Tuesday, March 25, 2014

Are Males Witches or Warlocks?

Witches are practitioners of witchcraft. In my case, I am a Wiccan Witch because I am both a Wiccan and a Witch. So what is a Warlock? Depends on who you ask. In Wiccan circles you will hear emphatically that Warlock is a derogatory term that means *oath breaker* and was used to label those who turned in other Witches during the Burning Times. I've seen lots of arguments about the support for that statement. I've even seen lots of arguments regarding the origin of the word Wicca -- but that is for another post.


Wiccans refer to both males and females as Witches - there is nothing to distinguish gender. However, much to the irritation of many, in popular culture, books, TV shows and movies, the term Warlock has become wildly popular for describing male Witches. In fact, it has come into such common usage that it is included in the Merriam Webster Dictionary to describe a man who practices witchcraft - also a sorcerer or wizard.


Interestingly enough, on that same page were these comments which are very intriguing.


For me, I find that we have to think of common usage in modern times. It is much more prevalent and common for people to think of Warlock as a male who practices witchcraft than it is for them to know that thousands of years before they were born, it meant something derogatory. The point is, usage of words change and sometimes you can't fight it -- it's just easier to accept it and move on. 

If you want to call yourself a Wizard, Sorcerer, or Warlock, you will hear no argument from me. The use of the word Warlock takes nothing away from me or anyone else for that matter. The modern usage doesn't really reflect poorly on those who use it, so for me, I take the non-traditional Wiccan position that the fuss is really much ado about nothing. Follow your heart and call yourself a Warlock if you are so moved, just be prepared for the heartache it mysteriously causes for others.

Bright Blessings and Blessed Be,
Rayven Michaels

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