There have been many different views as to what Witchcraft is, how it is to be defined, who is a Witch and who isn't, and whether Witchcraft is a religion or not. However, I think I may have found the definitive answer.
I've come to the conclusion through my studies that there are two main types of Witchcraft: religious and magical.
-Religious Witchcraft (with a capital) would include religious Witchcraft traditions such as Wicca (and all its various traditions), the Roebuck Tradition, the Hedgerider tradition... as well as the numerous other Witchcraft based religions out there. These religions are forms of Witchcraft, but do not account for all Witchcraft. So if someone, for example, said Witchcraft and Wicca are the same thing they would be wrong because Wicca is just one form of religious Witchcraft, there are others out there that are less known.
-Magical witchcraft (small w) is the purely practical side to the Craft. This is the part I mainly address with my information on Witchcraft here. This is also the part that can be mixed with any religion, as it is just a form of magic with no specific religious overtones (if any at all).
Of course, there are some people that mix the two: they may practice magical witchcraft, and involve some religious tones without belonging to a specific tradition, and so make their own "tradition". These people usually call themselves "Eclectic Witches".
And now for a bit of detail on the practical side of the Craft:
Witchcraft is, litterally, the 'craft of the witch', which is the skill of being able to work magick; especially magick utilizing personal power in conjunction with the energies within stones, herbs, colours, and other natural objects.
The main aim of witchcraft is to live in harmony with nature, and to understand the processes which go on in nature through observing the seasons, lunar phases, changing tides, etc.
Calling one's self a witch does not make one a witch, nor does undertaking an intitation ritual; what does make someone a witch is how they do the above. One doesn't need to take an initiation ritual, although some do if they wish (I did), you just need to know yourself as a witch who can do things to help yourself and others, and practice your magick with full attention and dedication.
Create your own set of rules to live by and stick to them. As long as they reflect modern social standards and uphold the law, you should be ok with whatever rules you set yourself.
The average witch makes sure that they do not harm Nature on purpose. Harm to the Earth is seen as harm to the Gods themselves if one has polytheistic/pantheistic beliefs. Damage is seen as a sign of disrespect and would probably affect how effective their spells and magickal workings are. One is not living in harmony with Nature if they are dropping sweet wrappers on the floor, and so they will not be able to gain the full power from nature. Many witches find ways to deal with the unavoidable damage of nature, like harvesting of plants and flowers. Many even ask permission of the plants or apologise to it for harvesting it, and they always leave the roots so the plant can grow again. Whenever picking plants or herbs or flowers, witches always make sure that they can grow again. If, for example, a witch removes wood from a tree for a wand, they make sure that they ask permission first and leave a gift for the tree spirit.
The correct name for Witches these days is much debated. Some shrug off the name Witch, as it has a negative childlike perception of women with hooked noses in pointy hats! To start of with the hat is representative of the cone of power, and it is perfectly okay to call oneself a Witch. More modern Witches who focus on worship and magick rather than healing often prefer to be called Pagan or Neo-Pagan Witches. Call yourself what you will.
Male Witches are called just that, Witches. Wizard is a fairy tale name, which is associated with conjuring. They also do not call themselves warlock, which comes from Scottish word meaning "oathbreaker", and is more of an insult so it is not often used. However, I have known and heard of a rare few who do chose to call themseves these for their own reasons, I respect their views.
Some consider themselves witches and do not involve any kind of religious overtones, as stated above, and see their witchcraft practices as just a magickal act. Others consider Witchcraft to be their spiritual path or religion. As I said before, different people hold different opinions, I'm just trying to express all of them for better understanding of the subject.
Extracts from:
The Witches Voice
The Coven of Witches
Spiral Nature
