below is an excerpt from a website. I can't post the site here as I haven't got enough posts. "Withcraft" is a general term that refers usually to the act of casting spells, curses, etc. Wicca is a real religion, albeit, IMO a 1960s hippy-dippy feel good one (which, actually, is fine with me as long as I don't have to hear it)
"The difference between Wicca and Witchcraft can be summarized simply: Wicca is a religion whereas Witchcraft is a practise. That begs the questions of what is a religion and what is a practise.
A religion is a spiritual belief system, such as Christianity, Islam, or Wicca. It is a series of beliefs, based around observance to or worship of deities and/or spirits. A practise is something that is done, such as prayer, meditation, or magic. Simply put, magic is a practise and Paganism is a religion. Wicca is a subset of Paganism, and magic/spell casting is the main goal of Witchcraft.
It is, of course, possible to practise magic without being a Witch. There are other forms, such as Ceremonial Magic. And magic can also be part of a religion–some argue that prayer is a version of magic, and that the Wiccan Circle is enacted prayer.
The main difference between Wicca and Witchcraft come with the differences in intent. The purpose of Wicca is to honour the Lord and Lady, observe the turns of the Wheel of the Year, and to pay attention to one’s spirituality. Wicca is intimately tied to one’s relationship with the divine, by whatever faces They choose to show to us. Witchcraft, on the other hand, does not have to involve deities. Instead, it is concerned with the use of spells and herbs to achieve a desired end–healing, love, protection, etc.
Because Witchcraft is a practise and not a religion, it is possible to be a member of just about any religion and also be a Witch. (Of course, different religions have different opinions about the morals of being a Witch, but that is neither here nor there.) The openness of Wiccans and other Pagans toward magic and the unexplained makes it all the more likely that these people will be drawn to Witchcraft. But be aware that not all Wiccans are Witches. Many do not cast spells of any type. Instead, they focus solely on their relationship with the divine and on their quest for spirituality.
There are some Witches who will say that Witchcraft is also their religion. And I am no position to argue with them. But I would like to point out that it is possible to cast a spell without calling upon a deity. (Instead, one focuses the power within themselves or within nature.) There are also Wiccans who claim that all Wiccans are Witches. Here, I am able to argue. I am Wiccan, but I am not a Witch. I do not cast spells, work magic, or work with herbs. My focus is on the divine and my spirituality. Although I will admit to being interested in exploring certain aspects of Witchcraft, and can perhaps see myself heading down that path in the near future. But Witchcraft will only be an adjunct to my fulfilling spiritual path.
It is easy to become confused about the differences between Wicca and Witchcraft. Many books aimed at beginners tend to use the terms Wiccan and Witch interchangeably, and focus just as much on religious holidays (such as Sabbats) as they do on magic and spells. I suspect that this is because many Wiccans eventually find themselves drawn to Witchcraft. Personally, though, I would rather see books for beginners focusing more on the basic of the Wiccan faith, and leaving the exploration of Witchcraft for a later time, if the one decides to peruse that path.
Remember, Wicca is a religion and Witchcraft is a practice"
What MsSpooky said. Witchcraft is a practice, whereas Wicca is a religion. :-)
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Laura (27) To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 0 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. James (32)
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This thread prompted me to poke around in the search engine about any mention of "fringe" belief systems and religions. What an interesting spot for there to be such discussions! And so much more civilized than most places I've been! Obviously PCOS isn't targeting any particular group other than FEMALES, so I find it interesting that HERE there is openness about religion and tolerance for people who don't fit into any convenient and generally accepted doctrine.
It's easy when you aren't a "big 3" person (Christian, Muslim or Jew) to feel kinda left out when it comes to some kinds of discussions. Kudos to SoulCysters for truly being for EVERYONE!
This thread prompted me to poke around in the search engine about any mention of "fringe" belief systems and religions. What an interesting spot for there to be such discussions! And so much more civilized than most places I've been! Obviously PCOS isn't targeting any particular group other than FEMALES, so I find it interesting that HERE there is openness about religion and tolerance for people who don't fit into any convenient and generally accepted doctrine.
It's easy when you aren't a "big 3" person (Christian, Muslim or Jew) to feel kinda left out when it comes to some kinds of discussions. Kudos to SoulCysters for truly being for EVERYONE!
My thoughts exactly! I have NEVER found a more welcoming place, bringing every woman together that posts no matter our age, race, or religion. It's wonderful! If only the rest of the world could be this open minded! :-)
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Laura (27) To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 0 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. James (32)
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Spooky-DH and sig. other's are welcomed here too, so long as they're here to learn about PCOS and/or nurture someone in their life with PCOS. I know I've seen a few husbands, and I thought I saw a life partner, whose lesbian spouse was the cyster (IDK if she referred to herself as a spouse or a SO, so I tried to use both in this response.) I love how open and welcoming this community is.
Sorry for the hijack, but the first response post pretty much answered the question.
One thing I wanted to add to the definition of the first responder. My aunt is a Wiccan "priestess" if that's what you want to call her, basically her and her dh have a "church" or "coven" depending on what terminology is preferred.
Wiccan is not exclusive to other religions and can actually be followed along side other religions actually. It is not uncommon to find "christian wiccans". Its typically other religions/doctrines/modalities that are exclusive towards others.
Hth! And I agree w/ previous posters, Soul Cysters is an embracing online community.
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Wicca and witchcraft 
What MsSpooky said. Witchcraft is a practice, whereas Wicca is a religion. :-)
