WHAT IS A WITCH
By Crystal, Priestess of Coven 88
I had a memory pop on Facebook of a picture I shared a couple of years ago. It was a post where someone asked what people think when they see the word Witch. The comments were very negative. So, this image inspired me to write my first article about Witches.
What is a Witch?
There is a lot of different beliefs on the word Witch. Many see us as the old hag with green skin and warts, or as the outcast of society in a hut in the woods making poisons. The reality, however, is that we are everyday people, in every corner of society, in all walks of life, doing all sorts of jobs. Your coworker with the cool hair could be a witch. There is no set definition. For me, having a wide range of witch sisters all over the world, it has come to have a few personal meanings that I want to share with you all.
Going back thousands of years there have been men and women who were healers to their family, tribe, and/or community. They kept ancient ways alive. They new how to treat issues with natural remedies. Some of them also walk in the spiritual realms, and work with non-human beings to help others. Many communicate with spirits, but not all. There have been many names or titles for this type of person: medicine man/woman, shaman, healer, and also the Witch.
In today’s society, it is not so easy to know who we are unless we say it. As I type this, I sit here in my sweatpants and sweatshirt. There is nothing special about my appearance besides my ombre purple to black hair. You would not see me on the street and immediately say “you’re a witch”. Some of us dress up the part, wear witch hats, vintage outfits, and wear symbols. Many of us do none of that. I personally change from day to day; it depends on my mood.
Why do movies and tv depict Witches as bad, or having green skin?
The green skin dates back to 1939 in the film The Wizard of Oz. Margaret Hamilton portrayed the Wicked Witch of the West, and there is a sad story behind the green:
“On 23 December 1938, while filming the Wicked Witch’s exit from Munchkin land in a blaze of fire, Hamilton suffered first-degree burns on the right side of her face and second-degree burns on her right hand; the flames rose too soon, before she had descended below the stage. Hamilton’s green makeup was copper-based and potentially toxic and had to be removed from her burned flesh with alcohol — an intensely painful process. She was not able to return to the movie until 10 February. When she did return, she wore green gloves, since her hand was not yet fully healed.” From article by Lynley on slaphappylarry.com
The research of why witches are depicted as “evil” could go on and on for days. I believe it stems from thousands of years of women and men being persecuted for speaking truths that others did not want known. Witches also seem to have an innate ability to trigger hidden emotions within people, and many people do not like this. Women especially were targeted because they did not have equal rights as men. Women have been suppressed from their human rights for centuries, and many labeled as a witch were not. The Salem Witch Trials is a prime example. Woman and men burned for disagreeing with leaders. (Reminds me of current times, the arguments to wear a mask or not. People wanting to turn in their neighbors for not wearing a mask or standing too close. This is the modern version of a “witch hunt”.)
The many variations of Witches
As far as a definition for what is a witch, there is not an accurate one. According to Google, a Witch is “a woman thought to have magic powers, especially evil ones, popularly depicted as wearing a black cloak and pointed hat and flying on a broomstick.” Google gives a second definition as “an ugly or unpleasant woman”. These definitions are so far from the truth! Yes, we have magical powers, as do many people. We all carry special abilities within us that come from our soul. Are we evil? Absolutely not. As with any population on the planet, you have some people with bad intentions mixed in with the rest of us who just want to go about our lives and help who we can. The few bad apples do not account for all of us. And we are not ugly.
My experience around many witches is that we are free beings. We don’t always follow rules, we color our hair what we want, we may or may not love black, and none of us look the same. Some witches are healers, some witches work corporate jobs, some of us are flamboyant, some of us keep it all at home. You cannot stick a definition on a Witch. We do not even have the same Craft, as in Witchcraft. Some consider us Pagans or Wiccans, but you do not have to be in any system of belief to be a Witch. There are Christians who are Witches. For some, their craft may be talking to their ancestors around a fire. Another person may light candles to honor their relatives who passed. Some acknowledge Spirits and Guides. There are those of us who honor their spirituality in the kitchen, and place meals out to honor the departed. Then there are those of us that study occult knowledge and try elaborate spells and may even have more than 1 altar. While some witches do none of this. There is no set way. There is no right or wrong. We are honoring the call from our soul.
There is no reason to fear the Witches.
We are not peopled to be feared. We speak the truth, whether you like it or not. We see beyond illusions, lies, deceit, and manipulations. We stand up for those they are being unjustly targeted or bullied. We help people heal. We love crystals, nature, flowers, herbs, and creating concoctions. The majority of us are not doing things such as hexes or curses. Some do these types of spells as self-defense, but not to harm innocent people. As I stated above, there are always a few people with bad intent in every group or community, but that does not make us all evil. If you meet a Witch, remember this person may carry a lot of knowledge that could help you. Be open to learning new information and expanding your mind. We have a lot to offer when you are open.
ABOUT CRYSTAL
Crystal is a High Priestess Specializing in Quantum Healing. She is certified in Quantum Healing Hypnosis Technique, Certified Reiki Master, Certified Spiritual Counselor, and an Ordained Minister. For more info on Crystal’s work go to www.coven88.com.
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