A witch is a person who believes in the 'Old Religion', that is, at present, called Wicca. This religion is one that emphasizes the unity of the natural world and the spiritual powers that it possesses. Witches believe that all living things have 'soul' and spiritual power and that the world is composed of a network of spiritual forces. These forces cause the rhythmic changes in all life, and the witch acknowledges these times of change by holding celebrations eight times a year. Wiccans worship a Great Goddess, who, together with her male consort, rules the universe. The goddess may be seen as being three characters, the young maiden, mother, and crone. The Goddess is pictured as ruling from spring until autumn, and her consort throughout the late autumn and winter.

What is a Coven?

A coven is a group of members of the Craft who meet and work together. Traditionally, a coven should consist of thirteen people. The number 13 is symbolic because the Goddess is, in one of her guises, Diana the moon-goddess, and there are 13 moons in the year. In fact, however, many covens consist of fewer than 13 people. Covens are 'led' most commonly by a woman and a man, who are termed the High Priestess and the High Priest. The 'leaders' of a particular work or ritual may change from time to time, according to the situation. The coven must meet on all the Sabbats, and less regularly, when the moon is full. It usually has a set meeting place--it seems that in the past this was in the open air, on a moor, or heath. These days some covens have rooms used only for meetings, and these are often called sanctuaries of chapels, but many meet in the members' houses. Most covens meet for study as well as for rituals and for making magic.

What is Magic?

S.L. Mathers, an occultist, defined magic as "the science of the control of the secret forces of nature." It may also be defined as the power which causes an event or change to happen on command without any apparent physical cause or use of the known laws of nature. In order to distinguish true magic from stage magick, a 'k' is added at the end of the word. The difference between stage magick and true magic is that in true magic what appears to happen has actually happened.

Do witches cast spells?

Witches certainly cast spells either alone or in the coven. Some spells are organized verbally, the word carrying the whole of the intent. Some involve the use of talismans that the witch must give to the person to be affected. Some use neither words nor specific objects but are simply made by a kind of projection of the imagination, known as visualization. The majority of witches concentrate upon spells that heal or protect or bring good fortune.

Do witches cast evil spells?

Some witches do. Although, most do not. It is a belief within Wicca that we must pay for our bad actions threefold. Most witches, perfer to stick with spells of healing, and protection. Again though, evil spells, are not a common practise with most who have studied Wicca.

What are black and white witchcraft?

The truth is simple. Acts of magic which run counter to the Wiccan Credo of "Love, and harm none," are wrong - they are indeed evil. Other acts are not.

Do Witches worship Satan?

No! Witches do not worship Satan. Wicca does not have any belief in, nor do they worship a concept of evil incarnate. Witches know Satan for what he is --- a conjuration of the greedy church father with which to make fortunes! He is real in that he is a highly energized "thought form" kept alive and flourishing by the naive and innocent who live in perpetual fear of the Devil himself and "the wrath of God!" For witches, all life is perceived as a constant flow of positive and negative energies, which intertwine to create the balance of life.