What is Witchcraft and What Do Witches Do?
The majority of the population, I'm sure would not agree, but Witchcraft IS a religion. It is a way of belief just as, Catholicism, Mormonism, Buddhism, Christianity and etc. is. This religion may also be referred to as The Old Religion, The Craft or The Craft of the Wise, Earth Religion, Pagan or a Goddess Religion and Wicca. Throughout history, as well as today, Witches have faced persecution and harsh judgments because of the misunderstanding about them and their practices. This Earth based religion dates clear back to the Neolithic times when the words "Witch" and "Witchcraft" were not even thought of. Customs and family traditions are what the Pagan religions were based upon. They celebrated the seasons of the year, cycles of the moon, and gave thanks to Mother Earth for the nourishments they received. This Pagan religion is "rising from the ashes," shall I say, of the Burning Times, to reclaim and practice the customs that was once discarded so many years ago. In the United States today, Witchcraft is one of the fastest growing religions.
Witchcraft is an ancient, pre-Christian, religion based upon nature with the belief in a dual deity, a God and a Goddess. The difference between orthodox religion and Pagan religion is orthodox religions are patriarchal where Pagan religions are matriarchal, honoring men and women equally, and respect for the Earth.
Witches practice magick. They also use divining tools to help them glimpse into what the future may hold. These tools may be tarot cards, runes, astrology, palm or tealeaf reading or pendulums, etc. I’m sure you can think of a few others. Witches use herbs in spells, and to conjure up remedies and potions. Witches observe the changes of the seasons and cycles of the moon with traditional celebrations and rituals.
Witches cast spells. They also have ethics when doing so. For one reason, anyone with moral principles, I would hope, not send out harmful thoughts and threats upon others. Another reason being, a Witch would not send out a spell to harm someone, for that would be like harming themselves. What goes around comes around...times three! (See the threefold law) Anyone claims to be a Witch and disregards their moral values while practicing magick, is NOT a true Witch!
Some Witches choose to come together to celebrate the Sabbats (the holidays of the year), rituals, practice magick, or just chat and share the news in their life. This gathering is the Witch's coven or “congregation.” Choosing to be in a coven may not be the path for everyone. For Solitary Witches, Witchcraft is a self-challenging path for those who do not feel the need to be told what to do or when to do it. But they really are on their own, usually without the help and support of other Witches.
And last but not least, Witches cook, clean, do dishes, laundry and vacuum. They carpool their children to and from school. To basketball practice and extra curricular activities. Witches wear regular everyday clothes, have jobs, and come in all shapes, sizes and nationalities. Witches don’t look any different from society than you or I do, just as a Christians do not look any different from the world either. When one reveals their belief system to others, it is only then we become different in each other's eyes, if that person chooses to view you in such a way.
You never know, a Witch could be your next-door neighbor, fellow employee, or possibly...even in your family!
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