witches....?

Question

what do witches do, what are their beliefs and has anything they ever done worked...if so explain

Answer 1

I used to make donuts.

Answer 2

We cast spells, but can't turn people into toads and we don't have magic wands or "powers" that you see in Charmed or Harry Potter. The spells we cast work just as well (sometimes better than) as Christian prayer, because basically it is the same thing. Generally they are spells of protection and healing. The number one thing we believe in is "do as you will, but harm none" and the fact that anything anyone does will come back on them times 3, good or bad.
The type of witchcraft I practice has been around for eons and is not Gardner influenced (as Wiccans are). I am Pecti-Witan (aka Hedge Witch, not Wiccan) a "solitary" practitioner of "the Old Religion", (witchcraft), 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.
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!
My mother was a witch (and she practiced over 15 years before Gardner wrote the Wiccan rules), so it seemed to come naturally to me, as I believe that this is not my first life (nor the last) as a witch. 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. He will give you a well rounded view of the craft if you are truly interested.
We have developed a thick skin, because even in this "advanced" civilization there are still those who believe we worship the devil (LMAO, can't worship something you do not believe exists), and would rather turn a blind eye to the world around them. Some will even admit that they think we should be burned at the stake! Ignorance knows no bounds. As of this point you have gotten a lot of answers by some of them who have been brainwashed and can't be bothered to look into the very things that they put down. Seems to me that if you are going to criticize something it would be a good idea to learn about it so you don't make a fool of yourself. "Because it says so in the bible" or 'because some one else says so" just does not amount to knowledge, otherwise I would be looking for unicorns. Some will tell you that they know people who are witches or have dabbled a bit themselves and found it evil. These people are mostly what we call "fluff bunnies" usually teens who think it would be cool to be like Harry Potter or think they are going to get special powers, that is not what it is about. Or they want to do it as shock value for their parents. Witchcraft is pure & simple, we worship and revere nature, not man made things or myths.
Sorry for the ranting but sometimes the Religious Reich gets to me.
As for if I have ever done anything that worked, yes. I have cast a number of spells that have worked, actually too many to count since I have been doing this for so long. No miracles, just little things like spells for protection. One that works well for me is one that prevents colds and flu, not a cure, a prevention. I will not do anything like a love spell or any that could affect the free will of another, no self respecting witch would. What most of us do is pretty benign nothing spectacular.
BB
)O(

Answer 3

Witchcraft is a technique, like prayer, that is practiced in a number of different religious contexts (and sometimes with no religion at all). The beliefs of any given witch depend on what faith (or lack of faith) they practice in. Wicca is one of the religions where witchcraft is widely practiced, but not all Wiccans are necessarily witches.

Witchcraft 101 would go something like this, at least as I was taught: All things in the universe are interconnected by energy, which some witches (including Wiccans) perceive as Divine in nature. This is how witchcraft works: by focussing my intent, and using sympathetic correspondances (certain herbs for courage, for example), I can create an amulet using those herbs which will stimulate courage in the person who wears it. Similarly, by using a lock of hair from a person who is ill, I can (with their permission) set energies in motion that will help them to heal.

In this sense, witchcraft is a very mechanistic worldview. The entire universe is seen as a giant interconnected machine, and by applying one's will to exert pressure one area, one creates a cascade effect that causes change in another area. Witches, at least in my experience, see this as using energy that is inherent in the natural world.

You'll notice that never once during that description was Satan mentioned. This is because the vast majority of witches do not work with Satan or any being similar to Satan. It simply has no place in their cosmology. Also, if the witch is a Wiccan they are bound by choice by the Wiccan Rede: "If you harm none, do what you will". They are not likely to perform the curses and other "evil" acts that are attributed to "Satanic" witches.

I have definitely had positive results after casting spells; they might have been coincidence, but of course there is no way to tell.

Answer 4

What Wicca is Not
http://www.mdpagans.com/wiccaisnot.html

Yes Spells work. 13 years experience.

* 8 Holidays centered around the Solstices and Equinoxes and their cross quarter days.
* Belief in God AND Goddess
* Yes we cast spells, just like other religions Pray.
* No, it isn't the movie "The Craft" or like Charmed.
*We DON"T believe in the Devil.
*First rule is HARM NONE.
*No, we're not sacrificing anything to anyone.
*No orgies (Contrary to popular belief.)
*Yes, men can be Witches, too.
*we don't try to convert people

Answer 5

"Witches" or people that celebrate Nature are regular people (no special powers or flying on brooms). They worship the seasons of Nature, the cycles of life.

As far as spellcasting goes, a spell is no different than a prayer. It is a manipulation of energy with a desired outcome. Do spells work? Sometimes they do with great success. Others not so much. Just like prayers.

Anything by Raymond Buckland is worth reading if you are interested.

Answer 6

Witches do not worship or sell their soul to satan, they don't even believe in satan.
Witchs don't believe in satan, there for they can not sell their soul to him. Also they do not believe in heaven or hell. They do believe in a god and a goddess... I'm so sorry if you disagree with me. But maybe you should go out and buy a book called truth about withcraft by Scott Cunningham. =)
THank you, kindly

Answer 7

Witchcraft is not a religion, its a practice. They use magick to accomplish goals. The Craft is neither good nor bad, its just magick. Whats good or bad is what its used for.

And yes, my magick has worked.

We didn't think my sister would walk, much less live, after her car accident. I cast a healing spell. Overnight she recovered in amazing ways no one thought possible. Not only does she walk now but you wouldn't be able to tell she had an accident if you didn't see the scars. She's also had a son (which we were told wouldn't be possible).

I'd call that "working". And get this... she's Christian. I told her that I cast the spell for her and she graciously thanked me and said "I could have used all the help I could get". Great sister.

Btw, I'm Wiccan.

Answer 8

Ive practiced for 16 years. Not everything works, but some seem to i they where to help people...not hurt, and never for money or love.
brought up Catholic...now searching

Answer 9

witches are something made up so people would have an excuse to kill other people during the dark ages.

Salem Witch trails anybody?

Answer 10

You mean Wiccans? or people who consider themselves witches? they aren't neccessarily the same thing.