When I hear or think of the term “witch”, I immediately think of a woman, confident and empowered, using her powers to build the life that she desires and to help those around her. I think of Cassie from “The Good Witch” and Samantha from “Bewitched”. I think of the sisters from “Charmed”, saving innocents both magickal and mortal. I think of generations of women, passing along their secrets of herbalism, astrology, aromatherapy, and divination.

Even though I know that there are and have been plenty of male witches (Scott Cunningham, Gerald Gardiner, Raymond Buckland, Christopher Penczak, etc.), I still think of a “witch” as being female. Am I maybe secretly sexist? More likely, the image of the female witch is the first to which I was exposed. I did not encounter male witches until much later, when I began actually studying witchcraft.

There is also some disagreement about what male witches are actually called. Many prefer “witch”. Others identify with “warlock”. And of course, in the Harry Potter world, they are “wizards”. This last one actually always bothered me, since I think of a wizard as more of a sorcerer that a witch. But I digress …

So what is a witch?

A witch lives in harmony with nature. She enjoys the outdoors, and the changing of the seasons. Her home is clean and cozy, warm and friendly. She is creative. She sparkles with laughter. She enjoys sharing her gifts and skills, both magickal and mundane with others. She does not judge those around her. She is kind, to humans, to animals, and to the environment. She recycles. She uses Earth-friendly household and personal items when she can.

She celebrates the beautiful world in which we live. She is thankful for her blessings. She does not fear the unknown. She believes in herself, and in the inherent good of mankind.

A witch is in tune with her higher self. She respects herself and treats herself well. She strives to live a healthy life, though proper nutrition, exercise, and regular meditation. She communes regularly with her Goddess and/or God, and with the world around her. She believes in the Threefold Law.

A witch forgives readily, but doesn’t take any crap from any one. One of the pages in my Book of Shadows features the image of a witch with the caption, “Do no harm, but take no shit.” Precisely. She knows how to hex, but prefers to heal.

A witch has an air of mystery, but remains approachable. She is unique. She knows when to be silent, and when to speak up. You might not even know that she is a witch. But you know that there is something about her …