How old sould a child be to learn about Witchcraft?

Question

Two days ago, someone asked how old you should be before learning about the bible. The overwhelming response was as young as aou can get 'em (basically). I can see teaching the 'love' taught in the bible but, that's not all that's in there. Genocide, homocide, rape,... pretty much every evil concept that responsible parents would try to shield their children from until they reach an age of comprehention that it, the bible is but one book of one religion and NOT the only choice.

The tag line is kind of 'off'. Christianity is out there, period. How old were your children when you exposed them to different religions, what were they, and how did you do it? If in fact that is what you choose to do. Why?

)o( Blessed Be!

P.S. NO cut & paste please. They won't be read.

Answer 1

Just like teaching them anything else, you teach them what is age-appropriate, and in a way they can understand. For example, you could start by teaching them about nature and the seasons, and what your beliefs are around that. And when holidays come around (Beltane, Lammas, Samhain, Yule, etc.), you could introduce them to the traditions and rituals around them. The full moon rituals are something they could learn about a little every month!

I agree with one of the other folks that said if it's YOUR child, do it whenever. If it's not your child, you MUST wait until they are 18, unless their parents are also interested in learning about it. My neice has been studying Wicca for a few years (she's 17), but her mother is a "Catholic" (hypocrite, really) who threw out her books about the craft. She's still studying the Old Ways, but on the sly. I've pointed her in the direction of information, but I can't really step in and help her directly, because her parents (my brother and his wife) would have a cow. So, we wait until she is 18, next February!

Blessed be, and good luck!

p.s. for those of you "christians" out there who are passing judgement - don't waste your time. Only YOU believe you will go to he(( if you stepped outside your religion; and if you're trying to get someone to convert to christianity, threatening them is not really a loving way to do that, is it? Practice what Jesus preached: love and compassion - not what has been warped into "christianity" - fear and intolerance.

Answer 2

Whillow, as a Witch for more than 36 years I'd have to say this about that. If the child is being raised up in a Witch family, then the child is exposed to the Craft each and every day, anyway. the child SHOULD learn what his.her parents are doing and WHY they do it that particualr way. Likewise, If a child is being raised by a Christian family then the child will be exposed to what the parents are doing and should then teach them what and why they are doing what they do. Now, if you're talking about a Christian family, exposing their children to OTHER Religions then they need to make sure that the kids have a solid foundation in Christianity before bringing in other religions. Likewise for Witch families exposing their kids to other religions. As to letting them read the bible without any guidance, That CAN be very dangerous and traumatizing for a young child. One needs to tailor Bible lessons for the age appropriateness of the child. No Wiccan would hand an 8 year old child a Boline and a Field Guide to Medicinal Plants and tell them to go out and harvest their OWN herbs, That's an invitation to severe injury, likewise is giving a Bible to an eight year old and telling them "Read this and learn from it", That too is an invitation for severe injury. The important point here is to keep things relevant to the AGE of the child.

Raji the Green Witch

Answer 3

I guess it depends upon two things, first and foremost, is this your child. I know personally I will not teach anyone under the age of 18 about Wicca. You invite too many problems otherwise.

Secondly, if it is your child, what do you want to expose them too. I have explained things to my two daughters, 6 & 9, and we have celebrated Sabats and full moons together but I wouldn't suggests doing anything skyclad and Beltaine might be right out, but they love Ostara and we exchange Yule presents.

I would like to expose my children to all different religions so when they are older then can choose what religion they want to follow on their own. And I explain to them that no one religion is right for everyone, it is a matter of what you believe and choosing which religion answers your questions.

Blessed Be )O(

Answer 4

Do children learn magic from Lord of the Rings? Gandalf IS a good teacher. I don't think that Harry Potter promotes witchcraft any more than any other modern fantasy novel.

Answer 5

When they start asking questions about it, especially when it is the practice at home. If it isn't, then when the child is sufficiently old to make good rational judgments about what is presented to her or him. Raji and Laura_Dove both had reeeeeeally good points.

With our son, there has not been any kind of religion in our house until I started introducing pagan and Witchcraft concepts. Nevertheless, he has been exposed to Christianity and Judaism just because they are out there. There is a lot to be said for exposing kids to a variety of ideas by the time they start asking questions, presenting answers in as non-judgmental a way as possible.

Bright Blessings!
Lady Morgana )0(

Answer 6

well I'm Irish so unfortunately we are thought from 4 or 5 years old when we go into baby infants. I'm honest enough to admit that i don't know the answer to your question but i find it an interesting and thought provoking question!!! my da isn't religious so thankfully we never had to do the whole Sunday ritual of mass and looking back i am grateful for that. my parents are pretty relaxed about it and i know they'd accept whatever religion I'd choose. i think personally kids should be thought about spirituality from an early age. not one religion but a mix and be allowed to choose their own when they reach an appropriate age. sorry if this seems like senseless waffle but again i felt you made an interesting point

Answer 7

Hi!~ I too believe that it is a maturity level~ Not a specific age.

My youngest Ellie(3) is very interested...she is a crystal child with natural "Gifts " far greater than mine! I teach her about the moon and the seasons and the goddess and gods attributes etc...She knows i do spell work but that is off limits for now...although she has made a altar in her room and plays Witchy games more that tea parties!

Jordan is 7 and his questions run a bit deeper~ He has an interest in the summerlands and what herbs are for what ailments etc and all this i teach him....I also try to instill good values into him and he is concious of the laws... and very good with the rule of three! He desperatley wants to join me in circle work but have told hime the time is not right yet...

They both help with offerings......

Kass is my teenager!Well she thinks mums lost her marbles and is just not interested and that is fine too, if she were interested i would of had her in circlework from the time she 'became a woman'
I hope this helps you make up your mind~ If you are interested i have a list of very good pagan parenting sites.....
Blessed Be!
Ariel

Answer 8

I fully agree on the Bible front. This may be the source of misunderstanding (???)

I read somewhere that there is actually an age limit (18, if my memory serves me) on witchcraft, placed there by responsible practitioners who felt that nobody should be allowed to decide to practice unless they were responsible enough to fully understand the concept.

However, I cannot confirm whether this is true or not.

Answer 9

Although I am not a parent I think that the concept of witchcraft can really be introduced at any age, and as far as actual practices, I'm thinking any age as well as long as you don't try to overwhelm 'em with complicated symbolism and such. I mean kids are kids after all and although they should be exposed to a multitude of religions and cultures, they should be allowed to be carefree for a few years.

Answer 10

I am Catholic and if you are into a different religion so be it.

But if you expose your child to different religions all at once and too many the child will be confused, and not prone to pick one.

I personally know of a child I teach in the Catholic religion at my house, and he loves it and asks about Jesus. However, when he goes home, his family on the other side teaches no religion whatsoever, and he feels the need to know more about God. I am not promoting my religion, but start out with the religion that you are in, that way they child won't say he you are teaching me Buddha but you practice something else for example.