Witchcraft a Path, a Religion or a Fad?

My credentials: I am no lecturer at a Theological Institution or a traveling Teacher of psychic phenomena nor have I written countless books on Witchcraft, Wicca or other how to spell craft in 30seconds. I have been interested in Witchcraft from an early age on, have studied Witchcraft along with many other Believe Systems from knowledgeable People that have actually walked the Path they preached, read dozens of Books written by People that actually had something worth listening to and learned part by doing, part by making mistakes and learning from them and part by wisdom that comes from past lifetimes and the universe that sends me endless opportunities to grow, advance and yes sometimes fall flat on my face. I have been introduced to the basics of Witchcraft by a wonderful old Strega who happened to be my Neighbor in Germany when I was only 6 Years old. She came into my life when I had an open mind, an eager heart and two willing ears to listen. She past ancient knowledge in the tradition of the Strega on to me as she had no children of her own. Since then I have become adept in Crystal Healing, Tarot, Spell Casting and more. I am constantly learning and hope to never be arrogant enough to think that I know everything. I am a Mentor and Teacher of my wisdom and the Path to my daughter and several others that have the ears to listen and the heart to learn. The Brain to know what is for them and what isn't. At Age 37 I have been walking the path of the Witch for 30Years now. I have been Maiden at the feet of my Mentor, Mother and at one point will step into the Way of the Crone if that is in my Future.

Why write this Article?
I never hide who or what I am nor do I thrust it into every Persons Face who happens to cross my Way. When going about my daily life, I run into people questioning my Pentagram that I wear ever so often or something I might say. More often then not on such occasions I am confused with a Wiccan. Wiccan however is one thing I am not. I am a Witch and yes, there is a big difference.
I have long lost count of the number of young people that have come to me over the years due to my daughter and have asked me to teach them or asked me where they can buy a Pentagram. They think having Witchcraft Books is cool, or have a preconceived Idea of how I should be or act as a Witch. More often then not they will leave my house rather disappointed and quiet a few Christians hated having to admit that I was actually a pretty nice person. For those of you that are interested in Witchcraft, but don't know where to start this Article is for you. It is written with the Novice and Seeker in mind. I hope to write several more Articles in the coming Month, but let this be the beginning.

Witchcraft as a Fad.

Have you ever noticed how many People run around dressed in black flowing outfits with oversized pentagrams and death skulls around their necks? Mumbling "curses" and think they are cool? Gothic Dressed youngsters with way to much make up on or the fantasy Vamp that things she can gain notoriety by dressing up like a movie character. Of course then we have the Hollywood movies like "The Craft", "The Brotherhood" or even "Sabrina the Teenage Witch". What about the hot chicks from "Charmed"? All wonderful Witches that either embrace the dark side or battle demons. They fly on brooms (I really would wish my Broom would let me do that, I would save so much Gas), transport their entire Bodies from one plane to the next and can make just about anything appear or disappear with the twitch of a nose or the wink of an eye. I personally would like to know who thought that up. No wonder it is cool to be mysterious, different and yes even kinky. After all the hot chicks can have any guy. Yes, Witchcraft has become another Fad or a money mongering Business for many. The Psychics you can find at many fairs and stores that are only giving you broad answers that can not fail to fit. Mind you some are indeed gifted with the knowledge of interpretation, but I guarantee you that they will not have to ask you 15 Questions first. Most will not charge you any money, you can make them a gift if you wish, but they never charge. It is a Gift to be shared. Like all Fads, it will gain in popularity and then eventually fade away again. It will bring many fakes and sadly many people will be hurt by it. My advice, be very careful.

Don't play with forces you don't understand nor can control.

No matter if you think I am full of BS or not, if you listen to nothing else I have to say please listen to this. Don't play with forces you don't understand and can not control. You can set things into action, bring spirits to light or bring about events that you don't want. Don't call on beings just because you don't believe they exist. Don't hurt animals, ever!!! There are a lot of fakes out there, but there are a lot of real things that you don't understand either. Spirits are real and not all of them are benevolent. Elements are a fact. Hexes, Curses and Spells are very real; they just don't manifest the way you see on TV. That is crafty illusion and a talent all on its own.

Witchcraft ~ a religion?

For that we would have to decide what constitutes Religion. Is it an organized Believe system with strict, prescribed Dogma? Does it have a set way of teaching, performing of Ceremonies? Is it a group oriented Believe or individual?
Miriam Webster Dictionary (http://www.webster.com) gives us this:

Quote and copy: "Main Entry: re·li·gion
Pronunciation: ri-'li-j&n
Function: noun
Etymology: Middle English religioun, from Anglo-French religiun, Latin religion-, religio supernatural constraint, sanction, religious practice, perhaps from religare to restrain, tie back -- more at RELY
1 a: the state of a religiousreligion>b (1) : the service and worship of God or the supernatural (2) : commitment or devotion to religious faith or observance
2: a personal set or institutionalized system of religious attitudes, beliefs, and practices
3archaic: scrupulous conformity : CONSCIENTIOUSNESS
4: a cause, principle, or system of beliefs held to with ardor and faith

Going by this, it would have to be yes and no. Witchcraft is a worship of nature, supernatural. It is a personal set of attitudes, beliefs and practices and hopefully it is held with ardor and faith. However, true personal Witchcraft is not normally scrupulous conformity nor is it really a strict following of traditions.

