Wicca, Witchcraft, Pagan… I’m not ashamed to admit that I didn’t always know there was a difference. When I began practicing in my teens, the Internet wasn’t quite the vast network of information that it is today. All of my knowledge came from books — and I read EVERY book I could get my hands on, and all of those books were about Wicca. And thus, I considered myself Wiccan.
As time passed, I threw myself into learning all that was Wicca, including practicing ritual and ceremonial magick; Honouring the Goddess and the God, and raising my children in a nature-inclusive household. As I could not find many resources for Pagan parents, I created a blog (Mom’s a Witch) and E-zine that focused on incorporating Pagan beliefs into my parenting practices and witchery in the home. I also encouraged my children to choose their own paths – just because Mom’s a Witch, doesn’t mean you have to be one too.
My children are now in their teens and have yet to find their own spiritual paths. My youngest does have an interest in Witchcraft, but I still encourage her to make the Craft be her own and what she needs, to not just follow what I do.
So, what does my practice look like now?
Over the years, my views and practices have changed. I am a Witch. Although someone from the outside looking in would likely consider me Wiccan, I no longer consider myself to be Wiccan; I am spiritual but not really religious. I do not practice ceremonial magick. While I am fascinated and acknowledge Deities and Spirit, my Craft does not necessarily include them or directly focus on a specific pantheon. As with many Pagans, I do not worship Satan or the Devil. I do, however, recognize the said entity as a symbol of evil in the world while giving respect to other religions and their beliefs.
I still maintain a very eclectic practice, as I draw from many folk traditions. I recognize the Rule of Three as an extension of what many refer to as Karma. I do generally observe the Sabbats and Esbats, the Wheel of the year, and the changing of the seasons but not in a ceremonious aspect. I view these similarly to the way nearly everyone celebrates Christian holidays such as Easter and Christmas.
I do not have a dedicated Altar. Perhaps an unpopular opinion, just as I believe that you do not need a physical church to worship a Deity, I do not believe you require a stationary “traditional” altar to practice Witchcraft. Witchcraft is based on intent and envisioning outcomes. Intent is simply a desire which you actively fuel into existence with anything from a habit, a repeated chant, or a physical object.
I relate to many aspects discussed in Arin Murphy-Hiscock’s books. Hearthcraft is described as
the belief that the home is a place of beauty, power, and protection, a place where people are nurtured and nourished on a spiritual basis as well as a physical and emotional basis.
Arin Murphy-Hiscock The House Witch: Your Complete Guide to Creating a Magical Space with Rituals and Spells for Hearth and Home.
I feel this definition describes my practice quite well as I focus on aspects of Green Witchery, Kitchen Witchery, Hearthcraft and Folk Witchcraft. My solitary practice is home-based and celebrates the connection between nature and the home.
My garden is my oasis and sanctuary – specifically in the warmer spring/summer/autumn months. It is also a place of gathering for family and friends. It is a place where I can connect with the energies of the universe through meditation or music.
