Misconceptions of a WiccanPhilip MacKinnonAs a solitary practitioner I am able to avoid the complications of working circle magick, such as altar setup and ceremonial procedures. In my time practicing I have run into many stereotypes and misconceptions. When someone hears you are a witch they think of bubbling cauldrons, powders and potions, and black cats. The actual practice is quite different from these stereotypes. The belief that witches cast curses and hex people goes against the basic "Live And Let Live" belief of Wicca. Non-followers of Wicca have said that I am a Satanist and going to hell. There is no hell in the craft and no Satan. Wiccans pray to the goddess and god, as well as various other deities. As a Wiccan I practice the art of Magick, the "K" distinguishes between the parlor tricks done by magicians and spell-craft done by practitioners of Magick. People have accused me of practicing black magick; the magick practiced in Wicca is not black or white, good or evil; it is the heart of the caster that decides the results. "You sacrifice animals and go to black masses" is something I have heard a lot during my time practicing Wicca. All life is sacred in the craft, and no living creature is hurt in service of the craft. Wiccans who choose to practice magick and spell casting do so by channeling natural energies to the desired results. Spells such as personal prosperity, bringing love onto yourself, and spells for health are a few types of spells practiced. An example of a bring love spell is: Take five red roses, go about a block from your house and drop one rose. Drop three more on the way back home. Drop the fifth at the door of your house while you do this chant out loud or silently; "This is a path of love. My true love will find me." Wiccans use to tools of the craft to aid in spell casting, prayer, and worship. The tools of the craft include the wand, the censar, the chalice, and the black handled knife the athame. The athame is used to focus and release energy in ritual spells, and some spells. The wand is used to draw in natural energies from the world around, and yourself. Rebecca Kabouche of the owners and operators of the "Magick Box" in Sarnia said she has had people come into the store to "see what a witch looks like." She looks like any other person, she is not bent or has a long crooked nose; she is just like any other person. Kabouche also commented that people have been taught to fear the craft and this helps to create the stereotypes and misconceptions. Society has told us that people who practice magick are evil, they sacrifice animals and worship Satan, and this is not the case. Almost anyone can learn the art of spell casting and the art of magick, having an open mind is the first step. |
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