i am a christian, and i am very interested in witchcraft. i don't understand why people think its wrong, and that wicca is worshiping satan. don't wicca people believe in higher power? and the 4 elements? the earth? i don't see anything of 'satan' in that. please people, explain to me!
2006-11-20 08:01:14 · 24 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Mythology & Folklore
I honestly believe that many people are genuinely concerned about the well being of friends and family. They believe that they are trying to save us. The other, say ten percent, are only aware of the fact that they believe they are right, and that would make everyone else wrong.
Yes Wiccans believe in a Higher Power, and No, they do NOT believe in the Devil.
Here are other questions about Wicca and WitchCraft and their answers.
What is Witchcraft? Who are these Witches anyway?
A practitioner of a nature-based belief system or religion. Not all Witches follow the same belief system. Some practice what is called the "old religion" which has its roots in pagan pre-monotheistic folk ways and beliefs and usually follows the seasonal cycles. These belief systems or "traditions" of Witches are often based upon the particular culture from whence they originated. Many Witches believe in a polytheistic deity structure (usually based upon the local gods and goddesses of the area of origin), but some simply practice magick (sometimes spelled with a 'k' to differentiate it from stage magic). Witches may practice alone as 'solitaries" or in covens. There are also family groups or traditions which trace their practices and beliefs within the same close group throughout several generations.
Traditional Wicca:
A modern form of Witchcraft is called "Wicca." Traditional Wicca is based on the teachings of Gerald Gardner, is coven based and each coven can trace its lineage (line of teaching passed on by initiated Traditional priests and priestesses) back to Gardner himself. There are offshoots of Gardnerian Traditional Wicca such as Alexandrian Wicca, Georgian Wicca and many others. Traditional Wiccans are considered a 'mystery' religion, require initiation by the coven and have a "degree system" or different levels of rank based upon coven training and the readiness of the initiate to accept the duties and responsibilities of that degree. They have a core of inner knowledge-often called the "Book of Shadows"-which is known only to initiated Wiccans. Most Traditional Wiccans believe in the balance of male-female divinity. Traditional Wiccans are seldom solitary except for those 'Elders'-usually former priests and priestesses-who may have retired from active coven involvement.
Other Forms of Wicca:
A newer form of Wicca has developed since the 1970's which is looser in structure and practice than the Traditional Wicca. These practitioners may follow a mixture of various or "eclectic' pagan and/or non-pagan beliefs. Some have formed 'traditions' or covens of their own, with or without a degree system, and have written a "book of shadows" outlining their own belief system and coven structure. Many are solitary practitioners who practice their beliefs and formulate their rituals in their own way.
Pagans:
Since the terms Witch and Wiccan are often mistakenly interchanged, many simply call themselves "pagans" or Neo-pagans" when talking with others who may not be familiar with the complexity of the different belief systems. But just as not all Christians are Lutheran or Catholic, so not all pagans are Witches or Wiccan. Neo-paganism is a term used most often to describe people who follow an earth-based belief system or religion. Druids and the Norse tradition of Asatru (who tend to prefer the term 'heathen") are considered to be pagan belief systems, but their adherents are neither Witches nor Wiccans. Neo-paganism should also not be confused with the "New Age" movement as pagans are almost exclusively involved in distinctive nature religions or earth-based practices while New Age spirituality draws from many sources and esoteric spiritual techniques.
Q: Are you a good Witch or a bad Witch?
A: When you ask if someone is a "good" Witch or a "bad" Witch, it is the same as asking someone if they are a "good" Presbyterian or a "bad" Presbyterian. Wiccans adhere to the Rede, "An it harm none, do as ye will." Witches, Druids and other pagan belief systems and religions have their own ethical standards. There are good and bad people in every society and in every religion. When a person breaks the laws of society or the tenets of their religion, they are called to account for their actions. To judge a person as either "good" or "bad" based upon nothing more than their religious preference alone has a label, too. It is called bigotry.
