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I was watching a show with some friends last night and I saw how misunderstood people who are Wiccan can be. To me they were a very loving family with a strong spiritual relationship. To others they were worshipers of satan. What do you think of this misconception?

i think that (no offence to the christians of this site)christians have made foolish clames to you wiccans and make everybody think such things because they say they're the oldest and all this stuff about christ so nobody knows what to believe so dont worry to much about it your not the only one

I was watching this show last night though and had never thought too much about the difficulties people who choose this path must face. It was neat to see some people come to observe there religious ceremony and to hear their thoughts afterwards. Many of them said it felt very warm and spiritual and they felt bad for their previous misguided assumptions.

Wiccans are just the newfound version (or cheap) of pagan.

Personally, i like to stick to the older ways.

To all those who are wiccan, i apologise but it is my view.

I am not really sure. All I do know is that many religions will claim they are the correct ones and that everyone else is evil and will even kill to try and prove it, although they prove nothing.

i have a friend who claims to be a wiccan but im not sure all i know is that you could not ask for a better friend than her

Since that post was removed let me explain. I don't want anyone to assume that I am Wiccan. I was not raised that way. I wanted this post to focus more on misguided assumptions towards those who believe in something different or not mainstream.

Just out of curiousity, are you consider Wikka?

No. It's an interest. But I don't know enough about it to claim that I am at all.

like with anything people dont understand, they just assume the worst

I agree and it's so very unfortunate. I like to learn about everything before I judge.

As STABB666 pointed out the discussion of religion must always take care not to descend into the point of bashing or ridiculing someone elses faith.

I myself am a Christian, that being said, I think that the path I follow is the correct one FOR ME. That does not mean that those who are not on the same path are "evil", "Devil worshipers" etc. I accept Wiccans and Pagans for what they are, people who focus their worship on nature and the divinity of nature.

I think most of the misunderstanding is due to ignorance. Some people are just so closed minded that anything "different" must be "Evil" or "bad". In some instances, these beliefs are drilled into their minds by so called "religious leaders" who seek only to control the thoughts of the masses.

The only way we can become a more open and accepting world is for people to learn and judge for themselves about how those other than themselves are.

Ya people need to learn as much as they can before they should pass judgment. Me I do not know that much about most religions. So I can neutral all the way. Well so long as they do not try ton convert me.

But my best friend is wiccan. So I know it is not evil.

I agree it's ignorance. I want to learn more, I doubt I'd convert, I just like to be educated.

This Wiccan/Pagan family was so sweet on this show about unique families. They seemed almost closer than my family. It was touching. It was also sad to see them so ousted by soceity, although most changed there minds.

Thank you for bringing this out in the open. I am Wiccan, and I see the good in it, and I can also see how some people don't agree with it. The people who don't like it, and who think it's devil-worship are the ones who don't know much about it or don't understand what they've heard.

This doesn't only happen with people who are Wiccan. I've seen people that are Agnostic labeled as "satanic" as well. Most people are so narrow-minded and stereotypical that they seem to think it's their way or no way.

I agree with KCRC, most of the opinions of those who are wiccan are from ignorance. There is a long history of mistrust and misunderstanding

Media portrayal has a lot to do with it as well. Witches are seen as scary, ugly, evil ...anyone who doesn't know what Wicca or Witchcraft is truly about is led to form their own conclusions based on what they've seen on television/movies/etc. It's the same with any other "alternative" lifestyle choice.

judgement goes a little far. They dont even research it for themselves.

Yet again, people fear what they dont understand.

I dont care what people think of me or my religion, if i sat around caring about what people thought of me i wouldent have time for anything else...

People fear what they do not understand. Plus it is portrayed as dark and mysterious which can be frightening. Look at the movies we like, a lot of "evil" things go on, its just depends on what you believe.

people shouldnt judge a wiccan if they dont know them... my b/f is wiccan and he`s great.... inside and out.... all i can say is dont get on his bad side... for this is true... something always happens to them and thats no lie....
Love A Wiccan I Do... Witch`s Do It Best

Unfortunately, many other religions find it pretty hard to accept Wiccans.

