Walking the Hedge

Some differences between Traditional, and Contemporary, Witchcraft and Wicca

The Wiccan Rede is not used in Witchcraft.

There is no Threefold Law, though there is something like the concept of the Law of Return or the Law of Attraction.

Knives and such are NOT used during any invocations or summonings. Why would you hold a weapon in your hand when inviting someone or something to your ritual?

Circles in the Wiccan or Ceremonial sense are not cast.
Witches do not create sacred space as in Wicca. Witches believe that all space is sacred; as such they acknowledge the sacredness of a space, and the spirits that reside there. Some different methods are used such as Compass Round, Digging the Bloody Acre, Laying or Raising the Hedge.

There is no Lord or Lady in the Wiccan sense. Witches know and understand that some deities are archetypes, some are part of some greater universal spirit, and others are separate individuals in their own right. Some are older, some are younger, and some are “stronger”. A few are primal (going back to creation, or being a part of creation). Some gods may have once been ancestral heroes as well. While sometimes other spirits may be recognized or mistaken for gods (and they may allow you to continue to be mistaken).

Most Witches would lean towards polytheist belief and/or animism.

There is some difference in terminology; words like “athame” and “bolline” may not be used. Usually a Witch calls a knife a “knife” and a broom a “broom”.

The 8 festivals in the Wiccan Wheel of the Year may be used, but often having somewhat different symbolism. Typically Witches celebrate the festivals traditional in their heritage or adopted culture. Heathen Witches will follow a Germanic inspired calendar for example. Gaulish Witches may follow the Coligny calendar.
They also follow the rhythms of the land they live on, and may choose to celebrate Lughnasadh along with the harvest of the first fruits, rather than on a solar or lunar date.

In Wicca, males are equal, but females are more equal. In Witchcraft we are all different but of equal value.

The Ancestors play an important role in Witchcraft

There is more shamanic practise in Witchcraft.

Familiars, Totems, and other Allies are used in Witchcraft.

While some Witchcraft groups may call themselves Covens, they may also use Family, Manor, Clan, or House. There are also a few groups who have started to use Hedge in a similar manner as Druids use Grove to name their group. “House Stagthorn”, “Stagthorn Clan”

In Witchcraft you may be Initiated into a Tradition and Adopted into a Family, House, Clan, Coven etc

There is typically 3 degrees in most traditions, and color-coded cords are won. First white to represent bone, then that cord is dyed red to symbolize blood. Finally another cord is added, which will be blue, black or green depending on tradition.
Paradoxically, in some traditions there are no degrees at all. Though this is usually left to those of a more solitary path, such as Hedgewitches, as well as Contemporary Witchcraft traditions, such as Kitchenwitchery.
Self-initiation into degrees is actually allowed in many traditions, but you better be worthy of it! This is usually done when a Witch has, through whatever means, had made clear by spiritual guides and allies to do so.

Group structure tends to be organized in a more organic manner and based on the various member’s own abilities and talents.

There are always groups obsessed with lineage. However there is no need for lineage; you can, and are even encouraged to, create your own tradition, as a group or as a solitary.

There is no universal symbol. Different traditions, groups and individuals choose or create their own.

Some tools typical to Wicca, especially those borrowed from Ceremonial Magick are not used as often, while others not seen in Wicca may be used. A few examples: Swords are less common, and the Stang is possibly the most important tool. The Chalice has less importance but the Cauldron is still used. Brooms are used as well as the Witches Whisk. Tools in general have significantly less importance in Witchcraft. Tools also tend to be less showy and fancy, they are also often household, farming and garden tools.

Altars, and their specific arrangement are of less importance. A table that is a good working space and practicality are the priority.

Ritual structure is much less formal and not as scripted, spontaneity and joyfulness are encouraged. The focus is on WHY you are doing what you are doing, not exactly on what you are doing.

While a Witch may have a journal or even a Book of Shadows, Traditional Witchcraft is an oral tradition, like Druidry. More contemporary traditions (such as Kitchenwitchery) may use a Book of Shadows or Grimorie, or even a website.

Just like Wicca, there are many different traditions. You can be a Celtic Greenwitch, a Heathen Hedgewitch; a Greek inspired Traditional Witch etc etc. You tailor suit your path, or rather, your gods, ancestors and allies do that. You can also mix Wicca and Druidry (etc) with Witchcraft, though this is not Traditional, it would be considered Contemporary.

Witchcraft is more “hardcore” than Wicca. There are often skulls, bones, fetishes, bodily fluids etc used in ritual and magick.

Witchcraft does not focus on the Light, but on the balance of (and the constant dance of give and take between) the Dark and Light.

Yes, you are allowed to curse and hex. Just be willing to accept the consequences.

Practicality and doing what works is what matters.

Working with nature spirits, household spirits, and such is an important part of Witchcraft.

Witchcraft is inherently eclectic. *gasp* Especially Contemporary Witchcraft. This does not mean stealing from other cultures, but it does mean looking at different lore, practices and traditions close to own in order to help create a well-rounded spirituality.

Witches believe that there are many things that may happen to you when you die, but most likely you will be re-incarnated.

The concept of the World Tree and the Otherworlds is integral to Witchcraft.

Witchcraft is often even more nature-based than Wicca.

Low magick and folk magick are practiced, however, high magick or ceremonial magick is typically not practised.

Being an impressive intellectual or scholar is not necessary. Practice and actually doing is far more important.

Witchcraft looks to the practise of pagans, cunning folk, wise wo/men and witches in Europe through out history. They do not come from an unbroken line, nor are they reconstructionalists; they consider themselves the inheritors of those of people and ancestors.

There are a number of rituals not used in Wicca. Such as Tapping the Bone, a ritual act where one lightly taps upon a symbol of the Ancestors (usually a painted or carved faux human skull), asking for knowledge before a meditation or journey.

Mixing pantheons is not recommended. Witches do have patrons and matrons, both personally and particular to a group.

Home, family, the hearth, the garden and such are all integrated into Witchcraft practice.

Related posts:

1. Three Differences Between Contemporary Witchcraft and Traditional Witchcraft
2. Some Types of Contemporary Witchcraft
3. Hedgewitch & Witchcraft Ethics??