Witchcraft Wicca And Paganism

Introduction

The terms Witchcraft, Wicca, and Paganism are often used interchangeably. However, the terms have very different meanings and each term has a complex history. I begin with a discussion of each term which includes a brief history and a definition. I then sum up my conclusions at the end.

Witchcraft

The history of Witchcraft is difficult to trace because it remained an underground practice for most of its early history. Many of the scholars I researched suggested that Witchcraft didn’t truly exist and was just the product of overactive imaginations. However, noted comparative religion scholar, Mircea Eliade, argues that evidence suggests that Witchcraft is a historical phenomenon and a very ancient practice. Simple dictionary
First, they practice some form of magick. Second, they follow the Wiccan Rede or their interpretation of the Rede. Third, they are polytheistic and believe in a dual representation of divinity (the Goddess and the God), though they may not work with both entities. Fourth, they have a reverence for nature and see nature as the manifestation of the divine. Fifth, they celebrate the eight Sabbats of the Wheel of the Year (Yule, Imbolc, Ostara, Beltaine, Midsummer, Lughnasadh, Mabon, and Samhain). Finally, they believe in reincarnation.

Wicca is, therefore an interpretation of the practices and beliefs of ancient Indo-European Witchcraft. For example, the relationship between Witchcraft and Wiccan Traditions is similar to the relationship between Christianity and Cristian denominations.
Christianity is composed of the teachings of Jesus Christ while the different denominations interpret what those teachings mean and then create different traditions based upon their understanding. Wicca is the magickal tradition that Gerald Gardner created from his personal interpretations of ancient magickal practices. Other Wiccan traditions build upon the same structure that Gardner established.
They are not. The term “Witches” in its broadest usage is simply a person who practices magick. However, the word “Witchcraft” refers to a specific ancient Indo-European magickal tradition. While some have used Wicca synonymously with Witchcraft, Wicca refers to a strict initiatory tradition from Britain, popularized by Gerald Gardner. Paganism is an overall umbrella term for many of the European nature-based traditions. Therefore, while Witches are technically Pagans, not all Pagans are necessarily Witches since many don’t practice