| Archive for Ghost Hunters Extraordinaire paranormal investigations ghost and ufo forum |
| david hobbs |
Are you a witchI was wondering what attracts people to witchcraft.I have spoken to women who have worked spells and would deny vehemently that they were practising witchcraft, but to me that is exactly what they are doing. Is it that they want to be apart from the crowd or perhaps a desire to be seen as someone special? Or is it something else perhaps? Do we all have a bit of the witch in us just waiting to surface? |
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| swanlady |
I would dearly love to become a witch but have not the foggiest idea where to begin. 
A white witch btw 
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| Raymond |
I daresay there's an element of 'being different' in it but it's much more than that.
When I read my first book on Witchcraft I had an over-whelming sense of 'coming home'. The more I read the more I found myself. For the first time in my life I found something to which I felt I truly belonged. You don't need to be a Witch to perform spellcraft Mr. Hobbs. Swanny, there is no such thing as a White Witch. |
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| swanlady |
I stand corrected. I would like to find out more out more about witchcraft. |
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| david hobbs |
Two small points Swannie. You can learn from books and I am sure that anyone can ask what they need to know on here. And. Don't just agree with Raymond it ruins all of the fun. Jeez |
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| Fire_Dragon |
So you lot think spells work?
Why? Fire Dragon |
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| swanlady |
Why should,nt they work???? |
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| david hobbs |
And who is "you lot"? |
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| Raymond |
I don't think spells work, I know they work because I do them all the time. | ||||||
| Raymond |
Witchcraft isn't a 'colour', it just is. To say the craft is black or white usually implies it's either good or evil magick that's taking place. Magick in itself is neither good or evil. Think of it like electricity. It can be used to save a life or take a life. The same is true of magickal energy. It's what it is used for that defines whether or not it's good or bad. As for the terms White Witch and of course, Black Witch this implies a 'White Witch' does nothing but good, positive magick, while a 'Black Witch' does nothing but evil, negative magick. While there are people who certainly do consider themselves White Witches and Black Witches, I would say that people who label themselves in such a way probably aren't very good Witches at all. A successful Witch is one who probably would consider themselves a 'Grey Witch'. Life is rarely black or white, the same applies to the craft. Also Swanny, if you want to learn about the craft and you're a complete novice I would recommend you start with books by Kate West. They are an easy read and explain all the basics in a very no-nonsense, down to earth way. |
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| swanlady |
I,ll tke a look over the library tomorrow for the books. Failing that, i,ll take a trip to Waterstone book shop in Cardiff tomorrow.
I was thinking the same thing David. I have a sneaky feeling Fire dragon is either Jon Donnis or someone from his site. I may be wrong, but don,t think i am. |
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| Raymond |
I hope not! Those people are far too easy to take apart. I hope FD is someone who can at least put up a bit of a fight. |
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| david hobbs |
I am only too pleased if it is Jon or anyone come to that but I do like to understand what people are saying.
Sceptics are good and I know that myself and others on this forum like an awful lot of what Bad Psychics say and what they expose. Much better than talking to tree huggers and wide eyed spook chasers if you need a question answered they will usually be very informative but blunt. You cannot expect to go into a catholic church and shout sod the pope and be welcomed with open arms. |
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| Raymond |
Now he tells me! |
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| david hobbs |
Sorry mate I should have let you know.
It's the wine that gets them a bit stroppy. |
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| Raymond |
The wine is the only reason I go into churches. | ||||||
| david hobbs |
Swannie.
May I ask you why you would like to be a witch? |
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| swanlady |
Spells and magic have always intreigued me David.
Spells to help heal. Spells to help bring positives into someones lives where there is only negative. To connect with nature. It all gives me a good feeling inside. |
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| Raymond |
You definately need to read some Kate West, Swanny. | ||||||
| evergreen |
I think I may have some natural witch stuff here I'm fascinated by nature, herbs and healing and all that..... I'm extremely interested in the elements and had many experiences with different things that have made me wake up a bit. I honestly don't' know if I am or not does it really matter?
