Pagan vs. Wiccan vs. Witchcraft (What is what)

[[ravenwing]]

Ive seen this question in a bunch of threads here, so I figured I'd make a new post thats easy to refer to:

Here's the difference between Pagan, Wiccan and Witchcraft-


"Pagan" is an umbrella term that covers a whole lot of religions but isnt a religion on it own. Think of it this way, if youre a "Christian" you could be Catholic, Protestant, Methodist, Baptist, or a whole lot of other things. "Christian" is simply an umbrella term for those who believe in some version of God/Jesus Christ.
"Pagan" is used the same way, and could mean youre Wiccan, Buddhist, a Hellenic Reconstructionist (believes in the Greek Gods), Dianic (believes in a Goddess and ONLY female deities), Hindu, Native American, Druidry etc etc.

Now Wiccan is just one "Pagan" path you could follow. Things such as the Wiccan Rede, The Threefold Law, and other texts are all Wicca based. Wiccans believe in a God/Goddess duality. Some wiccans also practice Witchcraft as part of their religious ritual -- some also do not.

"Witchcraft" is exacly what the name implies -- its a Craft. There is NO religious significance to being a Witch. Its sort of like being a painter, or a carpenter, you dont have to be any special religion to practice Witchcraft.
Being wiccan doesnt make it easier or harder to be a Witch. Thats got nothing to do with it.

As a shop owner I have seen MANY Witches that werent Pagan at all. One of my best customers was a devout 55 yo Catholic woman who practiced Witchcraft as a way to protect her family. A Chinese Doctor, who gives you herb potions to heal your aching stomach is a Witch. An American Indian Medicine Man is a Witch. The VooDoo woman in the Louisiana Bayou is a Witch. The Witch Doctor is Haiti is also. Its the practice of wokring with nature (oils, herbs, crystals etc) to male changes in life that makes you a Witch, not your religion.

Hope this helps a bit.

[Azuresky]

Thank you for this post Ravenwing, it's a really nice summary. Kind of been touching on each subject some in my reading and it's nice to see it all listed here so plainly.

Thank you again,
Azuresky

[Rein]

Thanks for the info! You have no idea how helpful this is to us poor newbies.

[Addalaide]

thats wonderfuly put. May i print it off and put it in my BOS as part of my deffinitions?

[WolfWitch]

Clear, simple and concise. Just the way I like things. Blessed be RavenWing.

Kayako: Don't be affraid to ask anyone on the forums if your not sure on something. It's why we gather here. To shed our ignorance.

WW.

[Elem]

Thank you, RavenWing. Should clear up a few questions quickly and easily in the future . Hopefully we can get Hera / another Mod to sticky it up somewhere!

Elem

[[GeekyPagan]]

Ah, a question though:

Doesn't some Wicca rituals involve using some elements of witch craft? like using herbs and oils? Erm. I think I am just making myself more confused

[Butterfly1984]

Wiccan's do rituals to celebrate Sabbats, Mid-Summer, Lammas, Samhain etc. Some do use oils, herbs and an alter which is a form of the Craft, but I know of some that do more simple things. Make special food, carve pumkins, you know simple things like that which still show that they are celebrating the day but are not strictly witchcraft. Well this is what I believe to be true, any one agree?

Light and Love

[[ravenwing]]

First off, Addelaide please feel free to print it for your BOS if you'd like.

Second, Geeky, look at it like this:

Can you be Catholic and be a painter?
Can you also be Baptist and be a painter?
Can you be Wiccan and be a painter?
Can you be an atheist and be a painter?
How about, Buddhist, or Methodist, or Muslim, or any other religion you want to add?

The answer is obviously yes........because Painting is a learned craft.

Substitute "carpenter" wherever you see painter. Does the equation still work? Of course it does.

Now, substitute "Witch (or Witchcraft)"......it still works because Witchcraft is a learned Craft.

Sure some Wiccans use Witchcraft as part of their religious rituals, but so do Catholics and Baptists, and Buddhists -- they just dont call it the same thing. And some also dont -- thats their choice.

[[GeekyPagan]]

Sure some Wiccans use Witchcraft as part of their religious rituals, but so do Catholics and Baptists, and Buddhists -- they just dont call it the same thing. And some also dont -- thats their choice.

Ah, ha, thank you. That puts it in perspective. For me, I definately see a link between Witchcraft and Wicca - I plan on using it in my rites and in everyday life.

[Rein]

Thank you ravenwing! This helps us all get a deeper understanding of Witchcraft, and that it is, indeed, a craft. I don't belong to any particular religion, I sort of exist in between the lines. It makes me feel better to know I can stay with my beliefs and still practice.

[[ravenwing]]

That would make you a Solitary Practioner