In today’s modern society, many people are beginning to turn away from traditional religions and looking for something a little more unconventional or spiritual. Paganism is one of the options that these people look at.
Technically, a witch is anyone who worships a pagan religion, which could be anything from Greek Mythology, Norse Mythology to Wicca and many other multi-god religions or nature based religions. The most commonly followed pagan religion is Wicca.
There is some dispute as to whether the term witch indicates sex. Some people claim that a witch is a female pagan and that a wizard or warlock is a male. Others say that a witch is a white aligned pagan while a wizard or warlock is a black aligned pagan.
Contrary to popular belief, a witch is not evil. A witch may decide to be white, gray or black aligned, depending upon what type of spells they cast or deities they worship. Paganism is not evil in itself though many traditional religions would have you believe that. Many pagans and witches are white aligned and value good works above all else.
In order to become a witch, you must first decide what religion you would like to follow. Information on various pagan religions can be found on the internet and at your local library. You can also find information on various pagan religions at your local occult store (look in the yellow pages under occult).
Be forewarned, a pagan religion is still a religion! Do not think that joining a pagan religion will suddenly give you the ability to conjure money, make someone fall in love with you or cause bad things to happen to people you don’t like. If you want to become a witch for these reasons, then you should just give up now. Many true pagan religions require as much if not more devotion and time as traditional religions. Spells are not mumbo-jumbo done to get what you want. They are prayers and rituals forvarious gods and goddesses.
Once you have decided on a type of paganism, you should find a coven or group to join. Again, your local occult store will have information about witch groups and gatherings in your area. Many times, witches of various religions will gather together simply because of the few number of witches in an area. It is ideal to find at least one other witch who worships the same gods as you do. They can help guide you in your worship and spells. If a witch of like religion can not be found, the fellowship of other witches is still beneficial as some of them will be able to help you with the basics of your chosen path.
At this point, you are technically a witch, though you have many years of learning and exploration ahead of you. As a witch, you should become more socially and politically aware. Paganism is, unfortunately, one of the most persecuted religious forms in the US. As a witch it is your duty to enlighten people, not to frighten or harm them. Just as chistians say “be a good christian”, you should “be a good witch”. Do not hide what you are, be proud of yourself and your path.