What is a Witch?

A Witch is someone who practices Witchcraft, a practice of manipulating natural energies and forces to bring about desired changes in one's life and the lives of others. It's also a means of achieving goals in your life and/or the lives of others.

All kinds of people can be Witches. The term "Witch" is not gender specific, therefore both women AND men can practice Witchcraft (and so can children). It's a rather sexist misconception that only Women may take on the term "Witch", where men are called "Warlocks"...the term "Warlock" is intended to be an insult, meaning "oathbreaker", as typically those who were Warlocks were ones who in some way betrayed their group and are now seen as untrustworthy.

Witches blend easily into our society for the simple fact that (despite popular convention) there are no designated uniforms or dress codes, nor do they wear outrageous jewellery, or draw unneeded attention. At least those who take the practice of Witchcraft seriously tend to look like everyone else. Some novices and "role players" tend to be more outlandish in their attire. Should a novice dress in this manner, it's usually because they've gotten a hold of some questionable material that told them this is appropriate attire. As a well seasoned practitioner, I can assure you...there's no dress code.

Then there is the misconception that somehow one is only a Witch if they have some sort of "bloodline" or relative who was a Witch. **I** am the first and only Witch in my family. I've been a Witch for over 15 years. No one in my family has ever practiced Witchcraft. While Paganism does indeed run in my family (druids, Native traditionalists, etc), the actual practice of Witchcraft falls solely on me. So, if one is only a Witch if they have a bloodline of Witches, how is it I can be successful in my practices? Because I've studied the practice. I took the time to learn my craft. It's not a DNA anomaly in which all my knowledge is unlocked at the age of 16. Everything in life needs to be learned, whether or not you have a natural tendency towards it. Piano prodigies need to study their craft to be adept, Witches are no different.

Now, Witches practice a variety of crafts that either are or often not considered "Witchcraft". Most popularly is the art of spell craft. Essentially spell craft is using various materials, associated with certain elements, astrological assignments, colors, etc having to do with aspects dealing with the goal you are trying to achieve. These goals by no means involve sparkling lights, *poofs* of smoke or instant materialization. Spell work is NOTHING like we see on tv (this misconception is another topic altogether). Spells can manifest anywhere from a few hours to a few years, and are hardly fantastic. Being the caster of the spell, you should know what to look for to know whether your spell "worked" or not.

Other crafts can include divination...making use of tools such as pendulums, tarot cards, crystals, astrology, scrying, etc. herb craft...making "potions" (for lack of a better word) to either enhance one's practice OR for practical uses such as creams and ointments for minor wounds.

Witchcraft can be a broad practice, and is not restricted solely to Pagan religions. Christians may be Witches if they so choose (but reconciling it with their beliefs would be their burden), and so can atheists...as Witchcraft has NOTHING to do with deity worship.