Is It Okay To Be A Witch?

Question

I'm 15 and have fallen into the world of Paganism and Wicca. This has branded me as, "evil", "a heathen", and offensively, "a witch". Although, being Wicca, I practice magick/witchcraft. So, again, Is It Okay To Be A Witch?

Answer 1

yes it is ok to be a witch


blessed be

Answer 2

Hmm I too think you are a troll. Especially with a name like JC. Really you could have been more imaginative, couldn't you?

However on the offchance that you really are 15 and new to the whole world of paganism and Witchy stuff I will answer the question.

I hope this helps :)
The answer to your question is that it depends who you ask and what their personal viewpoint is.

Obviously if you ask witches they are going to say yes. If you ask a Christian they will tell you that you are going straight to hell.

At the end of the day the bigger question is how do YOU feel about it. Do you feel you gain something from being a pagan? Does a Pagan view of the universe make sense of it all to you. If so then what other people think or say doesn't count for anything at all.

I would spend some time thinking ,meditating perhaps even being completely open minded, praying to whoever is out there to show you a sign.

Answer 3

The short answer is: Yes. I have been Pagan for 24 years. I and my Living Spirit are both feeling fine - thank you. Those who would brand you as being evil simply because you've found your path - do this because you are out of reach of their punishment fear. It may be that Paganism is indeed your Path. Perhaps it is not. You are young and have a long way to go. But do remember why you are being branded as evil for your Path now - without the punishment, there is no fear. Without fear - there is no control.

To be fair, the world is filled with good and decent Christians who will not call you evil. Don't pay too much attention to the ravers on either side and you will probably do well.

The real question isn't one of good or evil. It's where you find your concept of Divinity. Paganism isn't about power. It is about seeing and understanding the Spirit of the Living World - and your place in it. Is it within the Paganism (Wiccan or otherwise)? If so - lovely. Is it within Christianity? Wonderful.

As you study the Craft there will be things that ring true for you. Others will not. Know this will happen. The same will be true of any faith. Put aside harsh judgements and the fear that lays behind them. Your Path will come to you - and you to it.

Blessed Be,

Erwyllian

Answer 4

You have "fallen in the world of Paganism and Wicca"? You don't just wake up one day and realize that you are involved. Yes, if you practice any form of Paganism, you will be "branded" these things, and many more. It's unfortunate that uninformed people feel free to call you these things, but they do/will. Most of the Wiccans I know love the word Witch. We use that title with pride. We don't use it for shock value (although I do know some who do) but rather because it is a word that empowers us. So yes, it is OK to be a Witch, but only if you know what you are saying. I suggest you read and research your little rear off. Some good authors/books are: Raymond Buckland (Complete Book of Witchcraft and and Wicca for One), Amber K (True Magick and CovenCraft), Scott Cunningham (Guide for the Solitary Practitioner), Doreen Valiente, Starhawk, Dorothy Morrison, etc. You might also want to check out WitchVox.com as they are a wonderful resource for general info and networking.

Answer 5

Yes, it's okay to be a Witch. Witch is much more than just associated with Wicca. Medicine men, medicine women, Shamans and others are also considered in the umbrella as "witch", but I don't think anyone would be so offensive as to tell an American Indian Shaman that he is "of the devil" like they do Wiccan witches. Can you imagine the outcry of racism and discrimination by the American Indian Tribes if someone called them "evil" for practicing their religion of thousands and thousands of years? Yet, they too are Pagan and Wicca borrower heavily from the American Indian/Shaman earth-based beliefs.

Just remember that the gods of the old religion always become the devils of the new. Also remember that earth-based religions predate Christianity by over 100,000 years. If it was "wrong" than the human race would have never gotten this far.

Just try to be more accepting of them than they are of you. That is the Wiccan Way.

)O(

Answer 6

"Fallen into"? Sounds like you feel you didn't have a choice. Why do you find "witch" offensive? Being a witch is perfectly OK as long as you are not the Fluffy Bunny variety (which I think you are, convince me otherwise). Another thing you claim to be Wiccan, what tradition? Just because you practice magick and possibly witchcraft, that does not make you Wiccan. I will say it again, NOT ALL WITCHES ARE WICCAN! And we don't find it necessary to announce it to the world.

Now I have a couple of questions for you to really ponder.
1. Why do you think you might want to be a Wiccan or witch?
2. What lead you to this path?
3. What do you expect to gain from it?

If your answer to ANY of these questions is "power", forget it.

READ!!! Find out which denomination or tradition appeals to you. You may find your answer in, Buckland's Complete Book of Witchcraft.

I would not bother with any type of initiation or gathering of ritual tools until you find which path you are going to follow. Most tools are not necessary in all denominations. I have much more than most, but then, I have been practicing for a very long time. My particular path essentially needs only a Staff, Dirk (athame) and a Keek-Stane (or crystal ball). Other tools can be acquired as needed.

