WICCA, WITCHES, WITCHCRAFT? WHAT DOES IT ALL MEAN?
A
WITCH
is a practicioner of a nature-based system and not all
witches follow the same exact system. Some follow what is the "old
religion" which originates from the pagan pre-monotheistic folkway.
These beliefs are based on the beliefs of the seasonal cycles which
consist of summer and winter.
Many witches believe in a polytheistic deity (gods and goddesses)
structure and some simple practice magick. Some may also practice
alone, "solitary", and some in covens.
Wicca, a modern form of
WITCHCRAFT
and is based on the teachings of Gerald Gardner.
Traditional Wiccans basically believe in an equal balance
of a male-female divinity and are seldom solitary.
A newer form of "Wicca", originating from around the 1970's, is
considered to be more eclectic. They follow a mixture of beliefs
some pagan and/or non pagan beliefs. Some form "traditions" of
their own and many are solitary practitioners. They may create
their own rituals and practice their beliefs in their own way.
All these complex belief systems and terms are often mistakenly
interchanged such as: "Witch" and "Wicca." So some simple refer
to themselves as "Pagan" or "Neo-Pagan." Now not all Pagans are
Witches or Wiccan; they are describes as people who follow an
earth-based system/religion.