The confusion about "witchcraft"

Meanings used by Wiccans and Cowans (non-Wiccans)

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Overview:

Religious terminology is often quite ambiguous, unlike words in other fields, such as medicine, science and engineering.

There is general confusion in North American over the meanings of certain religious terms, such as Christian, cult, hell, heaven, occult, Pagan, salvation, Witch, Witchcraft, Unitarian, Universalist, Voodoo, etc. In the newsgroup alt.usage.english, terms like this one are often called "skunk words." They have varied meanings to different people. In fact, they have so many meanings that they often cause misunderstandings if they are used. Unfortunately, many people do not know this, and naturally assume that the meaning that they have been taught is the universal definition of the term.

This section addresses the turmoil generated by multiple definitions of one term: "Witchcraft." There are at least 17 different meanings to that word: some are opposites of each other; others hold fairly similar shades of meaning. 

Meanings of "Witch" and "Witchcraft" in society generally: 

When a person hears or reads some material on "witchcraft" it is quite important that they identify what kind of activity is being referred to. The six most common sources of meanings of the term "witchcraft" are believed to be:

These six types of "witchcraft" are definitely not referring to the same beliefs and practices. At best, they have only tenuous connections to each other. Turmoil reigns when a person assumes that two of the above forms of "witchcraft" are are similar or identical.

Meanings of "Witch" and "witchcraft" among Wiccans:

There is no consensus within the Wiccan community about the precise meaning of "Witch" and "Witchcraft." The most popular usages are:

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Recommendations:

We recommend that the words "witch" or "witchcraft" never be used in sermons, speeches, articles and essays unless they are carefully pre-defined -- and perhaps not even then. In place of these terms, we recommend specific and unambiguous words and phrases. For example, use:

Later in the conversation or writing, when the precise type of activity has been identified, then perhaps the "W" word can be introduced. But, even then it is a dangerous term to use. People have attached much fear and emotional baggage to the word.

Copyright © 2000, 2001 & 2004 by Ontario Consultants on Religious Tolerance
Originally written: 2000-JUL-7
Latest update: 2004-MAR-31
Author: B.A. Robinson