“Wicca” and “Witchcraft” Synonyms?

Posted by Jill Stefko Aug 27, 2008

"Pagan," as used by early Christian missionaries to refer to nonbelievers, is derived from the Latin term for one who dwells in the country. During the Burning Times, acme of persecution and executions of “witches,” the term became derogatory, implying Pagans worshipped the devil. NeoPaganism refers to modern nature-based religions or the revival of pre-Christian ones. Sometimes, Wicca and Witchcraft are used interchangeably. It can be a philosophy, way of life or a religion, depending on one’s opinion.

The Anglo/Saxon word for Witchcraft was Wiccacraeft. Wicca, pronounced “witcha,” meant a male Witch; Wicce, a female. Wiccan is derived from Wiccian, which means to practice witchcraft or bewitch. Wicca has different connotations to its various practitioners. Some use it synonymously with witchcraft, the craft or the Old Religion while others differentiate.

Those who use the words interchangeably believe both are names of a nature and Goddess-based spiritual path, founded on the pre-Christian belief systems of European Shamanic people.

Some who differentiate define Wicca as the religion of Witchcraft, while the Craft, in itself, is a practice. Many seem to believe that most Witches are Wiccans but not all, because it’s possible to be a Witch and follow another religion.

Some aver the appellations, “Wicca” and “Wiccan” replaced “Witchcraft” and “Witch,” words that had evil connotations during the Burning Times, as evidenced by North Berwick Witches' Persecution, Witchcraft: Storm Raising, Witchcraft Protection and Witchcraft and Werewolves.

Related articles: NeoPagan Traditions: Variations , Wiccan Traditions, White Witches: Cunning Folk? and Malleus Maleficarum, the handbook for witch hunting and witchcraft trials that, although banned by the Roman Catholic Church, was widely used throughout those times.