For clarification, I want to include my own definitions for a lot of the Wiccan terms thrown around as I understand them. I welcome your feedback – these are but only working definitions and are open to change.
Pagan: (“the umbrella term”)
polytheistic, probably magick-working, probable affinity with nature, non-Judeo-Christian.
Witch: (“the magic maker”)
magick-working, walker between the worlds, affinity with nature, divinatory, environmentalist; practitioner of mediation, herbology, healer
Witchcraft: (the magick)
the practice of magic and the ability to communicate with deity and the world around us.
Wiccan: (the religion)
Wiccans typically agree with the following:
- Belief in the Divine, typically in the God/Goddess duality
- Recognize validity of all pantheons (to what extent is up to the individual).
- Subscribes to Wheel of the Year holidays based on agriculture and the changing of seasons, celebrates esbats, uses typical altar tools and set up, utilize ritual with certain steps.
- May work solitary or in coven, with ether form of initiation valid.
- May subscribe to a certain tradition, or seek to utilize parts from several.
- Most likely believe in reincarnation with the belief in the Summerland.
- Do not denounce any other path/religion; do not actively seek recruitment
- Do not subscribe to Christian heaven/hell, or Christianity’s version of Satan
Note: Know that many people (and authors) consider being a Witch and Wiccan the same thing. However, another school of thought makes a distinction that all Wiccans are Witches but not vice versa, and I agree. Wiccans can easily call themselves a Witch, but Wiccans are only a fraction of the wide world of self-identifying Witches.
