What is the definition of a witch?

Answer 1

Judaeo-Christian Point of View

Divination is "foretelling future events, or discovering things secret by the aid of superior beings, or other than human means." It is used in Scripture of false systems of ascertaining the divine will. It has been universal in all ages, and all nations alike civilized and savage. Numerous forms of divination are mentioned, such as divination by rods, Hose 4:12 divination by arrows, Ezek 21:21 divination by cups, Gene 44:5 consultation of teraphim, 1 Sam 15:23; Ezek 21:21; Zech 10:2 [TERAPHIM]; divination by the liver, Ezek 21:21 divination by dreams, Deut 13:2, 3; Judg 7:13; Jere 23:32 consultation of oracles. Isai 41:21-24; 44:7 Moses forbade every species of divination, because a prying into the future clouds the mind with superstition, and because it would have been an incentive to idolatry. But God supplied his people with substitutes for divination which would have rended it superfluous, and left them in no doubt as to his will in circumstances of danger, had they continued faithful. It was only when they were unfaithful that the revelation was withdrawn. 1 Sam 28:6; 2 Sam 2:1; 5:23 etc. Superstition not unfrequently goes hand in hand with skepticism, and hence, amid the general infidelity prevalent throughout the Roman Empire at our Lord's coming, imposture was rampant. Hence the lucrative trade of such men as Simon Magus, Acts 8:9 Bar-jesus, Acts 13:6 the slave with the spirit of Python, Acts 16:16 the vagabond jews, exorcists, Luke 11:19; Acts 19:13 and others, 2 Tim 3:13; Reve 19:20 etc., as well as the notorious dealers in magical books at Ephesus. Acts 19:19

-Smith's Bible Dictionary

Now for a completely different view

Witchcraft is part of what is called "Neo-Paganism," which is a modern trend in Canada, the United States and Europe. Neo-Pagans are people who are exploring nature-based religious traditions that have historical roots in pre-Christian European culture. Other modern Pagans include, for example, Druids, Church of All Worlds, and Radical Faery.

The attitude toward the word "witch" is paradoxical. Most people will say they do not "believe in witches." Yet they react strongly, even fearfully, when they learn that someone is a Witch. Some of the explanation must be the influence of Hollywood and Fairy Tales that describe witches as ugly old women with evil intentions and supernatural powers.

Others quote verse as if to ward off evil when if fact no evil is being done.

Many scholars believe that for thousands of years in Europe, the people in a village known as "witches" were highly respected women whom everyone consulted for advice about illness, injury, childbirth, and even emotional troubles.Yes they were mainly women, and they had special knowledge about herbs and various kinds of remedies. They were protectors of human life, and also loved, protected and respected animals and plants.

Witchcraft is a religion., Not all witches are Pagan and not all Pagans are witches. Wicca is one type of Witchcraft, but recently the term "Wicca" is sometimes applied to Witchcraft in general. People who practice this religion may call themselves Witches or Wiccans. It is an earth-based religion, in some ways similar to Native American spirituality. The religion of Witchcraft or Wicca is recognized by most state governments, the federal government, and the United States Armed Forces. Courts have recognized the right of prisoners to practice this religion on an equal basis with other religions.

Answer 2

witch

1. one lady mugician.
2. A ugly evil-looking lady or women
3. A beliver of wicca
4. A hag

Witch in a modern context means a person that practises Witchcraft.

The original meaning however is lost in antiquity. The negative connotations attributed to the word Witch by Christian church mean that all early records have been changed or lost.

The most likely origin is from the old English wice, meaning "pliant" or "bendable".

Answer 3

A Witch is someone (man or woman) who uses powers not known to the majourity of people to make things happen, foresee the future events, affect the health of a human (or an animal) in a positive (or negative) way.

Witches do Ruituals ans Magic to do those things. Witches may use Herbs, Crystals, Metals and Symbols in their ritual.

Witches are human beings born as a normal human and living on the same basic needs as a human.

Witches learn about themselves and the world and undergo thorough practice and training. They have to practice meditation and various exercises to harness their powers.

Answer 4

A Wiccan witch is a follower of Wicca beliefs (such as the Wiccan Rede) who also practices witchcraft. It is important to understand that Wicca does not mean witch because not all Wiccans practice witchcraft.

Answer 5

If you cast REAL spells you are a witch. If you are a member of the Wiccan or pagan faiths then you are not a witch but a pagan or wiccan.

Answer 6

no a person who practices Wicca is a wiccan to be a witch you would have to practice witchcraft

Answer 7

A witch defines his or her self. We each follow our own path. Admittedly there are similarities in many pagan paths, but ultimately it is between the witch and his or her own gods.