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Should I refer to myself as a witch?

8/1/2014

12 Comments

 
Picture
QUESTION - Hello, I need help in defining who I am spiritually. So I thought I would give you the pleasure of helping me! I am a 48 yr old woman who feels a bit lost. I was baptised Catholic but never went to Church. All my life from the point of understanding Religion I have backed away from their paths and belief systems. Although I never ever judge a person on their belief system. I find myself at peace outside in nature, I don't worship any God or Goddess, although in my readings I came across Brigid and now I feel drawn to her?. I have read books on Wicca and find it juvenile but then again I do find some of the information interesting and would use it. I like the old meaning of Pagan meaning country dweller. I like to believe Fairies live at the bottom of my garden(because my grandmother told me so many years ago), I find the full moon fascinatingly beautiful and feel her energy. I do have a psychic way about me, meaning I get these strange "feelings" and know when spirits are present (I am looking into learning if this could be a gift or my imagination!!) I do believe everything has a spirit. I love being alone(although I am happily married to a wonderful man, we have a daughter who has blessed us with two beautiful grandsons), being in a quiet place listening to the birds sing, feel the wind blow, feel soft grass under my bare feet. I would consider it an honor being called a Witch. I was born in the UK but moved to Canada as a child. I am fascinated with all things British because I feel the country radiates Magic! I am drawn to anything magical, enchanting, mystical. I hope I am making sense!! My facebook likes are mostly all Witchy!! People ask "are you a witch"? I would love to say "Yes, I am"! ..can I, should I? Maybe you can help me..I hope that I am an emerging Traditional Witch?? 

ANSWER - An interesting question - and your enthusiasm and passion make replying to you a pleasure! I always think that the term "witch" is a descriptor of what a person does so to my mind if you are following a craft path and doing what a witch does then terming yourself a witch sounds eminently sensible to me. It's a bit like the old saying - "If it walks like a duck and quacks like a duck then chances are it's a duck..."

So I suppose the key thing for you here is - are you doing the things that a witch does? I'd probably struggle to produce a list of what it is to be a as each witch follows a different path with different priorities and ways of working. What it is to be a witch to one witch may differ wildly to what another might consider the fundamentals of her path. However there are some basic concepts that may serve to generate a broad definition. I'd say a witch usually has a relationship with the natural world, a sense of her own purpose, a belief and understanding in a world that exists outside of the generally accepted and some involvement with magic. There may also be to some degree or another an ability to interact with spirits, the power to heal, psychic foreknowledge or gnosis, knowledge of how to work with herbs and perhaps most commonly and universal among all witches - a sense of feeling out of place in the mundane world.

I'd say from what you write that the term witch would be a fair descriptor of what it is that you do. You speak of your understanding of a world beyond the common place and your talk of the moon and spirits suggests you are focusing on building genuine relationships instead of relying on books for the knowledge that so many mistake for witchcraft (yes books are important but getting out and doing it - that is what really counts.) 

You mention magic in the context that you sense it but I wonder if now might be the time to dip the toe in the water and start influencing as well as experiencing. This would be the next step on your journey as far as I can see and the step that will give you the confidence to call yourself a witch and believe it completely. It need be nothing more elaborate than stirring a little goodwill into the evening meal but I think it would be a shame if, being as aware as you are, you didn't take it a step further and put something of yourself back into the world.

I can understand your frustrations with Wicca. I have a good deal of respect for Wiccans and the Wiccan religion but it is not a path that has ever called to me (although I will admit to using its occasional influence in my own work - any trad witch worth her salt "borrows" shamelessly, lol). Wicca can be a little prescriptive and certainly anyone who like yourself isn't drawn to deity worship the focus on the God and Goddess can be distracting. It is important to remember that while Wicca works very well for a lot of people it isn't the only path to witchcraft and if you don't feel it resonates with you then looking for alternative and more traditional ways to practise would be more likely to lead you to your own personal definition of "witch" that will sit more comfortably on your shoulders.

I've never been a fan of titles (or degrees and all that nonsense some Pagans and Witches go in for). To me "witch" isn't a title somebody else bestows on you it is a realisation that you come to yourself when you start to become aware of parts of yourself that stubbornly refuse to make sense in the mundane world. Nobody has the right to say you are or you are not a witch. If you feel the term describes the life you lead, the journey you are taking and the path on which you most feel you belong then it makes perfect sense to refer to yourself as a witch and to embrace that side of yourself to its fullest.



Though if you want my personal opinion I'd say wholeheartedly that you sound like a Traditional Witch!

Image http://www.deviantart.com/art/Fairies-99603591

12 Comments
Johanna Jimenez
8/1/2014 07:05:21 am

Thanks for sharing this, it helps me too. I fee pretty much the same way the original poster does. I enjoyed your response to her, and it fits me too.

Peace Always,
the DragonLady :)

Reply
Lysle (Lyle) Obad
8/1/2014 07:31:06 am

I have no questions at this time. I have just started my new path. I resemble the original post as well.
I too liked your response.
Blessed be.

Reply
N McKinley
8/9/2014 11:57:03 pm

I enjoyed reading your response and I too resemble the description. I don't fell comfortable "labeling" myself either so when questioned my response is, " I enjoy the outdoors and being in nature. I find many of the "witch" post enjoyable or like they fit my feelings. However, due to the average persons perceptions to labels, I would not refer to myself as a witch. I was an elem. teacher and many times discussions would turn to "what religion are you?" The above statement, minus the perception deal, was my answer. It seemed to satisfy and get the students thinking. Imagine! Kids tinking for themselves! Blessed be!

Reply
Gloria
8/10/2014 02:59:51 am

I to feel very much the same. People ask me all the time. But I always say that I don't claim to be anything. But maybe I should because I feel like I am hiding and with this I read do many others feel the same. Maybe I should quit hiding and say what I am!!

Reply
Seer
8/10/2014 07:03:39 am

Ah, what's in a name.. Unfortunately much of today's atmosphere makes being an openly non-mainstream practitioner (of any kind) a little risky depending on who you live and work among. I sometimes am agreeable enough to the question that I will own the label 'eclectic pagan/agnostic' (which usually gets an expression of confusion and a desire to change the subject). Some consider it a strength to claim their path in the face of any adversity, others exhibit strength in their silence, there is no 'right' or 'wrong' way to do this.. the traditional label of occult is an honorable - and accurate - one :).

Reply
Karen
10/20/2014 03:26:39 am

Thank You for your comments regarding my submitted question.

Reply
Annie
6/21/2016 12:33:24 am

A comment to the writer... do you happen to be in BC? I am living such a similar life, and am close in age. I just spent some time with the Summer Solstice full moon... magic!

Reply
Karen
6/21/2016 10:05:49 am

Yes..I am in British Columbia Canada. Are you?

Reply
Admin
6/21/2016 09:14:29 am

Not sure what BC is! I'm in Chesterfield which is kind of North Midlands x

Reply
Karen
6/21/2016 10:03:04 am

BC is British Columbia , Canada

Reply
Karen
6/21/2016 10:04:14 am

BC is British Columbia Canada

Reply
Annie
6/21/2016 03:19:08 pm

WPF: thank you for fascilitating this exchange and connection to another like minded soul Hi Karen. Yes I am- in a suburb of Vancouver. WPF, am I permitted to give Karen my email via this comment section? If so Karen, you can each me at heart.art@live.ca

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