Witchcraft is an anomaly is the realm of religion. It is probably
the most misunderstood spiritual entity in the world. It's supposed
association with evil and Satanism has done much to destroy the
credibility of one of the fastest growing religions in modern times.
Witchcraft, also called Wicca, is an eclectic New Age personification of paganism. It's roots can be traced as far back as ancient Mesopotamia, and as recently as the early 20th century. Harmony and balance of opposites is what sets Witchcraft apart from most religions. Where monotheism preaches non-duality in the form of a male deity, Witchcraft is polytheistic and believes the Universe came into being by the unification of the male and the female; or, positive and negative energies.
Since the dawn of the three Abrahamic religions (Judaism, Christianity and Islam, in that order), Witches have been persecuted, tortured and killed in the name of monotheism as heretics of the One True God. The Salem Witch Trials of 1692, which took the lives of 20 men, women and children is only a tiny fraction of Witches and so-called Witches who lost their lives due to religious hatred and persecution.
A closer look at Witchcraft reveals tons of inconsistencies between what religious fundamentalists and others preach about it, and what it actually is. In essence, Witchcraft is a Nature religion. It preaches respect for all of life, from trees and oceans, to animals and individual human beings. Their philosophy is 'An it harm none, do as ye will'.
Doesn't quite have the ring of baby-eaters and soul-stealers, does it?
Being a religious entity, it is full of its own holy days, such as Beltane and Samhain, which celebrate the birth, death, rebirth cycle of the seasons. These rites are joyous, merry and filled with dancing, music and respect.
Practitioners of Witchcraft are generally well-versed in both ancient history and mythology. They have to be, due to the vast array of gods and goddesses that can be called upon, whether for protection, help for themselves or a loved one, or to celebrate the mystery of life. Many are herbalists or potion-makers, who use their talents to cure the sick and elderly.
In time, it is a certainty that the stain of misinformation thrust upon this noble religion will fade away. It's growth over the last century is a phenomenon in itself, and is beginning to find its way into the mainstream by the thousands every year.
Witchcraft, also called Wicca, is an eclectic New Age personification of paganism. It's roots can be traced as far back as ancient Mesopotamia, and as recently as the early 20th century. Harmony and balance of opposites is what sets Witchcraft apart from most religions. Where monotheism preaches non-duality in the form of a male deity, Witchcraft is polytheistic and believes the Universe came into being by the unification of the male and the female; or, positive and negative energies.
Since the dawn of the three Abrahamic religions (Judaism, Christianity and Islam, in that order), Witches have been persecuted, tortured and killed in the name of monotheism as heretics of the One True God. The Salem Witch Trials of 1692, which took the lives of 20 men, women and children is only a tiny fraction of Witches and so-called Witches who lost their lives due to religious hatred and persecution.
A closer look at Witchcraft reveals tons of inconsistencies between what religious fundamentalists and others preach about it, and what it actually is. In essence, Witchcraft is a Nature religion. It preaches respect for all of life, from trees and oceans, to animals and individual human beings. Their philosophy is 'An it harm none, do as ye will'.
Doesn't quite have the ring of baby-eaters and soul-stealers, does it?
Being a religious entity, it is full of its own holy days, such as Beltane and Samhain, which celebrate the birth, death, rebirth cycle of the seasons. These rites are joyous, merry and filled with dancing, music and respect.
Practitioners of Witchcraft are generally well-versed in both ancient history and mythology. They have to be, due to the vast array of gods and goddesses that can be called upon, whether for protection, help for themselves or a loved one, or to celebrate the mystery of life. Many are herbalists or potion-makers, who use their talents to cure the sick and elderly.
In time, it is a certainty that the stain of misinformation thrust upon this noble religion will fade away. It's growth over the last century is a phenomenon in itself, and is beginning to find its way into the mainstream by the thousands every year.
Sean has been a student of Witchcraft for over two decades, and
has written many articles on the subject. Two of the most popular are 'Amazing Wiccan Mugs at Zazzle' and 'Unique Wiccan Necklaces'.
