I read many articles pertaining to the younger people of alternative belief systems, as well as the continued hype that the media (on all levels) spews out regarding almost every aspect of alternative beliefs. It is because of this, that I want to clear the air here, once and for all. If for no other purpose than to get this out of my mind, off my chest and allow people who read this to get, at the very least, a bit of clarity. The proverbial witch hunt has gone on for far too long, and it needs to stop. Sadly, in some countries, the witch hunt is not proverbial. That, to me, is one of the most grotesque exploitations of humanity - and that is also to be saved for another article. Let's start off with some definitions, to try to clear things up (note the sarcastic under-tone). Even Webster's Dictionary and Thesaurus has it mixed up, and often blatently wrong, warped, twisted and skewed. Then again, there's nothing really new about that.
The word 'Pagan' is defined as: a follower of a polytheistic religion. Synonyms for Pagan are listed as: gentile, idolater (or idolator), pagan. Is it just me, or has Webster's used the word pagan, as a synonym for the word pagan? How odd. Also, since when was Paganism a strictly polytheistic religion. Furthermore, when did Paganism go from 'a naturalist way of living' to an all out religion? Next, we have the word 'Wiccan'. Wiccan is defined as: a follower of a religion that is characterized by belief in the existence of magical powers in nature. Huh? Now, while I fully understand that nature, in and of itself, can seem 'magical', especially given how tenacious some plants, and animals, can be (which includes humans), I don't quite see how Wiccan can be defined stictly as 'just' a follower of religion, nor is there such thing as 'real' magic (in the entertainment sense of the word). By the way, there are no synonyms listed for 'Wiccan'. Next up? Druid. A Druid is defined as: one of an ancient Celtic priesthood appearing in Irish and Welsh sagas and Christian legends as magicians and wizards. Ok, stop here. See the image of the folks around Stonehenge (which, by the way is a photo that was taken around the WW2 era)? Right. If you take away Stonehenge in this image, what the typical person will see is a crowd of people who appear to be congregating around priests, and those priests would likely have thought to be Catholic (or, at least Christian to some degree). I don't see any wizards, legends or fake characters that you'd read about in a saga. Do you? Didn't think so. Oh, and the word 'Druid'? No synonyms. None. Go figure that.
Now we get to the word 'Warlock'. This is defined as: a man who has magical powers and practices witchcraft : a sorcerer or wizard. Woops! What the - ? Wait, I thought that a Druid's definition was a wizard. Truth? Most male witches prefer to be called witches, not warlocks. To the wiccan/crafter community, the term 'warlock' is actually insulting to a male witch. Yes, it is. This is where the fun part comes in. The definition of a 'witch' is: one that is credited with usually malignant supernatural powers; especially : a woman practicing usually black witchcraft often with the aid of a devil or familiar. The synonyms for 'witch' are: charmer, conjurer (or conjuror), enchanter, necromancer, voodoo, voodooist; magician, sorcerer, warlock, wizard. Time out. If a Druid is defined as a wizard, and a warlock is a male witch that's also a wizard, and now a witch is a malignant wizard...and we're throwing voodoo into this mixture...then what the hell is a witch? Is a witch a Druid, a warlock, a wizard or a voodoo practitioner? Furthermore, who in their right minds decided that necromancy has anything to do with being a witch at all, ever, on any level? Really? I'm to read Webster's and actually believe that a witch is capable of being all that, and then some? Holy nutmeg!
But wait! There's more! Let's try the word 'witchcraft'. This is a fun one. Witchcraft is defined as: the use of magical powers obtained especially from evil spirits. Synonyms for this word are: bewitchery, bewitchment, conjuring, devilry (or deviltry), diablerie, enchantment, ensorcellment, mojo, necromancy, sorcery, thaumaturgy, voodooism, witchcraft, witchery, wizardry. I think I'm going to be sick. If you aren't totally confused yet, you're about to be with this next one. Keep in mind, it is because of the above definitions that most people who practice witchcraft have come to call their art 'The Craft'. They call themselves 'crafters'. So, what's the definition of a crafter? It is: an activity that involves making something in a skillful way by using your hands. WOAH! Did I just see a LOGICAL definition? Yes, I did, and so did you. Synonyms for this word? Artificer, crafter, craftsman, craftsperson, handcraftsman, handicrafter, handicraftsman, handworker, tradesman. Who'd have thought that? No mention of wizards, witches, warlocks, druids, pagans, devils, voodoo, necromancy, sourcery or supernatural abilities. Imagine that! Want to know what all of this boils down to? Knowledge and education. Thanks to the media (again, on all levels), the general population gets these ideas of evil grandeur regarding alternative beliefs, and those who follow those paths. I'm also fairly certain that anyone who wants to classify Voodoo as being 'evil' has definitely not talked to anyone that actually practices Voodoo. The word 'voodoo' itself means 'of God'. It also is a religion, and also happens to be branched from Roman CATHOLIC beliefs and practices. Yes, you read that properly.
The truth to all this confusion? A life long lesson that everyone from the alternative belief systems learns right from the get go. No two belief systems are the same. Pagans are not Druids, witches or voodoo practitioners. Just as Druids, witches or voodoo practitioners are not Pagans. Oh, did you know that Pagans and Druids come from the same tree trunk - per se? Right. I'm sure not too many people knew that. Did you also know that the only thing that witches and pagans have as a common thread is The Craft? Right. You probably didn't know that either. It's ok. Not many people do, or ever will. I can dream about everyone in the world being capable of religious tolerance, but it's not likely to happen anytime while I'm alive. Finally, I want to address the 'issue' of younger people who belong to alternative belief systems. A word to them, and yes I am going to say this here, just as I do right to their faces when they talk to me: STOP your bitching already ok? NO, you do not know more than an elder practitioner. NO, you are not at the top of the coven. There is no such thing as 'the next supreme', and if you think there is, go back to the beginning and start all over, because clearly you have not actually learned your basic lessons.
I also do not like the attitude of "I have been practicing for 6 years, and this person older than me is just starting! I have far more experience than this person does, so why does everyone talk down to me like I'm an idiot?" I am now going to say what every single elder is thinking when they hear this statement: If you want to have people stop talking to you like you're an idiot, then stop acting like one. It's that simple. There is a tremendous amount of natural science involved in alternative belief systems that most people, even long-time practitioners, do not 'get'. Crystals, candles and potions work for a reason....rather than just because we say it works. The combinations created for tinctures, potions, teas, salves and healing are done this way for a reason...not just becuase they happen to look nice together, or the combination really tastes good. Truth be told, many of the tinctures and potions that practitioners make taste like shit...but they work, they're natural, and safe for human consumption. My advice to ANYONE that is considering an alterntive type of belief system? You're more than welcome, but be fully prepared to do a LOT of reading, research and learning. Use your eyes, mouth and ears accordingly, and for the love of all the gods above and below...stop listening to all the media hype surrounding this life style. It's false. It's degrading, and it's out right idiotic. If you want to know something about the alternative life, ASK someone who is living it. I promise you, they will not turn you into a toad!
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