to all the witches out there (real kind, not the halloween version)

[StopTheMorans]

I just saw a thread in GD looking to nominate the worst GOP witch. Many real witches (understandably) took offense to this. So, my question is, as a DUer who has seen many posts by people who profess to be witches, what exactly is a "witch"? What are the tenets of your belief system (I am assuming that being a witch entails a belief system)? what practices does this entail? How do you become a witch? Can males be "witches" too( not really looking, just curious)? And FYI, I am an atheist. Any info would be appreciated, just trying to broaden my understanding:)

on edit: wrong acronym, replaced "DU" with "GD" in first sentence

[meegbear]

1. Dude ...

your profile says you're from Boston. Salem is 20 minutes by car. They're estimating 40,000 people visiting Friday, but you'll get your answers.

[StopTheMorans]

2. I've been to Salem

and I've met some in real life, never really asked about "what they're all about" tho:)

[proud patriot]

3. hmmmmmmmmmm

To be a witch one must believe that thought
manifests reality .

one must understand nature and respect it .

[Frangible]

4. I think

Male witches are called warlocks.

As far as "wicca" as a belief system, it's loosely based on old traditions like many of the "new" religions are. (sorry, I'm kind of skeptical by nature) Not to say it's better or worse than any other religion, really. Believe in what you like.

But uh, I wouldn't expect any magical power outta it :P

[StopTheMorans]

5. not looking for a new religion

just looking to see what it's all about since it seems there are many a witch inhabiting DU:)

[kyrasdad]

8. Witches are... Witches

Uhmmm... male witches called Warlocks... uhmmm... afraid not... Don't sweat it, it's a common misconcsption... Warlock is an old term used to describe a liar or a cheat, a person of questioanble character. Example... Bush Junior is a "Warlock".

Male Witches are... uhmmmm... Witches...

[Frangible]

12. I'm pretty sure warlock = male witch

I've heard it referenced a lot, and the meanings of the words are quite similar; evil practitioner of magic for the most part. (no, I'm not saying modern wiccans are evil, the Catholic church was just killing off paganism, etc etc)

Also, I disagree that Bush is a warlock. He doesn't seem bright enough to be an evil magic user.

Main Entry: 1witch
Pronunciation: 'wich
Function: noun
Etymology: Middle English wicche, from Old English wicca, masculine, wizard & wicce, feminine, witch; akin to Middle High German wicken to bewitch, Old English wigle divination, and perhaps to Old High German wIh holy -- more at VICTIM
Date: before 12th century
1 : one that is credited with usually malignant supernatural powers; especially : a woman practicing usually black witchcraft often with the aid of a devil or familiar : SORCERESS -- compare WARLOCK
2 : an ugly old woman : HAG
3 : a charming or alluring girl or woman
4 : a practitioner of Wicca
5 : WITCH OF AGNESI



Main Entry: war·lock
Pronunciation: -"läk
Function: noun
Etymology: Middle English warloghe, from Old English wrloga one that breaks faith, the Devil, from wr faith, troth + -loga (from lEogan to lie); akin to Old English wr true -- more at VERY, LIE
Date: 14th century
1 : a man practicing the black arts : SORCERER -- compare WITCH
2 : CONJURER

[VelmaD]

6. Some basics...

from someone who is close friends with several witches and awfully close to being one herself. There are several paths followed by folks that may refer to themselves as witches. The basic philosophy that tends to permeate throughout is this:

"And it harm none, do as you will" and the Threefold Law that states that whatever energy you put out into the universe returns to you threefold. Some vitally important stuff in those rules. They're designed to keep practitioners from using magic to try to hurt other people.

Yes, males can be witches. *tries hard not to roll eyes at stereotype since she knows you're asking out of genuine interest* :-)

[StopTheMorans]

7. well I am a product of ignorance I must admit...

sorry for the stereotyping, I really have no clue about witches other than that poor stereotype of the old hag witch that is perpetuated every halloween:) so now I understand what it's about, but if the rules try to "keep practitioners from using magic to try to hurt other people", then what are their beliefs of "magic", and, as a brief follow-up, what does "magic" entail in a very general sense?

[VelmaD]

13. I can only speak to...

how magic has manifested itself in my life. Basically the idea is that our focused intention can change the universe around us. In some ways it's not too different from prayer frankly. It's a matter of visualizing what you want, focusing your energy in that direction, sending that energy out into the universe and then asking the universe nicely to lend you a hand. :-)

For me the ritual that is often employed is a means of focusing the mind and the energy. The particulars of ritual are less important than that it accomplish that focus. I'm not a very ritual-bound person though and others may have a different opinion.

DarkPhenyx had a thread in the Lounge about magic yesterday that you might want to go look for.

The other thing to remember is that what energy you put out into the universe comes back to you in spades. Actions have consequences. You have to think through and be willing to accept those consequences before you begin to try to work any act of magic.

[Caution]

9. Come to Salem

(you don't have to come during Halloween, and probably shoudln't come then if you are interested in Wicca).

I live in Salem and there are any number of resources available if you are insterested in Wicca (im sure there is a ton of stuff online as well).

I'm not into it but I've met a number of people who are.

[StopTheMorans]

10. been to Salem

I really loved it, went two falls ago in September. It's really beautiful, I especially loved the cemetary (I'm fascinated by old graves and the insight they give you into society at the time <i.e. language differences, insignias on tombstones and how they relate to a current plague/war/epidemic/etc...>), and I couldn't believe that some of the graves were from the 1600's. It's a really cool town. Just looking to get some general info here to better understand a portion of DUer's. Thanks for the invite tho:)

[kayell]

11. Here is a place to start for info

http://www.religioustolerance.org/witchcra.htm
I'm not a Wiccan either, so can't help answer questions personally.

Added: Judging from the pagans and witches I've met, there is a wide range of beliefs and practices.

[davsand]

14. You may want to check out this website:

http://witchvox.com/

We are not all ugly with warts and bad hair! ;)

Laura

[StopTheMorans]

15. objection sustained!

:)