FAQs

**What Is Witchcraft?**
First and foremost, Witchcraft IS a legally recognized religion in the United States. Officially recognized in 1985 after a short battle in congress and the supreme court. The craft or 'practice of the wise' as it is sometimes known came under fire by a bill submitted to Congress by Jesse Helms which would out law the practice of witchcraft. The Helms amendment came under great fire by both Constitutional and Bill of Rights supporters. In the end, the bill was shot down stating Pagan paths are protected under the 1st Amendment. After this ruling, the US Army added a section to the U.S. Army Chaplains Handbook for Wicca/Witchcraft practices.
Witchcraft, in all its incarnations, is probably one of the longest and most persecuted religions in history. Unfortunately that persecution continues to today.
Witchcraft is a religion and a way of life. In most traditions the Craft is symbolized by worship of the male and female aspects of the Divine universe, within the self and around nature as a whole. The Divine encompasses the manifestation of the male and female as a God and Goddess combination. Most pagans assign mythological deities, or pantheons, to these aspects of the Divine, to give them form and substance. Much like Christians do with images of Jesus or the Crucifix as a representation of Jesus and God.
Many suggest that Witchcraft is an "Earth based religion", which it is, but this is actually a minor definition. Witchcraft is a universal based religion, believing in the seen and unseen forces in all nature here on Earth and in the universe. It is a religion of honor and respect for all living things. Those who practice the craft most often hold a belief in reincarnation, karma and the laws of 3-fold (what you put out, you get back 3-fold).

**What Witchcraft Isn't!**
Witchcraft is not Satanism or a Devil Worship religion as some prejudices claim. Witches do not believe in the existence of Satan or the Devil, so it would be difficult to worship that type of spirit.

**Is Witchcraft evil?**
No! People, no matter what region they practice, and their actions can be 'evil' a religion is not. Witchcraft is a religion of respect and honor. Most traditions of the Craft maintain a creed or rede that defines the basic principles of the practice. Within all the creeds I have researched there is always a variation of this line:
'And in it, Harm no one'.

**What Is A Witch?**
A person who practices Magik as part of their spiritual belief, usually Paganism or WitchCraft. Typically associated with Anglo-Celtic, Celtic and Southern Teutonic magik traditions

**Do You Cast Spells?**
Yes, but a spell is merely a focused prayer. Focused by energy, intent, sometimes tools or other supports, such as elixirs or potions. But always conducted through a spiritual ritual or ceremony.

It's important to remember that the Craft is not about "spells" or "casting". It's a serious expression of a spiritual way of life. One which utilizes spells in it's rituals and ceremonies

**Can I Cast A Spell?**
If you don't understand the basics of the Craft, then don't cast until you understand what you're doing. You can see the last question on this page to learn more.

**Can I Have A Spell?**
Many people ask us for a spell. The most common "A love spell" or a "Revenge spell".
Witches do not often, if ever, share their spells. A spell is personal and defines your own personal intent. It's your spell, it's your energy and there is no greater expression of that energy than through your own words as a spell. In a teaching situation, a witch might give you an example of what is said during a particular section of a ceremony. But most often these are just examples. You should still create your own.

Witches do not cast spells that manipulate the actions or emotions of another being. In most cases this is considered to be spiritual rape and manipulation. It is not the work of a person who honors or respects the forces of nature. No matter how much you love someone, casting a spell upon them is not going to make them love you. If your desires work, they will only work for a brief period and you will never know if the person loves you for you, or because of the false spell you cast upon them.

Simply put, what you put out into the universe will come back to you. If you put out good thoughts, energies and intentions, then good will be returned to you. By the same token, if you put out negative thoughts, energies and actions, negative events and energies will be returned to you. This is a basic principle in many religions around the world.

**How Can I Learn More?**
If you are one of the many people looking for information on how to become a witch, there are a few things you should ask yourself first.
What is your reason for wanting to be a Witch?
If your reason is simply so you can cast a spell, it's the wrong reason and you might find more information if you look for spellcraft, than witchcraft. If your reasons are truly from an interest in the faith or you feel drawn to the Craft as a religion, then you maybe on the right path. But you should learn more and make an informed decision.
Are you willing to live by the spiritual laws as a way of life?
If you are, or if you're not sure, do a lot of research on your own and find out as much as you can about the path you've chosen. How Do I Get Started? Read, learn and read a lot more. Do your own research, and not just from magikal books or reference manuals. Through studying history, other religions and how they all inter-relate and interact. I have a favorite saying for this type of education: "Books can give you knowledge. But only your own personal experiences give you wisdom to decide your own path."