Pagan Journeys

General Topics => General Chat => Topic started by: Mongo on October 31, 2013, 07:01:03 AM

Title: Witches versus Witches.
Post by: Mongo on October 31, 2013, 07:01:03 AM
Quote
http://religion.blogs.cnn.com/2013/10/30/for-some-wiccans-halloween-is-a-real-witch/?hpt=hp_c2

Basically the article is talking about how some Wiccans (witches) are kvetching about the fact that Halloween exists since a popular icon of the secular holiday is the pointy-hat-wearing, green-skinned, hairy mold sporting witch.

So...is the Wiccan community really up in arms over the whole portrayal of the Halloween witch? Or did CNN just find someone with a broomstick jammed up their ass who would complain about it so CNN could get more ratings (and therefore more ad revenue)?

Discuss.
Title: Re: Witches versus Witches.
Post by: Summerhawk on October 31, 2013, 07:15:40 AM
I definitely think it's that second one. The unfortunate thing is that the "stick up the arse" syndrome has seeped in to the pagan mindset. This whole, "I'm offended by this, that, and the other thing just because I don't have anything more productive to focus on, and I just want to be angry about something" attitude that is an absolute plague in this world is seriously disconcerting. Is anyone complaining that the secular icon for Christmas is an old, extremely overweight, man who smokes, and who's taste in clothing needs some tweeking? "If it don't apply, let it fly". But, the media does need it's fodder.
Title: Re: Witches versus Witches.
Post by: dragonspring on October 31, 2013, 08:48:08 AM
I definitely think it's that second one. The unfortunate thing is that the "stick up the arse" syndrome has seeped in to the pagan mindset. This whole, "I'm offended by this, that, and the other thing just because I don't have anything more productive to focus on, and I just want to be angry about something" attitude that is an absolute plague in this world is seriously disconcerting.
Agree totally with this.
Title: Re: Witches versus Witches.
Post by: Crystal Dragon on October 31, 2013, 12:01:43 PM
I'll third that!  Drag a camera anywhere and some idiot with an opinion will be completely happy making an ass of themselves for those 15 minutes of fame.   :brickwall:
Title: Re: Witches versus Witches.
Post by: BronwynWolf on October 31, 2013, 03:18:15 PM
Not only do I agree with the Hawk, there are just some people who don't get the concept of EVOLUTION, or the myriad of traditions that go into modern holiday practices, no matter what the holiday.
Title: Re: Witches versus Witches.
Post by: earthmuffin on October 31, 2013, 03:35:52 PM
Not only do I agree with the Hawk, there are just some people who don't get the concept of EVOLUTION, or the myriad of traditions that go into modern holiday practices, no matter what the holiday.

:yeahthat: Halloween (and the Halloween witch) existed long before Wicca did.
Title: Re: Witches versus Witches.
Post by: dragonspring on October 31, 2013, 05:30:59 PM
I think that people have always been at least half afraid of witches, that whole fear what you don't understand thing.  I am not so sure some outraged "out of the closet" Pagans are going to change how most people view us no matter how much energy they waste in the process.

Title: Re: Witches versus Witches.
Post by: Summerhawk on October 31, 2013, 05:36:29 PM
I think that people have always been at least half afraid of witches, that whole fear what you don't understand thing.  I am not so sure some outraged "out of the closet" Pagans are going to change how most people view us no matter how much energy they waste in the process.

That's the problem with any religion, or path. The idiots are always the loudest.
Title: Re: Witches versus Witches.
Post by: vordan on October 31, 2013, 10:07:49 PM
I pretty much agree with the others on this, the only thing I wanted to add is that the Halloween witch actually is pretty appropriate if you understand the concept of the season. It is the season of the Crone beginning so Crone depictions are very apt. In general people get all worked up about lots of things that are not important. As long as nobody is trying to behead me, stone me, or burn me for being a witch I am good with what people do. The killing of people for being witches still goes on in some places in this world actually, especially Muslim areas.
Title: Re: Witches versus Witches.
Post by: Summerhawk on October 31, 2013, 10:34:45 PM
I pretty much agree with the others on this, the only thing I wanted to add is that the Halloween witch actually is pretty appropriate if you understand the concept of the season. It is the season of the Crone beginning so Crone depictions are very apt. In general people get all worked up about lots of things that are not important. As long as nobody is trying to behead me, stone me, or burn me for being a witch I am good with what people do. The killing of people for being witches still goes on in some places in this world actually, especially Muslim areas.

Exactly!
Title: Re: Witches versus Witches.
Post by: shadowewolf on November 05, 2013, 10:15:49 PM
 :yeahthat: I saw this on facebook and as I posted there: Reverent Mirth and Mirthful Reverence folks. if people wanna put up figures of the Crone let em!
Title: Re: Witches versus Witches.
Post by: bearusgregoria on December 15, 2013, 12:06:15 PM
its just my personal opinion but people seem to stereotype everything nowadays and this is a direct result of the ignorance of men at such a deep lvl. Of course most people would rather make fun of witches than to perhaps take a leap of faith on their own due to the fear of the unknown. and i agree that calling santa for what he is makes his symbol yet another stereotype. maybe one day we will all be on the same page
Title: Re: Witches versus Witches.
Post by: dragonspring on December 15, 2013, 07:16:35 PM
Don't even get me started on the Santa thing.  As a Heathen, I know that Santa is Odin in his Grey Wanderer aspect.  He was even tall and trim until he started drinking Coca-Cola.   :whistle:
Title: Re: Witches versus Witches.
Post by: Summerhawk on December 15, 2013, 09:01:40 PM
Don't even get me started on the Santa thing.  As a Heathen, I know that Santa is Odin in his Grey Wanderer aspect.  He was even tall and trim until he started drinking Coca-Cola.   :whistle:

 :rotflmao:
Title: Re: Witches versus Witches.
Post by: Mongo on December 19, 2013, 01:12:38 PM
Don't even get me started on the Santa thing.  As a Heathen, I know that Santa is Odin in his Grey Wanderer aspect.  He was even tall and trim until he started drinking Coca-Cola.   :whistle:

Like this...

(http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MJkOPPc1uS8/UVSHhtAXYWI/AAAAAAAAAWM/l0kxyCwMyPA/s1600/odin+the+wanderer.jpg)

And here's a nice Wiki article segment (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Santa_Claus#Germanic_paganism.2C_Odin.2C_and_Christianization) about it.