witches ~ Early Nordic which included the Germanic languages, Dutch, Icelandic, Danish, Norwegian and Swedish peoples. Gothic Witches ~ Celtic Anglo-Saxon which includes Druid, Irish, Scottish, and English, as well as, many of the French, and Italian cultures. Neo-Pagan Witches ~ Modern NewAge American which has primarily been influenced by the melding of all previous sects through imigration and the country's natural evolution. These different sects are all based on the ancient craft traditions, but were influenced by regional customs and existing spiritual beliefs. These sects are the result of a successful melding of these ancient Pagan traditions and current civilizations. The following is a small sampling of many different sects and traditions.
	The Craft Sects Classical Craft Ceremonial Encompases many traditional rituals with a basis of Egyptian magick and often follow the ceremonies outlined in the ancient Kabbalistic writtings. Strega A tradition begun around Italy around 1353 with a woman called Aradia. Teutonic The Teutons have been recognized as one of the earliest and formal practioners of the craft. Their ways of practicing the Craft are also known as Nordic. Gothic Craft Caledoni Of Scottish traditions, this sect is also known as Hecatine. It continues to encompass many of the festivals and celebrations of the Scots. Celtic A mix of Celtic/Druidic pantheon energy. This sect focuses heavily on the elements, nature and the Ancient Ones. With a great knowledge of healig and the magickal qualities of nature, including plants, animals and stones, this tradition is most commonly linked to in the Neo-Pagan sects. Aided by the little people, gnomes and fairies, Celtic magick is full of fun, myrth and mythology. Deborean A combination of Celtic tradition and Native American, most often Cherokee. Formed in the Smoky Mountains of Tennessee, the Carolinas and southwestern Virginia sometime between 1780 and 1800. This tradition originated as a result of marriages or family unions between the predominantly Celtic settlers and the Cherokee residents. Farrar A very famous husband and wife team from England, Janet and Stewart Farrar compiled and researched many of the ancient and modern sects to pull the best parts of all into one. Many of today's modern sects are in one way or another based on these studies and compiled materials. Hereditary Based on family traditions passed on generation to generation, (does not included Channeling). Also called "Family Trades", it is up for debate how far back on the family tree one must go to meet the conditions of this sect. The traditions can be passed on to blood relatives or adopted offspring which have been raised within the family ceremonies and rituals. The beliefs are typically Celtic in nature, but include a smattering of many of the current and ancient structures, as well as, many home spun ones. Pictish Also of Scottish tradition, this sect focuses heavily on all aspects of nature. But is different from Celtic sects in that Pictish is a solitary form of Craft. Neo-Pagan Craft Alexandrian Founded in the 1960s by Alex Sanders in England, this sect is losely based on the Gardenarian beliefs. Sanders built his sect in England and called himself "King" of the Coven. British Traditional A mix of Celtic and Gardenarian rituals it is the most famous organization in the International Red Garters society. This sect is based on the Farrar studies of Wicca and is exceptionally structured in belief and ritual. A witch becomes part of the Coven through a training, education and degree process. Dianic Also called "the Feminist" movement of the craft, this sect focuses on the Goddess aspect of Wicca. It was first brought to major attention in 1921 by Margaret Murray and includes aspects of many Classical and Gothic traditions. Eclectic This is a label for the "everything else" in Wicca. It does not follow any particular tradition, ritual or ceremonial practices. Rather practioners focus on what "feels" best and most comfortable to them. Study and practice is than based on information gathered from books, or other practicing witches. Gardnerian Wicca Named after it's founder Gerald Gardner in England during the 1950s. Gardner wanted to ensure that the Old Religion not become extinct by all the new found knowledge and inter-mixing of beliefs. He took his cause to the media at great personal risk to bring his cause and information to a new younger audiance in order to bring growth and life to the ancient traditions. Seax-Wicca Based on the Saxon beliefs, this sect is very closely related to the Gardnerian traditions. Without breaking his oath, founder Raymond Buckland wanted to pull the ancient rituals into modern language and acceptable ceremonies. In 1973 his dream became a reality with the organization of Seax-Wicca, bringing Wicca into the public as a very positive force.
	What A Sect Is Not! Kitchen Witch This label pops up every now and then, but is often frowned upon as a derogitory term. More closely related to the Hereditary sect, these witches are practicing healing and ceremonies based on family tradition. "Old wives tales", Grandma's healing concoctions and special family traditions all make up this sect of the craft.. However, since these beliefs are often handed down from generation to generation, the label Heredity is more appropriate. Pow-Wow A mis-labeled sect, based in South Central Pennsylvania. It is based on a 400 year old German magick system and has deteriorated into a a simple faith healing. The mis-use of the term maybe offensive to the original practioners of a true Pow-Wow, the Native American nations. It is advised that this term remain connected to the originators and not to this adopted society. Even at 400 years old, the Pennsylvania/German system is new in comparison to the Native American beliefs. See "" for a further discussion of this topic. Devil Worship An important NOT! Craft practioners do not worship "the devil", because pagan Witches do not belief in the devil. The misconception was mainly created by the Christian Church as a means to destroy Craft beliefs which were often preceived to be at odds with what the "Church" wanted spread across the world. Many detractors of the Christian faith often site this type of propoganda as an example of the "Churchs'" attempt to gain control over the people. Satanic An other important NOT! Craft practioners are not Satanists. Satanism is also a pre-christian pagan religion, however there are significant differences between these two faiths. Many people often confuse Satan with the Christian devil. Again, this is due to Christian propaganda. Satan is the translated name of the Egyptian God Set, who was the deity of ego and confidance. These traits when taken to extremes are simolar to Lucifer and thus the association stuck. Satanists however, do not believe in the existance of the devil, and do not worship that being. They see themsevels as the God force and practice a faith of eye for an eye. If you'd like to learn more, I strongly suggest you visit the University Of Virginia's Religious Freedoms site and review their study on Satanism.