Witchcraft 101
By: Kathleen Chrissis, Owner
I am a very proud and open practicing witch. I wear my pentacle and a talisman everyday. People always ask me, what is that hanging from your neck? Sometimes when I tell people I am a witch they begin to ask me questions about the religion itself, they seem genuinely interested in learning about the craft, its history. Then there are some people who say "oh, so you worship Satan." That statement always gets me upset. Its that kind of misinformation that has plagued witches since the burning times.
Rather than go ballistic on these people who are misinformed, I try to educate them. And that is what I am going to do, educate you. Here are some basics.
So what is Witchcraft or Wicca? Well first and foremost witchcraft is a religion, practiced by millions of people of all backgrounds and ethnic origins. Witchcraft is not the occult, and many of us get offended when you use that term. It's like calling an African American the "N" word. Witches are not evil nor do we practice evil. Witches follow one simple rule "and ye harm none, do what ye will." Basically we do not hurt others. It goes against everything that is moral. Some witches, myself included, follow another rule, the rule of three. Everything we do, both good and bad, comes back to us threefold. It can come back in one way or another. Many people refer to this as Karma. Everything comes full circle. More simply put, Karma can be one big fat slap in the face if you're not careful.
We believe in the God and Goddess, they are equal entities. We also believe the Universe is a guiding presence in our lives. We do not worship Satan or the Devil. Honestly we do not believe in one or the other. The Devil or Satan is a fabrication created by other religions during the burning times to create fear.
Many people believe a male witch is called a warlock. That is not correct. A male witch is exactly that, a male witch. Warlock is a Scottish term meaning "oath breaker". It was a name given to male witches during the burning times. Some people refer to good witches at "white" and evil witches as "black". True, there are "witches" out there who choose to ignore the rule of harming none. Honestly, that is there choice, free will after all. However, they are truly not witches if they do not follow the rules. There is no name for those people. So in that respect all witches are good.
Witches wear all types of colors not just black. Although black absorbs light information and helps witches become more receptive to psychic energies. We do, sometimes, wear ceremonial robes. We wear all types of colors, bright ones and dark ones.
We do not discriminate against anyone regardless of religion, race, sexual orientation, sex or background. Every person is equal in they eyes of the Goddess and God. Despite the history of Witches through the ages we harbor no ill will towards anyone.
Witches do use spells. However spells are not evil nor our way of doing harm towards others. A spell is a wish, projection, a thought or a prayer. We do use wands, but they are used for healing and directing energy. We also use cauldrons and brooms, but not in the way depicted in movies. Witchcraft is an art, science and religion we use to bring harmony to the Universe, Nature as well as ourselves. We do not cast spells against others. Fooling around with another person's free will goes against our beliefs. Free will is a gift and the right of every living thing. Like I said before, Karma is a big fat slap in the face if you are not careful or malicious.
I could go on and on about witchcraft, its history, our rituals, about us in general. I wanted to give you some basics, and I don't have the space really. I also believe the Universe helps those who help themselves, and there are plenty of other websites to learn about us. I recommend googling The Witches League For Public Awareness. Hundreds of websites will come up that will help break up all the misinformation and help you down the path of enlightenment.
So in conclusion when I tell people I am a witch and they choose to still call me a Devil worshiper or tell me I am going straight to hell (which I don't believe in). I always end the conversation with my cornucopia of stereotypes people have associated with witchcraft. If nothing else I get a good laugh...
"Well I'm leaving now to go home and dance naked around my black cauldron, with my pointed black hat on. My black cat sitting next to me, while flying on my broom. So I can cast my spell saying double, double, toil and trouble, while I prepare to sacrifice the missing children from my neighborhood trapped in my closet. I'm going to suck out their souls so I can live forever!"
Sadly, there are people who actually believe me.
