Actually this can be a touchy subject, but yes and no. Witchcraft has been around for along time before Wicca was introduced to the world. Witchcraft can be many different paths or traditions. Light or Dark, White, black, Green Magick, Wicca, Faery Wicca, Christian Wicca, and Gardnerian, Alexandrian.... Wicca is a form of Witchcraft. Wicca is a nature loving, positive, harm none form of the "Craft". Wicca is an organized path to follow with a set of Rites or loosely to say "rules" called "The Wiccan Rede". Witchcraft could be any type of magick and doesn't always follow the Wiccan Rede or karmic balance.

In order to be recognized as a true religious path, a Religion must possess organized set beliefs. The American Witches Council has done such in 1974 with Wicca. It is recognized by the US Military and the US Congress as a nationally legalized religion and is protected under the 1st, 5th and 14th amendments. It is much like Christianity in the way of having various denominations (Baptist, Pentecostal, Trinity and so forth). They are all considered to be Christians, right? Witchcraft also has many different traditions or paths as well. It keeps growing on and on with new traditions popping up all the time.

Well, first off let me answer this by telling you what Witches are not. We are not ugly creatures with crooked noses and green, leathery skin. We do not cackle like hens laying eggs, when the full moon rises. And we do not, absolutely; do not cook children in ovens!! (Little joke!) Wouldn't they be missed anyway if those rumors were true?

We are everyday normal looking people. In fact, most Wiccans are the most gentle and nicest folks you would ever hope meet. We are very nature orientated. We hold nature very dear to us because everything in nature is part of our Lord and Lady and of Mother Earth (Gaia). We use all of the energies of the Earth to bring about changes in our lives, through spells and rituals. What are spells, but mere prayers?

Before the "burning times of persecution" the village Witch was held in very high honor because he/she was a healer, a mid-wife, a mother, a father, medicine man and very cunning and wise people. She/He used their knowledge of natural cures and herbs to cure the sick. She/He always knew what plant or herb to use to cure a specific illness. The villagers came to seem the local wise woman or man to learn of their future. The word Witch once meant "the wise one." A witch is generally is service to help or heal those in need.

Wicca is a religion that is based from the ancient Goddess/God worship of the Celtic peoples, Witchcraft and from other early Indo- European pagan beliefs or others such as the ancient shamans, Druids and Ceremonial magic. Through the sands of time and fear of persecution, the ancient Goddess worship was lost until a man named Gerald Gardner "rediscovered" it in the 1930's, by being initiated into a secret, Wiccan coven (New Forest Witches). In the 1950's, Gardner published a book entitled "Witchcraft Today", which brought Wicca into the public eye in England, and eventually Raymond Buckland brought it to America. So, one might say that Wicca is a fairly modern religion because it has only been around since the early 50's. (I tend to disagree with that statement, but I will explain why on a different page, at a different time.)

But, as of this writing, Wicca is an earth loving, nature based religion. We follow the cycles of the moon, and of the sun, which are representations of our Goddess and God. Most Wiccan people follow the Wiccan Rede as well. To see this subject in more detail, visit our "What is Wicca" page.

Yes, Wicca is a real religion. The Witchcraft Act of England was repealed in 1951, which gave witches a chance to practice freely and was fueled by forefathers such as Aleister Crowley, Gerald Gardner, Raymond Buckland and Charles Leland. In 1972, Witchcraft was deemed a legally recognized religion by the United States Constitution and we are now protected by the First, fifth and Fourteenth Amendments. The IRS recognizes Wicca as a legal church, and we have been granted tax-exempt status if we so choose under the 501 c 3 status. Our Priests and Priestesses have the same privileges as any other ordained ministers/clergy, which means they can perform weddings, funerals, and Wiccaning (baptism) legally.

