Witchcraft, sometimes today called
Wicca, is a reconstruction of the Pagan ceremonies and rites of the Old
Religion, which was in practice in Europe before Christianity came into
power. When one thinks of a Witch, the usual image of an old hag
with a broomstick comes into mind. This is far, far from the truth.
Witches are normal people. Other people are the ones who view them
as different.
Groups of Witches, called
a coven, practce a form of Magick that is commonly called Low Magick.
Low Magick is less complicated than High Magick, which is more oriented
towards a dramatic, sophisticated flair. Neither of these two methods
are better than the other, just different. During an esbat (a monthly
meeting of a coven), you are likely to see chanting, dancing, singing,
music, and other activities. To a teenager's point of view, Low Magick
is often seen as more fun. It depends on what you like to do, I guess,
because I like High Magick better. ;-)
Since it is a religion, there
must be deities that are prayed to. Witchcraft is a highly customizable
religion. They believe in a male God, and a female Goddess (the Lord
and Lady). The Goddess is further identified with three phases, Maiden,
Mother, Crone. These summarize the three main phases of a woman's
life (pre-puberty, post-puberty and child birth, post-menopause).
The God and Goddess can be visualized in this way, the generic view, or
you could associate them with deities from a pantheon. You might
envision the God as Pan of the Forest, and the Goddess as Aphrodite.
Whatever works for you is applicable.
