The practice of witchcraft, wicca, and the likes are not illegel in any state in the US. However, im not up-to-date with all the spells and rituals yet, but if it requires the sacrificing of any living organism(excluding bacteria and single celled organisms) then that 'ritual' is illegal to perform, but the practice of the craft itself is not.

Last I knew there were certain places, like Great Britain. where the anti-witchcraft laws have remained on the books for centuries but are rarely enforced in modern times. Considering that, in the state of Massachusettes it is still illegal to wear, "... any garment which leaves the arm bare..." (short sleeves) though, the real question is one of enforcement.

Your right to practice witchcraft is constitutionaly protected. Any state laws prohibiting witchcraft would be void.

It is not illegal. True wica (witchcraft) is not based on placing evil spells on people, or sacrificing animals. and therefore with nothing being harmed, what would be illegal about it. Respectfully it should be considered and well thoughtout before desiding to embark on this journey. Witchcraft has many ugly associations tied to it, and just the mere word frightens people. It's negative feeling amoungst people is culminated by some who deside to use it as a source of the personal power, and control, rather than for its true pupose--spiritual growth, healing, appreciating nature and giving thanks to the Goddess. Wica (witchcraft) is a nature based religion, with several different genres, depending on which most likely accomodates the individual. Also you can be solitary or part of a coven. Remember the crede: "Harm come to no one, love and do what thou will." Even though it may not be illegal, there will always be those who don't understand or appreciate its true meaning, and therefore it will be looked down by many for practicing it. Do a lot of research on this topic before making any choices.

Thank you.

In response to what was considered my incorrect answer, if you look up Wica in the dictionary it says witchcraft. If you look up witchcraft it says magic; if you look up witch it is says a person with magic powers derived from evil spirits. The old definitions which had been caused by a male dominated time and religion, still linger. The word wica is new, it was chosen by "Gardiner" as a way to define a practice people with a common belief in healing magic and ways of nature could feel comfortable practicing under, without having to use the word witch-- since some people make the wrong association--ignorance creates fear. I have studied this topic for many years, including the Salem trials and as far back as the trials that took place all over Europe, 400 years prior; wipping women almost completely out in some places, including small children. But there was no need to go into all that for one question, so obviously I summerized the answer. There are many different beliefs as to where witchcraft derived from, and even though not all witches fallow the wican religion, the entire craft and belief system is tied together. And as I previously stated there are many different types of witches, with many different types of practices, that is what makes it a desireable way to worship--God or Goddess (whatever your choosing). That is not saying you need to practice the wican religion in order to be a witch, I certainly dont. Many people are Catholic yet don't practice the Catholic religion. But to say they are seperate from one another, or two different things is not true. I personally believe more ties from witchcraft come from early Celtic beliefs and practices, that date furthur back than the times of King Arthur, but then they were not called witches either. To many texts in history have been destroyed, denying us full access to the truth and vital information of how women played important parts in history. Of course all male dominated societies caused this. We hear very little (but it's true) about ancient kings who sought out "the healing women" back then who had knowledge of herbs and magical powers, but later on deemed them wicked, surly out of fear.

Didnt know you could sacrifice animals in the US for religious purposes, thought it still constituted animal cruilty. Thanks for the update, and the actual phrase you are tryingto quote there is all wicans are pagan but not all pagans are wican. Wicca is a religion yes, one in which it's members practice witchcraft. But if you want to coin another phrase, all Wiccans ARE witches, but not all witches are Wiccan.

Not according to my mother- in-law. she rides her broom, to our house, when she comes to visit.

No, Witchcraft actually has four different froms: Satanism (dark) Voodoo (semi-Light) Neo-Paganism (light) Wicca (Light) No its not illegal, the consitution and bill of rights states (FREEDOM OF RELIGION)

No where in our Rede does it state that we must sacrifice, or pray to an 'evil' diety. Bide within the Law you must, in perfect Love and perfect Trust. Live you must and let to live, fairly take and fairly give. For tread the Circle thrice about to keep unwelcome spirits out. To bind the spell well every time, let the spell be said in rhyme. Light of eye and soft of touch, speak you little, listen much. Honor the Old Ones in deed and name, let love and light be our guides again. Deosil go by the waxing moon, chanting out the joyful tune. Widdershins go when the moon doth wane, and the werewolf howls by the dread wolfsbane. When the Lady's moon is new, kiss the hand to Her times two. When the moon rides at Her peak then your heart's desire seek. Heed the North winds mighty gale, lock the door and trim the sail. When the Wind blows from the East, expect the new and set the feast. When the wind comes from the South, love will kiss you on the mouth. When the wind whispers from the West, all hearts will find peace and rest. Nine woods in the Cauldron go, burn them fast and burn them slow. Birch in the fire goes to represent what the Lady knows. Oak in the forest towers with might, in the fire it brings the God's insight. Rowan is a tree of power causing life and magick to flower. Willows at the waterside stand ready to help us to the Summerland. Hawthorn is burned to purify and to draw faerie to your eye. Hazel-the tree of wisdom and learning adds its strength to the bright fire burning. White are the flowers of Apple tree that brings us fruits of fertility. Grapes grow upon the vine giving us both joy and wine. Fir does mark the evergreen to represent immortality seen. Elder is the Lady's tree burn it not or cursed you'll be. Four times the Major Sabbats mark in the light and in the dark. As the old year starts to wane the new begins, it's now Samhain. When the time for Imbolc shows watch for flowers through the snows. When the wheel begins to turn soon the Beltane fires will burn. As the wheel turns to Lamas night power is brought to magick rite. Four times the Minor Sabbats fall use the Sun to mark them all. When the wheel has turned to Yule light the log the Horned One rules. In the spring, when night equals day time for Ostara to come our way. When the Sun has reached it's height time for Oak and Holly to fight. Harvesting comes to one and all when the Autumn Equinox does fall. Heed the flower, bush, and tree by the Lady blessed you'll be. Where the rippling waters go cast a stone, the truth you'll know. When you have and hold a need, harken not to others greed. With a fool no season spend or be counted as his friend. Merry Meet and Merry Part bright the cheeks and warm the heart. Mind the Three-fold Laws you should three times bad and three times good. When misfortune is enow wear the star upon your brow. Be true in love this you must do unless your love is false to you. These Eight words the Rede fulfill: "An Ye Harm None, Do What Ye Will"