Labels. We all have them. Some labels we take on, others are given to us. One of my favorite quotes regarding labels is "Labels limit as well as define" (original source has been forgotten). Labels exist, almost as an art form, within the Pagan community. We introduce ourselves by them. Judge based on them. But what do they mean? And more importantly, what do mine mean to me?
When I first began exploring Wicca as a spiritual path I thought it was simple, all pagans were Wiccans, and all Wiccans were witches. But the more I read and the more I met and spoke with other pagans, the more I became aware of just how limited my understanding of those labels had been.
First, after years of trying to get it all sorted out in my mind, this is what I've come to (greatly simplified):
•
Any spiritual path, which is not Christian, is considered Pagan.
•Wicca fits the preceding definition, and is therefore Pagan. But not all Pagans are Wiccan.
•Wicca is comprised of many different traditions (much like all the different denominations of the Christian religion) sharing common elements, but different expression.
•Not all Wiccans are Witches and not all Witches are Wiccan.
I used to use these labels interchangeably. I guess that sometimes I still do, at least in reference to myself, because all three labels fit. I am Pagan. I am Wiccan. I am a Witch. But there are distinctions in how I personally define them.
"Pagan" is who I am as defined by the mainstream Christian society. It identifies me as a non-Christian, and for the more informed, someone who reveres the Earth.
"Wiccan" is my spiritual path. By labeling myself Wiccan, other Pagans know that I worship following a calendar of holy days that is based on the seasons and the cycles of the moon. Beyond that, my tradition further defines which holy days I celebrate and what pantheon of deities I worship. And often, tradition determines whether I worship just the Goddess, or the Goddess and the God. I consider myself Eclectic and am in relationship with the Goddess and the God.
"Witch" identifies me as someone who works with spells and rituals (magic) to affect change or manifest goals in my life. Certainly a person can follow a Wiccan path and not work with magic. And many witches work with magic without following the Wiccan path.
I get frustrated when I read articles or meet other pagans who imply that one or the other of these labels is more prestigious than another is. They are simply labels, meant to help identify and inform -- not limit. I share my labels that others I meet might have some clue as to who I am, not be pigeonholed by them.
Sharing that I am Pagan only says that I'm not a member of a Christian church. "Wiccan" takes you a bit deeper, but doesn't identify my personal spiritual relationship with Deity. "Witch" may intrigue you, but doesn't give a clue about what tools and energies I work with or what my ethics regarding the workings may be.
So I guess I wonder if the labels are really all that important. What if all they do is highlight differences rather than identify commonalties? There is no control, no way to guarantee that the receiver will use the information to further understanding rather than pigeonhole. Still, it can be hoped that at least within the Pagan community the focus will be on the commonalties defined by the labels, rather than the differences.
I like my labels. Pagan. Wiccan. Witch. I think I'll keep them.