Q: Do you worship Satan?
A: Satan is a part of the Christian and Muslim religions. Since pagans are neither Christian nor Muslim, Satan is not part of our deity structure at all.
We believe that each and every human being is completely responsible for his or her own actions. To us, evil is a choice, albeit a bad one, that a human might make, not an embodied entity to blame our actions upon.
If an individual chooses to do evil, most pagans believe they will be punished via the laws of karma or as a result of "cause and effect.". In other words, "What goes around usually comes around."
Many Witches and Wiccans believe in some form of reincarnation, that the results or karma of past deeds can follow a person from one life to the next. This may also help to explain why terrible things sometimes happen to wonderful people or why some people seem to have been born with certain skills and knowledge. It may also explain why some people seem to lead a 'charmed" life.
Some pagans believe in an after-life spent in another plain of existence. Known as Summerland, Avalon, Valhalla or simply the "Other Side', they believe that they will be reunited here once again with friends and family.
Q: So why do you use that "Satanic" symbol?
A: The pentagram, or five pointed star, is not Satanic. Pythagoras used it as a symbol of health and his followers wore them in order to recognize one another. In Medieval times, some Christian knights used the pentagram as their symbol. To modern Wiccans the pentagram means many things; The five points correspond to the elements Air, Earth, Fire and Water with the top point corresponding to "Spirit". The pentagram in a circle may also represent a human with their legs and arms outstretched, surrounded by universal wisdom or the "Goddess" - humankind at one with the environment. Many Witches and other pagan practitioners do not wear the pentacle at all, but have other symbols of special meaning to them.
Satanists turn the symbol upside-down, which puts the elements of Fire and Earth at the top (Fire symbolizes willpower and passion and Earth, prosperity and earthly goods) and Spirit, spirituality, at the bottom. Satanists also turn the cross upside-down. This, in itself, does not make the cross or pentagram a Satanic symbol. In some Wiccan traditions, the reversed pentagram is a symbol of "second degree" status - one who has been elevated from "initiate". To members of these traditions, the reversed pentagram is considered highly positive and has no connection to Satanism. A symbol is simply an image or mark in itself. It is the mind and the beliefs of the beholder which attribute to it a particular meaning.
Q: Do you do blood sacrifice?
A: Goddess NO! The nature of sacrifice is to give up something of one's own in order to gain something more important. Wiccans believe in the sanctity of all life. Most pagans believe that animals are part of the same natural cycle of life as humans are. Witches have long been associated with animal companions known as "familiars."
Q: Do Witches and Wiccans cast spells?
A: Yes. Well, some do anyway. However, the term "spell" is widely misunderstood.
Spells, are somewhat like prayers and are used to create needed change in one's own life or the life of a loved one. But while prayers are a petition to an external Deity to create the change, most Witches and Wiccans believe that Deity is present in everything, including ourselves. Spells, then, are the channeling of our own divine selves, our own energies, to create the change.
Spells such as those which use love magic to gain the attention of a specific individual, or curses, are considered "manipulative". Most Wiccans believe that anything manipulative-that goes against the free will of another-is considered wrong. Many other pagan paths have similar codes of conduct based upon the tenets of their tradition or belief and almost all believe that the responsibility for their actions will lie with them.
Q: Are Witchcraft or Wicca cults?
A: A cult by definition is a group of people who blindly follow one leader. As Witches, Wiccans and pagans tend to be free-thinkers, there is no one person that we consider to be THE leader. Thus we cannot be called a cult.
Q: Do you have ritual orgies?
A: These rumors come from our lack of taboos regarding sex. We have no rules which prohibit homosexuality, nudity or pre-marital sex. Sex as the generative force in nature is seen by most pagans as something utterly sacred. We feel that the physical act of love is to be approached with great respect and responsibility.
Q: Why do all Witches/Wiccans wear black?
