Witches: How can you "reclaim" the word Witch?

Question

Assuming you use the word witch for yourself, do you claim to be "reclaiming" the word?

If you do, how?

Who claimed it in the first place that you're reclaiming it from?

Which of the definitions of "reclaiming" applies to your reclaiming:

Reclaim

http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionar...

Pronunciation: \ri-ˈklām\

Function: transitive verb

Etymology: Middle English reclamen, from Anglo-French reclamer, from Latin reclamare to cry out, protest, from re- + clamare to cry out — more at claim

Date: 14th century

1 a: to recall from wrong or improper conduct : reform b: tame, subdue

2 a: to rescue from an undesirable state; also : to restore to a previous natural state <reclaim mining sites> b: to make available for human use by changing natural conditions <reclaim swampland>

3: to obtain from a waste product or by-product : recover <reclaimed plastic>

4 a: to demand or obtain the return of b: to regain possession of

Answer 1

Anyone who claims to be &quot;re-claiming&quot; something, must have some ties to it before it was &quot;claimned&quot; in the first place.  Since Wicca is a religion that started in the 1960&#039;s how can they &quot;reclaim&quot; anything pre-dating that period?

I think it would be a better idea, and certainly more accurate of them, to say that the image of a witch is a powerful and complex archetype in human history and they are embracing certain aspects of that trope.

Good question.  I love it when there are questions that deal with other religions besides Xianity.

Answer 2

I define the word witch to mean .... wise one.. and it has become a word defined in a kind of comic Halloween fashion now days.  If you say the word to the normal person walking down the street most times you will get a Halloween definition from them.  Media, christian propaganda are all sources of this.  IT has come to mean an evil twisted woman.  I think of myself as a witch in the sense of the wise one definition.  Why should I change a word I call myself simply because so many choose to be ignorant?    

Answer 3

4.

   It is as good a label for my state of mind as any. I think the label was forced onto people; especially educated, spiritual and strong women to demonize them subdue them and push them to the fringes of society. Now the fear of the word embodies the fear of the individuals it was used to slander. I like the word. I like what is means to me. I wish to engender respect for it. Witchcraft has become a spiritual movement, a lifestyle, a practice and a religion.

I don&#039;t really care if people think that is silly. It works for me. There is toughness, history, an independence and freedom to it that inspires me. There is cleverness in the word.

Christian, means “little Christ”. It suggests they are each anointed. That is as silly a label as witch. But, no one seems bothered by that. Why be bothered by people who identify as witches?

Answer 4

Though I&#039;ve never personally claimed to be reclaiming the title of witch, I would say 2 a is the fitting meaning for what you are referring to.

&quot;To rescue from an undesirable state&quot;  We know that over the ages, the word witch has adopted many negative connotations.  But, for the most part, those who practice witchcraft today are not &quot;evil&quot; people, and do not want terms like &quot;evil&quot;, &quot;black magic&quot;, &quot;devil worshipper&quot;, etc. automatically associated with the title of witch.

Answer 5

I would assume #2 rescue from an undesirable state, i.e. a state of disgrace imposed by those with anti-witch agendas.

Answer 6

I always wondered why anyone WANTED it in the first place.

This will sound sort of bitchy, but when paganism was one the rise again why not pick a different name? Why pick one with so much c**p attached to it? There were many PAGAN societies that used the term witch in a derogatory way!

Answer 7

Wiccans are reclaiming it from the xtians.  

Answer 8

Good idea, kind of like the way I&#039;m reclaiming the word &quot;porch-monkey&quot;

I&#039;m takin&#039; it back, yo!

Answer 9

I&#039;ve always been a witch, ask anyone.  

I choose #2; specifically - to restore to a previous natural state

Answer 10

I&#039;m reclaiming the moniker &quot;ho-bag ****&quot;.

Answer 11

I&#039;m not &quot;reclaiming&quot; the word, most of the definition of what a Witch is adequately describe what I believe a witch is.  ( I don&#039;t agree with the Hag part, but I did say most)

witch (as per the American Heritage Dictionary)

n.  

A woman claiming or popularly believed to possess magical powers and practice sorcery.

A believer or follower of Wicca; a Wiccan.

A hag.

A woman considered to be spiteful or overbearing.

Informal A woman or girl considered bewitching.

One particularly skilled or competent at one&#039;s craft: &quot;A witch of a writer, [she] is capable of developing an intensity that verges on ferocity&quot; (Peter S. Prescott).

v.   witched, witch·ing, witch·es

v.   tr.

To work or cast a spell on; bewitch.

To cause, bring, or effect by witchcraft.

v.   intr.

To use a divining rod to find underground water or minerals; dowse.

Answer 12

There are no witches. Welcome to the 21st century lady.