What defines a "Real" Witch?

I stumbled upon a great site called "The Pagan Blog Directory" in which many Pagan, Wiccan, Witchy, etc blogs are listed in this great "directory" for easy access.

While perusing this "directory", I found one blog in which a young woman details why she is not considered a "real" Witch or Pagan.

She lists that she is "goth", uses spells after exhausting other options, dyes her hair, has piercings and tattoos, isn't Wiccan, is not dedicated to any deity, works with other deities from various pantheons, doesn't believe in a "right" way of doing things, enjoys fictional works including Harry Potter, Charmed, Practical Magic, The Craft, etc, doesn't own an herb garden, doesn't worship authors (including "Scott Cunningham" or "Silver Ravenwolf"), etc etc etc.

If this is the case, and doing all these things listed means one is not a "Real" Witch or Pagan, then I suppose I should stop labeling myself a "Pagan Witch"...for these very reasons:

-I use spells after all mundane attempts have been made
-I am contemplating getting a pentacle tattooed to the inside of my wrist
-I'm not a Wiccan
-I'm not formally dedicated to any deity in particular, but DO honor one deity
-I don't believe any way is "right" or "wrong"
-I too enjoy fictional works such as "The Craft" "Practical Magic", and others
-I couldn't grow a garden if my life depended on me
-I enjoy authors such as Scott Cunningham, but don't worship them as though they were the Goddesses gift to Wicca and Witchcraft
-I don't believe in participating in outlandish rituals and spells, and believe simplicity is best
-I believe Witches are created by themselves, through dedicated study and desire to practice the craft
-I don't believe in blood lines when it comes to Witchcraft (or any other Pagan system) unless it can be proven
-I don't believe Wicca is ancient (and such an idea has been DIS-proven time and time again)
-I'm don't have an aversion to dairy, meat or vegetables, and don't believe that one MUST be a vegetarian in order to be a Witch
-I don't own any cats, I prefer dogs and fish, but neither are "familiars"
-I believe that anyone, regardless of sex can be a Witch
-I don't like Silver Ravenwolf, but I won't hold a gun to someone's head should they decide to pick up one of her books (you have the right to read whatever it is you want)
-I correctly use the term "Fluffy Bunny" when appropraite, and do not use it to label ANYONE who decides to become Wiccan
-I'll cast a curse when I feel it necessary, and don't feel bad about it, nor believe I will be struck down by a bolt of lightning simply for casting one.
-I don't participate in naked workings. I like being warm

The bottom line is there is no real definite definition of a Witch, however a common viewpoint of a Witch is that it's someone who participates in many activities, from spell casting, to divination, and just because you practice one or another does not automatically make you a Witch, but it also does not NOT make you a Witch. It's the understanding behind what you are doing that makes you a Witch.

Having a cat and casting one spell doesn't make you a Witch, it makes you someone whose watched a few too many fictional tv shows. What DOES Make you a Witch, is the understanding behind why you do those acts and why you have animals in which you incorporate into your workings.





Ma’iingan