I don't particularly like labels- lots call me a witch though I have never given myself that title oh and I just love chanting no idea if that's eve related but I started to get the urge to do that about 4 years back and wow it feels great ha! |
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| Raymond |
You really can't be a Witch and not realise it EG. That's like saying "I think I'm a natural Catholic" - LOL!
you can certainly have a lot of psychic energy around you and learning the craft will help you channel that but the term 'natural Witch' is as much a myth as 'White Witch'. |
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| evergreen |
okay so a witch is something you choose to become is it? I honestly don't know I'm guessing you are saying it is like a life choice or a way of life.. | ||||||
| david hobbs |
I think that being a witch means to some people that you have learnt a useful working system based on the system's of witchcraft laid down by others.
A bit like being born into a Moslem family and growing up learning to be a good Moslem. I realised that I could use my mind on occasion to make things happen. Now that does not fit into any laid down system at all so it has no name. Perhaps this is when people mistakenly use the term Natural this or natural that. I think that is what Raymond is saying. |
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| Raymond |
To say you're a Witch means you practice and perform certain rituals and ceremonies at certain times that have been set down according to the tradition or path you follow.
These are usually only learned from other Witches by books they write or classes they run. You don't have to be a Witch to perform magick, be psychic or do readings. Some people certainly do have a natural talent for Witchcraft however, I think you have a natural talent for it EG as well as Lily. But having a natural talent doesn't make you a Witch in itself. There are certain procedures and things that must be learned and understood in order to call oneself a Witch. |
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| david hobbs |
Quote....You don't have to be a Witch to perform magick, be psychic or do readings
But do you need to be psychic to be a witch? |
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| Raymond |
No not at all. I know plenty of Witches who are about as psychic as a house brick. In fact, I know Witches who don't even do spellwork. They focus entirely on the religious side of of the craft. |
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| evergreen |
Ah thanks .... Its taken me a long while to stand up as a psychic a witch may be too much for me this life time ..... I understand that many enjoy the ritual side of it and the religion I'm pretty ignorant of things that have rules I've found
So when did your interest begin guys? I've heard David story about he might dragon which is fantastic .. what about you Raymond? |
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| Raymond |
Sorry EG I don't really understand what you're asking. | ||||||
| evergreen |
ha me not being clear Raymond when did you think.... I want to be a witch or I am a witch??? | ||||||
| Raymond |
Oh I see, well I was in a mediums development circle many, many years ago and one of the women in the group asked me if I was a Witch.
I thought she was joking. So she gave me a couple of books to read and without any exageration they changed my life. I recently posted somewhere on here that it was the first (and only) time in my life I felt I truly belonged to something. That's it really. I've never looked back since. |
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| evergreen |
So I may be a witch yet 
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| Raymond |
I think things will turn around for you when you move to the mainland EG. In more ways than one. | ||||||
| evergreen |
SO do I darling so do I ... all my furniture goes tomorrow it feels absolutely huge can you tell how excited I am ... I can't sleep
and typical Eryiel has just thrown up the hugest reddest chunkiest vomit ever (not too sure what to do with the mat and bedding no time to cleaning it all & move it one one day  ).. last time she was sick was the day we moved into this house ha! she must be purging
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| Lilly |
Swanny if you want books you can keep instead of library books,have a look at 'Amazon' you can get a good second hand one,or two---and not trying to jump on Raymond's toes, another good author,imo,is Rae Beth. |
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| Lilly |
E.G,HUNNY BUN, I didn't know you were moving!!!!! best of luck and leave all those vibes from the old place behind you. Are you going to Oz? | ||||||
| Raymond |
Ah yes, Rae Beth. I had forgotton about her. | ||||||
| evergreen |
oooh sorry Lily yes moved to the mainland....... tried so hard to leave the vibes behind me some of the crappy stuff appears to have followed but I feel just fantastic so all feels great :) actually some things I was going to bring actually broke on the trip or just before we left so they got tossed ha! |
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| beantighe |
I loved Rae Beth's Hedgewitch when I was just starting. It answers so many questions that novices have. Another very reputable author is Marion Green. Try her book A Witch Alone. But I think my favourite is anything by Teresa Moorey, especially her Beginner's Guide to series. The Witchcraft one was very helpful, although I think it's out of print now, although you can probably easily get a secondhand copy on Ebay.
Raymond is spot on - realising you are pagan is like a feeling of coming home. So many people have described it like that. Being pagan is a nature-centred spirituality, although you don't have to be pagan to love and honour nature. Being a Witch is a specific path within paganism; witches are usually pagan, but not all pagans are Witches. I'll stop now, before I thoroughly confuse you! 
