What's A Witch?

What do you think of when you hear that word ~ witch?

Do you automatically go to the witches of our childhood and the fairy stories they exist in?

Do you think of Terry Pratchett’s Discworld novels and think ah ~ Nanny Ogg and Granny Weatherwax, to name but just two.

Does your mind wander back in history to the witches trials ~ or do you think of the modern witch, someone who could be sitting next to you and you would have no idea?

First stop ~ dictionary definition..

Witch

noun

noun: witch; plural noun: witches

1.

a woman thought to have magic powers, especially evil ones, popularly depicted as wearing a black cloak and pointed hat and flying on a broomstick.

synonyms: sorceress, enchantress, occultist, necromancer, Wiccan; More a follower or practitioner of Wicca or of modern witchcraft.

2.

INFORMAL

an ugly or unpleasant woman.

“he can marry the old witch for all I care”

synonyms: hag, crone, harpy, harridan, termagant, she-devil; More

3.

a girl or woman who is bewitchingly attractive.

4.

an edible North Atlantic flatfish.

verb

verb: witch; 3rd person present: witches; past tense: witched; past participle: witched; gerund or present participle: witching

1.

cast an evil spell on.

“Mrs Mucharski had somehow witched the house”

(of a girl or woman) enchant (a man).

“she witched Jake”

Phrases

as cold as a witch’s tit — very cold.

Origin

Old English wicca (masculine), wicce (feminine), wiccian (verb); current senses of the verb are probably a shortening of bewitch.

Hmm, but that’s not my interpretation of a witch. 

Interestingly when you google search what is the purpose of witchcraft this comes up.. “Witchcraft or witchery is the practice of magical skills and abilities exercised by solitary practitioners and groups. Belief in witchcraft is often present within societies and groups whose cultural framework includes a magical world view. It often occupies a religious divinatory or medicinal role.”

Now that’s more like it ~ for me witchcraft is about understanding nature, our environment, the planet, the stars and all living life forms. It’s about harnessing energies and using them for positive purposes ~ to grow and use herbs, weeds, flowers, plants to create medicinal therapies and/or using the in spells to benefit the receiver. I’m a solitary witch, practising quietly by myself and always learning, discovering and practising the craft to become better and wiser in how to utilise my skills. To find harmony and balance with my surroundings and taking the parts of “witchery” that resonate with me, I don’t worship gods or goddesses but honour the maiden, mother and crone because I see aspects of the in nature, the seasons, in life, everywhere in fact. As a modern day witch I don’t consider myself following a religion but a belief, I don’t adhere to the old and definitive practices but more a open ever evolving freedom to choose my path and decide which aspects to incorporate and which to ignore.

Delving back into the history of witches I find that on the whole they were women trying to help others and were totally misunderstood. “Early witches were people who practised witchcraft ~ they used magic spells and called upon spirits for help or to bring about change. Most witches were thought to be pagans doing the Devil’s work. Many, however, were simply natural healers or so-called “wise women” whose choice of profession was misunderstood.“

Ooh I like the description of “wise woman” no one’s ever called me that! Also the healer description resonates with my inner nurse ~ I like that description because the healing touch ~ or energy healing, is something I am currently learning.

If you are interested in healing touch it is described by The Healing Touch Program as ..

“Healing Touch is an energy therapy in which practitioners consciously use their hands in a heart-centered and intentional way to support and facilitate physical, emotional, mental and spiritual health. 

It is a biofield (magnetic field around the body) therapy that is an energy-based approach to health and healing. It uses the gift of touch to influence the human energy system, specifically the energy field that surrounds the body, and the energy centers that control the flow from the energy field to the physical body. 

These non-invasive techniques employ the hands to clear, energize, and balance the human and environmental energy fields, thus affecting physical, mental, emotional and spiritual health. It is based on a heart-centered, caring relationship in which the practitioner and client come together energetically to facilitate the client’s health and healing. The goal of Healing Touch is to restore balance and harmonies in the energy system, placing the client in a position to self heal.“

Further explanation from this site goes on to explain how it works..

“Many theoretical frameworks on how energy medicine works exist in the literature of quantum physics and holistic healing. However, while the exact physics mechanisms can not be definitively described at this time, the cumulative results of numerous related studies on energy medicine and consciousness indicate strong support that “something is happening” and that recipients respond positively to energy therapies such as Healing Touch.

Over the years, researchers have developed ways to measure the energy field. Theoretically, by correcting any defects in the energy field, energy therapy practices may facilitate healing of the body, mind and spirit.

Energy therapies focus on removing energy congestion that form in our energy fields (aura) and energy centers (chakras). Once these imbalances and disturbances are cleared, the energy channels resume their task of integrating the body, mind and soul to restore health and promote healing. It may also help to prevent future issues by restoring balance to energy field disturbances, which could later result in illness if left unbalanced.

To gain a deeper understanding of the science supporting energy healing, please refer to the many books, journal articles and research findings written on this subject. Scientific evidence does exist that supports the premise that energy healing is effective. However, an experience is worth a thousand words, so the receiving of a Healing Touch treatment can do more to understand this phenomena than all the writings in the world.“

If you are interested in more information or courses then have a look at this link.. https://ttouch.org.uk/

I am working small spells at the moment, learning very slowly how to harness energies and focus intentions. Not spells that you see in films with bangs, whizzes and puffs of green smoke, more focusing the mind, setting intentions and sending them out. I am also fascinated by Tarot cards and their uses along with runes. I love my spirit animal tarot oracle card pack which I use regularly for guidance. My full Rider Waite deck has just arrived which I need to sage and familiarise myself with before learning how to use them properly.

In addition to the above I am also attending Tai Chi for arthritis classes with a rheumatology physiotherapist which I am loving and we are learning the forms and working towards being able to do the full routine daily as physical therapy and meditation with movement relaxation therapy.

So in answer to the question ~ what’s a witch? 

A witch can be many different things ~ depending on the path they have chosen and the practices they like to follow. 

Some like the occult aspect, some nature, some the religious side and others ~ like me ~ create their own path. Some join covens, working with others, whist some work alone. 

The subject is vast and the paths to take are numerous from the strict historical old practices to the new age modern interpretation. From the occult to the divine, following the moon and astrology to nature and the planets workings. Some do spells, some love crystal usage, meditation and divination and tarot readings and runes. 

There is so much more than this but they are just examples. The beauty of being a witch is that you are the person you choose to be and dabble in the aspects of witchcraft that call to you. Each of us are different and there is no right or wrong ways to practice.

For some it is a religion and Gods and Goddesses are worshipped. I don’t do that personally but I do definitely feel a higher energy exists in some form but I can’t see it as a divine being, more part of the universe itself. 

For me it’s a lifestyle ~ trying not to give out any negative energies when possible ~ that said I’m no saint and have grumpy grouchy days. Mostly I try to work on the basis of give out what I would like to receive back and try to be mindful of my thought processes, mostly to protect myself and stay away from toxicity.

~ Blessed Be ~

x~X~x