The answer to this question lies more in the accepted definition of “religion” than in the meaning the Witchcraft.
re·lig·ion (r-ljn) n.
- a. Belief in and reverence for a supernatural power or powers regarded as creator and governor of the universe. b. A personal or institutionalized system grounded in such belief and worship.
- The life or condition of a person in a religious order.
- A set of beliefs, values, and practices based on the teachings of a spiritual leader.
- A cause, a principle, or an activity pursued with zeal or conscientious devotion.
(Source: The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Third Edition)
Clearly, the word religion has many meanings. The definition above which best defines my relationship with the concept of religion is the last one: to me, true religion is living ones life according to his or her accepted governing principles. A “Christian” who regularly fails to “turn the other cheek” and “love his neighbor as himself” is not, to me, a Christian at all. To simply claim allegiance to a God or a spiritual leader is not religion, religion is a way of life.
It may not be defined by any group or term, such as Wicca, Buddhism, Judaism, in fact, some of the most spiritual and religious people I know profess no “-isms” at all. However, they have a clear set of principles that they have set for themselves, and they practice these principles consistently.
Thus, my own “religion” is a set of personal principles, guided by my Deities, which I strive to live by. My Gods and I find pleasure and communication through ritual, but it is not an indispensable part of religious practice. Religion for me can be summed up in eight words: An it harm none, do what thou will. “What thou will” is my defining set of principles, “An it harm none” is a reminder of my integral connection with Deity.
Witchcraft is, similarly, a way of life. One really cannot be a “sometimes witch” and be any good at the Craft. The skills of the Craft require daily practice and honing. Even the Witch who does not profess an “organized” set of principles, such as Wicca, will have a personal set of ethics and a regular practice to ensure she stays at the top of her game, so to speak. One could say that she practices religiously. I leave it up to the reader to draw his own conclusions, but I hope that this creates food for thought.