I saw a post similar to this before but i feel the need to point out that Wicca is most certainly not the only religion people on this site have. Paganism is very broad and the left hand path is even broader than that. Personally i find Wicca to be more for those that cant get enough of nature and theatrics(not bashing it of course). I personally thrive as a Nocturnal(with magick mainly) Neo-Pagan who follows a good bit of the LaVeyan Satanist Ideas. People need to quit grouping and if you need to group may i suggest using the term "Magick User". It is more broad and does not offend.
Re: Its not just wicca By: AwakeTooLong / Knowledgeable
Post # 4 Jun 26, 2011
Because witchcraft isn't just witchcraft. ^_^
Modern witchcraft is often rooted in things that stem very much from more organized occult practice born of Hebrew and Persian traditions, while most forms of witchcraft as might have been found hundreds of years ago were more typically coming from folk practices stemming from regional and more aboriginal practices (celtic, native american, etc).
Modern practice is also heavily influenced by Eastern energy concepts rooted in Chinese Medicine or Hindu faith.
Re: Its not just wicca By: Brysing Moderator / Adept
Post # 5 Jun 27, 2011
I agree with Awake. Modern witchcraft bears little resemblance to the original. I was trained in "natural" witchcraft; very "traditional". The modern term of meaning by the word "witchcraft" is indeed a mixture of all sorts of influences. Even Wicca is very modern; less than a hundred years old. Based on old traditions, yes, but not really The Craft as I was taught it. Wicca is much "higher magic" than of old. The old Crowley adage that "Do what you will shall be the whole of the law." might be better put as
"BELIEVE what you will shall be the whole of the law."
Much on this site is a lack of knowledge. For instance, asking questions that can easily be answered without any hint of magic. I was once told, with great authority, that the largest living thing on this planet was the blue whale. Any traditional witch knows it is actually a fungus!
Re: Its not just wicca By: WhiteRav3n / Knowledgeable
Post # 6 Jun 27, 2011
Awake and Brysing, you gave me a good laugh! I totally agree.
That's why I stick with my roots. Nature is where it's at!
I don't agree with Wiccan because I feel they ignore the darker side of Nature, the "Crone" aspect. All of nature, even the "gods" and spirits all have their dark sides. We as pagans should respect and honor all of it, as our ancestors did.
I can't say that I'm "traditional" like Brysing because most of my "practises", as the English would put it, are Native American. But nature magick is my forte. =)
I like the terms magic practitioner and magical working. There are just too many stereotypes connected with the words witch and witchcraft. It is sad they will never go completely away but that is one of the many things that one must learn to accept. No matter how much one tries to change the world they live in it will not change until one changes them self first. Be the change you wish to see in the world.
I agree. Have you ever noticed that alot of spells that seem perfect, are mostly Wiccan? And they are made in such a way that they can't be modified for non-Wiccans. They constantly ramble about there god & godess, without making it worthless to alot of people, as it has been set up for Wiccans only. I think they should at least have in parentheses the word "Wiccan" so that we know its a Wiccan spell. We should do that with all spells, and for those with no religious bias should just say "genral spell".