Nature Bound Pagan

It can get very confusing trying to define Paganism, Witchcraft, and Wicca. Often times I see newbies immediately defining themselves as Wiccans because they don't realize that there are other options. Witchcraft, usually in the form of Wicca has grown in popularity due to numerous factors, but greatly to movies and media portrayal. Often times other forms of Paganism and Witchcraft are overlooked, and so I am never surprised when a new practitioner gives me a confused look after I ask "yeah, but what kind of witch are you?"

I'm basically asking "what are your personal beliefs? What path do you follow?"

Personally, it saddens me when new practitioners so quickly lump themselves into a "Wiccan" category. It means I, and the rest of our pagan/witch community has failed our newbies. We haven't provided them with the information they need to fully understand what being Wiccan, or a Witch, or Pagan means.

I was that newbie once. I thought Paganism, witchcraft, and Wicca were interchangeable terms. It took many more years of development and soul searching to figure out that I wasn't Wiccan, but still a Pagan witch.

So if you're that newbie, trying to figure out who you are and where you fit in, I'd like to extend a helping and guiding hand. Navigating new beliefs can be tricky, and figuring out where to start can seem impossible!

Fear not!

The reason defining Paganism, Witch/craft, and Wicca is so difficult is because there is no one structured belief system. There is no one specific dogma to outline beliefs. As a whole, Paganism is extremely diverse, and covers a wide rage of topics and beliefs. It would be impossible to organize and narrow it all down to one secular text. What is more confusing, but also extremely beautiful, is that Paganism, Witch/craft, and Wicca are generally built around the individual practitioner, and the idea that we are each our own spiritual mediator. We shape our own spirituality. Because of this, Pagan religions are very personal religions, and witchcraft is a very personal practice.

Below, I am offering a basic idea/definition of Paganism, Witch/craft, and Wicca.

• Pagan

Paganism in itself is not an ancient religion. It is a term used to describe ancient, pre-Christian religions and beliefs. The term was originally a derogatory term used to describe polytheism. It was used by early Christians as a label for any unfamiliar religion and belief system. If you did not believe in the Christian God, you were a pagan.

In current times, the term "pagan" is used to describe a modern religious movement of paths that are influenced by historical paganism. The terms "neopaganism" and "contemporary paganism" are often shortened simply to "paganism" in modern cultures, and paganism has become an "umbrella" term for many different paths; similar to the term "Christianity" being an umbrella term for Christian-based faiths.

There is no set dogma or central hierarchy for general paganism. Some more secular paths follow a given dogma or central hierarchy.

Example: Wiccans follow the "Threefold" rule

Paganism can be described more as a "spirituality" than a religion. Some pagan paths are identified as organized religions and are protected by law. Paganism offers a different world view and stresses personal responsibility. Some pagan practitioners pull their views from many different belief systems to suit their personal and spiritual needs. These pagans are referred to as "eclectic pagans."

With so many forms of paganism, it is hard to define the term to one concrete definition.

• Wiccan 

To put it simply, a Wiccan is a "pagan witch." Wicca is a modern denomination of paganism, originating from the 1950's. It blends European pagan folk traditions with 19/20th century occultism. Most often, Wicca is dualistic belief in a God and Goddess. Generally, Wiccans follow the moon phases and perform their rituals during specific moon phases. There are 8 holidays Wiccans usually recognize, and most Wiccans use nature as part of their magical ritual. In the past, Wiccans would need to be initiated into a coven before they were considered truly Wiccan. Now, self-initiation is generally accepted as it can be hard for individuals to find covens due to the socially taboo reputation paganism seems to still have. The term "witch" 

• Witch

The term "witch" refers to the non-religious practice of witchcraft, usually focused on the interconnectedness of the world. Witchcraft is not a religion, but can be incorporated and practiced within religions, including non-pagan religions. Witchcraft can also be practiced without religion. Practicing witchcraft greatly depends on a person's personal beliefs, and therefore allows for a great magnitude of different kinds of witches.

Some Common Types Of Witches

• Wiccans
• Kitchen Witch
• Hedge Witch
• Hereditary Witch
• Traditional/British Traditional Witch
• Greek/Roman Witch
• Voodoo Witch
• Green Witch
• Pictish Witch
• German PowWow Witch
• Strega Witch
• Celtic Witch
• Caledonii/Hecatine Witch
• Alexandrian Witch
• Ceremonial Witch
• New Age/Neo-Witch
• African Witch
• Appalachian Folk Witch
• Secular Witch
• Sea Witch
• Faerie/Fae Witch
• Shamanic Witch
• Techno/Tech Witch
• Eclectic Witch
• Urban Witch
• Pop Culture Witch
• and many more!

There are many wonderful resources out there, and I suggest that if you are questioning where you fit in the Pagan/Witchcraft community, that you use this only as a place to start. The more research you do, the more comfortable you will on you own spiritual journey! Good luck, and welcome to the community!