What Does it Mean to be a Witch?

Being called a ‘witch’ was the childish way of calling a girl a ‘b*tch’ when I was growing up. Today, it means something similar, yet totally different, depending on who you ask.

Have you ever thought about what it really means to you when you refer to yourself as a witch? I hadn’t thought much about it and until I was walking outside and it just dawned on me that being a witch isn’t at all what history has portrayed them to be.

Quick History of the Word Witch

“In the history of the world, as far as we know accurately, are three such Gods: Isis, the mother, when the Universe was conceived as simple nourishment drawn directly from her; this period is marked by matriarchal government.

Next, beginning 500 B.C., Osiris, the father, when the Universe was imagined as catastrophic, love, death, resurrection, as the method by which experience was built up; this corresponds to patriarchal systems.

Now, Horus, the child, in which we come to perceive events as a continual growth partaking in its elements of both these methods, and not to be overcome by circumstance. This present period involves the recognition of the individual as the unit of society.”

Book of the Law- Aliester Crowley

The word ‘witch’ was once used for those who were ‘wise’ or were able to ascertain knowledge from nature and spiritual sources. This was the Age of Isis (2900 BCE-500 BCE) when societies were amazed by woman’s ability to give life. Women were thought to be magical and the connection with the Earth and Moon’s cycles was paramount.

Then came the Age of Osiris (500 BCE- 1904 CE), when the Sun’s cycles became the focus. This is the Age that we have recently left. The Age of the Patriarchy. Where the word ‘witch’ is thrown around like it’s something to be shameful of. When in reality, women were being shamed for being themselves. For their connection with themselves, their bodies, their intuition, and the Earth.

“For two things are done and a third thing is begun. Isis and Osiris are given over to incest and adultery. Horus leaps up thrice armed from the womb of his mother. Harpocrates, his twin is hidden within him. Set is his holy covenant, that he shall display in the great day of M.A.A.T., that is being interpreted the Master of the Temple of A∴ A∴, whose name is Truth.”

—Liber A’ash, verse 7

We are now beginning the Age of Horus (1904 CE- present), the son, who is a combination of both Isis and Osiris. Horus shows us that having both masculine and feminine aspects to our personality makes us who we are.

Calling Yourself a Witch on Social Media

All over social media words like witch, mystic, light worker, shaman, enchantress, and wild woman are being used in profiles and posts.

Some will say that it’s only feminists using these terms. But that doesn’t feel right. If you were to talk to any of the people who use these words in their profile, who call themselves by them, you would find that they’re not all feminists. So who are they?

They’re people who have found a word that aligns with who they are.

Women who call themselves witches, mystics, light workers, shamans, etc. are all women who have a deep connection to themselves and the world around them. They know who they are and what they want.

This can scare people. Especially people who have been led to believe that there is a single ‘right’ way to do something. That you should follow the directions given and not listen to your intuition. Because intuition cannot be measured.

Now don’t get me wrong, I realize that this must sound like some ramblings of a crazy person who is against science. But I’m not. I have a science degree. I'm an Environmental Consultant by day. But I also believe that there is more to this world than we can measure.

Just because we have not found a way to measure something doesn’t mean that it doesn’t exist.

So WTF does the Word WITCH mean?

This is something that will have many different answers and I can only give my personal definition here in hopes that it will aid you in creating your own definition.

A witch is someone who is in touch with their intuition, and their emotional self. A witch is someone who knows what they want and goes after it. Someone who stands in their power and listens to their thoughts and opinions over those of others. Someone who makes decisions based on the information available, and their values. A witch is someone who knows themselves, someone who is in touch with their highest self.

I saw a post on social media the other day and wasn't able to find it again for this post, but they used the word WITCH as an acronym for Women In Total Control of Herself and that really hit me.

(If you saw this post, tell me in the comments so I can give them credit)

Emotions have been taught to be bottled up, hidden, and repressed. When you encounter someone who goes against this, confusion is found.

Doing something, or believing something just because someone else does, or because you’re told, gives away your power to someone else.

When people begin to think for themselves, this power is taken back. And this terrifies those who want to hold all of the power.

Turning words around on people to be seen as negative instead of positive is a way to control them.

Think of it this way, if you called yourself a witch and believed this wholeheartedly and one day heard that being a witch meant that you were evil, wouldn’t you be confused and start to doubt yourself (aka give away your power)?

What a Witch is NOT

A witch is not something to be ashamed to call yourself.

Calling yourself a witch does not mean that you are worshipping the devil or evil entities.

A witch is not to be confused with fairytales and cartoons or TV show portrayals of witches. Glitter and sparkles DO NOT come out of my fingers. But I really wish they would.. because awesome sauce!

Witches are not people who should be feared, but those who should be sought out for healing and guidance.

Witches are women and people who know who they are and what they want.

Tell me below what your definition of a witch is!