New Age Freedom

Last month, I posted a status update on Facebook about how much I enjoy the spike in the popularity of witchcraft and how it makes it much easier for me to find what I need online.  I included a line about what a shame it is that people of varying religious beliefs took so long to realize that witchcraft is not the "devils work."

There are many misconceptions floating around about what witchcraft is or is not.  Hollywood made up stories to sell movie magic and twisted much of the symbology into something evil for its cause.  Unfortunately, with the widespread reach of Hollywood, these fictions have been set into the mindset of most people who oppose religious freedom and tolerance to become thought of as fact.  This is just one of many reasons people abhor and fear the thought of witchcraft.

Witchcraft is a practice, not a religion.  I know several people of varying religions who are also practicing witches.  Jewish, Christian, Pagan, Catholic, Atheist - all of these groups, and more, contain practicing witches.

If you enjoy the uses of essential oils, natural remedies, the use of herbs, incense and candles, etc, you are dabbling in witchcraft (black salve for drawing out splinters, stingers, spider venom, etc).  If you eat particular foods for their healing properties, you are dabbling in witchcraft.  In example: 12 almonds provides the relief of 2 Tylenol.  These are some of the things that would have condemned you as a witch in times mostly forgotten.  These are some of the things that healers, shamans, medicine women, etc were known for and revered for.  Mostly knowledge of properties that were beneficial to our needs as a community or even individually.

With the wider acceptance of many things the majority of the country has kept oppressed until recently, we are able to be more open about our practices and beliefs.  There are several companies pushing wares such as essential oils and DIY ways for a natural home and lifestyle.  Popularity for these traditions has grown exponentially over a handful of years.  These are not new.  These are things that were, until recently, hidden from the general public because they were frowned upon so much so that people were murdered for knowing and practicing them.

I am happy the world is finally more accepting of these traditions as commonplace and good.  This is a great time to be a witch, where everything you need is at your fingertips and there is much less fear and shame in practicing.  We are moving forward.  But please remember where this knowledge came from, especially if you have never had the intention of calling yourself a witch.

Maybe this can be your first step into freedom, acceptance, and respect for what others believe and practice.

It is time we all stop attempting to force others to believe as we do.  It is time to forget our hate and time to stop spreading our hate and fear.  It is time to learn truths.  It is time we stop to be kind and helpful to each other no matter what the circumstance.