A: We all don't. Many Witches/Wiccans actually seem to favor green and/or purple. Black, however, is in many cultures a symbol of clergy. Priests, Ministers and Rabbis all favor black as the main color of their ritual garb.
Scientifically speaking, color is energy. The colors you see are the ones which are reflected and not the ones absorbed. Therefore, what appears to be white, which is the culmination of all colors in the light spectrum, is actually reflecting all colors and absorbing none. What appears to be black, is absorbing all colors and reflecting none. This is evident in the fact that when one is wearing white, one feels cooler - as the fabric is sending the heat energy outward, and when one wears black - the heat energy is absorbed in the cloth that one is wearing, making one feel warmer. Many Witches feel that wearing black attracts and holds more natural energy.
Q: Aren't all Witches Women?
A: No. Neither are Wiccans or those in other pagan paths. Witches can be either men or women. The term "Warlock" is never used to describe a male Witch as it is considered to be a religious slur. "Warlock" is an old Scottish word meaning "traitor" or "oath-breaker". Men and Women alike can be Witches, Wiccans or pagans.
Q: Why would anyone want to be a pagan, a Witch or Wiccan?
A: People are generally drawn to Wicca and other pagan paths for several reasons. Many women feel left out of more mainstream religions because of the lack of feminine divinity. For them, the Wiccan concept of the Goddess as Mother of all Living fills an empty space in their spiritual search. As a nature based religion, Witchcraft also appeals to those who feel a strong need to "get back to the Earth" and places a major importance on protecting the environment, which we are a part of, not apart from. People drawn to the mystical find pagan belief systems much more accommodating as we do not see anything unnatural about psychic ability or the use of magic to create needed changes in one's life. It gives us the freedom to make our own decisions about what is best for us.
Q: How do you convert new Witches/Wiccans/pagans?
A: We don't. We feel that the attempted conversion of others is a form of religious bigotry. i.e. If one tries to convert another to his/her religion, s/he assumes that the other person's beliefs are not as valid as his/her own. We feel that all paths are equally valid as long as they do not infringe upon the basic civil rights or free will of another. According to our beliefs, it is up to the individual to choose his or her own path. We do not try to manipulate others into our way of thinking, we only try to educate others about our religion so that they may better understand us. We do, however try to help guide those who have already expressed an interest in the pagan belief systems or religions.
Q: So what do Witches/Wiccans/pagans DO?
A: Pretty much what everybody does. We come from all walks of life. We raise families, go to work, throw steaks (or vegetables) on the "barbie" and hang out with our friends. We practice our religions and belief systems, celebrate our holidays with festivals and continue to study and explore our past while contemplating our futures.
Many covens and groups meet once a month to worship together under the moon. Pagans tend to hold ceremonies or "circles" out of doors as we feel that being with nature brings us closer to the divinity who creates it.
2006-11-20 09:14:03 · answer #1 · answered by AmyB 6 · 3⤊ 0⤋
People were raised to believe that Wicca or as most call it Witchcraft is evil due to the Religious community. Its the fear of the unknown that scares them. According to the Law in this country Wicca is considered a Religion. People FEAR what they don't understand. Most ceremonies are at night and the dark is associated with Satan, and evil. Bad things happen in the dark. Keep exploring Wicca it is very fascinating.
2006-11-20 08:14:29 · answer #2 · answered by karen s 1 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Wicca is not evil. Satan is a Christian concept, Wiccans do not believe in Satan. They believe in the Goddess and the God, the Mother Earth, and nature. Tell me this, Why do people believe Christianity is good? Nothing in this world is absolute. Not even Christians.
