FINAL WARNING: Setting the Stage for Destruction
find when they meet a witch. They do not dress in all black, and in fact,
do not dress any differently than anyone else. You have probably
talked to a witch, and never even knew it.As serious as you may be about your religion, and faith; they are just
as serious about their religion. Besides their holy days, some covens
even have weekly meetings, just like a traditional church.Wiccans have become more open in their religion in the past few
years, as they try to dispel the myth, fear, and discrimination that
surround them.In August, 1995, our local paper had a front page article about a couple
local witches, and how their religious activities were just like anyone
else’s. They have distanced themselves from Satanism, by
emphasizing that they don’t believe in Satan or demons. They have
tried to separate themselves from the dark side of the occult, by saying
that it is against their religion to harm anyone, that they’re not out
there trying to get people, by putting curses on them. In fact, their
primary directive (known as the Witch’s Rede) is: “An it harm none– do
what thou wilt.” This gives them the freedom to do what they want, just
as long as it doesn’t affect the rights of others, or cause physical harm.And indeed, Wiccans have gone out of their way to help people. Out of
their yearning to help, many enter helping professions, such as social
workers, nurses, and counselors. They also do tarot card readings,
and are the driving force behind the onslaught of the psychic phone
hot lines.Thousands have been drawn to the spiritualistic aspects of witchcraft,
and it is estimated that there could be as many as 800,000 Wiccans in
this country, and since 1987, they have “grown tremendously.” They
are out there spreading their word through books in secular
bookstores, occult bookstores, classes, and pagan festivals. They are
filling what they see as a void, and are presenting a religion that is
more accepting of women in leadership positions, gays, interracial
couples and unmarried couples. It is marked by solemn ritualistic
ceremonies that makes one feel like they’re part of a family; and a
religion that offers real power.