What do all the different words mean that are related to witches? -Wiccan, pagan, etc.
The word 'witch' comes from the Middle English word 'wicche', which basically had the same meaning as our modern word. 'Wicche' came from the Old English word 'wicce', which also meant basically the same thing. The root however makes it related to words such as 'wise', 'wit' and others. This word probably started out meaning a wise woman. 'Wicce' is a feminine form with its corresponding masculine form being 'wicca'. This is where the modern word 'wicca' comes from. It was adopted by some modern witches to refer to their religion because they felt that 'Witchcraft' had too many negative connotations. Either word can be used.
'Pagan' comes from the Latin word 'paganus', which meant someone who lived in the country. Since they were often never converted to Christianity, they remained practicing the Old Religion. 'Pagan' came to mean non-Christian and worse. In modern usage, it means someone, who has taken up one of the many nature or Earth based religions. Often the term 'neopagan' is also used in the same manner and has the same meaning. 'Neo' means new, so a 'neopagan' is a modern pagan. To Christians, 'pagan' gained some very negative meanings. These are covered in our history section. Please see our Definition of Terms for more words and meanings.
How do I go about finding a witch shop in my area?
Go to the Witches Voice Web Site, see our Recommended Links page, and go to the 'Witches of the World' section. There you will find the world broken down by countries and states. Go to your area. In each state section, besides finding other witches and gatherings, you will find a list of witch shops in that state. This list is not every single one that exists, but it is a start. You could also e-mail a few witches on the page and ask them if they know of any others.
What exactly goes into a Book of Shadows?
It all depends. Different witches have different things, but I'll give you some of the basics that most witches include. A Book of Shadows should contain your rituals at the very least. You actually use the book to read the words of the ritual you are performing, unless you have it memorized. There should also be information in it on how you set up your Circle, lay your working tools on the altar and any other information you may need to refer to during a ceremony. Additionally, many witches include spells in there Book of Shadows, others do not. Sometimes you may find a witch that keeps personal thoughts about the Craft in this book too. Once in a while you may even find a witch that uses it as a journal to keep track of dreams, spells, rituals, etc. The important thing is to do what feels right to you. Traditionally a BOS should have a black cover and be in your own hand
Is a male witch called a warlock? If not, what is a warlock?
To answer the first part of your question, it all depends on who you ask. I'm a male witch, but I wouldn't think of using it to describe myself. It is a derogatory term that means oath breaker. For a full definition of the word, see our "Definition of Terms" page. The media often use this word to describe male witches. This has lead some people to wrongly believe that this term is acceptable. I've even met people on the net professing to be real witches who use this term to describe themselves. Most of these I suspect are into Wicca to attract attention and not for spiritual reasons. I don't want to be the final word on this, but most of the Witch community shuns this word.