I know we've just has Christmas, a quiet but fun one, but my favourite time of the year is Halloween (as you may have guessed from the title). It's so much fun, with its games, costumes, 'scarry' films and --- smashing food!
If you've been brought up in certain "Faiths," this is a taboo subject and images of old, ugly women bowing to a strange looking thing come into our minds, as we have seen these pictures many times in our lives. Whilst I respect all teachings on this Earth, I wanted to do a little research myself on this subject and to find out if there are any 'real' witches living today.
We all know the fairytale stories, whether from Disney or Grimms, and there is nearly always a wicked witch trying to hurt the beautiful, innocent princess out of sheer jealousy. Snow White has always been my favourite as it always reminds me of my mother (no, she was not a wicked stepmother!) as when I was about 5 years old, I remember holding her hand and watching Snow White go by in a float with the 7 dwarves. There was a poisoned red apple in the story and my mother always gave me red apples to eat (no, they were not poisoned!). It's just a very pleasant childhood memory that I have never forgotten --- 40-odd years later.
So, what do we actually know about "Witchcraft"?
We've been raised to believe that these 'women' turn into ugly looking things and ride in the sky on broomsticks, worshipping a devil. This belief was so real that at one point in human history, women were burned to death because people 'believed' this.
But I ask the question =
have you ever seen anyone riding in the sky on a broomstick?
can a person really turn into another creature or is it just a 'magic trick'?
has anyone seen a devil?
Now, I'm not making fun of anyone who truly believes this, faith is needed in this world in which we live, and if your faith helps you to live everyday --- please stick with it !
I'm just trying to keep my own feet on the ground (please excuse the pun). I have personally met 'witches' and they look like everybody else --- they do not wear strange hats or carry strange things in their hands --- or eat strange food. They have Witchcraft in their lives because they believe it helps them in every day life. And Witchcraft is a very Earthy faith as they do believe in herbs and crystals for healing.
Also, karma --- what you give out comes back!
It may be of interest to note that Witchcraft is now an official religion in the United States and Canada. I like this comment, from an actual witch herself: "the witch has done another magic trick, by turning from a fright into a figure of inspiration. She might show up in the form of your Wiccan co-worker, or the beloved musician who gives off a sorceress vibe in videos or onstage." (from Pam Grossman, the author of "Waking The Witch).
Every person has a reason for choosing their path in life and witches are no different. Maybe they find peace and quiet in their tarot cards, candles and spells.
Whatever we believe in, as long as it gives us the help we need to live on this very unique planet --- the Earth --- it's worth respecting.