Have to agree with you on that one Indigo, I was raised to believe in a christian mindset, but for me, my heart and path have changed and I now follow a wiccan path. There is nothing wrong with following whatever belief system that you have. Just because not everyone believes or agrees with you does not change a thing. People will always dislike and or distrust what they do not understand.

XXgoddessXofXtheXnightXX, MsDutchess, and MistressMoonlight all have touched on a good point.

Hollywood portrays most religions in the wrong light. That piece of crap "The Wicker Man" is a good example.

A fair handed treatment of Celtic culture and the Druids was Warrior Queen by Masterpiece Theater.

Other religions get it to - like all Buddhist Monks have black belts in Kung Fu and can fly around and kick butt.

were you watching trading spouses??? lol sorry thats what touched a nerve with me when they had a christian mom trade places with a wiccan mom... The christian mom was insane! and very unchristianlike.. in my opinion..
I myself am Pagan and I sometimes tend not to let it be known.. esp where i live .. (in the bible belt)...
It is not all christiants .. but some who give others a bad name.. i am sorry for you that are not as judgemental and full of fear ...
I am a Pagan, i do NOT sacrifice chickens on a full moon nor do I plan on sacrificing my children! lol So many people assume so much when they hear Pagan or Wiccan.. its stupid... They are fine with me until i tell themm or when i feel like i am comfortable enough to tell them.. but then one out of 3 tend to break away.. the other two.. will ask questions and tell me what they have been told or taught when they werwe younger about Paganism and Wiccans...

It's human nature to fear that which we do not understand. So People fear wiccans because they don't understand, therefore they set off a defense, giving the religion a bad name. I personally don't believe that any religion is "the right one." but that's my choice and I respect other people's choices. I don't agree with the way people of other religions tell others what is right and what is wrong.

i hate this misconception most of all, even my parents believe this misconception

It's very sad how the Wiccan, Pagan etc religions are so misunderstood. A friend was telling me not too long ago, our Junior High (I'm in Highschool, so thank any deity that it doesnt apply to me) banned HIM symbols and Wiccan symbols because they looked too much like the symbol of Satan or are evil or some stupid rot.

TheatresDesVampires I could see it being banned from school. Just it then should be all such things should banned.

Well Law, I'm one for free expression, whether it be wearing your religious pendants to wearing your favorite band t-shirt. I think if they're going to be banned, then Christians and Catholics shouldn't be allowed to wear crosses, or Jewish people be allowed to have the Star of David or Islamics have the Star and Crescent. It just doesn't make sense to me as to why they need to ban these things. It doesn't hurt anyone and it's very ignorant of them to just assume that the symbol is evil.

they worship the gods and the goddess and the natural elements of the earth. they don't worship satan!!!!!!

When I first began my spiritual path in Witchcraft I will admit to being very bitter and resentful of Christians(not all, just the ones that were telling me i was going to hell if I didn't believe their way).
The way I look at it now as I have grown, I cannot hate Christians or any religion, I have to show tolerance to all beliefs in order to receive that same respect.
We don't have to agree with each others beliefs, we only have to respect that it is what we have chosen for ourselves and how to live our life.

TheatresDesVampires what I was meaning all or nothing is how it should be. Giving some the ability to do it while other cannot is just bad.

Truly it should be all, but if you think some are evil then all should be evil in schools (if you think about it it at least keeps it on the same level for every one).


Like I said I do not care what people believe so long as they do not try and make me believe what they believe. I have friends from all over the place when it comes to that. Plus I have never been a part of such a thing as of yet (and what I am thinking about going into I know I am going to need to hide at least fully for a while).


As I think I heard someplace. Do not diss me and I wont diss you.

i was raised roman catholic and the belief system was and is (same as christian) not to believe in any other religions really.... im not bashing what i am or who anyone else is..... but people have to understand that what we are raised to believe is not always the best.

