Shadows From The Past

Some Myths of Witchcraft

Before we can set out on the journey ahead, we must first set a foundation on which to build. Thus we shall define some concepts that are relevant.
–  Witch – A person who uses (being real or perceived) natural powers or forces to influence the order of things.

– Witchcraft – The practices of a Witch

– Magic(k) – The use of natural energy to achieves ends

Thus by the above definitions, magic and witches are connected and intertwined.
There are many common myths associated with witchcraft. We shall discuss some common myths in depth, and then analyze why they incorrect.

Myth: A witch uses supernatural powers.
A false myth. Since everything that exists is part of the natural order, everything is thus natural. So any power a witch claims to wield, is thus natural. While it may be argued that there are different levels or “planes” of the natural order, these “planes” are still natural and thus do not represent anything above (or below) the natural order.

Myth: Witchcraft is the oldest religion in the world.
A false myth. Witchcraft has only in the last century gained status as a religion, under the name of Wicca. Practices that may be considered witchcraft date back tens of thousands of years, but as an established, formalized religion, witchcraft is less than a century old.

Myth: Modern witches can trace their heritage back to the dawn of time.
False. Modern witchcraft or Wicca, can only trace its history back as far as the early 20th century. However, Wicca is largely INFLUENCED (and therefore not directly connected) by far older practices, being those of the Ancients (Greek, Rome, Celt, Egyptian, Ect.) It is important to remember that witchcraft in its modern form (as distinguised from older forms of belief that may be considered witchcraft) is largely eclectic, taking roots from many different sources, these from many different time periods, both older and more modern.

Myth: Witchcraft means “craft of the wise”
False. The word witch derives from the old English word wicca (prounounced witcha), which is a derivative of the word wiccian (prounounced witchan) which means ‘to cast a spell’. Thus the word has no connection to the old English witan that means ‘to know’.

There is an old saying that goes something like “to gain wisdom, one must let go of cherished allusions”. So remember, whether something is true or false, it does not keep it from having power. Like modern Wicca, whether it be a fabrication or a survival of an old religion, it still has power in the modern world. Learn from the old ways, but live in today.