Witch (Buffy the Vampire Slayer episode)

In the fictional Buffyverse established by Buffy and Angel, a wtich is a being who has great knowledge and power over the use of magic.

Identification

A witch can be identified by using various ingredients; some of her hair, a little quicksilver and some aqua fortis (mercury and nitric acid). The ingredients are heated then applied to the possible-witch. If a spell has been cast in the previous 48 hours, the witch's skin turns blue. [1]

Magic

Becoming a witch involves a great deal of practice and work. Even those gifted with an unusually high ability can take several years to perfect their powers.

Spells can be performed by anyone by use of magical items whilst saying particular incantations (often in Latin). However witches have greater knowledge and power over the use of magic.

File:Amy Madison (Buffyverse).jpg File:Catherine Madison (Buffyverse).jpg

The magic can be used as a force for good. Willow uses magic to support Buffy Summers in the fight against the demons, the monsters and the forces of darkness. However the growth of power can also become corrupting. Catherine Madison used magic to take over the life of her daughter's younger body. Willow gradually began to use magic in every part of her life, until she was addicted to it. Later tragedy resulted her giving up control to dark magics.

Techno Pagan

Jenny Calendar A Techno Pagan is a modern low-level practitioner of magic. They are not that different from a Witch, they are just more familiar with modern technology and its relation to the black arts. For example Jenny Calendar considered herself a one.

Willow could be seen sometimes uses modern technology and contacts to further her witchccraft (e.g. the internet). However she identifies herself as a Witch rather than a Techno Pagan.

References

1. "The Witch" - Buffy tries to discover if Amy is a witch using this technique

See also

• Witchcraft (cultual and folklore)
• List of Buffyverse Villains and Supernatural Beings

Magic users in the Buffyverse

For a more complete list see here

• Jenny Calendar
• Rupert Giles
• Jonathan Levinson
• Tara Maclay
• Amy Madison
• Catherine Madison
• Rack
• Ethan Rayne
• Willow Rosenberg

Key witchcraft-related Buffyverse episodes

• "The Witch"
• "Bewitched, Bothered, and Bewildered"
• "Gingerbread"
• "Something Blue"
• "Tabula Rasa"
• "Smashed"
• "Wrecked"
• "Villains"
• "Two to Go"
• "Grave"