Is there a dictionary for this stuff? If not, we should sit down and make one.
Dictionary.com says this:
WICCA - noun
(sometimes initial capital letter) witchcraft, esp. benevolent, nature-oriented practices derived from pre-Christian religions.
WITCH - noun
1. a person, now esp. a woman, who professes or is supposed to practice magic, esp. black magic or the black art; sorceress. Compare warlock.
2. an ugly or mean old woman; hag: the old witch who used to own this building.
3. a person who uses a divining rod; dowser.
–verb (used with object) 4. to bring by or as by witchcraft (often fol. by into, to, etc.): She witched him into going.
5. Archaic. to affect as if by witchcraft; bewitch; charm.
–verb (used without object) 6. to prospect with a divining rod; dowse.
–adjective 7. of, pertaining to, or designed as protection against witches.
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[Origin: bef. 900; ME wicche, OE wicce (fem.; cf. wicca(masc.) wizard; see wicked)]
WITCHCRAFT - noun
Magic; sorcery.
Wicca.
A magical or irresistible influence, attraction, or charm.
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[Origin: 1970–75; < OE wicca (male) sorcerer (ME wicche, mod. dial. witch); see witch]
All of these came from the American Heritage Dictionary. Apperently they feel that all these words are interchangable. I am not sure if I agree with them or not. Many that I know do uses the words this way.
I however, do not feel that this is the case. I am a Witch. I do not practice Wicca. To me Wicca is a ceremonial form of magic and religion. Just as Catholicism is to Christianity. I know many Chrstians who would take offense at the thought that Catholicism is the "umbrella" for all Christians. Yet this is what we do when we say this about Wicca.
I do not practice any set religion. I do not need someone to tell me how to commune with the Divine. I am just as likely to use a vision quest as the tarot, depending on the situation. The knowledge that I use comes from many different sources. If this makes me "eclectic" then so be it.
Though I feel that I am closer to the wise women and shaman of old. Those who used whatever means at their disposal to help those around them.
"If we shadows have offended,
Think but this, and all is mended,"-Shakespeare
I do not wish to offend any one, this is simply how I feel on the matter. Religion does tend to stir peoples emotions so.
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