Lacierose,

Just to let you know... the craft is NOT evil and you will NOT go to Hell. I was raised Catholic, and married a southern Baptist. I have always attended his churches and more recently we've been attending an "Independent" church which in my opinion is mostly a Charismatic pentecostal church as far as practices are concerned. Yes, if they knew what I am and what I do.... they'd be praying away and laying on hands and you can't tell them any different because they're convinced they're right.

However..... the word "witch" didn't exist anywhere in the Hebrew, Greek or Aramaic bible. So why is it there today? Thank you King James. The word's true translation is that for someone who would cause harm or injury to someone physically or spiritually. Specifically someone who would "poison" another. Through out the bible kings used prophets and seers as their advisors. The Magi.... that's what they were. What we typically today call a witch. Infact..... the order of the Magi is still intact today and they themselves are about as Christian witch as you can get.

Now, this is just my opinion, and everyone needs to find their own path, but I feel there is a difference between witchcraft and Wicca. I practice witchcraft, however I do not follow many of the things of Wicca specifically because I still do not think it is right to worship any gods above Him. Some people would also say that I AM practicing Wicca because I also believe that male and female exist as a duality at the same time. See Genesis 1 and 2. I do not feel that God is singularly male, but both at once. Just as there are seven spirits of God, I believe female is a portion of that entity and should be acknowledged.

I study Wicca and think it is a beautiful religion I just do not follow all of its practices.

Witchcraft is a practice. A skill. A craft. It's a part of using the will God gave each of us. There is nothing impure or evil about it. It can be used for wrongful intent and that person will eventually suffer the consequences of it. It's a stigma created by centuries of persecution and fear. Most people fear what they cannot see and do not understand. When fear becomes large enough, it creates panic and in that state people do terrible things to each other.

"Witches" of the bible were doctors, midwives, people of this nature. Herbalists. Today, that's a good portion of what witch practioners are. Herbalists who understand that everything carries an energy and that energy can be worked to or against your will.

I do use tarot cards, runes, scrying, and candles, incense and oil for prayer/spells.

There is virtually nothing you can do to change the way other people think or believe. I don't think you should either, because really.... would you want someone trying to change your beliefs? I live in a situation where my husbands family has no idea what I do. They'd never understand it or accept it. It's just something I have to live with and yes, my husband is completely worth it.

I just wanted to throw in my two cents on some things that you touched on that I came up against when I was 16 and first coming into this. Now I'm 33 and wish someone would have told me some of these things then. Better yet..... I wish the internet would have been around then.

Blessed be and I'll be praying for you.

Graywolf