How interesting that there is just as many different views in this belief as there are in almost any other belief. I appreciate everyone taking the time to explain the differing views and sharing your personal views.

Personally, I tend to see 'witches' as like norseman had shared wise folk. It fits for me. I think the whole witch thing has kind of bloomed into a kind of mutant thing. I think there are many people who don't really know or understand the history behind it, hence there are many misconceptions about it. Where my people come from the word witch isn't a bad word, it is just that a word for the wise elder who knows the ways. Many views much knowledge, thanks all!

nightowl