I am studying wiccan right now and from what i have been reading it is so different then what i have been taught by the roman catholic church. i mean if i were to mention any of what im learning to my grandparents i would be disowned by them. but like anyone if you feel strongly enough about things and learn before you judge you are not doing anything wrong. i dont condemn because you believe in buddah why should you for me believing in god or gods and goddesses people just put misconceptions into things because they know nothing about these things.

I for one do have a couple of friends who are indeed Wiccan and they are the best "down-to-earth" people that I ever met. I am also in a coven where the majority of the members are in fact Wiccan also. I have not once been led to believe that any one of them are devil worshipers or demonic Antichrists. I will however admit that These people do seem to get aggravated in trying to explain this to people, seeing as how they can barely get a word in when they are being shunned by mainstream beliefs.

being a 3rd gen. wiccan, i can assure i never have worshiped satan. as there is no such person in my craft. we worship the earth and sky and water, all the trees and elements. are sabbats are fun and no we don't sacrifice kids or goddess forbid..eat them! study up on us. we're harmless!

It seems to me it is a very harmless, sweet natrued religion.
What about the black side of witch craft? How does that come in to play?

As a pagan and a Wiccan the misconception, however crazy, doesn't bother me any more. As a Wiccan, we worship nature and the forces there in. Although I believe in a mixture of philosophies, satanism of an evil being or self worship, is not a part of it.

The term Wicca is a modern western interpretation of witchcraft, and a Wiccan is one who practices Wicca. Wiccans often call themselves witches. Wicca is one belief system within what is called Neo-Paganism. Wicca is generally described as a Nature/Spiritual & enlightenment Religion.

The term Witchcraft (and witch) is a controversial one with a complicated history. Used in entirely different contexts, and within entirely different cultural references, it can take on distinct and often contradictory meanings. Each culture has its own particular body of concepts dealing with magic, religion, benevolent and spirits, and ritual; and these ideas do not find obvious equivalents in other cultures.

Both ways of life can be used differently, some wiccans/pagans etc use black magic which is associated with satan/the devil/dark magic/evil etc...but some wiccans/pagans etc use white magic which is good/spiritual/enlighted magic...its used to help people, clear bad energy, heal etc!

WellI am Wiccan and my family is considered one of the nice group of people you want to meet. My thought is that Like in all religions you have your pros and cons, good and bad. It is just how one is taught or choose to be either good or bad just an opinion... :)

And thanks to everyone who has posted thus far. I'm learning alot!

I hate it. I am not Wicca, but once was and ecspecially then it still bothered me.

People fear what they don't know. If something seems different what they know as "right", they will only assume that it is bad. I won't use any examples, for fear that I will be crushed by an admin, lol.

I would honestly like to find out how the misconception started, however long ago it was, about Wicca and how it became categorized with witchcraft and let's not forget devil worship.

Consider that all the mainstream religions have a racket going. You go on Sunday and maybe once or twice during the week. Each time the hat, bowl, plate, etc. is passed, and donations are collected. The mainstreamers have a vested interest in attacking all the outsiders.

The last thing in the world the mainstreamers want is for everyone to find out for themselves that they can communicate with their divinity without the assistance of organized religion. Imagine that!

Well to really put it in perspective, Most if not all of the major religions have been looked down on or worse, Early Christians were feed to Lions, The Muslim were drivin from their home and hunted, I could go on but you get the idea, People will ALWAYS "attack" what they don't understand out of fear...

All religions get vilified and persecuted. It the way people have always reacted to that which they don't understand unfortunately.

being Wiccan I can say that most people do not understand us and naturally assume the worst. Human nature is to fear what you do not know and understand. My group that i belong to does alot of good. We help to support a local food pantry. Also every month we try to find a charity that may be of personal interest to one of our members and try to raise money to contribute in the name of our group. We are trying to show that people who practice Wicca are not evil.

so2283,

that is more then i heard some people do in this mainstream religions do now.

happy to hear you do that....

In all honesty, I think that there's always going to be a misconception when it comes to wiccans and those who do not understand the religion. I believe people who are misguided are those that associate wiccans with satan worshippers. Although we all know that is not the case. I think wiccans are more tuned in with Nature and practice their religion.

