The Eclectic Witch

My husband, being a Christian born in the famous Bible Belt of America, often showcases his ignorance when it comes to witches and witchcraft. His knowledge seems to stem off popular stereotypes, assumptions, and movie imagery. “You’re a witch, right? Shouldn’t you…?” Unfortunately, he’s not the only one. A lot of people – even some fellow witches – are convinced that we’re all a cookie-cutter lot, easily identified and categorized. The rest of us know that we’re as varied in our craft as we are people.

Amending Popular “Witch” Stereotypes

Not all witches are religious. Witchcraft is a tool and nothing more. Currently, the most popular religion that utilizes a type of witchcraft as part of their methodology is Wicca, popularized by Gerald Gardner circa the 1960′s. However, witchcraft itself has preexisted Wicca by a couple thousand centuries. The religion of a witch (if she or he even has one) varies, as does the practice of incorporating it into their craft. Many keep the two exclusive of each other, preferring not to mix business with faith.

Not all witches have a Book of Shadows. A Book of Shadows is really a Wicca-based practice. For many Wiccans, the Book of Shadows is a sacred, usually secretive book of spells, rituals, miscellaneous references, and journal entries.  Beyond Wicca, keeping a collection of references is common. Whether or not these texts are considered sacred depends on the individual. Some may follow the Book of Shadows concept while others consider their writings as mystical and divine as a Betty Crocker cookbook.

Not all witches are in a coven. This is based on religious, sometimes social, preferences and (once again) not a necessary part of witchcraft in general. Covens have several benefits, including the ability to practice and/or worship with like-minded individuals. It can also serve as a ‘safe-haven’ of sorts in a time where witchcraft is openly demonized by ignorance. However, others believe the presence of so many individuals only serves to dampen their own brand of witchcraft, making it ineffectual and awkward.

Not all witches dress like fairies. Yes, there are some people who wear fairy wings (more than once or twice a year) and have a profound love for glitter, tulle, and hemp jewelry. This is not ‘witch’ behavior anymore than wearing all black is. What you are seeing is someone who a part of a subculture (e.g. goths, nudists, trekkies, etc.). The greater bulk of witches are as mainstream as the next person, making them impossible to distinguish from their non-witch kin. 

Not all witches hate Christians. For the most part, we don’t give a flying flip. We know some folks are really loud about their convictions (on both sides) and seem to relish this ongoing war of wills. Most of us also know that those people are generally a poor representation of their respective sides and often have their own selfish agendas. The average witch functions on common courtesy and respect. We also expect that such be returned in kind, differences notwithstanding – one human being to another. 

Not all witches have “magickal names.” The concept behind this is that these names are taken as a symbol of “magickal” initiation and revelation and as a means to better connect with their coven and/or deities. This sort of thing is (once again) mostly Wicca-based. Some witches find this practice both ridiculous and pretentious – even those among the Wiccan community. Most witches regardless of tradition will agree that “magickal names” are not necessary to the craft itself.

Not all witches are obsessed with death. Most witches actually have a very healthy view of death, believing it to be only another life-cycle phase – not something that should feared or idolized. While witchcraft has the ability to connect with spirits of the departed, seasoned witches are aware that doing so is often dangerous. Those that do specialize in such magic are generally expected to follow strict guidelines that include an awareness of boundaries and respect. Those who do otherwise will not earn many friends, witches included.

Not all witches have black cats. Black cats have a superstition in the Americas as being unlucky and associated with evil. Subsequently, the witch and black cat imagery has been promoted by Hollywood and modern media. Truth is this: not all witches even like cats, let alone own one. And those who do own cats usually do so because they like cats – not because of the associations made from them. We love our cats (and other pets) for the same reasons that any other pet owner loves his or her pet: they’re our companions and friends.

Not all witches are social outcasts. We’re not all socially inept hermits. We’re not all fat, ugly and single. We’re not all bums or unemployed. Most of us have jobs, have families. We worry about our health, pay our bills, and check the news. We shop at the same stores as everyone else, eat the same food, and drive the same types of cars. We can be found as lawyers, doctors, artists, models, car mechanics, teachers, chemists, and nuclear scientists.  Just because we don’t have “witch” stamped on our foreheads doesn’t mean we aren’t there.

Ellery Faye