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| Raymond |
It is confusing. I was trying to explain to somebody in work the other day about the differences between Witches, Wiccans, Heathens, Druids etc,...
I think what makes it so difficult are the differences are so small. Just tiny little differences that probably wouldn't stand out to the untrained eye. |
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| swanlady |
Please do explain. You have my interest in the differences. I really would like to understand. | ||||||
| Raymond |
Oh Swanny, it's difficult but here goes.
First of all we'll start with the Witches. Witches divide into two categories, 'Hereditary' and 'Neo'. Hereditary Witches claim to come from a witch family and learned their craft from parents, grandparents etc,. I say 'claim' because I am yet to meet an hereditary witch who can prove beyond doubt their family's heritage is in Witchcraft going back over a measurable length of time. I live in hope. Neo-Witches (like me) come to witchcraft at some point in their lives either from another religion or no religion at all. Wiccans follow the religion of Wicca. Wicca was born in the 1950's by a gentleman named Dr. Gerald Gardner. Gardner travelled all over the UK and pulled together all the folk customs and traditions that were left over from pre-Christian era. He filled in the gaps with a bit of Freemasonary, Ceromonial Magick and teachings from other writers on the subject and came up with Wicca. Druids are a mysterious bunch and pretty much keep their cards close to their chests but from what I've seen from Druid friends of mine they do pretty much the same thing as Witches but they seem to focus more on the religious, ceremonial and shamanistic aspects than Witches do. Heathens reject the idea of 'organised' religion and rules and follow the natural rhythms of nature and whatever feels natural to them. ALL of them are Pagans and all of them observe, worship and honour the cycles of the earth and moon. |
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| Taz |
I totally agree about Rae Beth and Marion Green and, as Raymond has already mentioned, Kate West has written some very good books. Re the pathways, I tend to describe myself as a Pagan and only if pressed do I use the word Witch: the way Raymond and Beantighe have already described it is spot on for me too!
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| Raymond |
I don't see 'being a Witch' as a religion - unlike all the others.
Being a Witch means you perform witchcraft, if a Witch stopped performing witchcraft he or she is then a pagan. Witchcraft is a way of life. It's more a knowledge than a religion. You have to have a certain knowledge to be a brain surgeon but brain surgery isn't a religion. Taz, you do witchcraft, (do work!) so therefore you are a witch. I don't mean to put you in a box old thing, but you are. |
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| beantighe |
Another thing is that pagans (well most of them anyway) see deity as dual, ie a god and goddess, rather than monotheistic and patriarchal. This is one thing that is virtually universal among pagans. That's why I could never get on with Christianity - it just didn't seem logical that one male god could create anything by himself. The way Christianity was presented to me, and forced down my throat from age 9, it seemed to me that this god was a widower, and this made him lonely and bored, and from the Bible stories I was taught, he was wrathful, vengeful and jealous too. Not a very nice character, I thought.
So when I discovered that pagans believe in a goddess, the Earth Mother, as well as a god, the Sky Father, and that these were seen as the archetypal Parents, the originators, suddenly everything made sense to me. For myself, I see the Earth as Mother, as she nurtures and provides for all her children, human, animal and plant. This is why caves and underground places were seen as so sacred by paleolithic peoples, because to them it was like journeying back into the womb of Mother Earth. When they buried their dead, they often covered them with red ochre, to symbolise the blood of birth. They returned their dead to Earth in preparation for rebirth, as everything in nature comes and goes in cycles. But the Earth Mother needs the Sky Father, represented by the Sun, as the fertilising and regenerative aspect, as without the sun to warm the earth, nothing would grow. Between them, these 'parents' provide the exact conditions necessary for life to flourish and perpetuate itself, as illustrated in the Gaia Hypothesis, which was first mooted by Lovelock and Ellis some decades ago. This posits that the Earth is a living organism which maintains itself in balance for the sustaining of life. Human beings have had what I think of as a pagan outlook for many thousands of years. They observed the positions and movements of sun, moon and stars, on which the first calendars were based, eventually resulting in such intricate constructions as Stonehenge. They had so much more knowledge than we can guess at, much of which was lost over the millennia because they were a non-literate people, which is not the same as illiterate. When Christianity came along, the old ways and knowledge was forced underground because of the persecutions, and over time became forgotten. Gardner did indeed invent modern Wicca, and in doing so he did today's pagans a great favour by making it accessible to people once more. But we have to remember that Wicca is not the only way, and something this structured and hierarchical might not be right for everyone. In any case, it is sometimes next to impossible for genuine seekers to find a safe, reputable teaching group or coven - and paganism has its charlatans, egotrippers and even crooks the same as any other group of individuals - so if it weren't for the many books available, and forums like this one, many people would never have the opportunity to learn and make any progress in order to choose the path and set of beliefs that are right for them. There is no dogma within paganism; just as no-one can lead your life for you, in the same way no-one can force a belief system onto anyone or tell them what spiritual path to follow. Ultimately, paganism cannot be taught; it has to be experienced, each in our own individual way. |
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| Raymond |
Very well said Beany. | ||||||
| Taz |
 you can 'box me' anytime you like sunshine!!!
