Anonymous wrote:
Like for every religion, there are fringe movements in paganism that are a disturbing. The potion-making set with use of very questionable ingredients that have no efficacy recognized by any medical research, and the animal sacrifices during rituals. But the immense majority of Pagans DO NOT DO THAT.

Do realize that both Judaism and Christianity practiced animal sacrifices. What do you think they were sacrificing in the temple before its destruction? What is the very essence of Christianity - god sacrificed an animal (Jesus).

Anonymous wrote:When I was in Europe, I learned about all these women of these medieval towns that were called witches because they were old and wise and the men didn't want to listen to them.

Yep. Op is another person hoping to bring back the persecution of innocent people who don't think like him. This whole witchcraft crap is just a means of attacking women who don't act like small minded right wing idiots. Women aren't supposed to be too smart or too brave. We just need to do what the menfolk say.

Evangelical christians are really killing Christianity as an option at this point.

Anonymous wrote:Number of Americans identifying as witches and practicing

Paganism/Wicca has surged dramatically, with estimates of 1.5 million or more, driven by a search for spirituality, accessible online resources (like TikTok), and a desire for personalized paths outside traditional religion, leading to a modern resurgence of witchcraft in the U.S..

What, why the H?

This is absolute bull shite. Do you just pull this randomly out of your butt? Hoping to scare people to church?

Witchcraft my huge azz. You think like a small scared child.

Anonymous wrote:I am a PP but wanted to add that unlike a lot of organized religions, this is something that hasn't been politicized and isn't really hurting anyone, inspiring news developments, etc. It's personal and also escapist.

So it's the exact opposite of Christianity.

I am a PP but wanted to add that unlike a lot of organized religions, this is something that hasn't been politicized and isn't really hurting anyone, inspiring news developments, etc. It's personal and also escapist.

Anonymous wrote:You need to broaden your mind and accept that paganism is generally a benign set of beliefs centered around a respect for Nature and all natural things. It's not worshipping Satan, it's not witches as understood by the more ignorant and backward Christians.

Like for every religion, there are fringe movements in paganism that are a disturbing. The potion-making set with use of very questionable ingredients that have no efficacy recognized by any medical research, and the animal sacrifices during rituals. But the immense majority of Pagans DO NOT DO THAT.

+1

I was a high-level Pagan priestess for more than a decade. I spent almost 20 years practcing Paganism, Witchcraft, Wicca, Druidry, and learned about many Pagan and other religions. I learned about some darker aspects of witchcraft. I learned about Hindiusm, Buddhism, Judaism. I was confirmed Lutheran at 14. But I learned about how Christians were using Paganism and witchcraft to feel spiritually whole.

Fast forward 13 years. We separated 9 years ago and there were many reasons I didn't push religion. It was complicated and she was too young. I was at the mall with my 12 year old when she pulled me aside and confessed she was a Satanist. I laughed and then stopped myself. The next thing out of my mouth was "Okay. Tell me what you like about Satanism." She told me that she liked how self-empowering it was. That is such a true statemwnt for why so many people feel attracted to these other religions. She felt powerless in many situations. So, we sat down in the mall bookstore and looked through some Witchcraft and Wicca books until we found one appropriate that we both liked. It focused on using general affirmations and incatations positive self-image and self-esteem. It focused on life's positives instead of negatives. I no longer practice most of my religion, but I still believe in some core principles. For example, Paganism looks to the longest night of winter as the return of the light, when the days become longer again. When we should look towards spring and all the life Earth has to offer.

Some of us are raised in families and/or religious homes that may not meet our needs. Some of them can be outright negative. The various Pagan and occult practices, including Witchcraft and Wicca, can give folks a sense of control over their own lives.

trying to get that religious telework out of the fed gov!

You need to broaden your mind and accept that paganism is generally a benign set of beliefs centered around a respect for Nature and all natural things. It's not worshipping Satan, it's not witches as understood by the more ignorant and backward Christians.

Like for every religion, there are fringe movements in paganism that are a disturbing. The potion-making set with use of very questionable ingredients that have no efficacy recognized by any medical research, and the animal sacrifices during rituals. But the immense majority of Pagans DO NOT DO THAT.

When I was in Europe, I learned about all these women of these medieval towns that were called witches because they were old and wise and the men didn't want to listen to them.

I think a lot of people are looking for meaning and outside mainstream American culture. I belong to another minority religion that's pejoratively called pagan etc and I can see what the appeal would be.

No weirder than other religions

Sounds great to me

Number of Americans identifying as witches and practicing

Paganism/Wicca has surged dramatically, with estimates of 1.5 million or more, driven by a search for spirituality, accessible online resources (like TikTok), and a desire for personalized paths outside traditional religion, leading to a modern resurgence of witchcraft in the U.S..

What, why the H?