Differences in Wicca, Witchcraft & Paganism

What is the Difference?

5/21/20

Wicca is a sort of witchcraft brought to the public in the 1950s by Gerald Gardner. There has been quite a bit of debate as to whether or not Wicca is the same witchcraft that ancient peoples used. Even so, some use the words interchangeably which can make things a little confusing! 

Paganism is an umbrella term for all earth-based religions and Wicca happens to be one of them! So Wiccans are a type of witch that are also Pagans. There are also witches that are not Wiccan but still Pagan. There are also even witches who practice a craft but do not consider themselves Pagan or Wiccan! 

Ok! Let's move on to some other differences. Wicca & Paganism are a form of religion and for some so is witchcraft. Paganism in the modern context is usually defined as an earth-based and typically polytheistic structure. In terms of witchcraft, a witch could be working with Deities from a variety of pantheons! But on the other side of that coin, just because a witch is working with a  Deity (or multiple) does not mean that their craft is also a part of their faith. 

I hope that this clarifies some things! I've been practicing for about 2 years now & I've learned a lot but I obviously still have so much to learn. Comment if you want I look forward to seeing what you have to say!