Question 1

Is witchcraft evil ?

Accepted Answer

Let's change this question to "is witchcraft harmful?" There are some concepts from Christianity that don't translate to all spiritual beliefs: good and evil are determined by social norms and religious laws. They're not objective ethics. One thing that is acceptable and holy in one culture may be considered a punishable heinous offense in another. But no, witchcraft isn't objectively harmful. Just like and knowledge or skill, it's how you choose to use it that determines its ethics.

Question 2

Is witchcraft dangerous ?

Accepted Answer

Some magical practices may involve the following:
 • herbs/plants
 • essential oils
 • tinctures
 • the outdoors
 • cooking
 • burning incense and candles.
These must be done with care and a certain amount of education regarding safe handling. That is the extent of possible physical harm from practicing magic. The emotional, psychological, and spiritual well-being of the person practicing magic is up to the practitioner. Any hobby, interest, or spiritual practice can be harmful if used in unhealthy ways. Witchcraft isn't an exception. There are many different practices in witchcraft and it's up to the practitioner to protect their mental/emotional health.
 
Whenever you interact with spiritual situations and beings, you should take appropriate steps to protect your personal autonomy, emotional wellbeing, and safety. [Witchcraft safety coming soon]
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Question 3

Are all witches pagan ?

Accepted Answer

Nope! Magical practice doesn't automatically link you with any set of religious beliefs or doctrines. It can be paired with any religion or none at all! There are metaphysical practitioners who are Christian, Jewish, Muslim, Atheist, Agnostic, Pagan and more. Although more and more practitioners are choosing a secular magical practice over affiliating with a religion.

Question 4

Do pagans worship Satan ?

Accepted Answer

Not usually, since Satan is specifically a figure from the Christian-Judeo myths. During the Roman-Catholic colonization of Northern Europe, the Church defamed Pagan beliefs by reframing their regional deities into the iconic images of the devil we know today. Abrahamic religious texts contain no descriptions of goat-men or horned demons. The Church taught narratives that pagan deities were Satan in disguise to sow fear and distrust of their ancestral gods. This anti-pagan propaganda is still continued today by evangelical Christians. This could be compared to a Pagan accusing a Christian of worshiping a harmful spirit disguised as their God: this is ignorant and extremely disrespectful to people from different faiths. 
 
There are pagans who may include Jesus, Saints, Lucifer, Archangels, or other figures from Christian mythos into their practice as spirits to work with or venerate, but this would be considered blending Christian and Pagan practices. This is called Christo-paganism.

Question 5

Will pagans/witches go to heaven ?

Accepted Answer

This would be determined by the spiritual beliefs of the individual. While this is a vital question to Christians, this question may be irrelevant for people in religions that don't teach a punishment/reward model. A Christian witch may believe they are going to Heaven, whereas a Hellenic witch may believe they will go to Hades, and a Norse witch may believe they will go to one of the Halls of the dead with ancestors and loved ones. Beliefs about the afterlife are unique to the individual and their religious perspective.

Question 6

Will witches will go to hell ?

Accepted Answer

Heaven and hell are both afterlives that only exist in Christianity. Please remember that non-Christian witches have no reason to fear hell any more than Christians have to fear religious laws and consequences in a different holy book, such as the Veda (Hindu), the Quran (Islam), or the Wiccan Rede (Wicca). However, back when I was still a Christian and curious about witchcraft, I looked into this claim that witches will go to hell or should be put to death immediately from a theological perspective.
​
Here's what I found:
1. There are numerous incorrect translations made in the Christian Bible from the original Greek/Hebrew. Many due to King James's obsessive phobia of witches and those that still practiced old European traditions.  He is responsible for the deaths of hundreds of innocent men and women. (Robinson. Translation errors and forgeries* in the Bible.)
2. The same sections of the Bible that say witchcraft is evil, or that witches should be put to death are the same sections that forbid the eating of shellfish and the mixing of fabrics, such as Exodus and Deuteronomy
3. There are numerous examples of witchcraft and magic depicted in the Bible. David, Daniel, Moses, Asaph, and his sons, were all seers and diviners. Joseph engaged in scrying (Genesis 44:5). Divination was used by priests and practitioners to determine the will of God via lots (Numbers 26:55; Proverbs 16:33 Proverbs 18:18). Even Paul and Peter cursed people in the name of the Lord without condemnation. The amount of magical practice represented in the bible is about equal to the contradictory condemnation of these practices. 
Sources: 
Robinson, B.A. Translation errors and forgeries* in the Bible. Religious Tolerance Website. Ontario Consultants on Religious Tolerance.. July 25, 2015. 
 
Witchcraft Acts of 1542, 1547, 1563, 1604, 1736, UK Parliament. **The Witchcraft Act of 1736 was in effect until its repeal in 1945, it continued to prosecute and convict British Citizens through 1944.

Question 7

Do pagan religions have a holy text or a Bible ?

Accepted Answer

Yes, most pagan religions have oral traditions that have been recorded by scholars, such as the Mabinogion for Celtic pantheons and the Eddas for Norse pantheons. Every culture will have its stories and oral tradition that preserves their beliefs, practices, and history. Usually, these stories and lore are viewed as allegory and metaphor rather than literal guiding texts for living our life, though. This is a contrast to mainstream Christianity.
 
