Wicca FAQ

First and foremost, Witchcraft IS a legally recognized religion in the United States and Canada.
Officially recognized in 1985 after a short battle in congress and the supreme court.
The craft or 'practice of the wise' as it is sometimes known came under fire by a bill submitted to Congress by Jesse Helms. The Helms amendment came under great fire by both Constitutional and Bill of Rights supporters. In the end, the bill was shot down stating Pagan paths are protected under the 1st Amendment.
After this ruling, the US Army added a section to the U.S. Army Chaplains Handbook and the Adult Institutions Multi-denominational Chaplains manual was ammended for Witchcraft practices.
The handbook lists the religion as Wicca, which is one of the modern sects of the faith. However, in the 'known by other names' sections; you'll find Witchcraft listed.

Witchcraft, in all its incarnations, is probably one of the longest and most persecuted religions in history, as stated by the University of Virginia.
Unfortunately that persecution continues to today.
Witchcraft is a religion and a way of life. In most traditions the Craft is symbolized by worship of the male and female aspects of the Divine universe, within the self and around nature as a whole.
The Divine encompasses the manifestation of the male and female as a God and Goddess combination.
Most pagans assign mythological deities, or pantheons, to these aspects of the Divine, to give them form and substance. Much like Christians do with images of Jesus or the Crucifix as a representation of Jesus and God.
Many suggest that Witchcraft is an "Earth based religion", which it is, but this is actually a minor definition. Witchcraft is a universal based religion, believing in the seen and unseen forces in all nature here on Earth and in the universe.
It is a religion of honor and respect for all living things.

Witchcraft is not Satanism or a Devil Worship religion as some prejudices claim. Witches do not believe in the existence of the Devil, so it would be difficult to worship that type of spirit.

No! People, no matter what region they practice, and their actions can be 'evil'. There are good a bad people in all walks of life regardless of religion.
Witchcraft is a religion of respect and honor. Most traditions of the Craft maintain a creed of faith or rede that defines the basic principles of the practice.
Within all the creeds there is always a variation of this line: 'And in it, Harm no one'. Meaning what ever you do, your actions should not harm others in any fashion.

A person who practices Magick. Typically associated with Anglo-Celtic, Celtic and Southern Teutonic magick traditions. However, the label "witch" is not specific to any one religion.
There are Witchcraft Witches, Christian Witches, Jewish Witches (more often called Mystics), Satanic Witches, Voodoun Witches and many more.
Each of these religions uses the label witch to describe a person who includes magick as part of their beliefs and practices.
Not all witches practice magick within the context of a religion either. Most of these follow the principles of Spellcraft and not a religious view such as Witchcraft.

(Scottish, Anglo-Saxon) Meaning 'Oath Breaker': An ancient term often misused for a male witch. It is a term used in early paganism to represent a worker of evil. Loosely translated it means "liar". It is often offensive to most modern male witches.

Not all practioners of the religion of Witchcraft cast spells or circles at all.

A spell is a focus of energy, manipulated and cast for a specific intent or purpose.
Focused by energy, intent, sometimes tools or other supports, such as elixirs or potions. But always conducted through a ritual or ceremony. Not all people cast spells in a spiritual context, these people practice Spellcraft instead of Witchcraft or some other form of religious expression.
Many who do combine magik with religion, often combine the practice of spell casting with their chosen divine being.
It's important to remember that the Craft is not about "spells" or "casting".
It's a serious expression of a spiritual way of life. One which utilizes spells in it's rituals and ceremonies.

Many people ask us for a spell. The most common "A love spell" or a "Revenge spell".
Practioners within the religion of Witchcraft do not often, if ever, share their spells.
A spell is personal and defines your own personal intent. It's your spell, it's your energy and there is no greater expression of that energy than through your own words as a spell.
In a teaching situation, a witch might give you an example of what is said during a particular section of a ceremony. But most often these are just examples.
You should still create your own.

Practioners of Witchcraft rarely if ever cast spells that manipulate the actions or emotions of another being. In most cases this is considered to be spiritual rape and manipulation.
It is not the work of a person who honors or respects the forces of nature to be so disrespectful as to force someone else into doing something against their will..
No matter how much you love someone, casting a spell upon them is not going to make them love you. If your desires work, they will only work for a brief period and you will never know if the person loves you for you, or because of the false spell you cast upon them.
Eventually your magik will wear off and you'll have to deal with the consequences of your actions. These are always painful and emotionally devastating.
Simply put, what you put out into the universe will come back to you. If you put out good thoughts, energies and intentions, then good will be returned to you.
By the same token, if you put out negative thoughts, energies and actions, negative events and energies will be returned to you.
This is a basic principle in many religions around the world.

One form or tradition of Witchcraft. Think of it this way; Wiccan is to Witchcraft what a Baptist is to Christianity. Most Wiccans believe that the universal energy works through a polarity, a yin-yang or masculine-feminine interaction.
In other traditions such Dianic Witchcraft, only the aspects of the Goddess are celebrated.

Every religion has variations of practice. Formal organizations of this practice are often called a sect, denomination or tradition.
In Witchcraft these sects are commonly called traditions. Witchcraft defines the basic beliefs and principles of the religion, while the traditions put those beliefs into practice, often times further detailing the principles through their individual practices.

Some people are born into a family of practioners and raised pagan. Others convert, and others simply proclaim themselves as a witch and take on the title. But most often it depends on which tradition a witch follows.

In most traditions this is a dedication of faith, not an initiation. For those people who wish to convert to the religion of Witchcraft, a Dedication ceremony is an appropriate step onto that path.
In both cases, this is an event that proclaims belief and acknowledges the dedication to learning on the pagan path. In other words, in many traditions just claiming the title of witch does not make you one. You must earn the right to take on the label.

If you are one of the many people looking for information on how to become a witch, there are a few things you should ask yourself first. What is your reason for wanting to be a Witch?
If your reason is simply so you can cast a spell, it's the wrong reason and you might find more information if you look for Spellcraft, than Witchcraft.
If your reasons are truly from an interest in the faith or you feel drawn to the Craft as a religion, then you maybe on the right path. But you should learn more and make an informed decision. Are you willing to live by the spiritual laws as a way of life?
If you are, or if you're not sure, do a lot of research on your own and find out as much as you can about the path you've chosen.

Don't take one persons word or teachings as the only truth or as the only way on this or any spiritual path. No one person has all the answers for you.
Only you know what rings true within your own heart and soul.

Back to Randy's Homepage

Email: randy@manicmedium.com