Myth 6: Witches are always Wiccan
Fact:
Witches can and do follow ANY religious path. Most are Pagan, but there
are witches in the Islamic, Jewish, Buddhist, Hindu & Christian
faiths as well.
Myth 7: Witches use spells to harm or control others.
Fact:
Partly True. Some pagans & witches may practice "black" or harmful
magick but the majority, as a rule, do NOT! Witch's usually believe in
some form of Karma, Law of Attraction, Law of Return or if nothing else
they understand that what goes around, comes around, both physically and
spiritually.
Myth 8: Paganism is Goddess Centered and only for Women.
Fact:
SOME forms of Paganism are Goddess Centered, but even those tend to
believe in a God form as well. Men are welcomed in to any Pagan
religion, although some working groups or covens prefer to be male or female only.
Myth 9: Pagans belong to cults.
Fact: While many Pagans do belong to groups devoted to study, magical
workings or just fellowship, there are just as many, if not more, who
are alone in their beliefs and practice. Generally Pagans believe that
all spiritual paths are valid for those who walk them. Pagans do not
preach, proselytize, recruit or attempt to convert anyone.
Myth 10: The Burning Times
Fact: This was NOT a mass persecution and repression of women and/or
witches by the church. In fact, current studies are showing that
secular, NOT church, courts did the vast majority of executions. You can
find out some valuable statistics gleaned from recent historical
records here. Some figures put the number killed as high as 9 million
women killed; however, the current figures suggest more like 40,000 to
100,000, mostly Christians who pissed someone off. There are emerging
theories that some were magickal practitioners turned in by fellow
practitioners to get rid of the competition however in most cases this
isn't true.
Myth 11: Witches aren't more public because they have something to hide.
Fact: A growing number of witches are "out and proud" about their practice. Those who are not generally stay "in the broom closet" for fear of how their friends and family will react to their beliefs. It is NOT because their practices are questionable, seedy, or evil but because many of them have been raised to believe that those they love or their comunity may not react in a kind matter to their beliefs or practices.