how do you define a witch? (pagan, Jacob, Satan, religion)

[Mike182]

hey all. i'm putting this in comparative religion because i'm interested in everyone's views on this.

for my dissertation, 10,000 words, i have decided my dissertation title will be "In the modern world, how does one define a witch?"

i have until 10 months from now to do my research and write it up, so plenty of time but i want to get started soon.

my current reading list is:

Witchcraft Today - Gerald Gardner
Witchcraft Tomorrow - Doreen Valiente
Satanic Witch - Anton LaVey
Witcha, A Book of cunning - Nathanial J Harris
Mallious Maleficarum, "The Hammer of the Witches" - Heinrich Kramer and Jacob Sprenger
Triumph of the Moon - Ronald Hutton.
What Witches Do - Janet & Stuart Farrar

I will also be doing some interviews with friends of mine who are witches, and sending some questionnaires to covens/Pagan groups that i know of, as well as posting it online for the Witches of various forums i frequent to answer.

Anyway, that's what i have to read, but i'm also interested in how other people see witches. so please, everyone feel free to have a bit of a rant and discussion

[doppelgänger]

Scientifically, a witch is defined as "one who weighs less than a duck."

[mball1297]

Originally Posted by doppelgänger

Scientifically, a witch is defined as "one who weighs less than a duck."

Dangit, you got to it first! I would add that warts are also a sure sign of a witch, along with the ability to turn someone into a newt.

[doppelgänger]

Originally Posted by mball1297

along with the ability to turn someone into a newt.

Well . . . I got better.

[Mike182]

Originally Posted by doppelgänger

Scientifically, a witch is defined as "one who weighs less than a duck."

"And who are you, so wise in the ways of science?"

yes, i expect i will fit Monty into my dissertation somehow.

[mball1297]

Originally Posted by Mike182

yes, i expect i will fit Monty into my dissertation somehow.

Frankly I don't know why you're reading any of that other rubbish anyway. This is the only real source you need.

[Bouncing Ball]

I know a few witches, I always thought it was easiest to let them define witches themselves. The answer was always, "I am one.."

[rheff78]

So if she floats then.....she's a witch!!