I have heard that the pagan religion predates christian religion. And maybe since they did not understand people back then, and have always associated them with satan, then maybe all of their fears and superstitions have carried over to our modern society, and so they accuse modern day wiccans with the devil as well.

yes people again as was said if theydo not understand it they fear it or make up what they want others to believe it is even if that is not truth. This happened to the Wicca religion and now it is earning its place as a religion "which it is" in many states.. even mine :)

I still don't understand how people get that concept of wicca. People who worship satan are called satanists......they should get the picture. It isn't just christianity.....It's all sects...of religion......It seems that if you don't worship the sky then your unholy. Because I worship trees I am demonistic? Because I appreciate the life energy of this world....I am labeled evil.......I can never understand that.
Of course I'm sure if I jumped in front of a car to save a puppy.....I'd still be condemned to hell......So I'm not to worried about this.

I love all these intelligent, informational responses. I love that your group does charity work SO. People need to quite letting there ignorance feed into fear. Fear is so harmful.

I am wiccan, and we worship the same God as everyone who believes in God does. We believe everything has a spirit, plants and animials. We believe do no harm to none. Noone should ever judge someone on their religious beliefs, for we all worship in different ways.

I have never felt the peace that I feel since beginning my spiritual path with witchcraft. Never had such confidence. Such empowerment. I don't need to go thru a church or a preacher to talk to God/Goddess.

I am glad to hear you are all so happy.
I agree that judging people on there beliefs is ridiculous! It's like Hitler not liking people due to certain gene linked traits and killing them because of it.
Without diversity life would be so boring! I just want people to do what makes them happy as long as they don't hurt others.

I am happy in my journey. Wicca has opened my mind, heart and spirituality. It is not for everyone, and I do respect those who have a different aspect of their own religion.

Oh. My. God. Those misconceptions are such horseshit. I am personally not a devoted Wiccan (yet), but I know a fair amount to answer this question, and probably quite a few more. Wicca has absolutely nothing to do with Satan, however many people assume it has. To me, Wicca is a kind-hearted religion based on harmony. Everyone has a different depiction of Wicca, but Satan is definitely not a plausible opinion. Eyi.

Yes, we are kind hearted and very spiritual as Wicca goes I have been taught to respect all religions and it would be nice if the rest of the world could do the same. We are all different and we all have different belief, if it works for you then so be it. I feel everyone needs to have faith in something and I respect that. So maybe one day we can all respect others and their beliefs.

i personaly think it's rediculis how all the other "mainstream" religions claim that pagan based religions are evil and worship the devil. they dont understand and refuse to understand that we worship a greater being, god, goddess...ect ect.

I agree--christans have poluted peoples minds into thinking wiccans are satanic people who will be sent to hell. But in reality--they aren't, and it's not christan peoples right to judge if they will go to hell or they won't.

Wicca became associated with witchcraft and satanism with the birth of the male dominated medical profession in the west. it was considered in those days that medicine should be a wholly male dominated guild, and the power and influence of the village wise woman / midwife was seen as a threat. even today the accepted medical profession does all it can to discredit alternative therapies and healing, despite the fact that the efficacy of pharmaceuticals is also quite debateable.

i think its manily that people are scared of what they arent used to. if you were raised up aroung guns then you are less likely to fear them, rather you understand them and respect them. well people have the same concept about religions i believe.

I agree with what you guys are saying. Most people will judge before they get to know or understand someone else's religion.

There is a huge misunderstanding of what Wiccan is, I believe, primarily because of television and movies.

i used to be wiccan a while ago. i know satan is not even remotely related to the practices of wicca. pagan religions strongly believe in the law of three (aka karma)--whatever you send out comes back to you threefold.

while i was a devoted wiccan, i learned to ignore the accusations from those who didnt understand my beliefs. its not really their fault; thats just what they were taught to believe. beliefs are hard to change. the christian religion teaches its followers to look down upon pagans. they brainwash innocent people into thinking that christianity is the one and only "right" religion, and anyone who isnt christian is a follower of satan.

stupid, isnt it?

