There is a lot of popularity around being a witch these days. But what is a witch? And what does she or he do that makes them a witch?
I can remember asking this question to a group of people who had come to a workshop. And there was a myriad of answers ranging from 'wise woman', 'follower of Diana', 'women who worship of the Goddess' to 'being a midwife.' Of course there were more answers too, but actually they were all rather vague in general, but the people there were very eager to learn about witchcraft.
Photo: Tom Leishman
In my years as a Traditional Witch I have met many people who see witchcraft in different ways. And all ways are good ways if these people get something from it that is both beneficial to them and the world. The darker aspect of this, and by darker I mean the shadow side of human nature, is that I have heard tales of exploitation too in some 'Covens'. Sexual exploitation was quite a common tale as it was believed to be part of 'initiation' by some more gullible young people who unfortunately fell into the hands of a 'High Priest' who had a liking for young women or men and a gift of the gab. As was the monetary exploitation from 'High Priests' and 'Priestesses', and sometimes even other Coven members. Of course, some Covens are full of genuine and well- meaning people. It is a matter of discrimination.
So in this maze of what is witchcraft, one first has to ask the question “what is it you want it to be?” If you are looking for like-minded company and enjoy gathering in the outdoors, dressing in Goth velvets or hippy type clothing and doing healing spells under a full moon, that is well and good. But does that make you a witch? If you like to gather at Sabbats in sacred places, and you enjoy a bit of a party at Summer Solstice and other times of the year, does that make you a witch?
What is a witch? And what does she or he do that makes them a witch?
If you know how to 'cast a circle' and call on the Four Quarters with others, or alone, does that make you a witch? If you have joined a Coven and they teach you how to do this and they say they can 'raise power' with dance or drum, will you become a witch?
Can a witch really cast a spell? What has given you the ability to cast a spell if you are a witch? How can you prove that your magic has worked? Can a witch be a magician? Can a man be a witch? Is witchcraft a religion? If it isn't, what is it?
Is a pagan a witch? Can you live in a city and be a witch? Do you need to wear certain clothing? Do you need magical tools? Do you have to be successful in the world to be a witch? Is witchcraft really an Old Religion? What is the difference between witchcraft and neo-paganism? Is there any difference between witchcraft and neo-paganism?
So many questions, and I have asked those questions because I am always interested to hear from people and listen to their viewpoints, we all always have something to learn from one another. The intent of this article to get people thinking, and to get people expressing themselves.
I feel that it is time now to get back to what was called the Old Ways. We need it as humans, and Nature needs it probably more now than ever.
I know there are people who just want to enjoy gatherings with fellow pagans and such, and that is a good thing, especially when those people also have a reverence for Nature and are keen to look after the environment. But some people wish to go deeper when it comes to witchcraft, and I am going to write a series of articles for those people.
I am far from saying that I know everything about witchcraft, because, even after all these years I am still learning. But there are some gems to share. And I am going to share them with you in the Heka-ICRE newsletter. I feel that it is time now to get back to what was called the Old Ways. We need it as humans, and Nature needs it probably more now than ever. So I intend to get people to cast their magic out into the world, and also to become successful in their own lives using witchcraft in this series of articles.
I look forward to any comments that you wish to make, and also to share with you some of the Witchdom which is Wisdom.
I will leave you with a poem by Walter De La Mare:
Weary went the old Witch,
Weary of her pack,
She sat down by the churchyard wall,
And threw it off her back.
The cord brake, yes, the cord break,
Just where the dead did lie,
And Charms and Spells and Sorceries
Spilled out beneath the sky.
Weary was the old Witch,
She rested her old eyes,
From the lantern-fruited yew trees,
And the scarlet of the skies.
And out the dead came stumbling,
From every rift and crack,
Silent as moss, and plundered
The gaping pack.
They wish them, three times over,
Away they skip full soon:
Bat and Mole and Leveret
Under the rising moon.
Owl and Newt and Nightjar:
They take their shapes and creep
Silent as churchyard litchen,
While she squats asleep.
All the dead were stirring;
Each unto each did call,
'A Witch, a Witch is sleeping
Under the churchyard wall.'
'A Witch a Witch is sleeping... '
The shrillness ebbed away;
And up the way-worn moon clomb bright,
Hard on the track of day.
She shone, high, wan, and silvery;
Day's colours paled and died:
And, save the mute and creeping worm,
Nought else was there beside.
Names may be writ; and mounds rise;
Purporting, Here be bones:
But empty is that churchyard
Of all save stones.
Owl and Newt and Nightjar,
Leveret, Bat, and Mole Haunt and call in the twilight
Where she slept, poor soul.
Until the next time be
Blessed by the Lord and Lady
Sonia Smith is a Traditional Witch and Magician
Looking forward to reading more. Never had it been more urgent to return to the Old Ways for ourselves, our fellow wo(man) and, more than anything, nature and the planet. Thank you Sonia.
Very interesting read, and thought provoking, what really is a witch?... As soon as you mentioned " the old ways" I had tingles.
Perhaps a witch..
Is one who has been given an opportunity to change or affect their environment through rituals etc... By the gods/goddesses? The universe? Anyway, I'm sure there's a good reason a witch / magician has their power, something greater I'm sure.
Thankyou for this