The Etymology of the word “witch” is largely unknown.  Most scholars agree that it comes from the words wicca (originally male) and wicce (originally female) and meant sorcerer.  As the church in Europe grew more powerful the word changed to include satanists, devil worshipers, etc.  As the persecution of witches continued almost unrestrained, a number of scholars stood up in opposition, arguing that the then modern day description of witches were not biblically sound.  

Chief among these men was Reginald Scot who authored “The Discoverie of Witchcraft” in 1584.  It was his statement “At this day it is indifferent to say in the English tongue, ‘she is a witch,’ or ‘she is a wise woman.’ ” that supports the claim by most of today’s witches that the word describes one who is wise.

Wisdom, and the seeking of wisdom, is biblically supported.  Solomon himself remains an example of greatness for his choice of wisdom.  The Hebrew words khokhma (wisdom) חכמה bina (understanding) בינה da’at (knowledge) דעת tvuna (another word for understanding) תבונה are all feminine.  The Greek word for wisdom, Sophia, is also the name applied to the Holy Spirit by the Gnostic Christians.  References to the Holy Spirit throughout the old and new testament use words in the feminine – supporting, perhaps accidentally, the idea the God the Father (Creator) did, in fact, have a female companion in the Holy Spirit…and that she is wisdom.

Witches typically choose a “pantheon” of sorts and many like the use of the terms “Lord and Lady” to describe the greatest within this pantheon.  The masculine and the feminine divine – balanced, equal, strong, and loving.  As a Christian this makes sense in God the Creator (Father) and God the Holy Spirit (mother) coupling.  As Christ is a child of God  (the union of the Father & Mother as one) and we are children of this God and Union, and we are called to be “Christ-like” I can accept the teachings of Christ as one of an older, wiser, divine “brother” with a much better relationship with “mom & dad” then most of us have.  Beyond that my path diverges a bit from the doctrine of the church – a doctrine that was sealed 400 years after Christ walked among us and one that studiously eliminated both the feminine and the support of individuals seeking “wisdom” as…well…individuals.