Copyright © 2002-2007.
Paganism, Wicca & other Earth based religions are of very a loving, gentle & beautiful nature. These types of religions are not in anyway affiliated with "Satan" or "The Devil". In fact, these religions do not even employ the belief that "Satan", "The Devil", or "Hell" even exist. Those are "Christian" based concepts. Not those of these wonderful & loving religions that focus on true spirituality rather than dogma. Pagans & Wiccans do not sacrifice animals or affiliate themselves with blood sacrifice in anyway whatsoever. In fact, Pagan & Wiccan paths are strongly dedicated to a profound love & respect for the Earth & for ALL of life, including animals. The very foundation of the Wiccan religion states "An' it harm none; do what thou wilt!". Those who follow Pagan & Wiccan based faiths honor a very high set of standards & they dedicate themselves deeply to this reverence. In many cases, quite unlike those who would choose to attack these gentle & honorable people. Taking care of our Earth & putting an end to animal cruelty are very major issues for many who follow Pagan & Wiccan faiths. In fact, many of those who follow these types of religions are vegetarians. Anyone who claims that Pagan, Wiccan, or Earth based faiths are of a Satanic nature or involve any form of sacrifice are completely misinformed. This assumption, accusation & belief is entirely false.
Although there are various types of witchcraft, not all witchcraft is used for "evil" or "Satanic" purposes. The majority of the time, what is seen in movies or on television regarding the use of witchcraft or magick are total misconceptions. In my personal belief, the word magick is actually a synonym for the words "life", "universe", "spirit", "love", & so forth. They are all one in the same for they have the same meaning. I believe that everything that exists is made of pure, divine, unconditional love. A higher, more spiritual love than what many "refer to" as love. Since it is unconditional, this means that this love will always love & accept you exactly as you are -- always. You are never expected to "repent" or follow a certain set of rules in order to be worthy of receiving this love. Otherwise, it wouldn't truly be "unconditional" for those are conditions. This love is always available. It is always here. It is with you now. It always has been. It always will be. This unconditional love, is also a synonym for other words such as magick, life, universe, spirit & so forth as I mentioned above. This higher form of love is magnetic. This love is everywhere. It is the essence of all that is.
Our very souls are made of this pure, unconditional, magnetic love. This love vibrates at such a high frequency that where ever it is felt, it will heal & uplift us. It is always here with us. If we do not feel it, it is because we have been overlooking its presence, for whatever reason. This higher love, is also what I refer to as "magick". Magick is always here & with us at every single moment, just as this higher love is, for it is one in the same. Everyone uses magick whether they are aware of it or not. Every time we think, we are using magick. Our thoughts are magnetic because our thoughts are made of love. Love is magnetic & love is the greatest power & the highest form of strength. Unkind thoughts are still made of love, even if they are not in anyway of a "loving" nature whatsoever -- for all that is, is made of love, whether we are aware of its presence or not. Since love is magnetic, our thoughts are also magnetic. Thus, we attract to us the contents of our thoughts -- the things in which we think about, we pull toward us. Everything consists of this magnetic energy, this universal love. Even when our thoughts are negative & are not of a "loving" nature, we are still attracting to us that which we think about. Remember, as I mentioned before, this higher love is unconditional. This is why we are given the gift of free will. Unconditional love will never force us to do anything that is against our will, even if it is not in our best interest or for our highest good. This love is so unconditional that it will not interfere with what we decide to do in our lives.
If we choose to engage in negative thinking, this love respects our decision. Keep in mind, love may inspire us, speak to us through its many diverse means of communication, it may inform us of what may be to come if we take a certain direction, but it will never interfere with our free will, for free will is a gift of unconditional love. This means that each one of us has complete & total access to the power of divine love whether we are aware of it or not. Whether we use it for our highest purpose or not. Whether we use it to heal, or to destroy. This universal love will always be the only power that exists, regardless of what one uses this power for. This love is also called "magick". Thus, everyone uses magick. For this is what magick really is. Every time we think, we are using magick. Whenever we think an unkind thought toward another, we are using magick to harm that person in some way, whether purposely or without even being aware of it. For magick is thought. If we think kind, loving or peaceful thoughts toward another, we are using magick to heal, inspire & uplift that person. We are all using the power of love (magick) whether we realize that this is the source of our power or not. What we do to others, we do to ourselves, for in spirit, we are all one. Separateness is only an illusion. The physical world is the world of the relative. A means by which we are able to *experience* who we really are. There is no me, & there is no you. We are one.
Using "magick", is really creation through thought. Magick is creating a reality through the power of thought. As I mentioned before, which is the very thing that every one of us does at every moment. Something in which we do with or without the use of witchcraft.