There is wide spread misconceptions about most non-Christian religions. Be it Wiccan or Pegan, Muslim or Budist.

Considering the vast number of Christians in the main stream of socity there really is quite the number of misconceptions out there as to what these NON-Christian religions are about and they base every thing on fear of the unknow just as they did in the dark ages.

the fundamental reigion was wicca before all of the "main stream" religions took over and wicca was looked at as something unnatural because people didnt understand. that and they needed a skape goat for things they couldnt explain.

I believe that Wiccans are good people. They do nothing but good. Just like a doctor that vow to never do harm.

This is a really sensitive subject for me
(ask any of my friends, I must have lectured them a million times) And I always want to go into lecture mode when I hear of people relating wicca with satanism.
I've studied both, and they're nothing alike.

I think its sad that, because of the catholic church (no offence to catholics) many people beleive that wicca is this horrid practice where we saccrifice virgins and eat babies.
(We dont need a religion for that, it's friday night ;)
Yes; that WAS a joke.)

Thats all I'm going to say on this subject, because I'm going to end up posting a novel if I keep typing.

It makes me sad how people can't tolerate someone being different from their ideal norm.

Do you remember that poor guy who got beaten to death because he was gay? Fear of the unknown and ignorance make people kill. Like in the old days when witches were killed too. It's so sad. It is a big world with lots of room, just too many small minds.

wiccans are just as human as you and me the way I look at it is that it is just another religeon.

i was wiccan for a good year or more i think that people dont understand it but yet they i guess have a fear of looking into it maybe afraid they might see or read something that intrests them and i think we all know people fear what they dont understand

most misconceptions can be attributed to the christians subdueing of pagan relgions back when rome started conquering the world and trying to have only one relgion.

But hollywood has also played a large factor as well. The found witchcraft and wiccan and easy target to create use as a "evil " thing because most people didn't know what it was. The US is a very pro christian country and anthing that isn't christian ( for most people0 get turned into something evil.

When ignorance controls what people know and think things get twisted and propaganda starts. Ex look at the way most americans look at islam and the koran since 9/11

And one more point. The early christians started alot of propaganda against any religion that was matriarchal in nature

Anything shrouded in darkness can be painted in a negative light. All that really matters is how the people in power feel. It shouldn't be that way be it is.

What is not understood by mainstream society will always be looked at in the wrong way. They will make it evil or wrong.

Wiccan, oh man have I learned something about this subject since my VR days, and I always believed before they were a society of tree huggers!

I thoink its unfortunate that people are so judgemental about Wiccans without learning the true facts!

I am disgusted that someone would even suggest that Wicca had anything to do with the Devil. With the rules that we follow I am floored to think people would associate it with Satan worship.

Bizarre, I wouldn't of even thought Wiccan had anything to do wiht the devil... I am surprised at that.

haha of course the wicca has nothing to do with the devil *lol* People know nothing, like always, they just fear form the unkown

People find it easier to fear and hate something. That they don't understand. They refuse to change their point of view. The world is full of hate and ignorance.

It always has been, Seems different forms of ignorance and hate are sprouting up every day!

Smiles, well I am happy I liven this conversation up! yes, you are all so right unless you have knowledge on a subject you shouldn't really second guess it.

I have always been interested in wiccan and things along that line, I think that this is a really interesting post.

I have studied for a while in wicca and yes its a difficult path. But then yet all religions are difficult paths to tread. For the path to enlightenment is not an easy path and is justly meant to be that way.

As for the satan worshipping aspect that is narrowmindedness.... and I walk away from these people if they are not willing to listen to the truth.

Accutally when this sterotype came up i was really, sad. I really dislike being called a "Satan Worshiper" I'll leave that title to the Santanists. Satanism is monothiestic or they worship one god. Wiccanism is different, we worship many gods.

i think so many titles are being misunderstood to the point where it is rediculaus

ignorance leads to fear of the unknown...unfortunatley those who dont take the time to open thier minds assume something is wrong or evil...

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