Witch and Wiccan... why do people not realize the differences yet??!?

Question

There's a lot of peeps here that are ~still~ using Witch and Wiccan intercangeably. I've seen, even asked, questions regarding the differences here. I understand how it could be confusing at first since Wiccans use magick in ritual (therefore are witches due to the magick use, not by simply being Wiccan!). What would it take for people to see and realize the differences between Wicca, a religion, and Witch, a way of life??

I did NOT say Wiccans HAD to use magick in ritual - but they usually do - at least the few rituals I've been to and according to the Wiccans I've talked with.

Answer 1

Maybe because Wiccan posters, or posters who are witches, frequently address their posts to "Wiccans Only". I mean, there doesn't seem to be much interest in educating the general public.

But I learned something from your post. Thank you.

Answer 2

Wicca is a Witch priesthood.

As defined by Gardner,all Wiccans are priests/priestess of Witchcraft. Thus while all Witches are not Wiccans, all Wiccans are Witches.

Look at it from this way; not all Jews are Rabbis, however all Rabbis are Jews; not all Muslims are Imams, however all Imams are Muslims.

It is not the use of magic that makes a Wiccan, a Wiccan, it is the study and learning of the Rituals and Practices as well as the being initiated into Wicca that makes them Wiccan.

One would hope that people take their religion seriously enough to make it a way of life, otherwise why bother?

Being a Wiccan IS a way of life, just as being a Rabbi, an Imam, a Monk, a Priest, or a Shaman is a way of life. These are people charged with learning their religious practice so that they can serve the Divine as well as those who simply want to follow a path congregates.

Answer 3

Pagan covers all perception methods that don't seem to be Christian, Jewish or Islam. It is an umbrella title. Wicca is a faith as is Witchcraft. But you don't must be Wiccan to be a Witch. However frequently talking if you're Wiccan you're a Witch. Although a few would possibly argue that. Up till the Eighties There was once no separation among being Wiccan and being a Witch. However there are different varieties of Witchcraft that don't seem to be Wiccan. And different Pagan Religions that don't name themselves Witches, Such as Heathens and extra.. You must study it.... Good Luck

Answer 4

I have noticed this alot, but honestly, I think this problem started with certain groups of Wicca to begin with, claiming that only Wiccans can use the label Witch (as that is where the word witch derived from). Not all Wiccans do this, but there are certain groups which do demand that others who are not Wiccan should NOT call themselves witches, even if they are practicing Witchcraft. It is usually the one's who claim they are hereditary or a group which has been active for a long time.

But you are absolutely right... Wicca is a religion... Witches use witchcraft, which is exactly what the word states it is... A Craft. Not all Wiccans work magic(k).

Answer 5

Easy summary: Wicca is a religion with its own Deities and ethical structure. Witchcraft is a practice and an art that does not necessarily require belief in a Deity.

You can practice witchcraft without following the Wiccan religion or ethical structure.

There are some Wiccans who follow their religion without practicing witchcraft (though they are less common).

Not all witches are Wiccan. But most Wiccans are also witches.

Answer 6

Unfortunetly certain individuals in the Wiccan community have worked hard to spread the messages that Witches don't do this and Witches don't do that and it's become so engrained in the minds of most people now that they have become convinced that Witch = Wiccan. It doesn't help that certain authors who are popular with newbies (like Silver Ravenwolf) use the two words interchangeably. It is unfortunate but as a non-Wiccan Witch I've learned to live with it. I've grown used to correcting people who go "Ah, you're Wiccan?" when they find out I'm a Witch. And I'll probaly have to continue doing that until certain prominent individuals in the Neopagan community stop doing it.

Answer 7

Uneducated honestly no other reason. they believe purerly what they hear and told rather than researching it and knowing the difference.

I am not either, I am closer to a Wiccan but Im not a real Wiccan, I am Native American and that should answer you what I believe. But I do know that not all witchs are wiccans or are all wiccans witches but most that do not research and study it would not know this just as someone not familiar with Muslims would would not know the diff between a Shiite and a Sunni or a Catholic from a Protestant.

Education is the key. I am of the beleif ALL faiths should be taught in schools not as factual but so that all will know that facts and basics of all faiths and then their might be less ignorance in the world!!

Good question

(Ahmed 5 - a true humanist how rare and good! )
(The Reverend Soleil - you obv did enough to answer it!)
(Dedicated to the tru…- How do you know did Satan or god tell you this personally? tell us about it Im know a great shrink whod love to hear your story and he has some great stuff for you to take with your water, should help you clarify things easier in your mind, till then try not to get any more lost in thought or you'll be lost eternally. DONT YOU GET IT, these peope do not believe in Christianity or Satan or god as you do so why would they for a second believe that both are related to Satan, thats ludicrous thinking and brainwashed thinking. I have heard much smarter arguments from Christians than this..so I assume you are one of them frauds as they call you hiding behind their faith and ruining their good name. real Christians cannot stand the name people such as yourself leave for them on Y!A. those are not words of peace or turning the other cheek by far. I see why so many real Christians do not answer because they are ashamed at the frauds who pretend to talk for them.)

Answer 8

So, what does "wicca" mean, the old English term? male witch. So, why wouldn't people get them confused when the words are merely the old and new versions of each other.
Yes, G. Gardner created a Wiccan religion, but that's like saying your average person doesn't know the difference between meditative prayer and contemplative prayer, specific to Christian monastic orders. Just be glad they don't call you "heretic" and burn you like they did to those who had land in Salem and Spain.

Answer 9

some people already know that wicca and witchcraft arent the same, but some people find it difficult NOT to use wicca or witchcraft interchangebly

I know that not all wiccans are witches and not all witches are wiccan. But I tend to use them interchangebly, and I really can't help it. It's hard not to do it.

Answer 10

Peter D They both seem terribly Renaissance Festival, "pretend we're in another time" role playing games to me

Are you serious? Then you haven't met all that many pagans. The last fellowship I went to I wore jeans and ballet flats. I don't see that as another time role play. Do SOME pagans do this? In an effort to become closer to roots and world view of the faith sure. Just like CHristiant get dressed up in ther Sunday Best to go to church. Same concept.

And no they don't know that. Mainly because most of us don't tell them. We, as a community, tend to close off outsiders because we don't want to put up with the idiots. But the catch to that is, they stay idiots.