Witchcraft however, is only one means which one may use to aid in "worship", which actually means, the reverent love, devotion, or adoration of a deity or a sacred object. Ceremonies, prayers, or other religious forms by which this love is expressed. The items which may be used in witchcraft, whether for worship or for spellcraft, are tools which may aid one in thought focus or concentration on a particular goal that is hoped to be accomplished. Many items may also be used to connect with the elements of the Earth, such as herbs, incense, candles, & so forth. One may or may not call upon a particular spirit or deity to aid them in bringing about that which they desire. Others may call upon a spirit or deity which they feel particularly drawn to or one that is believed to aid in the area of what one wishes to accomplish. This does not mean that if one chooses to call upon a spirit for help that they are calling upon "Satan" or "demons". As I elaborated on before, those who follow Pagan, Wiccan, & other Earth based paths, do not even believe in "The Devil" "Satan" or "Hell". Again, those are "Christian" based concepts & beliefs. The majority of Pagan & Wiccan based faiths are deeply dedicated to love, light & the highest good for all people, all animals, & all of life. Thus, the spirits or beings in which they call upon will also reflect the same concept. Christianity teaches that if a spirit is not "Jesus Christ" or a biblical deity that it is automatically "of the devil". Whether those groups & individuals choose to believe it or not, there is so much more to life than what is perceived in such closed-minded, narrow & limited thinking.
The universe is too grand & too profound for there to be only "one way". In fact, the universe is endless. Which means that there are endless ways to reach "Spirit", "Goddess", "God", or whomever one chooses to refer to the Great Spirit as. There is no wrong way. All paths lead to the same place. Whenever our spirit chooses to release our physical body, we will all return to the same place from which we originated. Which is the Great Spirit of Divine Love. In fact, everything is right here right now, so we don't actually “go” anywhere. Everyone is part of this great spirit. There would be no purpose whatsoever for this Great Spirit so send any of us to "Hell". For in essence, that would be "God", "Goddess", "Spirit", "The Universe", etc., sending HERSELF to "Hell". That would be her punishing herself.
The original definition of “witch” actually means, "wise one". “Craft” means "Skill in doing or making something". Which means that a "witch" would actually be a wise one who is skilled in doing whatever they set out to do, which in most cases would be to heal, bring more peace, love, & joy to the world, & to create the life in which they choose to live. True “witches” and true followers of Wiccan, Pagan, & other Earth based faiths have a strong dedication to self-awareness. They are aware of their thoughts & actions & they take full responsibility for their lives rather than circumventing responsibility by blaming it on a mythical creature which many refer to as "Satan" or "The Devil". Those who follow Pagan & Wiccan faiths do not foster cruel agendas to control or manipulate people. They do not use fear tactics in order to control people. They do not set out to convert others to their religion or belief systems. They respect all of life & the paths that others choose to take so long as it does not infringe upon the rights of others. Followers of Pagan, Wiccan & Earth based faiths deserve respect of their beliefs & the paths that they feel are best for them to follow. Everyone should have the freedom to follow the path of their choice so long as it does not harm another (including animals & our Earth). Remember, just because a certain group or individual may make cruel accusations towards Pagan, Wiccan & Earth based religions, does NOT make it true. Witchcraft & magick can be a beautiful experience for ALL when it is used with a pure heart & loving intentions.
One may claim to be a "witch" or claim to use "magick" or claim to use "witchcraft". One may call themselves "Pagan" or "Wiccan". Anyone can claim to do or be any of these. However, any TRUE Pagan, & any TRUE Wiccan will NEVER under any circumstances do any form of sacrifice at any time. They do not use blood in their rituals. They do not set out to harm anyone or anything. Things of that nature are completely against what Pagan, Wiccan & Earth based faiths are truly about. One may claim to be Pagan or Wiccan & do those things. However those individuals are not following a true Pagan or Wiccan path if they engage in such things as animal sacrifice. Pagans & Wiccans respect all of life & will never be involved in such things. One may call themselves a "Christian" yet do everything that their bible tells them "not" to do. It doesn't mean that they are in fact a real "Christian" follower just because they "claim" to be. The same applies here. Just because one may claim to be a "Wiccan" or "Pagan", doesn't mean that they *really* are. If they do things that involve animal sacrifice then they are not following a true Wiccan or Pagan path.
Some believe that simple things such as using candles or oils to obtain a goal are of "The Devil". The majority of those who believe this are Christians. Perhaps they haven't noticed the many Christian churches who use oil to anoint others before praying for them. Perhaps they failed to notice the candles that some churches burn during prayer time. Many believe that chants are also of “The Devil". Perhaps they neglected to realize that many Christian church songs repeat the same lines over & over again, especially on very short songs (CHANTS). The Christian church employs many of the same procedures in healing & prayer as Wiccans & other Earth based religions do. The only difference is that many of these people are too limited in their thinking to realize that they do the exact same things that they condemn as being "evil". Many believe that they have nothing to do with magick, although with every thought that runs through their mind they are using magick & engaging in thought creation. In fact, anyone who has put birthday candles on a cake or made a wish & blew out the candles has participated in magick. Making a wish & blowing out birthday candles is a form of wish magick. Of course, I'm sure that never once crossed their closed minds that they were involving themselves in "witchcraft" in doing so. Although, this is more than obvious to those who are informed on such subjects.
