Results: "Oh Lord, Please Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood"

One misconception is that witches are evil. The negative connotations of witchcraft have led its followers to stop referring to themselves as witches and go by "Wiccans" instead. Wicca opposes the use of negative, harmful magic and discourages people from hurting others physically or emotionally, according to "Wicca for Life". Wiccans believe in the ethical guideline called the "Threefold Law," which states that whatever a person wishes upon someone else returns to them three times over. Do you believe that witches are evil?

Another misconception is that Wicca is NOT a religion. Wicca is recognized by the U.S. government as an official religion, with the observation of Wiccan holidays varying from state to state. For example, the New Jersey Department of Education recognizes eight Wiccan holidays (including Mabon, which marks the beginning of autumn and is celebrated Sept. 23) and excuses Wiccan children from attending school on those days. Although it's based on ancient beliefs, including aspects of paganism and nature-based spirituality, Wicca is not an ancient religion, but was founded by anthropologist Gerald Gardner in the early 1950s. Were you aware Wicca is considered a religion?

Often confused with Satanists, followers of Wicca do not believe in the devil. The concepts of the devil and hell are part of Christian theology and have never existed in the Wiccan religion, according to "Wiccan Beliefs and Practices". Wiccans also do not believe in one almighty God, but in many gods and goddesses. This places Wicca in the same category as Buddhism and Hinduism as a polytheistic religion. Do you associate witches with Satan?

Since Wicca is a nature-based religion, followers are encouraged to respect all living things. Wiccans make sacrifices or offerings to their chosen deities, but these offerings are usually bread, fruit, wine or flowers, and never animals. In fact, Wiccans love and respect all living creatures. That 'eye of newt and toe of frog' stuff is nonsense," according to "The Wicca Handbook". Do you associate witchcraft with animal sacrifice?

I personally know two friends who follow Wicca, and both of them are lovely, kind, giving women. Do you personally know anyone who follows Wicca?