That Witch Thing
Diane Wing
©2009
I was speaking with someone who is into metaphysics and during the conversation she said to me, “You’re into that Witch Thing, right?” I was a bit taken back. It showed a complete lack of understanding of what a Witch is and what it means to be one. Even with all of the attempts at educating the public around Witchcraft and the plethora of information available to dispel the negative connotations, this person displayed quite blatant insensitivity.
I replied, “That’s like saying to a Catholic, ‘You’re into that Catholic Thing, right?”
“Oh, so you’re Wiccan,” she continued displaying her ignorance.
“Not all Witches are Wiccan. That’s like saying all Christians are Catholic. I am hereditary and follow an eclectic path.” My attempt to explain the nature of this misconception was met with a deer-in-the-headlights look.
This is a common misperception about Witches, that everyone is Wiccan.
Of course, that is the most readily recognizable faction of Witchcraft to
those who are not familiar with the Craft.
Additionally, Wicca seems to be the most commonly joined group for those
who are new to the Craft. While the
number of Witches in the
The culture is becoming superficial, with many books coming out written to the newly initiated, which flounder in their attempts to use the information without proper supervision. Experienced Witches are needed to mentor the newly initiated. Those who are seeking religion beyond the traditional and who want to be somewhat rebellious in their quest are drawn to the Craft, not understanding the deep esoteric meanings, history, or occult philosophy on which it is built. Because the new Witches are not well versed in Witchcraft and cannot adequately explain the historical or metaphysical significance of the practice, this fosters a lack of understanding on the part of the general public, who are not generally exposed to highly competent Witchcraft practitioners.
Being a Witch is a lifestyle, a dedication to lifelong learning, a sense of connection with the divine and all of the energies that surround us, and the ability to direct those energies toward a focused purpose. It is the ability to understand divine will while developing a singularly strong will of one’s own. It is riding the wave of the Tao to achieve in an effortless way, to manifest, and to thrive in abundance.
These abilities and a deep sense of the Universal Energy do not come from calling the quarters, observing the Sabbats, or saying a spell. It comes from intense study, practice, and experience. It is developed through self-awareness and release of all that is not appropriate to one’s path. It comes from a symbolic death of the old self that recurs whenever there is a shift to a higher level of consciousness.
The Craft is not for those who have self-doubt, those who want to manipulate others, those who are looking for an easy way to solve their problems, or those who think it’s cool to say they are a Witch. Witchcraft requires a strong sense of personal responsibility, commitment, and work. It is necessary to do deep dives into the self and to understand the underlying philosophy that is behind the writings and the practice of magick.
Those who are looking for a religion to replace their previous one should consider the implications of entering into the practice of Witchcraft. Many people convert to Witchcraft from Catholicism because the act of ritual with a chalice, incense, etc. is familiar to them from the church. Yet the commonalities of the two end there, for the church focuses on guilt and obligation, while the Craft focuses on personal responsibility and harming none.
These comments are not designed to discourage those who are just learning about Witchcraft or who have an interest in taking it a step further, but it is meant to provoke thought about the motivation for wanting to be a Witch and what you hope to get out of it. Wearing pentacles and black clothing does not a Witch make. The sense of personal power that exudes from an accomplished practitioner of the Craft can be felt by others. There is no need for a symbolic display or costuming; it is a way of being, a centered, grounded, and focused power fueled by The Source, a strong sense of self, self-mastery, and self-trust, and the understanding that self-knowledge is key to the practice of the Craft and of magick in general.
I’ve heard some say that they “used to be a Witch.” In this case, the individual may have read some books and dabbled in ritual; one that I’m aware of was actually a High Priestess, but to leave the Craft behind no matter the depth of involvement indicates they were never truly a Witch in the deepest sense. If one is in actuality a Witch, it is who you are, so to stop being a practitioner does not mean that you are no longer a Witch is that is truly what and who you are. Being tapped into the energies around you is a way of being; the intuitive messages feed information, the earth and the trees provide energetic sustenance, and the Universal Energy is an ever-present light that shines from the seven directions (North, South, East, West, Above, Below, and Within).
Some have come to the conclusion or held onto the belief that the practice of Witchcraft is simply evil. Nothing in this world is inherently evil; it is the energy of the individual and the intent with which the energy is used that makes it good or evil. If a practitioner determines that the Craft is no longer a light in the darkness, or if it is turning dark, that person may want to consider what is going on inside of herself that is causing that reaction. If the individual is the member of a coven, it may be coming from the members of the group she is involved in. It is not the Craft itself, but those in it that determine the nature of how the ancient practices and wisdom are used.
Blessings,
Diane Wing