Can Wicca & Witchcraft Be Separate Categories?

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   Pani Midnyte Odinposted 14 years ago

   Maybe it is just me who finds this offensive. Perhaps I am making too big of a fuss about this.
   
   But I think Wicca & Witchcraft should be separate categories. Wicca is a religion. Witchcraft is a lifestyle practiced by people of many religions.

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      larryfreemanposted 14 years agoin reply to this

      Thanks for the info.
      
      I just created a witchcraft category under Witchcraft & Paganism so that now there is two categories:
      
      Religion & Beliefs/Paganism & Witchcraft/Witchcraft
      Religion & Beliefs/Paganism & Witchcraft/Wicca
      
      -Larry

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      Mikel G Robertsposted 14 years agoin reply to this

      I think the fact that they are concepts represented by two different words already shows them as being different concepts. The fact they are often refered to in the same sentences may suggest they are very simular concepts?
      
      It is true that when I think of Wicca I think of a group of witches.
      
      (out of curiosity, what religions besides Wicca use/believe in witchcraft?)

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         srwnsonposted 14 years agoin reply to this

         Many religions follow the same teachings as Wicca.
         
         For example Many Native American tribes, although not considered witchcraft, share belief in Gods and Goddesses of Mother Earth.  Eastern Shamanism, the I Ching.
         
         All revere nature and believe in living (in harmony) with nature.

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   relacheposted 14 years ago

   That's very true.
   
   I'd also like to say that "Alchemy" isn't Paranormal and probably would do better under Metaphysics.

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      Pani Midnyte Odinposted 14 years agoin reply to this

      I agree with that as well. Alchemy would do better under Metaphysics, as it really has nothing to do with the Paranormal.

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      larryfreemanposted 14 years agoin reply to this

      Hi Relache,
      
      Thanks for the suggestion.
      
      I've moved Alchemy to:
      
      Religion & Beliefs/Metaphysics/Alchemy
      
      -Larry

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   Arthur Fontesposted 14 years ago

   I agree with both.   Not all Wiccans practice witchcraft and Alchemy is more science then paranormal.

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      Shelahposted 14 years agoin reply to this

      I'm an old fashioned Wicca and do not do witchcraft in the modern day sense. My mother taught me to be afraid of doing spells unless it is strictly for myself! If it's my health, my whatever and I seriously consider the effects, then it's ok. But she taught me to never do anything for somebody else. Most people around me don't understand and just call me a Witch like it's a bad thing. I wish I knew why they thought I was bad.

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   lynnechandlerposted 14 years ago

   It's too bad there are not more threads in the forums on this subject. I know we have many who enjoy reading about Wicca as well as many who practice it.

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      Pani Midnyte Odinposted 14 years agoin reply to this

      I have seen a few threads about Wicca, but they seem to die quickly. Too much drama between the Christians and the Atheists, I suppose.

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   Arthur Fontesposted 14 years ago

   I think it is that those that follow pagan paths are less vocal.
   
   They keep their beliefs to themselves.  There is no need to justify it or to attempt to influence others.
   
   Pagans are more "Down to Earth"  LOL

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      Pani Midnyte Odinposted 14 years agoin reply to this

      Being less vocal is a good thing, I suppose. But it would be nice to meet some fellow Wiccans and Pagans on these forums
      
      I am glad though, that Wicca and Paganism doesn't cause the arguments I've seen in other threads.

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   lynnechandlerposted 14 years ago

   This is sadly true. So much can be learned and taught thru a thread. We had a massive brainstorming expedition that channeled one hubber into a new direction she hadn't thought about in the tribe today. It's a shame all areas of the forum can't be utilized like that.

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   Arthur Fontesposted 14 years ago

   The pagans are always the ones led to slaughter.  Even christianity was considered a pagan religion during the time that they were crucified.

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      Pani Midnyte Odinposted 14 years agoin reply to this

      This is a scary thought, but I've actually been receiving emails about underground Christian militias who are still wanting to put an end to Paganism... well, Pagans... altogether. Hopefully, it isn't true. But some of the emails were quite scary.

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         Arthur Fontesposted 14 years agoin reply to this

         Absolutely.  Could you imagine someone standing on a street corner preaching the benefits of witchcraft?  They wouldn't last ten minutes.

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            Pani Midnyte Odinposted 14 years agoin reply to this

            I certainly wouldn't be willing to stand on a street corner and preach about Wicca or Witchcraft. I am a firm believer that people who are meant to be Wiccan will find the path on their own. The same is true for Witchcraft.

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               Arthur Fontesposted 14 years agoin reply to this

               I think that is the same reason that pagans/wiccans do not post about beliefs in the forums.

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                  Pani Midnyte Odinposted 14 years agoin reply to this

                  Maybe you're right. It would still be nice though, to hear from some fellow Wiccans and Pagans. Not to try to convert, of course, but just to hear some of their ideas and concepts

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   srwnsonposted 14 years ago

   I did an article on this several months ago. I spoke to several Wicca many are very thoughtful and kind.
   