For me personally, it is not a Religion but a Path.

Witchcraft ~ a Path of life.

In Witchcraft or the Witches Craft it is a Path of constant learning, growing, and teaching. It is not about being out there, scaring People, pushing their noses in your difference. It is not about being at odds with others, nor is it hypocritical Bible in one hand and Witchcraft Book in the other. It is a personal way of communicating and enacting with the elements, nature, animals and other creatures around you. It is appreciating yourself and the special being you are as well as others. It is accepting yourself and taking responsibility for your actions. It is taking responsibility for helping in the ways you can help and keeping your hands and nose out of what is not your business.
As a Witch you learn all there is to learn about the natural and psychics gifts we have within us. We learn how to heal, communicate with Nature and its creations. We learn to respect ourselves and each other. We learn to manipulate the Elements to our needs without causing harm or more harm then we have too. As a Witch, we strive for balance. I am not a Wiccan (or how they call themselves White Witch). I don't just honor my positive sides, but I accept and work with all of myself. I embrace work with all of my Gifts.
The Path of Witchcraft isn't an easy one. I can not just go and kneel down and claim to be sorry for something and be miraculously forgiven. I have to take responsibility and often pay a high price for my mistakes. I am held accountable for my words and actions. In Witchcraft Words are very important. They should never be spoken lightly or without thought. We spell, curse and hex with words. Spoken and thought. I have to use my mind and not just blindly follow somebody else's teaching and preaching. I need to know what is right for me or wrong. Make it my own. I have to know what is false for me and reject it. I can not claim that I did not know.
I have to learn constantly, live my life in a way that befits me and what I stand for. I am the living example of the Goddess and the God alike. I am a bit of nothing and a bit of everything.
Witchcraft is a craft, something that has to be finely honed and perfected by those that have chosen to follow its way.

You worshipper of Satan!

For me personally at this point I would love to turn around and say: "You idiot!" However, how can you blame people for just spitting out what they have heard all their lives. To worship something, I have to give it credence first. I have to believe in it. If you ask me how I see God and Satan, I will take you and put you in front of the mirror. There, is God and Satan all in one. All the positive and negative forces of the universe rolled right into little ole you. Of course, sometimes I get a something up my neck and I tell them that I worship Satan every chance I get. (My Masters/Husbands Nickname is Satan, because he considers himself a Satanist ala Anton LaVey who incidentally didn't believe in Satan either).

What makes me a Priestess?
For me again and here you see something that Witchcraft is highly individualized, it means that I have walked my Path long enough to securely pass on my knowledge to others. I have as mentioned taught many Seekers of the Path and headed a few Covens. I have been held responsible for teaching, advice and leading. I have mentioned the God and Goddess. I do not worship any Pantheon any longer, (I used to when I was still new on my Path) but take into me the various attributes given to the Gods or Goddesses. I take the Lessons their legends and myth teaches us. I have become in many ways a living Goddess without the big head.

The Witch next Door.

If you would meet me on the street or in the store, see me with my daughter or husband, you could not tell me apart from everyone else. I don't just wear certain clothing or heavy make up. My hair isn't wild or overdone. I don't walk around in an air of mystery. I am your everyday, run of the mill normal Woman. I am a Mother and act that way, well at least most of the time. I love cooking (yes, I am a kitchen witch among other things), give massages (healer). I love to feed friends, co-workers and family. I am just like everyone else.

If you want to read a few Books about Witchcraft I suggest the following Books:

Green Witchcraft I through III by Moura

Write your own Magic by Richard Webster

Embracing the Moon by Yasmine Galenorn (good for those that need Rituals to begin with)

The Crafting and Use of Ritual Tools by Eleanor & Philip Harris (a must, teaches you how to make your own Magical Implements)

Italian Witchcraft by Grimassi

And if you are daring and with an open mind:

The Satanic Bible by Anton Szandor LaVey......you have to read it all the Way through and don't wait for it to go up in flames, won't happen sorry. It is nothing you expect and if nothing else might make you think. I don't consider myself a Satanist and can not agree with everything in the Book, but he did have a few very good points. For the Christians that are reading this Article, would it not be better to know what you are really up against. After all you can spot a lie, right? You might find what you read enlightening and thought provoking if nothing else.

Knowing that you know nothing at all.

This is one of the hardest lessons I had to swallow. Realizing just how little I actually know. I can learn everyday, all day long and there is still so much out there that I can not comprehend. Keep a humble mind, but be confident in your knowledge. Believe me, knowledge is Power and a strong mind is essential in Witchcraft.

Closing thought:

I hope you found this very basic Article informative. Witchcraft may not be for you, not everyone should walk this Path. Only you know what fits you the best. Educate yourself and then make choices.