Wicca vs Witchcraft

A lot of people find it hard to differentiate Wicca and witchcraft. Most people believe that they are just the same. But in reality, they are really a whole different thing. To make an overview of the two we could simply categorize them such that we will have a better understanding and perspective about their distinction. Wicca is a religion just like Judaism, Christianity, Buddhism, or Islam while witchcraft, on the other hand, is a practice. It is something that you do just like praying, praising, or meditating.

Wicca is a new religion. It is a spiritual belief that was introduced to the public by Gerald Gardner. The supporters of this religion are called Wiccans or sometimes witches or crafters. This is also one of the reasons why Wicca and witchcraft have often been mistaken to be the same thing. In the early days, they often related witchcraft to black magic and curses. People back then believed that witchcraft practices were used to inflict harm to the people of the community and even to their property. They believed that witches are working alongside the devil. But as time passed by, these beliefs were changed. Witchcraft is now viewed as a practice that is involved in healing the sick or for fertility and the like.

Wiccans have guardians they call Watchtowers. They have what they call “Calling the Quarters,” and here is where the guardians are called. These Watchtowers will be put in each of the four compass directions; north, east, west, and south. In witchcraft they don’t call them Watchtowers but have guardians. Often these guardians are not humans. They are spirits that have good relationships with the people. They could be one of their ancestors or any spirit whom they are familiar with. These guardians, whether from Wicca or witchcraft, are called to keep their sacred area protected from unwanted influence. Not all traditions have guardians because they are not necessary.

These two systems are also different in their purposes. As mentioned earlier, Wicca is a religion which means its purpose is to honor their god as well as value every individual’s spirituality. The purpose of witchcraft, however, does not involve the Lord and other deities. They focus mainly with magic and using spells to attain their desired results, such as, healing, protection, love, etc. Because witchcraft is considered a practice, a witch can become a member of any other religion he or she can join.

Wicca and witchcraft are very different in keeping secrets. The Wiccans barely have any secrets to keep anymore. All their kept secrets were written down in a book called “The Book of Shadow.” This book is a record of their rituals and served as their religion’s diary. Witchcraft, however, is very particular about their mysteries. Keeping secrets is very important to them. There might be some information written in books, but there are also a lot of things that have not been and never will be written down. The oaths that are conducted to guard their secrets are taken very seriously, and anyone who will reveal these secrets will be punished.

Summary:

1.Wicca is a religion. Witchcraft is considered a practice.
2.Wicca has guardians called Watchtowers while witchcraft has guardians who are not humans but spirits that have close relationships with people.
3.Wicca is a religion, therefore, their purpose is to honor their lord, but witchcraft focuses on magic and spells and does not involve any deities.
4.Witchcraft’s secrets are very important to them so not all information is in books and never will be written. On the other hand, Wicca has a written book called “The Book of Shadow.”
5.Members of witchcraft can be in any religion they can join. Wicca is already a religion so they are not allowed to have another religion.

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