   The Wiccan Rede, “If it harms none do what you will.”

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      Pani Midnyte Odinposted 14 years agoin reply to this

      Can you provide a link to the article? It doesn't seem to be on your profile and I'd love to read it

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         srwnsonposted 14 years agoin reply to this

         I have many anonymous clients; the reasons stated in this discussion are one reason.
         
         Wicca’s are solitary practitioners, or practitioners within select groups, out of the mainstream.
         
         Wicca is an earth-based religion. Most Wicca’s attempt to live in harmony with nature and those around them.
         
         Do a search; there are many websites with wonderful information on the subject.

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            Shelahposted 14 years agoin reply to this

            I also find that many Wicca's are teachers. I am a kindergarten teacher and have been surprised over the years at the professionals I have met that are also proud of being a child of The Mother. One thing is certain, I don't share, I've been taught to be private! My great-grandmother was ran out of town and away from her family, my mom believes it was because she was found to be a witch. This was in the 1950's!

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               Pani Midnyte Odinposted 14 years agoin reply to this

               I do try to live in harmony with everyone, but everyone knows that I am a Wiccan and a Witch. I don't flaunt it, but I am happy to answer any questions anyone has... and people seem to have many.

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   lynnechandlerposted 14 years ago

   Anywhere that you have people unwilling to open their minds to learning about something new will frighten them and they will act accordingly. Unfortunately, there are groups that do want to end anything they do not fully understand.
   
   I for one am still reading and learning and researching many different aspects of the Pagan religion but it speaks to me. I don't have to fit into a niche or click to attend services, I don't have to give my tithe to a church administrator that will do with it as they see fit, I do not have to bow down to any one being in praise, I can lift my arms to the heavens and inhale the morning air, smelling the rich earth and pines in my area and know that I am at peace.

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      Pani Midnyte Odinposted 14 years agoin reply to this

      That is exactly what Paganism teaches - the Earth itself is something to be appreciated and that appreciation is equivalent to worship.
      
      I think if people took the time to learn about Wicca and Paganism instead of giving in to the horrid rumors about it, no one would be afraid at all. I am happy to see that there are so many here that are willing to take the time to see past the rumors

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    lynnechandlerposted 14 years ago

    I agree, now if I could get the geese to wait just a little later before calling for their morning meal, my mornings would be perfect.
    
    Seriously though it is not anything to be afraid of and the meditation I have learned has helped to center me even through painful episodes. Learning to breath through physical pain is a challenge and one I would not have discovered if I hadn't started reading about Paganism.

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    Arthur Fontesposted 14 years ago

    I like to follow the cycles of nature. I appreciate the solstice and the equinox.  Which we are on the verge of in a couple of days.
    
    The changing of the seasons as well as the cycle of the moon.
    
    I always notice from which way the wind is blowing.  I also notice the other creatures which we share our earth with.
    
    There are many things about paganism that can be very interesting.

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    srwnsonposted 14 years ago

    It is believed by many scholars today that Christmas is actually celebrated close to the day of the pagan winter solstice.
    
    The church set this day to draw attention away from the pagan celebration.
    
    In truth, if we look to the Bible for the date of Christ’s birth we see several irregularities in scripture that point to springtime or fall as the season for the birth of Christ.

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    lynnechandlerposted 14 years ago

    Coolness, thank you.

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    gamergirlposted 14 years ago

    Wicca - the term used to refer to the belief system.
    
    Wiccan - a person who follows the belief systems umbrella'd beneath Wicca
    
    Unless, of course, you are referring to yourself as wicca as an Anglo-battered version of wikkja/witta/wita or any number of possible but hazy other words from ancient civilizations, to call yourself a "wise man" or "sorcerer" depending on which word you use.
    
    Anyhoo, thanks Larry for splitting things up clearly like that! 

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    lynnechandlerposted 14 years ago

    mikel asked what religions besides wicca use/believe in witchcraft
    
    every single one of them
    
    what is witchcraft
    putting your faith in the power behind the act
    how do you achieve this you meditate, offer up prayer, drink the blood of Christ, consume the body of Christ, in order for him to hear your prayer
    nothing different in that than throwing together a spell and believing this act will bring you what you request
    
    does the catholic faith not burn sage in a censor during mass
    at funerals, weddings etc
    hmmm how is that different than a wicca burning sage to smudge their home
    
    
    I'm not making light of any religion here just trying to enlighten those that may not understand that witchcraft isn't anything more than putting you faith in the act. Every Christian out there no matter what religion they follow does the same in their every day practices. They use all kinds of tools to make their requests to whomever just as one who practices Wicca does.
    
    So, in answer, yes every religion out there uses witchcraft.

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