I think of myself as a Pagan, subset - Witch if you get my train of thought. I am proud to be a Pagan and equally proud to be a Witch: I love doing 'work' but I just don't want to get into the constant 'oh do you do spells, then?' 'are you a White Witch or a Dark Witch' conversations.
Not from folk who really want to discuss things (I could do that for hours, trust me I could bore and waffle for England - Raymond, you know this to be true ) but from those who you know just want to ask you how they can hex their ex boyfriend or something like that.
When I say I am a Pagan, folk tend to leave me alone, unless they are really interested and then it goes on from there.
For me it is who I am, my way of life not something I am 'in to'.
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| Taz |
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| stardust2 |
Its hard to explain why I am a witch I just am and it feels right. | ||||||
| Raymond |
That's good enough reason too. I didn't realise you were a witch too SD. My, my, we do seem to be taking over a bit. |
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| stick and stones |
Magic is every where. 
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| Raymond |
It certainly is and everywhere is magick. | ||||||
| white wolf |
MERRY MEET AGAIN RAYMOND,JUST POPPED IN TO SAY I AGREE WITH YOU. BB WW |
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| Raymond |
Oh dear. You want to keep an eye on that. |
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| david hobbs |
Let me explain the rules here.
No one agrees with Raymond straight away. First you have to make him scream and stamp and foam a little around the mouth. Then you can say "OH I see what you mean now" and agree with him and not before. |
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| Raymond |
Well said Hobbs. | ||||||
| david hobbs |
Just looking after the best interests of the forum Raymond. | ||||||
| Diana |
Re: Are you a witch
A need for power and control over the things we cannot normally control. Also rituals are fun and the atmosphere they create is special. |
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| wackyjacky |
I think this is more correct....
I think its a natural part of everyone to some point. Working with nature? I think we all do to a certain extent but along the way, people were pulled further and further away from it over the years.. When I've read things here and there on witchcraft, it all sounds so natural... not sure about the spell casting though... maybe thats the form of praying that other religions do? Intent is everything eh? To me, witch doesn't mean bad like some think. There's probably a witch in me waiting to come out!!
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| Raymond |
Well, you've embraced your inner lesbian Wacky, why not the inner witch as well? |
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| wackyjacky |
you cheeky f***er!
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| swanlady |
you two having me laughing here.
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| Taz |
LOL
Coming out of the broom closet is so liberating......
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| david hobbs |
So lot's of reasons for being a witch and very telling.
If people want power then it is obvious they have non. If people want peace and love then they don't have those things in their lives. If people want to stand out as being different from the herd then thay are insignificant. Oh I love being a spoil sport. |
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| wackyjacky |
Don't you start as well Taz!
And ... David, such a apoil sport! Grrrr
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| Taz |
only joking matey
David, the fact is that anyone can buy a book on The Craft these days, get themselves a velvet cloak, a bit of bling and waft about saying they are special and have have powers, that they are different to everyone else or that they have come to spread harmony. Maybe some of these people are Witches and have found their way 'home', but there again maybe some of them have just watched too many episodes of Buffy or Charmed .
Being a Witch is not something many of us chose to be, a lot of folk run from the realisation that they are 'a bit weird' (thanks for that description Mum) as fast as their little (in my case !) legs will carry them. Eventually though, if you're meant to walk this path, The Goddess and The God will grab you by the scruff of the neck and put your feet firmly upon it!
Resistance is futile........
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| Raymond |
Well said Taz.
Hobbs is just pissed off because he lost at golf again today. |
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| david hobbs |
Yes so were's the helpful golf spell then matey I have a competition today.