Well actually they all mean about the same thing except a few differences. A person that practices Wicca might call themselves a Wiccan, a Witch, a Warlock or a Pagan. But there is a difference between the words Wiccan , Witchcraft and Pagan. Some Pagans don’t worship a God or Goddess at all, where all Wiccans do making us both Duo theistic (Male/Female) and Polytheistic (many gods). But the one thing that is similar between the terms is our love for nature. A person that just calls himself/herself a Pagan might not always call themselves a Wiccan, but might call themselves a Witch!! A Witch is a Pagan, but might not call him a Wiccan (It can be crazy, I know.)

Actually, in days of old, Pagans worshiped many Gods. But I'm not sure what has happened from then until now, because some Pagans that I have talked to say they only believe in energies, not the Deity that drives those energies. (I didn't say all Pagans, let's get that clear.) Wiccans have adopted the belief in Deities.

Also, Wiccans follow the Wiccan Rede, and most Pagans don't. Most Pagans are against the idea of an organized religion, and they feel that following the Rede would be subjecting to organization. (I feel differently about.) The Wiccan Rede is about the only set of "rules" in Wicca besides Karma. Everything else in this religion is up to you.

The term "The Craft" is more than just a catchy movie title. It is short for Witchcraft, which sums up Pagans, Wiccans, and traditions there within. Most Wiccans will claim that Wicca is the same as Witchcraft. This is not exactly true. Witchcraft is much older and does not have the Wiccan set of Rules. Wicca is only about 50 years old and is thought to be invented by Gerald Gardner as a combination of Gardnerian, Elder Witchcraft and borrowed ideas from other forms of the craft including some eastern mysticism ways.

No. A person doesn’t have to be born into the Craft, to be a Witch. You simply have to make the choice to be a Witch, and study the Craft. If you feel comfortable with the idea, you can dedicate yourself, and then have a High Priest/ess initiate you into the Craft if you feel this is the path you really want. That choice is up to you. Most covens will say a year and a day of studies for a 1st degree initiation. Each tradition is different (See the next question for more on that.)

No. Used to, some people thought that you had to be initiated to be a True Witch by another Witch by certain traditions. But in modern day Wicca it is well known that anyone can be a Wiccan. Some paths may have strict rules about this subject. There are solitary paths. If you attune yourself with the God & Goddess and nature live in accord and follow the "Wiccan Rede". You can learn to become Wiccan and dedicate yourself to your personal deity and also your Spirit guides as a Wiccan.

Initiations are really just a dedication ceremony performed in front of others and a title may appear to be of great importance to some individuals. A true Witch or Wiccan will know that degrees and initiations are really for self accreditation. A degree will make you no more or less than another Witch/Wiccan it is what is in your heart that matters most. A degree is nice to have to show others and yourself of your life achievements. I have quite a few of them myself by that does not make me better than the next person who may not have the 3rd degree plaque on their wall like mine. By: Marlevane

There are a few differences. We are all Witches and as witches we are all alike. But some witches would like to gather in a group called a Coven. It usually involves 13 or more witches known as their "family". They have a Priestess and a Priest who can be considered Leaders of the group. They also may have an Elders counsel who administers certain rules much like a jury would. Then there are some people that wish to practice at their own home or Sacred Ritual space. Which is what we do as a Solitary? But, basically they are a lot alike in many aspects. We both have a book of shadows. We both honor the Deities; we both honor the moons, and both cast spells alike. But as Solitary, we follow our own thoughts, our own decisions, and follow our own paths in the craft. A Solitary Witch is just the same as a convener, they are simply Witches who practices alone.

Absolutely, NOT

We do not worship any such entity known as Satan or the Devil. These fictional characters were made up by the Christian book religions. The only place they are mentioned is their bible. They are not a part of our Wiccan theology. The God & Goddess are positive deities which we align with and honor. No evil or negative forces in any such way. We honor the moon, the sun, mother earth and the many aspects of them. We see different deities or Gods/Goddesses in them and everything around us. Such as the mountains, trees, animals and even we are a part of the divine. It is a lot like the ancient Greek, Celtic and Roman pantheons which many Wiccans and Druids honor. Each deity represents a certain quality like love, war, the tides and seasons.

