question for modern witches?

Question

do witches have to follow the wiccan religion?
what are other magical religions?
is gnosticism?
I would like to know more about what you do and your culture, please email me.
thank you so much

Answer 1

You can be both a Wiccan and a witch, these two words are not the same
One of the biggest sore points among Wiccans is the improper usage of the terms "Wiccan" and "Witch". Too many people use the terms interchangably, presuming that they both mean the same thing. They do not.

Wiccan
Wicca is a religion, and someone who follows that religion is called a Wiccan. Sometimes it can be difficult to accurately define Wicca, and not all Wiccans will define themselves the same way. Observing the 8 Wiccan Sabbats, honoring the Gods and/or Goddesses, creating sacred space for rituals, to name a few. Many traditional Wiccans also feel that belonging to a coven is also a requirement and that those who practice their religion as a solitary, should not refer to themselves as Wiccan. Personally, I'm still not sure on that point. Typical Wiccans also practice magick, and therefore are also witches.
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You cannot be a "natural Wiccan" any more than you could be a "natural Christian".

Witch
The practice of witchcraft is not associated with any religion, therefore you can be a witch and yet also be a member of any number of religions (or none). Using the natural energies within yourself, along with the energies of herbs, stones or other elements to make changes around you is considered witchcraft. Though the skills and gifts that are part of witchcraft can be inherited from parents or grandparents, you aren't automatically a witch just because your grandmother may have been one. The use of magick takes practice, experience and learning. On a side note, a male witch is called a witch, not a warlock.

Pagan
While I'm explaining terminology, I thought I would throw in "Pagan" as well. Paganism refers to a variety of non-Christian/Jewish/ Islamic religions that are usually polytheistic and are often nature-based. Wicca is only one Pagan religion, but there are others such as Santeria, Asatru, or Shamanism. Many people do not necessarily identify with a specific religion, and just use the broad term "Pagan" to define their spiritual path. Pagan religions are distinct and separate from each other, and it should not be assumed that they are just different names for the same faith.

Some other Magickal religions, do include gnosticism, Asatru, Hellenic religions, and several others.

Answer 2

I am Pecti-Witan (aka Hedge Witch, not Wiccan) a "solitary" practitioner of "the Old Religion", and have been for many, many years. Being a "Witch" is nothing like what is portrayed in movies or on Television. There is nothing flashy about it. we are fairly simple people with "abilities" that everyone has, ours are just honed and utilized. Lots of research and practice. There is a lot to learn when you are dealing with herbal, mineral and candle magick. As for following the Wiccan religion, well, that is subjective. I do follow the rede "Do as thou wilt and in it harm none" and the law of 3. But these have been around much longer than Wicca.
BTW I read tarot cards, rune stones and utilize a number of other "fortune telling" tools but would NEVER charge anyone for anything I do! Besides, I do not do "readings" or "cast spells" for others on demand. That sounds more like a con game to me.
This lifestyle has come naturally to me, as I believe that this is not my first life (nor the last) as a witch. My mother was a witch abd my great grandfather was a Comanche Medicine Man. I have always had a deep respect for nature and have an innate ability to communicate with animals. When I was very young my parents encouraged me to learn about all religions, so I did. Books are an excellent source, providing you get the right ones, there are some I would avoid. I prefer Scott Cunningham. If you can connect with other practitioners that would also be a good way to learn. One question you must ask yourself is are you looking for the structured system of a Coven or would you prefer the life as a "Solitary"? Buckland has some very good books outlining both. But my favorite book is still "Wicca, a Guide for the Solitary Practitoner". It is a good place to start (or affirm).
Gnosticism is a purer form of Christanity as they include many of the "books" that were omitted from the bible. Even gives a more details of the life of Jesus (the missing years).
Most Pagan religions include magick in their rituals. But the only one I am familiar with is Pecti-Wita, not exactly mainstream witchcraft.
I hope you find what you are looking for.
BB
)O(

Answer 3

Not all witches are Wiccan, Wicca is the religion of witches. Most of the Neo-pagan faiths have magick (spelled with a 'k' on purpose) in them. I don't see anything within gnosticism that suggest they believe in magick, but I am not too familiar with them.

Blessed Be )O(

Answer 4

You don't have to follow any religion to be a Witch although some witches believe in a form of witch dogma or more appropriate 'catma'. The lawless 'witch' would probably be classified as a sorcerer. Most Pagan Paths and Occult paths have some teachings on witchcraft and magick. I think the best place to start learning about these things is Shamanism. I am a non religious sorcerer, I strip the 'orders' of it's 'order' and form new non-systematic magick from it.

Answer 5

Depends on what you mean by "witch". In common usage, it means someone who practices magic, so you can be a witch without belonging to any religion. Likewise, you can belong to the religion without practicing magic.

Gnosticism is a form of Christianity.

There are many different Wiccan traditions: Alexandrian, Seax, Dianic, Frost, etc. There are magical traditions that aren't Wiccan: Asratu (Nordic) Kahuna (Hawaii), Voodoo, Santeria, etc.

That being said, there is no proof that magic works at all.

Answer 6

Wiccan isnt the only religion that witches follow, but it is known to be the most common.
Rede is a well known religion followed by witches which tells them to worship the devil.
Some people also practise Witch Craft as a religion and dont practice Rede or Wiccan.

Answer 7

First of all, a Witch's "culture" is the culture around her. So we are of the American, British, black, Southern, Australian, etc. cultures.

Secondly, there are other ways to be a Witch. Traditional Witchcraft (that's Witchcraft passed down from family members, whether your own or someone else's relatives) is one way.

Answer 8

I'm part pagan, but I'm of the unitarian universalist religion, which accepts all religions.

Answer 9

Look at me!!! I'm a witch!!! I hug Trees!!!