Wicca / The Craft, is it a trend with teenagers because of TV?

Question

As a practicing Ecclectic Witch, I have begun to notice alot of young teenagers (under 16) taking an interest in The Craft/Wicca. I am unsure of their understandings & dedication to this way of life and wonder if TV programmes such as Charmed, Buffy etc have alot to answer for. or are they a good thing bringing The Craft into the modern world?

Answer 1

Unfortunately, it is. They see these programs and get the wrong idea. Which really isn't anyone's fault. Hollywood is not promoting those things as truth and our young one's really don't know what to expect when they get into it... though usually they become frustrated as they expect greater results than what is offered and soon loose interest.

I don't believe the writers of those tv shows have anything to answer for. This is just one of those things, it's unfortunate, but there really isn't just one single person or group to blame for it. We also have to take into consideration all the parents out there who only tell their children that Magick is "of the devil". The Parents themselves never even look into it, they just put it down. The kids rebel, see a show like Charmed, thinking it would be beneficial to have a little help during their confused, puberty stricken years and jump in head first. We also need to look at a lot of these books and websites about Wicca and Paganism, which are teaching our children the Fluffy side of it. "Everything is so wonderful here... nothing bad EVER happens... etc" So, their understanding of it is really mixed up and then they go on to tell others this version of it.

I believe something needed to jumpstart it into the modern world. But no matter what way it was pushed out there, it was not going to receive a warm welcome in our society. And instead of trying to force the issue, we should be trying to find a common ground with the public and work from there.

Good question, BTW. This has been something weighing on my mind lately.

Answer 2

I know what you mean, and when I 'came out', It was before The Craft had been released. The only films I could remember before then, was the Witches of Eastwick, and Hocus Pocus, which don't really give encouragement to Teen Wicca. It wasn't until The Craft was released that four of my friends wanted to be witches too, and they have since stopped practicing. I do, however, think these programs are helping remove some of the negativity associated with Wicca, even though it isn't exactly true to life. At least they aren't Devil Worshippers, which was probably the main problem before then, though it still is to a lesser degree now.

Answer 3

I think that the best way that wiccans can make sure that the teenagers don't get the wrong impression is teach them their way of doing it. Remember that the best lesson you can teach a teenager is the law "do what you want but harm no one with it". That's something that's nowadays lacking from how kids tend to behave and act. They're in it for themselves and only themselves. If they are interested in the "craft", then tell them to live by "do what you want but harm no one with it" first of all, and then teach them that the "craft" will flow naturally from this. Also maybe tell them how powerful "the power of three" (the real stuff not what's on tv) is really like and that this starts with how the teenager behaves (like honesty, trust, forgiveness, love, loyalty, etc.) and that everything flows from this. If you remember this, then you probably can bring teenagers into the "craft" without the preconceived notions that present themselves in these programs. Good luck and blessings to you!

Answer 4

Actually there is a study that was done on teenagers and spirituality and they found that less than 1% of teenagers change their religion to non mainstream religions like Wicca. I think that people who do, teenagers and otherwise. get involved with a religion from what they see in fantasy movies and TV shows have a problem with reality. After all. magicka and witchcraft is not how they portray it on Charmed, Buffy, etc. Its more like active prayer or meditation.

Answer 5

I think that anything that helps lost ones find their path is a good thing.

My teen years were when I began to question and really started looking for answers beyond those the church could give me, and I think that teens today are no different. Sure, some teens are just rebelling against the establishment and are looking for anything that makes their parents' hair stand on end. They'll display just enough interest to upset the 'rents and then eventually move on to other things. But a few find that the Craft really is their path, and embrace it fully.

I don't think (at least I hope not) that anyone is gullible enough to believe that Wiccans can actually levitate, stop time, disintegrate objects with a gesture, or teleport things to themselves.

Answer 6

I think certain kids are intrigued by the idea of magic and witchcraft not only because of TV, but because it is something mysterious and supernatural. I don't really enjoy watching Buffy or Charmed but as a kid I have always been interested in mystical and supernatural things. I hope kids don't get attracted to the Craft only because of fictional TV programs that paint a wrong picture about it, but if they do so be it.

Answer 7

I'm sure the popular media has a lot to do with it -- perpetuating tons of stereotypes that draw in unsuspecting teenagers who think that Wicca and witchcraft are something they are not. Many enter into it for power and think that magick is something that gives you the ability to blow things up with the wave of a hand, or move things with your mind. (Although that last one IS within the realm of human possibility, you get my point.)

Also, I think many do it because of the general attitude that it has to do with Satan. I think it is part of the 'normal' tendency for teens to want to rebel from their parents and shock their families. They find, once they get into usually, that it was not what they expected. Then, they decide to make their own definitions and do unethical things which in turns gives serious practitioners a bad name.

Now, I know that not ALL teens are like this and that there are plenty of serious seekers out there, but the majority of them are not. Especially the 'emo' kids that dress in all black and wear pentacles that are as big as thier palms... *sigh*

I think that it is possible that people (teens) have come to the Craft expecting power and magickal powers and may find that even though it's not what they expected it resonates with them and continue on the path, but I suspect that these cases are the minority!

Great question. :-)

Blessings and Light!

~RW

Answer 8

yes they are the reason i started looking into the craft but when i finaly got here i found more then i was looking for this is a very amazing religion and i'm proud to be in it, i'm an ecclectic witch too and i'm 16 years old, before i started looking into wicca and witchcraft i thought it was mostly devil worship but i found that it's the exact opposite, and now i'm a dedicated neo-wiccan

Answer 9

Yes, I do think a lot kids are being misled into thinking they will have magical powers because of shows like Charmed. If you go to Ebay, there are a lot of witchcraft items that have the word "Charmed" or "Buffy" in the title description.

It's just plian wrong to decieve these kids and tricking them into joining Wicca, no matter what anyone believes.

Answer 10

Charmed, Buffy etc are just shows and are nothing more then fantasy. I haven't seen too many teens who actually practice witch craft. I have seen ALOT of trendy emo kids going around cutting themselves and listening to whiny music.