In relation to the Wiccan or Witch topic:

What is a Fairy Witch?  And are there more kinds of Witches & Wiccans?

For that matter, what is considered a Fairy?  I know what fairies are by definition (or fae or faerie or however you want to say it).  But I don't know how to draw a distinction between mythology/folk tales and real.

Sorry if these answers are somewhere on the forums already, but I couldn't find them.  If this is in the wrong place, let me know and I'll toss it where it belongs.

Thanks,
Z

These are all good question.

There are many different types of Wicca and witchraft. Presently, the largest group of witches is the "solitary" group--simply witches with eclectic beliefs who practice on there own. This group really increased with Scott Cunningham's publications, which made the craft more accessible to the masses.

Wicca is a religion which developed from the teachings of Gerald Gardner, who was a member of the Golden Dawn. There are differing sects within this religion. It does not necessarily involve the proactice of magic, but there tends to be overlap among Wiccans and some witches.

Generally speaking, a fairy witch is a practitioner who draws upon the energies of the elemental beings associated with Celtic tradition. Faries are known by many names, and they are the typical beings one can find in Irish mythology. They are usually seen as embodiements of primal aspects of nature. Some are harmful, some are beneficial, and some are ambivilent. There is no real distinction you can draw between folk belief and mythology. They are simply ways humans have interpreted the beings in their own fashion. As you practice more, you will find yourself creating your own concepts associated with these beings.

There are many more different types of witchcraft, including those who focus on Norse traditions, Roman traditions, Greek traditions, African traditions, and Native American traditions. Usually it is the "cultural flavoring" which distinguishes one practice from another.

I hope this helps you a bit, and feel free to ask more questions.

A really great book for you to read (if you like) might be the classic witchy favorite, Drawing Down the Moon, by Margot Adler. �It explains many different types of practices and their origins. �A very good read if you have time.

Hmmmm, I might just have to try this one, too.  Go for it Zero.  It's all about learning.  

Thanks for the input.  I'll look the book up the next time I'm at the library (which may be a while, considering how things have been lately).  I'll have to pay my late fee, first, though.  

I've also noticed a lot of similarities between some of the information around here and practices that I've seen mentioned in psychic forums, sites, and books.  I wonder if there's a connection there, or if I'm just reading too much into things.  Though I have always thought of the world as highly connected, of people as deeply intertwined on levels most of us don't even acknowledge.

Okay, sounds unrealistic (for lack of a better word), I know.  But, it's just how I've always seen things.  I mean, and this is completely off-topic (good thing this is in Randomville), everything I've observed over the few years (though god they seem like thousands) seems to point to the same thing.  They way people act, talk, move, and even - yes - think.  I've discovered that I can predict how a person will react to something - anything, really.

I believe it developed from my observations of people when I was younger.  I noticed a lot of subtle differences in facial expressions, body posture, and eye movement.  And I was able to avoid a lot of physical pain, too (and yet...)

*ahem*  Alright, now that I've veered way off topic...

My point was (I think) that there are many similarities between beliefs here and those expressed by self-proclaimed psychics (no offense to anyone who thinks they are, just saying that they haven't been verified).  Is there a correlation there, or is it just me?

For a small part, I s'pose you could say that zero.
Everybody has their own way of taking the knowledge and belief and applying it to themselves.
Im going to take the basic meaning of psychic as put to common knowledge and generalizations of them, for this point.
Everybody has their own spirit. Its their will, and its their way.
Many deny it, but that starts another debate.

But I cant answer your question with what i want to say, because i'd rather not have a debate between the scientific and religious aspects of it all.

Maybe i took the question the wrong way =X
I apologize if I did.
But, like they have suggested,
you can see how the weavings of life and science tie into our "beliefs" (put that in quotes since we are so vast haha =D)

but at the same time, we all come as one to share.

Its like a potluck,
except i forgot the pound cake =O
lol, blessed be,
Fate

Well drat.  I wanted some cake.  :p  But, I didn't mean to make this into a debate about anything, I was just noticing.  I read a lot and talk to a lot of interesting people.  My curiosity takes me to many places.

As for the religious idea, I don't know yea or nay whether or not people consider it a religion.  I just use the "beliefs" as a general statement.  Heh... been on the site three days and already I'm making a fool of myself.

Anyway, thanks for the reply.  I'll do some reading and see what I learn.

Z

About the religion aspect of it, my husband and I have had some rather heated arguements over that issue.  I say it is because it colors every aspect of how I view the Deity and how I worship.  He says it isn't because he is a Muslim and I don't follow a book.  (Mainly because I've come to realize within myself that religious books are written by man and tend to be biased to the happenings of the world around them at the time they were written).  So he discounts my beliefs and "followings", but I say, whatever way of life we follow IS our religion.  Some people worship the triune God, so Christianity is their religion.  Some people worship God by the name of Allah (which means "god", BTW), so Islam is their religion.  Some people worship nature and Gods of nature so their religion is Paganism.  Some people worship money, so capitalism is their religion.  Religion is just a word.  I just wish I could get Mr. K to see my point of view.  Ah, well.  Ignorance.  Besides, English is his second language.

lol   *hugs Sea*   All you can so is love him and maybe hit him over the head with an iron skillet.  j/k

Ignorance is bliss?
Haha, its okay sea.
Thats goes back to what you told me earlier,
Dont get the twisted views it can provide.

I know what you mean Agent Zero, about finding similar points of view in other ..... areas.  The book Trust Your Vibes, by Sondra Choquette comes to mind.  She is not Pagan, is not a witch, but a (as she calls it) six-sensory person.  Her guidelines to tuning into your sixth sense are very similar to what witches practice.  Anything that rings of the truth will be found in various different places.  After all, we all worship the same Diety no matter what we call Her/Him, we all are traveling the same path just at different places and in whatever ways that make sense to each of us personally.  And BTW, you are not making a fool of yourself!  This is a great place to learn and ask questions!  So ask away!  And PS...Welcome to the castle  

Off topic, but bramble i love the sig.
Will work for hugs? haha.
*hugs*

Sweetness! *hugs Fate*

Thanks.  I've visited a few sites dedicated to those who either are or at last claim to be some form of psychic (again, not making accusations, but some of them are very obviously frauds).  And I've done a bit of research into other fields classified under "occult" (albeit a minimal bit of research).  And there are several similar ideas in each.

Anyway, Bramble got me the Drawing Down the Moon book from the library today.  So I'll be reading through that over the next few days and asking questions as I find them.  Thanks!

Z

HI Zero,

Thanks for asking so many great questions and having the motivation to search for the answers. We will be here when you need some moer ansers adn opinions.