Blessed Be )O(
2006-11-20 08:10:57 · answer #3 · answered by orchid_isis 2 · 4⤊ 0⤋
Blame the church. When Christians started taking over Britain, they slowly started putting the idea that Pagans were 'evil'. They took over their holidays, making them Christian holidays. Basically, they did anything and everything to stamp out the Pagan religion, which included telling the 'common folk' that Paganism (what you call Wicca these days) was evil and wrong. I live in an area of England that is steeped in ancient Celtic history (look into Celtic history if you want to know more about the beginnings and practices of Pagans/Druids) so I've learned a lot about it since I've been here. Hope this helps answer your question!
2006-11-20 08:10:28 · answer #4 · answered by heather g 2 · 3⤊ 0⤋
WOW!! I am impressed by the number of positive, educated, INTELLIGENT answers you got! But there will always be one or two people who are so narrow minded that the can't see what is actually in front of them. Maybe the Cross is blocking their view! I apologize, some of my best friends are Christian and still love me for who I am. They don't try to convert me, and of course Wiccans never try to convert anyone.
People are afraid of what they do not understand and some would rather condem than try to learn.
How can anyone even think that a religion that has never fought a "Holy War" or shed the blood of others, in the name of their God because they didn't want to convert, could possibly be Satanic?
2006-11-20 10:11:42 · answer #5 · answered by Enchanted Gypsy 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Wiccans believe in a Higher Power. Contrary to propaganda, we do not "worship the creation and not the Creator" - we recognize the spirit and energy of the Creator that is in the creation, and honor BOTH.
Satan is a Judeo-Christian concept, and in general Christianity teaches that anything that falls outside of its beliefs is "evil". It's part of their dogma.
Wicca does not recognize the existence of Satan, so it's pointless to accuse Wiccans of Satan worship. It's like accusing Christians of worshipping Loki or Ba'al.
2006-11-20 09:00:04 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
First of all, I must thank you for keeping an open mind about this issue, if there were more in the world like you maybe we could all get along. Those like you put my faith back into humankind.
It's because people tend to believe what they are told instead of finding out for themselves. I'm Wiccan and I've had people who have known me for 14 years condem me and tell me that I sacrificed little children once they found out I was a witch.
I mean, come on, in the past 14 years have you ever seen me with blood on my hands. What has changed now?
Simply put, people don't want to know about things that are different from what they believe in. history has beat it into their heads that anything but the righteous christians are evil and are going to hell.
Brightest blessings in the dark! )O(
2006-11-20 08:08:10 · answer #7 · answered by kara3967 3 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Because the Church tells them it is evil. Of course the Church things Wicca is evil because it put the power of faith back in the hands of the masses and out of the hands of the Church.
Blessed Be )O(
2006-11-20 08:19:02 · answer #8 · answered by Stephen 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
If you don't like the reactions you're getting, WHY are you "walking around with a pentagram around your neck JUST TO PISS CHRISTIANS OFF"??? It sounds like you're gettting precisely the response you WANT and are trying to elicit! People often respond negatively to things they fear or misunderstand -- But we don't have to encourage such behavior! With all due respect, one does NOT become Wiccan to "piss off" anybody; one becomes Wiccan and practices Wicca because the religion CALLS to them, because they want to: a) Learn how to understand and work with Nature, esp natural cycles and energies; b) Serve and be Priests and Priestesses to the Gods and Goddesses. Again, with all due respect, I think you need to figure out whether you are really, truly wanting to be Wiccan because of a love for the Path/ Religion, or whether you're just enjoying the negative reactions and drama you're (evidently) encouraging -- ~Gaia
2016-05-22 00:38:17 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
There are some fundamentalist Christian churches that teach anything that does not worship God the exact way that they do, it's evil. They will argue that Wiccans are not worshipping God, but another idol, like "mother nature" or something of that context.
2006-11-20 08:05:45 · answer #10 · answered by thezaylady 7 · 5⤊ 0⤋
Good for you-you're thinking. Wicca is only evil to ppl who don't know about it. Anything unknown produces fear and some believe anything scary to them must be evil.
2006-11-20 08:05:56 · answer #11 · answered by strpenta 7 · 5⤊ 0⤋