WICCA, WITCHES, WITCHCRAFT? WHAT DOES IT ALL MEAN?

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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.