Frequently Asked Questions

These are only one point of view. Answers will vary by tradition and individual.

What is a witch?

 Witches are people who feel connected to the earth and understand that everything and everyone on this planet is connected. We understand that energy is a real thing, and we can tap into the energies around us to bring about change in ourselves and our world.

What do witches believe?

 There are as many different beliefs as there are witches. We do not have one central organization or one doctrine that we all adhere to. We decide for ourselves what we want to believe. Our rituals and beliefs are flexible and always changing. The one rule that most of us follow is: "An ye harm none, do what thou wilt".

What is Ritual?

 We use ritual as a way to connect to our deeper selves and move energy. We cast a circle as a symbolic way to separate sacred space from ordinary space, to make a special time and place to work magic. We will typically include:

  • Ground and center
  • Cast a circle
  • Work magic
  • Raise a cone of power
  • Close the circle

How do we Cast a Circle?

We cast a circle by drawing a symbolic circle around the space we are working in. We “call in”, or invoke the properties associated with the 5 elements corresponding to the 4 directions and the center (see INVOCATIONS). Below are some examples, but you can use what works for you.

Element Direction Color Properties Objects Creatures
Air East Yellow Intellect, ideas, communication, wind, sunrise Athame (knife), feather, incense Bird, butterfly, dragonfly
Fire South Red Self, passion, activity, identity, noon Wand, Candle Dragon, lion, lizard
Water West Blue Emotion, relationships, evening Cup or Chalise Dolphin, sea serpent, mermaid, fish
Earth North Green, brown Physical realm, wealth, power Pentacle, crystal, salt, coin Bull, elephant, dog
Ether Center White, black, grey, purple Spirit, gods and goddesses, the mystery Cauldron Spider, scarab

What is an Altar?

 An altar is a collection of objects that helps us focus our energies and intentions. We usually include a symbolic object for each direction and other objects with personal meaning.

How do we Work Magic?

 Casting a spell usually means we perform ritualistic activities where we give our intentions a physical expression to help anchor them in our subconscious. For example, we may create an object with our hands and energetically put our intentions into the object, or plant seeds to represent something we desire to nurture and grow in our lives. We might write things we want to let go of on slips of paper and then burn them in the fire.

How do we Raise a Cone of Power?

 We usually raise power by creating energy as a group using chanting, drumming and dancing. We continue building the energy until we feel it peak and then we let it go out into the universe to make magic.

When do Witches hold Rituals?

 Witches hold rituals whenever they want. Many choose to do so on dates corresponding with the cycles of the moon or sun. The full moon is a popular time, as are the sabbats. The new moon is also sometimes celebrated

What is a Sabbat?

 A Sabbat is a ritual to celebrate one of the eight high holidays. They are described here.

What is an Athame?

 An Athame is a ritual knife used in ceremonies. It represents air and is often used to draw the circle in the air.

What is a Cauldron?

 A Cauldron is typically a three-legged cast-iron pot used to contain a fire or cook in.