Are you a good Witch or a bad Witch?

Is there such a thing as a good or bad witch? How do you define good and bad? Which do you align with, if either?

I don't understand the need to label things (or people) "good" or "bad." I also can't imagine any serious witch saying "I'm good" or "I'm bad." It has a real "weekend wiccan" feel about it. I have spellwork webpages and I used to welcome questions or spell requests. I got a lot of "weekend wiccans" writing to me and requesting spells to influence child custody hearings, to make people leave them alone, etc. If I suggested a banishing spell or anything involving *gasp* a black candle, I invariably received a "I don't practice BLACK magic. I'm a Lightbringer." What the hell? I never understood that. How can you have light without shadow?

I think the "lightbringer" mentality is a throwback to the good/evil teachings of Christianity. You can't do anything considered "bad" because some deity is watching your every move and will punish you if you don't do what he wants. It's ridiculous.

Anyway, I know that as I learned more about the craft it became easier for me to access both sides of myself. As I worked with all "shades" of magic, I gained more control in directing my energies. I have noticed that my negative spells (banishing, diminishing, etc.) and dark goddess work is more effective. My theory is that when I tap the darker aspects of myself, my emotions are more focused and intense and therefore create more effective outcomes.

I don't really see good versus bad in witchcraft. I think both are very subjective. Like in war, everyone seems to think they're on the side of the "good guys," which is impossible. I do see light and dark, positive and negative because I think they're less subjective. But I don't equate "dark" or "negative" with "bad." Nor are "light" and "positive" necessarily "good." Using dark magic can yield positive results. Calling on a dark goddess can bring a "light" result, in my experience.

It's fun to be wicked now and then. If you haven't, try it.