Witches. Sorcerers. Magi. Many of us assume that they are just different words for one another, all relating to some form of magic-user. And while this is partially true in that they all use what is generally known as “magic”, overall, an important distinction can be made between these various terms.
Magic is a Broad Term
Much of this distinction can be found in how the Magic is practiced, and how much it relies upon the supernatural. In his book A History of Witchcraft. Sorcerers, Heretics, and Pagans Jeremy B. Russel compares magic and science. “The basis of magic is the belief in kosmos, an ordered and coherent universe… all the parts are interrelated. This is also the basis of the principle of uniformity upon which so much scientific theory has been constructed” (page 13). In fact, many diviners, alchemists, and court wizards practiced something similar to science, albeit without necessarily considering validation and empirical investigation, which makes it appear much different (Russel 1986).
Sorcery, by comparison, is using magic much more like one would use a piece of equipment, where a certain action causes a certain reaction. The English word “wicca” refers to a Sorcerer, although it was conflated into the equivalent of the Latin maleficus, which was a diabolical witch. And the maleficus adds yet another interpretation of witchcraft: a sort of anti-priest which calls upon evil spirits and entities other than God or the Saints (Russel 1986).
On this topic, it’s important to understand that there is a difference between “white magic” and “black magic”. Black magic is typically the magic that is most talked about, possibly because its the most dangerous which leads to it being the most feared and therefore some think it shouldn’t be allowed. In 1934 Mr. Justice Swift was asked about the definition of magic to which he answered “Magic is the science of the art of causing change to occur in conformity with the will. White Magic if it is righteous, and Black Magic if the will is perverse”. Both types of magic evoke evil spirits and depend on some sort of evil and putting oneself in the power of the evil spirit at hand to help them accomplish the otherwise impossible. William Perkins states in his book “Damned Art of Witchcraft” published in 1608 says that “all Diviners, Charmers, Jugglers, all Wizards, commonly called wise men and wise women” all should be executed. George Giffard, an old minister of Maldon, Essex had also made a statement along these lines (Summers 200).
Witches, Sorcerers, and Necromancers
Now that we are aware that there are different types of magic, it’s important to understand the different types of magic users. According to Montague Summers, a sorcerer is one who practices sorcery which is one form of black magic. Necromancers also use what would be considered black magic. However, the magic associated with Necromancy is usually gained by research of the black arts and the exploitation of evil spirits, while Witchcraft derives power from entreating evil spirits to perform deeds with dark rituals. These individuals are those who have gained the power to see future events along with having the ability to speak with the deceased. A witch can be an overall umbrella term for all types of magic users which is why you could have either a witch that practices some sort of white magic or a witch that practices a form a black magic (Summers 2000)
It’s also key that we note that Montague Summers was an English author and clergy man and his research on witches, vampires and the like may differ from definitions you would find in different corners of the world.
Bibliography
Summers, Montague. Witchcraft and Black Magic. Mineola, NY: Dover Publications, 2000.
Russell, Jeffrey Burton. A History of Witchcraft: Sorcerers, Heretics, and Pagans. London: Thames & Hudson, 1986.
Page written and created by Jed E., John L., and Sophia L-N.