These stories usually invite examination and even criticism of our deities, heroes, and ancestors. Unfortunately, most of what we have is incomplete. Much oral tradition has been lost or eradicated through colonization. Christian colonizers destroyed pagan art, bastardized stories to fit their worldview, and otherwise destroyed a lot of pagan teachings. Various laws were passed forbidding the practice of ancestral traditions and witchcraft (eg: Witchcraft Acts of 1542, 1547, 1563, 1604, 1736 in Europe**). Today, pagan religions must piece together the remaining oral traditions, historical records, archaeology, and social scientific discoveries regarding how pre-Christian peoples lived, worshiped, and practiced.  Modern Pagans also incorporate modern scientific evidence and theory to supplement spiritual ones, as they see the spiritual world as a reflection of the scientific natural world.​

Question 8

Does witchcraft/paganism include animal/human sacrifice ?

Accepted Answer

Although animal sacrifice was a common practice in many ancient pagan practices, as well as Jewish and Christian ones, we do not currently practice this today.  Just as modern denominations of Judaism and Christianity have evolved beyond these primitive practices, so have pagan traditions. Likewise, human sacrifices did exist throughout different world religions at one time, including but not limited to Incan, Mayan, Norse, Slavic, Judaism, Christianity, Islam, Mesopotamian, and others. These practices are now outdated, illegal, and considered heinous.*
*It is this blog's stance that abuse or the torture is never part of the spiritual practice of a healthy individual.

Question 9

Do pagans summon spirits ?

Accepted Answer

Yes, just as Christians summons the spirits of their religion (angels, saints, the holy spirit, and other guardians) pagans summon spirits prevalent in theirs (deities, ancestor, protective guardians, and others). 
There are numerous purposes for summoning spirits.  A Pagan may summon the spirit of their mother if they need guidance, love, or reassurance.  They might also summon a spiritual guide that has elected to help them reach their greatest potential and well-being. Likewise, Pagans learn to banish negative spirits that have harmful intentions.

Question 10

Do pagans summon demons ?

Accepted Answer

The definition of "demon" varies greatly from one religion to another. Demons can be fallen angels that only wish humanity harm (Judaism, Islam, Christianity) or simply spirits of the earth and beneath the earth whose intentions vary spirit by spirit. Most pagan religions don't include the idea of pacts with fallen angels, although there are some people that will work with these spirits just as they work with any other deity or spirit. If you are uncomfortable summoning a particular spirit or deity, don't do it. In your personal religious practice, your empowerment and comfort is key.

Question 11

My child is interested in paganism and/or witchcraft. Should I be concerned ?

Accepted Answer

The misinformation that most people are exposed to from media and religion may make this idea worrisome. Especially if you remember Satanic Panic in the 80's. Hopefully, the above FAQ's will help dispel some myths, and answer your questions. Paganism and witchcraft both teach responsibility for one's actions, examination, celebration of personal identity, critical thinking, learning to make sound decisions, self-discovery, and protecting one's autonomy.  Both pagan religions and witchcraft are protected by law under the Constitution and Religious Freedom Restoration Act of 1993.

Question 12

Is this a cult ?

Accepted Answer

Cults are abusive groups that discourage members from thinking for themselves, questioning beliefs or practices,  intellectualism, and seeks to alienate its members from support systems outside of the group. Cults often come with a culture of thought-policing, high demand of assimilation, and real or intangible consequences for leaving. It is important to understand that cults can exist within any religious or philosophical belief system.

Question 13

How can I keep my child from practicing witchcraft ?

Accepted Answer

I do not recommend this.
 
While these religions and practices may disagree with your beliefs, they are not dangerous or a cause for concern for the health and well-being of your child. The curiosity for learning about various faiths and traditional practices is a sign of healthy development and an intelligent mind.
 
Although you may desire to control the religious/spiritual practices of your child and it is within your legal rights, forbidding your child from learning about or practicing their beliefs may result in a child turning to secrecy, rebellion, or other behavior that could put them in harm's way.  Allowing children to talk to you about where they are with their beliefs and listening without a personal agenda will help foster open communication with your kids and will help provide avenues where they can explore new beliefs in a safe environment that keeps you fully informed.
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*I will never knowingly have direct contact with a minor regarding religious education, and will always encourage openness between the individual and the family members they live with.

Question 14

How can I hide a magical practice from my parents ?

Accepted Answer

If you are a minor, I do not recommend this. 
 
Your parents have the right to raise you according to how they feel is best as long as it doesn't objectively harm you. As much as you may want to practice witchcraft, it is not abusive or harmful for a legal guardian to not allow you to practice. It rarely ends well to hide a magical practice because of the stigma attached to it. When parents find out you've been practicing against their wishes or without talking to them the assumption is that it's because it's harmful, dangerous, or deviant. And believe me, you don't want that shit show raining down upon you.
 
If you think that you might want to explore witchcraft as a minor, talk to a legal guardian about your interest and allow them to ask questions. Agree together what they feel comfortable with you doing in their house in accordance with their rules. 
 
If you don't believe your parents will be receptive you exploring witchcraft, wait until you are a legal adult and have moved out of their house. I know this is frustrating, but there are so many more important things that you need to focus on when you're a teen and young adult. Witchcraft will still be there for you to delve into then.

Newcomers

What is witchcraft ?
Who can practice magic ?

What do Pagans believe ?
How do Pagans practice ?

Newcomers

What is witchcraft ? Who can practice magic ?

What do Pagans believe ? How do Pagans practice ?

What is witchcraft ?
Who can practice magic ?

What do Pagans believe ?
How do Pagans practice ?