Witchcraft, Paganism, & Wicca

 I was just asked by a new student what the difference is between Witchcraft and Wicca.     

So, all Wiccans are Witches, but not all Witches are Wiccan. All Wiccans are Pagan, but not all Pagans are Wiccan, and some Witches are Pagans but not all - and some Pagans practice Witchcraft, while others choose a different path.

Witchcraft, Paganism & Wicca
As you learn more about magical living and modern spirituality you are going to see these terms a lot. Understand these terms are not all the same. Separating the three terms is not as easy as you might imagine. 

Confusing? It can be, so here are my thoughts on each of them. 

Wicca: is a tradition of Witchcraft that was first founded by Gerald Gardner in the 1950's. It is believed that he created the basic principles of Wicca and taught them to his initiates.  It is believed (by me at least) that Wicca is not the same form of Witchcraft that was practiced by our ancestors. Some still use the terms interchangeably though. 

Witchcraft, can be defined as traditions and rituals, magick, spellcasting, and connecting with nature while using tools such as herbs and crystals for personal growth and healing, some of which have been passed down from ancestors.

Paganism is an umbrella term that encompasses many of the earth based religions, and Wicca and Witchcraft both fall under that term, even though not all Pagan are Wiccan. 

All are earth based, spiritual paths that teach and practice basic principals of honoring nature, minding your actions, and spiritualism/magick of some form. 

There's a great website that I found that can help with your learning here.

I welcome any questions or comments on this subject. I love hearing from others their take on these things.