Meaning of the word 'Witch'.

Introduction.

The English word 'witch' derives from an Anglo-saxon root word, 'wicce' (feminine form) or 'wicca' (masculine form), meaning 'wise one'. (The word Wicca derives from the same source).

Witchcraft is the craft of the wise.

Witches are the wise ones; the ones who know.

Witches are knowledge seekers.

To know is not the same as being smart or educated. What witches possess or strive to attain is deep spiritual knowledge, the wisdom of Earth, sea, and stars.

(...)

Words in many languages acknowledge this concept of the witch as someone who possesses deep knowledge.

For example, ved'ma, a russian word for 'witch', translates as 'one who knows'. The Congoleses word nganga is translated as 'witch', although a more accurate translation might be 'medium'; someone who serves as a bridge to the spirit world.


Esoteric Ways.

Witches observe many religions and walk many spiritual paths.

Although many modern witches are Wiccans, others have no religious affiliation, considering themselves atheists or agnostics.

Still others identify themselves as Pagans, Christians, Jews, Buddhists*, Hundus, and virtually any other religion that can be named.

Although many find the concept of Christian witches contradictory, others do not.


-- Quoted from: 'The Weiser Field Guide to witches', by Judika Illes.


* blog authors note: by words of Buddha Karmapa, Buddhism is not religion, it's like science.