from an alt.pagan post by Bran, 3/23/95
witch: practitioner of folk magic
Witch: practitioner of a neo-pagan religion, usually Wicca, but occasionally neo-pagan Fairy Faith, etc.
shaman: practitioner of a particular style of magic, characterized by the power to travel into certain spirit realms, risking death there; a shaman must be chosen and trained by the spirits
sham-ism: new age hokum, consisting of an mixture of animism, neo-native practices, and a large amount of self-delusion; these, in general, are the folk who are likely to sound remarkably like Witchlings
Yes, this is scathing. It is meant to be. Shamanism has never been a religion. The religious model surrounding most shamans is animism. There is a difference. I can’t imagine anyone wanting to be a shaman -- risking your life every time you journey. Blech! Not my idea of a fun thing to do. Shamanic practice is scary, rough stuff. Yes, it is rewarding for those who are called by the spirits to do it, but it’s a lot rougher than even the rigorous training I give in Wicca.