I can honestly say that the differences (Witch and Wiccan) are within the individuals. People regard the two separate practices as being the same and yet that is not truly the case under most situations.
I consider myself a witch by definition. That was a personal choice; I choose the path to The Old Ways verses the more modern practice of Wicca. Yet I do find much wonderful information and learning within Wicca and wonderful people as well.
Wicca officially took form around 1949 by Gerald Gardner who was the founder of The Gardenarian Tradition and author of the popular book "Witchcraft Today" published in 1954. Gerald Gardner was a wonderful man who should be given much credit for bringing the Pagan beliefs back into the public eye.
Getting back to the main subject I must say that the two can be the same and the two can be different as well. I have met Wiccans who share the same beliefs as me and I have met some that do not.
Some practitioners may choose the word "Wiccan" over "Witch" because it tends to be more accepting in this day and age.
I have felt some differences between the two when relating to the practice of The Craft. Some differences that I have noted are simple things yet they are different.
Witchcraft for many is the ancient practices of The Old Ways. We tend to follow our instinct and get right to the point. Many witches do not follow any particular formality when practicing Magick. We tend to do what feels right at the moment. We write our own spells (which is popular throughout both practices). We are not big on formalities such as candle colors and such. My personal thought on candle colors is what feels right for me may not feel right for someone else, so I tend to disagree with a rigorous "must do" when pertaining to colors. We rarely place a lot of emphasis on lengthy wording and particulars in ceremony. When dealing with ritual we tend to be comfortable and we just follow our feelings and not a rehearsed script on particulars. I believe ritual is different for everyone so the need to do things one set way does not appeal to me. Witches also revere nature in all of her aspects both good and bad. I feel that this creates complete balance and one side should not be focused upon more than the other. Witchcraft is a way of life and we tend to follow our instincts rather than a set of rules. We inherently know right from wrong and we try to stay within the laws of nature. We are not shaded by color yet we are all individuals and practice what feels right to us at that moment.
Wicca is different for each practitioner. I can not speak for all; I can only give my version on it from the emails I have received and the web sites I have visited. Wicca is a more modern way of practicing The Craft. It appears to be very structured and pays close focus to detail (which is not necessarily a bad thing). I have noticed that references to the dark side are not often spoken of within Wicca and most emphasis is placed on the lighter side. Many Wiccans are followers of "The Rede" and "The Threefold Law" (as do many witches). It appears that many covens adhere to formal rituals and magick, in other words things are done a certain way; yet this is different depending on the practitioner and the coven. Wicca is both beautiful and enlightening in both beliefs and ways. Saying that all Wiccans are the same or they all practice the same is like saying that Baptist and Catholic is the same religion. Wicca is different for each person and that is what makes the religion a wonderful journey.
There are many Traditions within both Witchcraft and Wicca. The two share the same beautiful religious basis known as Paganism. There is no "right way" of practicing; I believe you should follow your heart and take each day as a learning experience. There is much to be learned from both ways of doing things. The choice is within the eye of the practitioner and each person should do what they feel to be correct and proper for them.
I hope this has been of some assistance. I always look forward to your thoughts. Blessings to you all and enjoy your beliefs. The Goddess and God care deeply for all of us no matter what our beliefs.
