When one hears the word witch it typically brings to our mind green-skinned old hags hovering over a big iron black cauldron filled with disgusting ingredients, chanting some sort of spell and worshipping the devil.

Fairy tales and Hollywood movies are mostly responsible for such false propaganda only because the film is more exciting.

Witches are also generally associated with Halloween. But what are witches in reality? Let's find out...

Basically, the term "witch" originates from the words wicca, wicce or wiccian; which all actually stand for 'wise woman', 'wise women in the plural form. There always have been people interested in learning the special virtues of medicinal plants, the course of the moon, stars and other planets, and by many other aspects of the nature.

Witches are normally active members of the Wicca, a well-known earth-based religion however many other people, that can be also called witches, are not followers of this specific religion. The majority of these people practice a mishmash of ancient pagan rituals. These rituals existed a long time before the advent of Christianity whose originated the term "witch" and launched the idea that those who lived under the cycles of nature were worshipping the church of Satan.

It was the Catholic religion which established the concept of Satan or a demon. Until the Catholic church came on the scene there was no concept of Satan or a demon. In reality, the term "pagan" itself stands for "people of the country" - not devil worshippers.

Men can be witches also, but the term is more related to women. Hollywood, by the need of profitability and probably machismo, has also led people to the wrong idea that "warlocks" would be the term that defines male witches.

"Warlock" is a term of derision and loathing , and was originally used by the pagan people to describe one who had betrayed his people and the ways of Nature. Actually, the term "warlock" comes from the Middle English "warloghe", and from ancient English "wrloga". The real meaning of these terms is: "the one that breaks faith" or "betrayer".

It is known that the main occupation of witches is to cast spells. The term 'spell' is derived from the ancient german term "spiel", which means "to pray", or "prayer". Essentially, Christians, Moslims, Buddhists, Hinduists do pray for a certain outcome; and so witches cast spells for a certain outcome too. Indeed, the notion is that they are supposed to use the power of the forces of the universe to get what they want.

There are instruments used by witches that are supposed to help them cast spells by evoking the right atmosphere and frame of mind. These tools are like the accessories and costumes actors use to help get them get into character.

While witches are supposed to be evil by a lot of people, the fact is, whether or not anyone is good or evil is up to the particular individual. Magic is neither black nor white, but merely is and how it is used depends on the user.

Finally, witches like any other follower of a religion are free to do what they want for as long as it harms none.

"For as you send, so shall it return to ye thrice-fold."

Happy spell casting on Halloween!