When most people think of witches, they think of hags with black hair, black robes and pointy hats carrying broomsticks and creating some horrid concoction in a large black cauldron. They also think of witches as worshipping the Devil. As I am a practicing witch, I feel it is my duty to inform you about what a real witch is. Firstly, all witches do not have long black hair with green skin and warts on their noses. In fact, the witches I know are all very pretty. Also, no witch I have known has ever worn a black pointy hat. At least, not on a regular basis! As for the robe, well actually, some witches do wear them when performing rituals or spells. I even have my own black robe. But this is mainly personal preference. I find that it helps to create the right kind of mood.

Now, as for witches worshipping Satan, I have never heard of a stereotype used more often. And that's all it is. There is no real truth to it at all. Unfortunately, because it was used so often, some witches have made the lie into truth. These witches practice black magic, and usually end up getting into trouble. I have never condoned black magic, and nor do I practice it. I think anyone who does has missed the whole point of being a witch.

Witch is another name for "wise one". It comes from the word Wiccan, which is actually the proper name for a witch. Thousands of years ago, Wicca was a very popular religion. Anyone could become a Wiccan, male or female, young or old. Wiccans worshipped Gods and Goddesses. It wasn't until later, when the Christian religion was formed, that Wiccans were labeled Satan worshipers, and called witches. Christians took various Wiccan beliefs and rituals, and converted them into their own religion, under the name of one God. They then condemned anyone still following the old Wiccan religion, killing hundreds of thousands of people.

From the 15-1700's, the Christian religion had put to death over 200,000 men and women for suspected witchcraft. Is it a wonder why there are so few witches left today? Actually, in recent times more and more men and women are digging back to their roots by joining the Wiccan religion. Many, many books are also being published about witchcraft. Here are a few that I use most often:

Interesting Books onWitchcraft and Women's Spirituality
Mother Wit by Diane Mariechild
Women's Rituals by Barbara G. Walker
The Women's Spirituality Book by Diane Stein

Wicca is a very season-oriented religion. Four of its eight Sabbats are the seasons. The Sabbats are a bit like the witches holidays. There are four major ones, and four lesser ones. The four lesser ones are the seasons. March 22nd: Spring Equinox, June 21st: Summer Solstice, September 22nd: Autumnal Equinox, December 21st: Winter Solstice. These dates may not be accurate, though, as they usually change slightly every year. Check your calendar for the correct dates. The four major Sabbats are every three months, like the seasons. February 1st: Candlemas, May 1st: Beltane, August 1st: Lammas, November 1st: All Hallows Eve. Take heed, these are for the northern hemisphere. Because the rituals concentrate on the seasons, just swap the dates around to suit the southern hemisphere.

On each of these days, or sometimes just the major Sabbats, or just the lesser Sabbats, witches do a ritual, either in groups or alone. I usually do mine alone, but some witches have formed covens where they perform their rituals together. I have included ideas for rituals on this page. Use these as a guide to creating your own rituals. Feel free to use the rituals just how they are, or you can change them to suit your own needs and desires.

Calling the Corners - this is a beginning to any ritual that you do.

Full Moon Ritual

Spring Money Spell

Witchcraft