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.
I read tarot cards, rune stones and utilize a number of other tools for divination 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! Though I am often asked.
Now as for what I did to start, well, it seemed to come naturally to me, (my mother was a witch and my great grandmother was the daughter of a Comanche medicine man) and I believe 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. And I encourage you to do the same to find your true path. Books are an excellent source, providing you get the right ones, there are some I would avoid (Ravenwolf). 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 Wiccan Coven (you will have to wait until you are 18, unless your parents are part of an established 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).
The reason I suggest avoiding Ravenwolf is her blatant disreguard for honesty and her intolerance of other faiths and even different sects in Wicca/witchcraft. I think she is the Goddess of Fluffy Bunnies! One trait you will find among honest witches is a respect and tolerance for others faiths, we do not judge people by what they believe or don't believe but by what they say and do. Most of us can embrace the differences.
As you may notice, you also have to have a thick skin, because even in this "advanced" civilization there are still those who believe we worship the devil (LMAO), 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.
Since you are very young, expect ridicule and really stupid requests to do "Magic" like they do on TV or in movies. It is not going to make you cool. Expect people to tell you that you are going to Hell. You will probably lose friends. Just being honest with you.
I hope you find the answers you were looking for whether they are mine or the wisdom of another.
BB
)O(

Answer 7

Yes, after many years I feel just fine. ;)

Now you KNOW that many will tell you that it's evil...but YOU know that anyone who says that doesn't know anything about the religion or just doesn't understand it. I implore you: Before you jump into magick and such (I know many people want to do that), read "Paganism" by Joyce and River Higgenbotham to see if our beliefs are truly your own. The fact that you said you "have fallen into" makes me feel that you have negative connotations about the religion -- or maybe you are rebelling or just want to 'be cool'. Please don't convert for those reasons. Don't worry about not wanting to be called a Witch; many practitioners don't use the word to describe themselves: I do, because I know what that truly means, and that is who and what I am. (The book I've mentioned is a broad explanation of Pagan perspectives and may help you see if you really feel as Pagans feel. It is NOT all about magick and spell-casting: that's simply a benefit.). Then Read "The Inner Temple" by Christopher Penczak to learn to meditate and other essential things. Christopher is a good friend and my favorite author. The best to you, whatever path you choose. Just make sure you are true to the religion and to yourself. Brightest Blessings!

Robin W. I MUST call you on a couple of things. First off, it's MAGICK, not magic. That's what Criss Angel does. A true Witch would know this. And secondly, I am sorry your attempts at magick don't work. Mine do, so please don't theorize that no magick does. Blessings.

Answer 8

Hmm...Sounds to me like your a bit confused. Perhaps you need to go through and try to understand the religion more, before you label yourself anything. Because you are talking about many different labels, you threw out the word witch, heathen, and Wiccan. Now Wicca and Heathenism have nothing to do with each other, and your utilizing the word Fallen....are you a pagan/witch/wiccan by choice...your situation sounds fairly strange.

If your looking for answers to a question like this I would suggest you seek out a mentor, someone who can explain and help you seek the answers you desire.

Asking this question on here will not give you the type of answers you probably are looking for.

However, in terms of being a witch. Its perfectly ok to be a witch, However it is disgraceful to the pagan community to call yourself a witch an have no knowledge of what it means. So I would say you need to think carefully.

The myspace page below is a connection to a friend of mine who work with teens. He does a lot of his work online so its perfect. Btw his name is Leo

http://www.myspace.com/n_c_m_s


Blessed luck to you child,
Noah

Answer 9

You fell in? Well, baby if you don't like it there, climb back out! First rule of being a Witch is that you do not blindly follow the herd. You are a powerful entity in you own right. With that comes responsibility. Pablo Picasso was quoted as saying, "There are two kinds of women, goddesses and doormats". Never choose doormat. That said, who can brand a goddess as anything she does not want to be branded with? Nobody. Get it? You are what you are, not what you are called.
15 is young, too young to be worried with labels. You know if you are OK. Stop and think: Do you feel OK? Are your judgments well thought out and fair? Do you take care of yourself? Do you cause intentional harm to the people around you? Are you bitter, wicked or deceitful? If not, you are a good person. You don't need anyone else to tell you that. Spend more time feeling the innate beauty of your being and less time trying to label it or being concerned with how other people label it.
Meanwhile, I love using the term Witch. In fact, I prefer it. It packs a punch. If you want to laugh at all the labeling, go read Terry Pratchett's Discworld novels. Equal Rites, Witches Abroad, and Lords and Ladies are just a few that will have you light hearted and merry.

Answer 10

If you feel inside of yourself that you are meant for this path with no feelings of guilt in spite of what others say, and that this is who you truly are then of course its ok. It all depends on what kind of witch you are going to be now doesn't it? Are you going to be self serving and seeking to harm those who you don't like or are you going to try to do some good in this troubled world. Take time and figure these things out. Covens don't usually take people into their ranks to study until the age of majority which wasn't 18 but 21 to give the person a chance to mature and make a wise choice. Its the same in the craft. Unfortunately, many authors out there who want to make money have presented witchcraft for teenagers and it can be dangerous without proper guidance so be very careful as you walk your path. I hope this helps you.

Answer 11

Yes. Remember, when the Bible was first written, it wasnt (i know this may come as a shock to some) written in English. When it *was* translated into English the words 'witch' and 'witchcraft' meant something very different to what they mean today. Kinda like the word 'gay' will have vastly different meanings depending what century you're in. The original words in the Bible refer more specifically to certain magickal practices such as using magick to harm others or to interfere with their free will. The Bible does condemn idolatory though. No way around that one from a Biblical perspective. But maths was labeled as 'witchcraft' at some point, and trust me that's not something that's biblicaly condemned! Witchcraft can mean a hundred different things... It all depends on what interpretation you're working with.