Witches Haven

WITCH F.A.Q

What is a Witch?

That is like asking “What is a human being?” It varies according to country, according to culture.

Generalization is the only way to go here. Witches are polytheistic in belief. They believe in more than one higher power as a general rule.

They believe in the omnipresence of spiritual force; in other words, their Deities are always with them, around them and a part of them, not sitting on a throne on some unattainable plane.

Witches employ what is commonly known as magic. The bending of natural forces, emotions and energies to their will/want/need. This type of magic is referred to as low magic for the most part.

A common misconception is that all Witches are Wiccans (a belief system brought to the world, initially, by Gerald Gardner). Not all Witches are Wiccan; some follow their own belief systems or the systems of their cultures. Not everyone who employs magic, particularly High Magick, would welcome being called a Witch.

Witchcraft has a lot of definitions, Witches come in all shapes, colours and cultures as a result, there is no single definition of “What is a Witch?”. It is relative.

Do You Worship the Devil?

No. Absolutely not. It is a scare tactic used by those who would seek to control the masses. Witches do not believe in the devil, in Satan or any other individual living in some fabled waste land of souls.

And really? Who needs the devil when mankind is more than up to the task of evil-doing?

Do you believe in God?

Which one? Witches believe in archetypes or godlike models, in other words. Each individual or coven approaches the concept of Deity in their own way. Ideally, a Deity or Deities chosen represent all the qualities that the coven or individual wish to aspire. Each Deity, regardless of culture represents the good and the bad in humanity.

Do Witches Have a bible or holy book?

No. Unless you count the individual/coven’s Book of Shadows. A book created by the individual or the coven to record rituals, magic performed, songs, personal journeys.

For the most part, Witches do not need someone else to tell them what is ethical or moral. They don’t need a book or terror of what will happen in the afterlife if they don’t toe “the party line.” This goes along with their belief that Deity or higher power is omnipresent, not omnipotent.

Is there such a thing as a Christian Witch?

Not if the said Christian believes in his/her bible. The bible forbids anyone from using arcane or occult practices. No scrying, no tarot card reading, and absolutely no belief in any other god but that one.

Christians calling themselves Witches are free to do so but in reality, are fence sitters. Gamblers trying to hedge their bets. Personally, I find this highly hypocritical and indicative of a cowardly personality.

What is Paganism?

Actually, there are no real Pagans anymore, nor have there been for centuries, save a few of the native cultures around the world. In the Western World, the proper term is Neo-Pagan. Neo-Pagan is an umbrella term, much like Christian, Jewish or Muslim. A Neo-Pagan is someone who holds to the polytheistic concept of belief. No one god, no one heaven or hell. No ultimate bad guy or good guy, in the clouds or under terra-firma. There are many belief systems that make up Neo-Paganism; Asatru (Norse based system), Eclectics (create their own system choosing from a variety of already established paths), the Wiccans, the Green Witches, Druids and the people who employ a more conservative view of the whole thing - the Ceremonialists, the Thelemites, the Golden Dawn people. Just as there are Catholics, and the whole myriad of Protestant systems - Neo-Paganism is a general term to describe a group of beliefs with common threads.

Do you put curses on people?

Yes but the rule of thumb is never curse in anger. As a general rule, it shouldn’t be necessary as what you dish out, you usually receive in kind. (No. We don’t believe the Threefold thing, as a coven - others do. We don’t). Before delving into the world of curses and hexes, it is necessary to have a truckload of experience under your belt. A curse is the manipulation of energy and energy can be a fickle thing. Take a wave for example - you can create one, even change its direction for a time but ultimately it will do what it does. Same with energy harnessed for magic. You can re-direct it but it doesn’t belong to you. It has it’s own form and will do what it does.

Think back to your physics class - for every action there is an equal reaction. Best to always keep that in mind when employing magic and govern yourself accordingly.

Do you really cast spells?

Yes. A good analogy to spells, one that most people can understand is that of a prayer in other religions. Spells are a form of pro-active prayer. Rather than waiting for a Deity to step in on our behalf; we do the work ourselves and reserve Deity to do what Deity should be doing…teaching a better way of living through life lessons.

How do I become a Witch?

A lot of work. Study, research, critical thought. The best method is to find a coven willing to take you on. Watch yourself though; just as there are nasty cults in the Christian world, so are there in the Neo-Pagan. Rule of thumb? If it feels wrong or creepy? Then it is. Run, don’t walk to the nearest exit.

Take a look at the following pages before you search out a coven.

1. http://witcheshaven.com/joining_a_coven.html

2. http://witcheshaven.com/basic_craft_etiquette.html

3. http://witcheshaven.com/hyenas_in_the_hyssop.html

If you have any other questions, not addressed here?
Feel free to e-mail us at: questions@witcheshaven.com

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