Traditional witchcraft is often seen as somehow related to Wicca but it is very different. Traditional witchcraft has much less worship or ritual in it (or none at all). Many witches don’t recognise a god/dess, for example, preferring to acknowledge the power of nature as a whole. Witches do a lot more spells and magic than many wiccan groups, who use the power of the group or the formal ritual to enhance their lives and others. Witches are more likely to make potions, charms, and talismans, and work spells. As a traditional witch, I would use a spell for even mundane things like guaranteeing a parking space or getting jam to set. Many witches use elements of ritual magic, cookery and gardening for their work. I spend some time each year gathering herbs, feathers and bones for spellcraft. Witches don’t often mix well with others, being a bit like cats. Interesting but put two or more in a room together .... So most are solitary. Although Wiccans often call themselves witches, Traditional Witches don’t call themselves Wiccans. Echowitch, for example, suggests the main differences are:
Traditional witches often don’t use circles, or call quarters, or perform rituals. We keep Grimoires (though you won’t see them on the web!) and use everyday tools, if at all. We do curses and hexes if needed, though with care. Traditional witches tend to meet in twos and threes at most. Most don’t worship a God or Goddess at all. The main focus of witchcraft is ‘crafting’ energy to manifest one’s world. Modern Traditional witchcraft may also draw on traditions such as Hoodoo or Vodou, Obeah, Candomblé, Quimbanda or Santería.
If anyone is interested in discussing traditional witchcraft further please contact me through my website: www.villagewitch.co.uk