Sorry if my comments seemed a little mean They were meant to be
So am I wrong. Nobody seemed to want to talk about the point i made. Take a look at your motives and tell me i'm wrong. |
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| Taz |
Ok, you're wrong!!!
Seriously, I wish I had a quid for every person I've met over the years who has said that they have a special 'gift', that they can trace their magickal lineage back hundreds of years or that they have unlimited 'powers' 
Usually, in The Craft as in all walks of life, those who make the most noise are the ones who have the least to say. This is one of the reasons I stopped going to certain well known Pagan gatherings: there are only so many times you can listen to velvet clad people intoning solemnly (and loudly) about their 'work' and how powerful they are! Good luck with the game today!!!! |
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| david hobbs |
Your'e no good
You are just as cynical as me so I can't even wind you up Bahh Oh thanks for the well wishing I am looking forward to a nice day out. Hope it doesn't rain |
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| Taz |
Me? Cynical? Surely not........!!!
Have a good day David
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| Raymond |
As with so many of your posts Hobbs I think I missed the point.
What was the point?
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| david hobbs |
The point was that lot's of insignificant people take on a personna in an attempt to make themselves somebodyinstead of being a nobody.
Or Peaceful Or to get noticed. It's not rocket science. |
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| Raymond |
Oh right.
Yes, I agree. |
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| david hobbs |
You can't just agree.
It's not fair.!!!!!! |
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| Raymond |
Well then pick a topic on which I can disagree!!!
With witches, spritualists, fortune tellers, ghost hunters, mediums and even among the 'professional sceptical' fraternity there are a large number of individuals who are, quite frankly, wankers. They involve themselves in these various arts to impress their mates down the pub and make themselves feel special. Fortunately they're fairly easy to spot and once you've told them what they want to hear they don't cause too much trouble. |
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| beantighe |
I agree with Taz and David inasmuch as there certainly are people (usually youngsters) who want to play dressy-up and waft around in yards of velvet, looking down their noses and acting superior. There are also those who want to be 'someone'. I've encountered all these types, and quite honestly, I would question even their 'pagan' credentials, never mind their 'witch' ones.
But amongst the rapidly-increasing numbers of those who might describe themselves as 'pagan' or even describe themselves in no way at all, there are those who go quietly about their ordinary daily business, have mundane jobs, raise their families, go to the supermarket, have all sorts of problems in their daily lives, just like anyone else, and yet there is something 'other' about them that you can't quite put your finger on - a certain light in the eyes, maybe, or a 'knowing', or something about them that attracts people like a magnet when they've got a problem and need to confide in someone who won't blab. As was asked earlier - I really think witches don't need to be psychic (although many are and do use their skills) but personally I think they do need to be empathic, and I think it is this ability which enables them to understand other people on a much deeper level, because they can connect and pick up on feelings or 'vibes' for want of a better word, even when the person is actually saying something quite different. Empaths are different to psychics - or is it just people's perception of what a psychic is that's different? Maybe an empath IS a psychic, and it's just another name for it? But anyway, that's my definition of an instinctive witch. And also, I believe a witch is there primarily to serve others in whatever capacity he or she can, like the village wisewoman of old. Others have, and still do, call me a witch. What do you think? |
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| Taz |
Have I told you lately how much sense you talk!!!!
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| beantighe |
Aww, bless!!
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| Taz |
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| sheelanagig |
I Like Terry Pratchett's Disc World Witches who use "Headology"
That is the category I would place myself in :) although I don’t dress up. Perhaps I am more like Magrat... hehe |
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| beantighe |
Granny Weatherwax, me - except that she doesn't like cats......... 
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| sheelanagig |
I absoultly love the Discworld witches and how they do not use their magic skills if possible, they just read a situation and act on it and people are so scared of them they do as they are told ....ROFL
Headology Rocks!!!!! |
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| Taz |
Disc World Rocks!!!
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| laura |
dont know anything about this Taz... got any links so i can have a read... sounds interesting.
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| Taz |
Do you mean Discworld Laura?
Here are a couple of links to some sites: http://www.terrypratchett.co.uk/ http://www.discworldmonthly.co.uk/ http://www.colinsmythe.co.uk/terrypages/tpindex.htm
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| laura |
cheers for that..... looks like my kinda read... i'll have to get me a copy!!
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