Pagan/Witch/Wiccan+ Community

Hey it's no worries, I'm always happy to help ^-^

@The-Magician

I have something I want to discuss: Why does society assume that guys can't be witches, they have to be 'wizards' or 'warlocks'?

@croccin-champagne

Witches, wizards, and warlocks are all wildly different things

@croccin-champagne

And none of them are gender based

No, I know that, but isn't it odd that you never hear of any male witches?
You only hear stories of male wizards and warlocks.
And where are the female warlocks?
Doesn't society just assume that females are witches and males are wizards/warlocks?
Sorry, I'm kind of just having a moment.

Deleted user

It starts from the sexism of fairy tales.
Witches were corrupt whereas wizards were held in regard and warlocks were at least powerfull.

@Rover3672

Sorry to just randomly butt in here but what are some important symbols in wicca/witchcraft and their significance? I know the pentagram has some (non-evil/satanic) symbolizing but I find when I search up certain things it can get a bit overwhelming.

@Elder-God-Whisper

Pentagram is a symbol of protection. That's the basic use of it.

@Elder-God-Whisper

Warlock actually originally meant Liar and other such things. Which is why male witches can get offended by the term.

@RedTheLoveless

It's called a pentacle and it represents protection (for the most part). Very similar to the cross, execpt we didn't appropriate and demonize it just because it was of a different religion/practice than ours.

Sigils are some literal symbols used for a variety of things. For example, I paint a certain sigil (literally symbolizes protection/shielding/keeping unwanted things out) on my windowsills and in my door way because I can't have any salt lines where I live.

(Burning) Sage is usually clean/cleansing.

Salt is usually for barrier lines when it isn't used as an ingredient.

Past those, well, one I can't really remeber any more general ones, and two… it starts to branch off depending on what type of witchcraft you practice.

@Rover3672

Ok thank you so much!

@RedTheLoveless

Ah! I can't believe I forgot to mention: a Book of Shadows. Despite the ominous name, it's actually just a journal some witches opt for so we can stay organized with important knowledge about our craft. However, it is to be treated with the same respect as one would have for any sacred tool.

And lastly, the Wiccan Rede. The document by which some witches choose to live by. It can be modified to fit one's core beliefs, so long as the same ideal is kept intact: "An' Ye harm none, do what Ye will."

@Elder-God-Whisper

Broom: cleansing an area
Athame: directing magic
Cauldron: female energy, nurtures a spell, can also be used to cook ceremonial foods, or you can build fires in it
Chalice: for drinking ceremonial beverages
Fire: to release an intention of a spell into the universe (also an element, part of the five elements of nature)

@Becfromthedead

Uh, hi! I’ve been stalking this chat for a while because I find this stuff all really interesting.Recently I’ve been considering getting into some form of witchcraft maybe. How do you go about figuring out what fits you best?

@Elder-God-Whisper

Eh heh heh heh… I'm probably not qualified to answer, but… I'd say whatever fits most closely with your lifestyle and values. I'm very much a homebody and like domestic tasks like cooking and sewing so Kitchen or Hedge witchery appeals to me.

@The-Magician

As a wise witch once said:

"Having a specialization or a personal path in your witchcraft can be a wonderful thing but unless you just KNOW right from the jump what kind of specialty is for you there’s no need to get wrapped up in those sorts of details.
The important thing is that you keep learning.
For the majority of people their path unfolds in the natural course of events.

Maybe you try a bunch of different things but you find after a few months that you’re gravitating toward divination almost every time you practice your craft.
Or perhaps you started out with kitchen magic but suddenly find yourself with a burning interest in stars and how they can be used in the craft.
Perhaps over the course of your time as a witch you even find that you prefer not to narrow your focus, instead pulling from many paths to create something personal to you.

Every individual witch will find their own path which, while they may choose to call it by a recognizable title, will be entirely unique to them. Finding your path is not about choosing what kind of witchcraft you want to practice, it’s about allowing your craft to develop its own flavor and personality as you learn and grow.
In order to find your path you must let go of the imposed boundaries of titles. Titles can be useful in many ways but for newer witches they can be limiting. Witchcraft is a way to claim your power! Why would you limit yourself in that pursuit?
Instead cast your net as far as you like, read about anything and everything that interests you. Allow yourself to wander in your learning, follow your whims and soak up as much variety as you can.

Don't limit yourself to only the things that are obviously magical! The mundane can always be made magical. What do you love? Can you transform your hobbies and existing interests and incorporate them into your craft? (Hint: the answer is almost certainly yes!)
As you explore and learn and practice your path will make itself clear, the things you love, the things that make you excited will always come to the surface. You will find yourself reaching for the practices that truly FEEL magical to you again and again.
That is the essence of your craft! Those foundational practices that you use so regularly that they come as easy as breathing are what make up your personal path."

@Becfromthedead

Oh dang, that’s actually all really helpful. Do you guys know any good resources to get started?

@The-Magician

What do you mean by resources, as in like items themselves?

@Becfromthedead

Oh yeah, I guess that too.
But I was more talking about resources online or otherwise that talk about how to do different rituals, etc.

@The-Magician