Alright I know that on this site their are many different beliefs in pagans, wiccans, satanists, etc. However there has been controversy over the topic of real witches. Who believes in real actual witches, what do you think makes a true witch, what special powers and characteristics, and would you consider yourself as a true witch? Or do you think it's a hoax and consider it as being Wiccan? Are there any stories you have about your magic, spells, or things that have happened to you? Witches: Real or not?
Yes witches are real. Generally it is a Wiccan term that goes for male and female. That is what they see themselves as. If your thinking of witch as someone who flies around on a broomstick and turns people into things then no. It is just that a term though. It does not denote power or prestige.
I am sorry gothic shadow but any wiccan is considered a witch. Most people think of only women because the christian witch hunts there was only one male accused and he was accused of being satan. A wizard is supposed to be someone gifted more power than most from a god or fate. Also just to clear confusion a warlock is irish or scottish for traitor or oathbreaker
witch is what most people who practice magic, but aren't Wiccan [though Wiccans can be called witches too] are called. a Witch is a magic practitioner, and while they will celebrate sabbats and esbats, they don't follow the Wiccan reed and stuff. it's like calling a Catholic 'Christian' while they are, there are differences, and i've had conversations with people who swear Catholics aren't Christian. it's the same for witches, all Wiccan's are Witches, but not all Witches are Wiccans. it's just a name we call ourselves if we cast spells.
I suppose whether Witches are real or not depends on exactly what you believe a Witch to be. If you're thinking of the Hollywood or the D&D version then no, Witches aren't real. If you're thinking of the Medieval version where Witches were women consorting with the Devil then Witches aren't real either.
On the other hand there are those, both men and women, who identify the forms of magic that they practice as witchcraft. They may, or may not, also engage in forms of Pagan religious practice which they consider to also be part of being a Witch. These folks are very real indeed and so is the magic that they are able to do...though it's not the flash/bang Hollywood type.
But as to whether Witches are real...well I've been practicing the Craft for some 30 years and I can assure you I'm very real.
GothicShadow, my husband would be very surprised to learn that he isn't a Witch since he's been practicing as one for many, many years. The idea that women are Witches and men are Wizards may work in Harry Potter, but it isn't true in the real world. The word Witch can apply equally to men and women.
I see my self as a wizard because that's what I identify myself as. I call myself that because I practice magick not strictly in a religious context. Yes I follow things from many different religions because they all have something to offer. But you don't need magick to practice religion. Or visa versa. Also I specialize in many different forms of magick so I'm kind of a jack of all trades. And no I don't think I have more power bestowed on me by the Gods.
