Why I Became a Witch

I had an interesting conversation this evening with two Christians who were conducting a radio broadcast about Wicca and Witchcraft. One of them had written a book on Wicca and was labeled "an expert on Wicca". How can you be an expert on something you have never experienced? I occasionally look for opportunities to engage in conversations with Christians about Wicca to see where the discussion leads, hoping that one day they will simply say, "We don't share your Wiccan beliefs, but we will respect them. And, we will cease speaking out against Wicca". (Keep dreaming Sage.) They asked me why I became a Witch. The truth is I can't remember not being a Witch, despite being raised Southern Baptist. And as a stumbled through my answer, I did some sole searching. The conversation naturally led to debatable issues, which I refused to engage in or was not given a chance to respond to, however, they were harsh and even critized my neutral attitude. It just angered them all the more. I found it amusing.

While following Christianity, I was never spiritually fulfilled or enlightened. I was just preached at and to. I was frustrated by living my life according to others, while I watched them carry out the very behaviors they spoke out against. I learned with much hurt that I could not trust my so-called "Christian" friends and teachers. I questioned how the Bible could be the "Word", as they say, with an infinite number of interpretations that could be sculpted to suit anyone's agenda (and they say there is no one definition for Wicca!). I wanted an environment where women were treated equally. I questioned why a loving God ruled by threats and judgements. I wanted the freedom to experience the Divine Spirit myself, and not believe based on someone else's testimony or the threat of "going to hell". So, I went searching.

Wicca does not coming knocking on your door. You seek it. Wicca is a participatory religion, and you take an active role in creating your life. The Wiccan Rede, "Do What You Will and Bring Harm To None, when followed as Spirit intended, provides the guidance to make wise decisions. True Wiccans are non-judgemental and have proven to be more trustworthy, as least in my experiences, than others outside the circle. My life completely changed for the better and has continued to do so since I became Wiccan. These are just some of the reasons I became and remain a Witch and there isn't anything anyone can say that will ever change my mind. And if there is an eternal hell,I'll take my chances.

I have vowed not to dispute or debate about any religion, including Wicca, because anyone passionate and knowledgeable about their chosen spiritual path can find ample historical information and examples (however extreme, inflated or unbelievable) to support their views and build their case against another religion. It is an unproductive conversation. There is no one right religion. And it is all contingent on one thing, faith! I will, however, share my own knowledge and experiences with Wicca and to identify and build on religious commonalities, such as faith in a higher power and exercising that faith in our own unique ways for the greater good. However, what I have realized is that more main stream religions refuse to acknowledge that all spiritual paths even have commonalities. Aknowledging that we are connected by being humans with the same needs and desires deflates their arguments against Wicca and other alternative paths.

There will always be misunderstandings about Wicca because if you don't practice it you will ever experience what we call ,the Mysteries. They just don't get it and they never will.

Living the Magickal Life,

Sage NightStar