We worship our own deities: The Lord and Lady, The Old Ones, The God & Goddess. Some names are: Hecate, Kernnunos, Diana, Pan, Inanna, Bran, Cerridwen, Herne and Morrighan. There are so many names for them which are NOT evil by any means. There are darker sides of the deities that most people tend to forget about. Perhaps it is because they are tied into the Dark Moon or New Moon rituals. But they are not evil in any shape or form! Darker Gods and Goddesses are associated with the death and rebirth cycles of all life. Wiccan Rede and Karmic law forbids us from causing any harm. We view them as dualities kind of like yen & yang. In fact our pentagrams are five pointed stars with the fifth point up not down. Each point represents the five elements: Air, fire, water, earth, and spirit (Akasha). Harm none, do as ye will! By: Marlevane

They are the Gods/Goddess in that which Wiccans, Druids, Wizards, Christians, or any person believes in. A higher power to look to or call upon and the creator/creatrix. Every religion or belief has its own God or Goddess they worship or put their faith into. You can call them by any name you wish. They know who you are following or worshiping or attuned to. Everyone has something they believe in, right? Each person has his own deity or Gods. "Live & Let live", I say.

Yes we do. How nice of you to ask. We have Eight of them. “Quick. Click Here” it is the link to go read up on them right now. Seriously now, we call it the Wheel of the Year. Yule-Dec. 21st, Beltane-May 1st, Imbolc-Feb. 2nd, Samhain-Oct. 31st, Litha-June 21st, Ostara-March 21st, Lughnasadh-Aug. 1st, & Mabon -Sept. 21st) Many of the Witches Holidays were copied by the jealous and powerful church to stop out its biggest competition , the pagans.

No. However we do have a Book of Shadows, which could be considered one in a way. Except that WE write in it ourselves. No, our "Bible" is much like a diary or journal Witches/Warlocks/Wiccans/Wizards keep things like spells, herbal potions, recipes, dreams and other personal information they wish to write down not to forget. In the past it was kept secret and hidden from the magistrates or the church to avoid being discovered as one of the wise ones or better known as Witches.

They feared what the Puritans (Christians) would do to them if proven to be a Witch by unethical and irrational means of torture and death, thus giving it the name of the Book of Shadows. Upon death, a Witch burnt his BOS or had a trusted friend/partner do it for them to keep their magickal information secret from the uninitiated eyes or its enemy. Witches had to hide in the "shadows" and so did their book to protect themselves from a horrible murder of the church.

Oh boy, this is a good one. No, not like you would imagine it. We do not do sleight of hand tricks. That is what stage performer magicians do like the professional illusionist (David Copperfield). We do perform magick that can bring about changes in our own lives though will and manifestation. The magick comes from nature, the divine, all the energies that reside within, and from our very own bodies. To see magick in more detail, see our Magickal Beliefs page.

No, that is not physically possible. And by the way... why in the world would you want to turn a person into a frog anyway? The closest to this is a Witch or Shaman might shape shift himself to appear like an animal or another creatures qualities.

Sure...but we won’t because manipulation of another person’s free will is a big no- no. You might not want them after awhile and you might change your other mind. Then what? You'd be stuck with them. And plus, there is a reason that you and that person are not together anymore, Right? Let fate take its toll. Taking away persons free will is still harming them no matter which way you look at it.

No! That’s because I do not believe in harming anyone. I would much rather reflect the negative energy back to them. Bind it totally or bind them from causing harm. Or just let ole' Karma get their butt. Wiccans do not send harm or cast magick upon another person. This is taking away their free will. By: Marlevane

Actually you would be better off doing the money spell for yourselves, as it would require your own energies, your thought form, and your will for it to work the best. It’s like the old saying, "If you want something bad enough, you'll have to get it yourself". By: Marlevane

Yes they can. I am one and there are many male witches. Some call themselves Wiccans, Some Warlocks, some just a Witch. It is a personal preference to what they decide to be called. I am both a Witch and a Warlock and study Wizardry as well. By: Marlevane

Yes, to a surprise we can. There are several ways to read into that which is otherwise unknown. Divination is the great secret. Tarot cards, Runes, Scrying, Numerology, Mind reading and psychic abilities. There are a lot of different ways to do this. I didn’t even mention all of them. You don’t have to be a certain type of person to be able to draw your own conclusions from a reading and deciphering it as well. Just study the ways to do it. If, you can learn to read, then you can learn just about anything you want to learn. Reading does a body good! There are many books on the market to teach you the arts of Divination.

