WITCHES....and Witchcraft!

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Through history, Witches have been the keepers of hidden and arcane knowledge, versed in the ancient works of secret wisdom. Modern Witches share their magical knowledge with us.Since Hallowe'en is concerned with the souls of the dead, it's an appropriate time to remember the hundreds of thousands of women, men, children and black cats tortured and executed for "witchcraft" during the "Burning Times".

In 1484, Pope Innocent VIII released a Papal Bull "desiring ... that all heretical depravity should be driven far from the frontiers and bournes of the Faithful". The Bull was based on the Malleus Malificarum, a handbook for hunting and torturing people accused of witchcraft, written by Henry Kramer and James Sprenger, "Professors of Theology, of the Order of Friars Preachers."

In the early years of the witch hunts, the accused were largely midwives and healers, specifically mentioned by Sprenger and Kramer. There came a point though, when anyone could be accused of witchcraft, and in some cases entire towns were accused and hundreds of people executed. Although the Malleus Malificarum was a Catholic document, Protestant areas were not immune, as England, Scotland, Germany, the Netherlands, France and New England all tortured, tried and executed their citizens for witchcraft.

Why did this happen? A recurring theme seems to be rampant paranoia on the part of those in power. Fear of losing hold of the faithful, fear of women gaining (or retaining) power (economic, religious or even medical).

In Mystic Cats, Roni Jay puts it quite simply:
"In the 13th century, people were becoming disillusioned with the Church and the whole structure of society. The Church needed a scapegoat, and it picked on witchcraft -- after all, old women were less likely than anyone to put up a serious defense. Over the next few centuries, thousands of women thoughout Europe were executed for witchcraft, and many cats were condemned along with them."
The author of The Vulnerability of Women to Witchcraft Accusations notes that women who were economically independent made up 89% of the women executed for witchcraft in New England.

Estimates of the number of people burned, hanged or beheaded range from 100,000 to millions, mostly women. Spare them a thought while you're dressing up for the Hallowe'en party.

Firstly, a definition of paganism (my definition, at least): Pagan comes from the Latin word Pagani, meaning "one who lives in the country". Paganism itself is not a religion, but rather a term used to describe certain types of religions. Pagan religions are earth-oriented by nature, with emphasis on reverence for Mother Earth. Among the myriad pagan religions are Celtic Druidism, shamanism, Native American Indian religions, and, probably the most common, Wicca.

Witchcraft comes from the word Wicca, meaning "wise one" or "one who knows". Witchcraft has nothing to do with satanism. In fact, witches do not even believe in the existance of Satan, as it is a Christian invention. Thus, it is completely ridiculous to associate the two. It is simply not possible to be a satanic witch; that would be paradox.
Witchcraft, or Wicca, is a religion of equal rights, feminism,
spiritual awareness and attunement, brotherly/sisterly love,
world peace and harmony, open-mindedness to and acceptance
of all people, love and care for Mother Earth, and much much more.



What Witchcraft is not:
Witchcraft IS NOT Satan worshipping.
Witchcraft is NOT a religion of hate.
Witches DO NOT sacrafice people or animals.
Witches DO NOT wear black all the time.
Witchcraft IS non-Christian, but it IS NOT
anti-Christian.
Do not confuse the two.
Witchcraft IS NOT a male-dominant religion.
Witches DO NOT ride brooms or turn people
into frogs.
Witches DO NOT eat babies.

I know that the last two sound a bit facetious on my part, but you'd be truly surprised at what some people actually believe.

These misconceptions stem from centuries of negative propaganda. As witches, we are very happy to straighten out these misconceptions when given the opportunity. Sadly, however, due to the negative social stigma attached to Witchcraft as a result of misapprehensions and egregiously false assumptions, many witches still choose to remain in the proverbial "broom closet". The main reason for this is that many witches have been known to loose jobs, be disowned by family members, and be subject to myriad hate crimes, some even becoming victims of violence. These are very sad but very real issues that many witches are forced to deal with.
May that someday the world understand us for what we truly are. May that someday we all
live in peace and acceptance of ALL religions. And may that someday
the Old Religion walk free of persecution once again.