I don't consider myself to be to be either Pagan or Wiccan, but I run across this problem fairly regularly. People assume that if you are Pagan or if you are a witch, then you much be a Wiccan, right? No. Wicca just happens to be one of the most well known Pagan beliefs, and most Wiccans practice witchcraft. So what's the real difference? Pagan is an umbrella term for European religions that are not Christianity. Wicca is a Pagan religion. Witchcraft is NOT a religion and is practiced all over the world by both non-religious and religious people. These labels are often confused and misused. This is probably due to the fact that most of the population isn't well informed about witchcraft or paganism, and due to the fact that Wicca is very popular. |
But are these the only things that are confused?
Not at all. In fact, within the occult, Pagan, and witchcraft community, there are many many labels that people are either misinformed about, get mixed up, or simply aren't familiar with. This can cause confusion or even a hostile environment for those who misuse labels in potentially offensive ways.
For example, recently I came across a person saying that White Magic was magic you practiced during the day while Black Magic was magic that you practiced at night. This was a new idea for me, as I have almost always seen people label White Magic as magic with good intentions and Black Magic as magic with bad intentions. Another way I have seen White and Black Magic described is Black magic working with things that you cannot "see" or are "unknown" and White magic working with things that were more tangible.
With all these different ideas, how would someone know what you are talking about when you say you practice "White Magic?"
Labels can be helpful. They can give us a mental picture in our head and help us understand something a bit better. Along with that, the human brain likes to organize and separate things into different categories. Not all labels are helpful though, and can leave you with more questions than answers.
We aren't going to get rid of labeling. In fact, it's needed for a lot of things. Just know, that if you do label yourself, be prepared to explain yourself. And, if you label yourself, make sure you know what your label actually means.
Not at all. In fact, within the occult, Pagan, and witchcraft community, there are many many labels that people are either misinformed about, get mixed up, or simply aren't familiar with. This can cause confusion or even a hostile environment for those who misuse labels in potentially offensive ways.
For example, recently I came across a person saying that White Magic was magic you practiced during the day while Black Magic was magic that you practiced at night. This was a new idea for me, as I have almost always seen people label White Magic as magic with good intentions and Black Magic as magic with bad intentions. Another way I have seen White and Black Magic described is Black magic working with things that you cannot "see" or are "unknown" and White magic working with things that were more tangible.
With all these different ideas, how would someone know what you are talking about when you say you practice "White Magic?"
Labels can be helpful. They can give us a mental picture in our head and help us understand something a bit better. Along with that, the human brain likes to organize and separate things into different categories. Not all labels are helpful though, and can leave you with more questions than answers.
We aren't going to get rid of labeling. In fact, it's needed for a lot of things. Just know, that if you do label yourself, be prepared to explain yourself. And, if you label yourself, make sure you know what your label actually means.
Thanks for reading!
~RhiSabella~
~RhiSabella~