Is there such a thing as a natural witch?

QUESTION - I am told I am a natural witch, this actually feels accurate though the abilities I have I have yet to control intentionally. My question is in your opinion is there such a thing as a natural witch? I could go into more detail but I want an opinion that is not from what I say about myself.

Answer – There are four different schools of thought on this. I’ll clarify all of them and then explain which one fits closest to my own viewpoint and how I believe this relates specifically to your question.

Firstly there is the belief that a witch is born not made. There are traditions who will only accept somebody into their ranks who can prove witchcraft in their family tree. This is the thought that the practise of witchcraft is a hereditary ability and that people who do not have witches in their bloodline are not considered to be witches themselves.

Secondly there is the thought that anybody can become a witch if they commit themselves to studying the craft. This is the idea that a witch is simply somebody who practises (and obtains results from) the study and implementation of witchcraft. People who subscribe to this belief suppose no pre-requisite ability necessary before a person can begin practising. Anybody can become a witch if it is a path they wish to follow.

Similarly to the second point there is the belief that not everybody has the ability to practise witchcraft but those that do are not dependent on it being present in their bloodline. This is the closest interpretation to that of the “natural witch” and simply put is the belief that a person cannot learn to be a witch but they can actualise the inherent power in them to become a witch. This belief is that a witch is somebody who uses the natural power within her to practise her craft.

Finally there is the belief that a person becomes a witch when they undergo a rite of passage and make an irrevocable commitment to witchcraft. Many believe it necessary for this formal commitment to be undertaken in conjunction with others following a craft path. The often quoted “It takes a witch to make a witch for example.”

My own view is that “witch” is a descriptor of what a person does rather than what a person is. To my mind a witch is simply a person who practises witchcraft. A person can certainly be disposed to practise witchcraft due to discovering they have talents they can utilise on a craft path but I believe natural magic is present to everyone to some degree or other. The difference between the witch and the non witch is not that she has the ability to use magic it is the fact that she chooses to use magic.

This does not mean however that I would dispute the idea of the natural witch. Some people do possess a far greater ability to work magic than others and there are many gifts (clairvoyance, spirit communication and healing to name a few) that a “natural” witch may possess to a far greater degree than is usual among those not following a craft path. Witchcraft isn’t really that different to anything else – some people will be predisposed to being better at it than others. Some witches have an innate feel for magic and how to use it and I’d be happy to use the term “natural witch” to apply to these individuals.

I would make the distinction between someone who has a natural talent for magic and somebody who actually chooses to practise witchcraft. I don’t use the term “witch” to apply to even the most gifted of individuals. I dislike the idea of formal dedication or initiation being a necessary requirement but I do think there is a moment in the mind of the individual when they make that decision to cross over. I'd say that moment of choice even if involves nobody but the witch herself is an integral first step toward taking her path.

I firmly believe that a witch makes the conscious choice to practise witchcraft. I think you can be predisposed toward being a witch but until you make that conscious choice to start practising you are not fulfilling the definition of what it is to be a witch.

So in answer to your question I believe you may have a natural aptitude for magic and undoubtedly if you chose to follow the practise of witchcraft to progress these talents you may well be very good at it. You do however point out that you are not using your abilities intentionally - you are not deliberately focusing intent to bring about result so t this moment in time you have not made the choice to begin practising witchcraft.

Do I think that your innate abilities make you a witch today? No - you need to make the choice to use your gifts in the practise of witchcraft. Do I think if you choose to do this you could call yourself a witch when and if you choose to start practising? Absolutely.

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