Witches: How has the perception of your religion by the general public changed over the last 15 or so years?

Question

How do you feel about that change?

I used the term Witch on purpose but from my understanding the term Witch can apply across a broad range, including Wicca.

Answer 1

Well the preception that it's evil is still there. Slowly people are seeing it's not. Of course there are those that insist it is cause they know nothing about it.

There have been some pretty useless books written on Wicca. Slowly people are starting to correct those who have said that it's an ancient religion. Then there are those ones who want to claim to be Wiccan just so their parents will be shocked and their friends will be impressed. Wicca isn't as pure as it once was. The only problem is some people will never dive deeper into it and they will remain unknown informed.

As for witches. lol Well we still have our problems with perception.

Answer 2

I noticed more and more people coming out of the broom closet, which means more discussion, more education, and also more misperceptions due to misinformation.

But I'm happy that any dialogue on it can take place, because the main weapon in social oppression is silence. Once people start talking about it, it's the first step to education and enlightenment.

Heck, 15 years ago even I didn't know anything about paganism (I was a teenager). But it's opened a whole world of meaning and symbolism that has really enriched my life. So I call it good.

Answer 3

I think the general public might be more well informed today. But I also still see a lot of fear, misunderstanding and misinformation - especially among the Christian community. Probably that stems from accepting what they hear instead of taking time to find out the facts for themselves. I hope we are progressing toward a more educated society in regards to Wicca/Witchcraft.

Answer 4

I caught hell because of a religious fanatical Officer in the Army. He was the worst officer I ever came accross EVER in over 20 years. But higher ups shared his views and he got away with being stupid. Its crazy becauseI am pretty far to the right on a lot of things, and I am more of what people would call a pagan than a witch, but I cant share my views in public, but have to tolerate everyone elses.

Answer 5

I think more and more people are seeing witchcraft in a positive light.. or at least have stopped feeling so negative about it.
But, it's a two-edged sword there, Grimmy.
By that, I mean shows like Charmed, Buffy, Angel, ..movies like Practical Magic, The Witches of Eastwick, The Craft, et al.. they are unrealistic in so many ways, with just enough truth in there to make them plausible.. we then get an influx of teens and wannabes who make us look bad running around in dark clothes threatening to hex people or laying claim to powers, etc...
So, there's a good and bad to it.. but I suppose overall it's better than 15 years ago.

Answer 6

It's gotten terribly silly and profit driven, and that's sad. Huge knowledge gap now....intellectual haves and have nots....people who get hurt because they think people who know more than them are mocking them.

Fewer trads with rigourous debate....very sad.

(Sorry Grimmy, answered as a Wiccan assumed you meant me, too)

Edit: Yeah, Grimmy, that was my assumption, but there is a sect here who likes to point out that Wiccans aren't real Witches....yeah, whatever.... :)

Answer 7

We've become more visible, but that has also invited more attacks and misinformation. I think the internet has helped people to understand more what we are about, but you still have the proliferation of those who think we worship satan and sacrifice babies.