Witches are seen in movies (The Wizard of Oz, The Craft, Hocus Pocus...). They appear in books (The Witching Hour, A Discovery of Witches, Practical Magic...). Fairy tales (Snow White, Hansel and Gretel...). And let's not forget history (The Burning Times, the Salem Witch Trials...).
Most of the time, witches are portrayed in a bad light. It has been said that witches are mean, put curses on people and even eat children. And that's only a few things. But where did all of these accusations come from?
When people are frightened or feel threatened, they tend to exagerate and lie. These people spread their fears and lies. Before anyone knows it, hatred and predjudice are born.
But what about the people that actually practice forms of witchcraft? What are they like? The fact of the matter is, these people aren't as scary or mean as you may think. Nor are they really all that different than you. Many forms of witchcraft stem from various religions. Most of these religions are nature based. Sets of rules govern religious practices and ritual magic is no different.
So what should you do if you run into a real-life witch? Honestly, you could run into one and not even know it. There's no green skin, hook nose or pointy hat to distinguish them (unless of course it's Halloween). But if you ever do run into someone that practices a form of the craft, take a moment to ask them some questions. I'm sure they'd be glad to answer them!
So interesting. The practices, the history. I hope you go into some of it on your next posts! What a fund introduction!!
ReplyDeleteThank you! I didn't want to go into it too much for my very first post. The novel I'm writng deals with some of this stuff as well. I'm sure this won't be the last time I speak of this topic in a post either.
DeleteMore! You've piqued my curiosity. I've never thought a lot about it...I'd probably classify them with fairies and hobbits...fictitious or not? Hobby or lifestyle? A real life 'witch' to me would look like Stevie Nicks...LOL!!! Mystical, unique and pretty....
ReplyDeleteThanks, I'm glad to have your curiosity! I will work toward a "part two" to this post. And in case you didn't know, Stevie Nicks is a real life witch. She took a lot of heat by being one the first celebrities to come out of the "broom closet."
DeleteMy previous comment is slightly off. Stevie Nicks has never actually come out and said that she is a real witch. However, she does wear jewelry symbolic of a certain path and shows great interest in and support of that path's followers.
DeleteVery cool stuff Kristi! Believe it or not, I was stationed with the former president of the Wiccan Circle at Boston University. He had some very interesting things to say and ideas about life. You sure wouldn't know it when you first meet him either but what a great guy to talk to! Keep these coming ... good stuff.
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