I cannot speak for all the witches, especially on this subject. I personally do not conjure up anything evil. There are some witches who do. Most Wiccans do not. The closest thing to that is: we do ask for attendance to join in our rites from our Deities or invoke the Gods. We might call on our spirit guides, guardians of watchtowers to our circle. But never will we call anything evil to do our biddings. Be careful what you call upon or into your circle and never call something you cannot banish. By: Marlevane

According to the most dictionaries or encyclopedias it is an old Scottish or Middle English word meaning traitor or an oath breaker. This type of phrasing is what started the Witch craze and the negative imagery about Witches and Wiccans. A male witch may choose to call himself a Witch, a Warlock or a Wiccan or whatever path he chooses to follow without disrespect. There are some who may use this term Warlock to refer to a male Witch and has every right to do so. Despite what some Wiccans and Christian fundamentalist say about Warlocks they are not necessarily evil, Satanist or oath breakers. The same paradigm of Wiccans is not evil or a Satanist should apply to Warlocks, Wizards and Druids.

A recent movement to bring back the term Warlock in a positive light has begun and I personally accept their efforts and join them by welcoming in the name Warlock as a male witch. You can take this idea any way you like. You can agree with it or not. Let’s remember that Wicca itself is only 50 years old and derived from an older path of Witchcraft. Throughout the years most, not all, witches were women. Warlocks were men witches but were reduced somewhat to being called just a witch or a Wiccan either by choice or by its peers. By: Marlevane

No!! If you study Wicca thoroughly before you make the decision to become a Witch, you will learn that we don’t believe in the Christian concept of hell. So how could you go to somewhere that doesn’t exist in our theology? Don’t believe everything you hear, lol. When you die, you most likely go where you believe you will go in afterlife. Wiccans do not believe in an eternal damnation like the mainstream book religions. We believe that a person can enter a lower realm to learn their lesson and correct it or how to better themselves in order to reincarnate or elevate to a higher realm. Read this section for more info. Wicca Beliefs

Not likely!! Well if you have a time machine that really works and you would like to travel back to the persecution times, you might get burned or hung or drowned. But in this day of age, Wicca is a true religion, so we cannot be harmed by law and the 1st, 5th and the 14th amendments of the United States Constitution. You won’t see anymore burning bodies these days it is against all laws. Let’s keep it that way. We must stand up for our rights or else people like G. Bush and hard core fundamentalist will try to take over this country and make it completely Christianized. By: Marlevane & Magenta

Nope, we do not proselytize. We will never come to your door and offer you a sack of groceries, or a Book of Shadows, in trade for you to come to our altars. We do not try to gain new people for our religion or convert your thoughts from what you believe. We do however offer knowledge of the religion on your own free will. We will gladly answer your questions if you ask them. But we will never, ever force ourselves upon you.

Yep! The moon is ruled by the Goddess, and we worship and honor all the Goddesses phases, so therefore we worship the moon, and all of her cycles as well. There are 13 full moons in a year and we honor the new moon or dark moon too. The moon generally has four phases per month and occasionally an extra quarter. The phases are Waxing, Waning, full and new.

Why, yes as a matter of fact, we are!! Trees are a part of nature, so therefore we love them and hug them all the time. Trees are very grounding. They can take away all of your aches, depressions, and stress. You should give it a go!! Right now, go outside and hug your big ole’ Oak tree, and see how much better you feel afterwards.