When one makes false accusations toward Pagan, Wiccan or Earth based faiths, it is a clear indicator of their ignorance on these subjects. If they were informed & really knew what they were talking about, they would realize that the majority of commonly held beliefs surrounding Pagan, Wiccan & Earth based religions are totally false. They would realize that the majority of these things spoken about Pagan, Wiccan & Earth based religions are all cruel lies, spoken only with the intent to injure those who follow religions & belief systems that differ from their own. These lies & misconceptions are based on ignorance & ego, not from Spirit.
Pagan, Wiccan & Earth based religions are of the most beautiful, gentle, loving & respectful religions. If you're looking for blood sacrifice, cruelty to animals & people, inequality, rape & perversion, contradiction, abusive relationships or hateful, twisted & distorted justification of these things, you wont find that here. If you're looking for that sort of thing, you can find much of it in the Christian Bible. Pagan, Wiccan & Earth based religions are about love, light, peace, healing, respect for all of life, & honoring the sacred spirit which lives within each one of us as an equal part of all that is.
Pagan, Wiccan & Earth based religions teach unconditional love, respect, harmony & the importance of thinking for yourself rather than just taking someone else's word for it. It teaches finding your own path & what works best for each person as individual. It acts as a guide & as a solid foundation of unconditional love & respect for all of life rather than seeking to convert or control others.
Pagan, Wiccan & Earth based religions do not seek to harm anyone in any way. They do not seek to inflict emotional or spiritual abuse on others by attempting to control or manipulate them as many religions do. They do not attempt to rob people of their spiritual rights or the right to live life as they choose. They do not attempt to prevent others from following the path that feels best for them as an individual. They love & respect all forms of life.
One can still love & respect the sacred spirit in another even if the other may disagree in terms of personal beliefs. However, this does not mean that one does not have the right to stand up for what s/he believes in. Truly loving another does not mean living in submission. It does not mean allowing slander of what one believes in or of the path in which one may choose to follow. The informed know that Pagan, Wiccan & Earth based religions are really about love & respect. The informed realize that any accusation which may suggest that Pagan, Wiccan or other Earth based religions involve animal cruelty, animal sacrifice or Satanism are completely false.
In essence, Pagan, Wiccan & other Earth based religions are based on love, harmony, & respect for all of life. The accusations that have been made toward these religions & toward those who walk these paths are completely false. It is very important that people learn to think for themselves & not base their beliefs on what "others" have told them to be true. My advice to all is to truly research Paganism, Wiccan, & Earth based religions & learn what they are really about. Don't make accusations that are based on what others have said to be true. Don't make accusations without really knowing the facts, all the while pretending that you do. Don't judge the followers of Pagan, Wiccan or Earth based religions based on stereotypical characterizations. Discover what it is really about. Anyone who claims they are informed on Pagan, Wiccan, or Earth based religious beliefs, yet still claim that these religions are of “The Devil”, involved in “Satanism”, or in animal sacrifice, the person really does not know what these religions are really about.
Respecting each other can be a difficult task for many. Although, for those who do find a way, it can be very rewarding. Everyone deserves the freedom to be who they really are & follow the paths that they choose to take so long as it does not infringe upon the rights of others. Whether one is Wiccan or Christian, gay or straight, African American or Caucasian, male or female, it doesn't really matter. We are all part of the HUMAN race. Animals share their own special place in LIFE just as humans do. They also deserve to be treated respectfully with rights of their own. They have just as much right to live on this planet as human beings do. Just because human beings have advanced in technology & so forth, does not make animals any less equal to live freely on this planet. We are all entitled to our basic equal rights. Including the right to be free & live life as we choose so long as it does not infringe upon the rights of another.
It is time to take better care of our Earth. Preserve nature & be grateful for the resources that our Earth has provided to us. Find a way to avoid war & support World Peace. Where there’s a “will”, there’s a “way”. Learn to make decisions as responsible adults based on the highest purpose of all of life. The reasons why the earth is suffering, why people starve to death everyday, why religious groups can't get along, why hate crimes are committed, why people are killed in the name of "God", why women & minorities are discriminated against, why those with alternative lifesytles are discriminated against, why different races are discriminated against, why animals are mistreated and abused, why children are abused, why anyone is abused, why people are violated & robbed of their rights, it all boils down to ONE problem. Lack of respect. If respect is taught & everyone learns to live by standards which respect all forms of life & are for the highest good for all of life, we wouldn't have these problems. Respect is one of the greatest virtues taught in Pagan, Wiccan & Earth based religions.
In closing, the purpose of this article is to point out the misconceptions surrounding Pagan, Wiccan & Earth based religions & to provide relevant information as to what these religions truly stand for & what they do not stand for. These religions are so much more than "casting a spell". Those who follow these paths stand for respect & equal rights of the Earth & all of her inhabitants, regardless of what form they may take. Interestingly, the truth is quite the opposite of the many misconceptions which are believed about Pagan, Wiccan & Earth based religions.
Copyright © 2002-2007.
Please do not copy or reproduce this article or any part of it.
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