What is the difference between witchcraft and sorcery?

Answer 1

Basically, only the negative connotation associated with the word Witchcraft. But witchcraft has been around longer, and wicca was inspired by witchcraft. The people who practice call witchcraft the ancient craft, while wicca is more modernized

Answer 2

This depends entirely on whose definition of sorcerer and witch you are using. In some traditions, the only difference is gender, a male being a sorcerer and a female being a witch. In some traditions both terms can be used interchangeably for men or females, and some prefer one term over the other. In short, there is no hard and fast rule among the groups.

Another definition states: "A sorcerer intentionally seeks to bring about harm. Sorcerers have learned how to cast spells and use certain formulas and objects to inflict evil. The sorcerer's methods are real, not psychic like those of a witch. Sorcery is conscious and an acquired skill whereas witchcraft is unconscious and innate. Contrary to witchcraft, sorcery is not always illegitimate or antisocial, and occurs with higher frequency than does witchcraft."

Answer 3

In a Wiccan Coven, There is a High Priestess (and also a High Priest). They lead the ritual inside the circle. A Wiccan Witch is someone (anyone) who practice the Craft, Solitary or in a Coven.

A Pagan Perspective

In most of the Pagan paths, any initiated practitioner is commonly called a priest or priestess, although they are also called "Witch".

The general interpretation of "Priest/Priestess" is anyone that can and does communicate directly with their god or gods.

A High Priest/Priestess is someone who leads a group of practitioners, most commonly at Sabbats and Esbats and other gatherings.

Please note, not all Pagans are Wiccan, nor are all witches Wiccan.

Answer 4

Wicca is a religion, while witchcraft is a practice.

Witchcraft is the practice of using spells and herbs to exert influence on certain events. Examples include spells, potions and amulets to attract love, prosperity, friendship, good luck, and wisdom, or to protect against ill fortune, sickness, danger, or unwelcome attention from others. Many people who are not Wiccan practice witchcraft.

Wicca is a nature-based religion, the followers of which typically worship a mother Goddess and father God. They follow a code of morality which is fairly uniform among all Wiccan traditions and celebrate the cycles of nature and the sacredness of all life. Most, if not all, Wiccans believe in magic. Most also practice witchcraft as part of and/or separate from their rituals, but not all do and the practice of witchcraft is not necessary in order to be a Wiccan.

Answer 5

In some ways the two religions are very different and in some ways, they are intertwined.

Wicca, is based in The UK and in European practices, depending on the individual paths, while Voudun (voodoo here in the Americas and Caribbean) is a bit of a mish-MASH of African Pagan beliefs and Christianity which was begun by African slaves here on this half of the globe.

Neither is "all about" witchcraft, but both do have magical practices within them. Some Wiccans do not use witchcraft and some do.

Most Voudun Practitioners work very heavily with magic along side their other rituals.

Answer 6

Wiccan's believe that you must do good to people. Karma is huge. If you perform black magic, or cast a spell to harm others, then harm will be done unto you. Voodoo is a form of black magic. It can be used to harm others, or make them do things, which was notin the mother's plan for all creation.

Answer 7

Wicca is modern form of Paganism which can involve the worship of Gods and Goddesses and or deities. It has its own holidays etc. Witchcraft is the act of focussing energy into spells and rituals and has no religion directly tied to it. Often they go hand in hand, but not always. Basically Wicca is a belief system, witchcraft is a practice.