It's well past time to ask: Which witch is which?



Magic Circle (By: Waterhouse, 1886)



Witchcraft has been making a lot of headlines these days.  In the wake of Christine O’Donnell’s “I’m not a witch!” announcement, comes some equally memorable news from Romania. 

The Romanian government has, for the very first time, decided to impose taxes upon the income that Romania’s witches garner from their professional services.  Although some witches see this as a validation that the work they do is, indeed, professional – others have been angry enough to get even. 

According to the Associated Press, Romania’s “queen witch” - Bratara Buzea - is threatening to “cast a spell using a particularly effective concoction of cat excrement and dead dog…”  If that weren’t bad enough, she’s claiming that her “curses always work” – and, worse yet, proclaiming to all who will listen: We do harm to those who harm us…”

That’s the kind of blanket statement that tends to prejudice people against all witches.  It’s also the kind of statement that leads people to assume that all witches are alike - and that all witches get mixed up with violence and revenge.

According to many Neopagans, this sort of stereotyping couldn’t be further from the truth.  Many witches today adhere to morality codes that closely resemble those of major world religions.  For example, the essence of the Wiccan Rede (the “Golden Rule” that many current witches follow) is this:  Do what you will, so long as it harms none.  The Charge of the Goddess, another guide for witches, includes this dictum:  Keep pure your highest ideal, strive ever towards it…  The Rule of Three explains that whatever type energy a person shares will be returned threefold.  It doesn’t take a genius (or a crystal ball) to thus figure that the sharing of benevolent energy is a win-win for all.

As for the sharing of bad vibes?  According to the Rule of Three, there might be thrice the “toil and trouble” awaiting those who insist upon dabbling in hatred and revenge.

Resources

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wiccan_morality

http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-503544_162-20018526-503544.html

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/40930813/ns/business-world_business/

Copyright January 8, 2011 by Linda Van Slyke   All Rights Reserved