Frequently Asked Questions

Many individuals of different faiths
call themselves Witches.
The following FAQ represents only Wiccan Witches.

  Aren't all Witches the same?

Actually the term Witch is used by a wide variety of individuals from different beliefs, including Wicca, Voodoo, Satanism, and Paganism. This FAQ only deals with Wiccan Witches.

  Do Witches worship Satan?

No. Witches worship the God and Goddess and work with the natural energies of our planet. The deity named "Satan" actually belongs to the Christian pantheon. Although Witches recognize other religions' right to practice and believe in their own pantheons, Witches do not believe in Satan.

  Does that mean that Witches don't believe in Evil?

No, Witches do recognize that "evil" things and people exist, but we do not believe that one entity is to blame for all the evil things that happen in this world.

  If you don't believe in God and Satan, then what keeps Witches from doing "evil" things?

Witches are very diverse in their beliefs and practices but one of the things that all Witches share is The Wiccan Rede. The Rede is our version of the Christian Golden Rule. It states -

 "Do what you will, so long as you harm none."

This means that we may do what we want as long as we consider all of the ramifications. We may not do anything that injures another.

  So you believe in Hell?

No, the concept of Hell is one that we do not believe in. We believe that everyone who dies goes to a place called The Summerland.

  If being an evil person doesn't banish you from the Summerland, then why do Witches follow The Wiccan Rede?

Because we have an additional rule called The Three-fold Law.

It states -

 "Whatever you do will return to you three-fold."

 So if you do evil, then evil will be returned to you three-fold. The same is true for good. So it's to all Witches' benefit to do good so that good will be returned to them.

  Do Witches perform magic?

If you mean stage magic, perhaps some do, but most Witches perform Magick with a "k". The difference is that magic like stage magicians do involves sleight of hand. Magick involves working with the available energy and channeling it toward a specific goal.

It is not necessary for a Wiccan to perform magick to be a Witch. Magick and Wicca are two separate things. Magick is a powerful tool, but Wicca is the belief in the God and Goddess.

  What types of magick do Witches do?

The types of magick that Witches do are as varied as the practitioners. Some Witches perform candle magick, or perhaps their talents lie in divination with Tarot or Astrology.

  So Witches are new age?

Many of the activities of Witches could be lumped together under the banner of new age. But Witches believe that their activities go far into the past before the current interest in Metaphysics.

  What about the Satanic pentagrams Witches wear?

Pentagrams are not Satanic. Although Satan Worshippers and Satanists may utilize pentagrams, there is nothing Satanic about them. To Witches, a pentagram (a five pointed star surrounded by a circle) represents many things, including the five elements: Air, Fire, Water Earth, and Spirit. Most Witches wear their pentagrams with the point in the upright position. In some traditions an inverted pentagram (with the point pointed down) represents a certain level of training.

  Is there one authority or book that all Witches follow?

No, in Wicca there are many traditions and beliefs and all are equally valid.

  Then is there anything that all Witches believe?

Along with The Wiccan Rede, The Three-Fold Law, and Reincarnation, most Witches believe in a yearly cycle commonly called The Wheel of the Year. The Wheel of the Year includes eight Sabbats (celebrations) that follow the life cycle of the God and Goddess. The names, dates & content vary depending on the Tradition.

  Is there a certain type of person who becomes a Witch?

Like the population of America, Wicca is a true melting pot of all types. We are mothers, fathers, brothers, and sisters. We have normal jobs, families, trials and joys.

  If that's true then why don't I know more Witches?

You probably know more Witches than you think. Unfortunately due to discrimination many of us are forced to practice our religion in "the broom closet".

In 1986, by order of Judge Butzner of the Federal Appeals Court (fourth circuit), the federal government acknowledged Witchcraft as a legal, legitimate religion.