david hobbs
|
How ManyI was just wondering how wide spread and popular witchcraft is in this country.
Are there any figures on the subject?
|
Raymond
|
In short, No.
We'll have to wait for the next census in 2011. The problem at the last census is that people were putting in the religion box things like "Druid" "Wiccan" "Witch" "Heathen" etc.
There's a big push currently by the Pagan Federation for everybody who identifies with a pagan spirituality to write "Pagan", then we'll get a better idea of how many of us there are so we can start applying for recognition.
It's believed however, that Wicca is the fastest growing religion in Britain, America, Western Europe and Australia.
I wonder how old Uncle Gerald would feel about that.
|
david hobbs
|
I recon Uncle Gerald would be pretty chuffed really.
|
Raymond
|
Really? I'm not so sure.
|
david hobbs
|
Why do to many moderns wear to many cloths?
|
Raymond
|
What???
That looks like a Waffle King post.
|
david hobbs
|
Don't you think he would be pleased with the way things are done these days?
|
Raymond
|
No not really. I think he always wanted it kept within a select few. He was very much in favour of secrets being passed on from one Witch to another.
Today there are no secrets. Any fool with a computer or within walking distance of a book shop can learn all there is to know about the craft.
I think he would have wanted it to be more 'closed', like the masons.
|
david hobbs
|
Any fool can buy a bible but it doesn't mean they will be a good Christian.
To me a witch has to be able to work with power or there not a witch regardless of how much twaddle they have read in books.
Which incidentally changes from year to year.
|
Raymond
|
Yes it's very true what you say. But a lot of these people buying these books end up in a lot of trouble and people like me have to get them out of it.
When I first joined a coven I was told secrets that only a few knew. I t was special. I felt I belonged to something special.
I literally used to wake up each day a feel part of a secret world. I would wake up with the birds and hear them sing and smile and think to myself "I know what they're singing about"
I know this all sounds very twee but it was true.
In the last 10 years or so I have seen all these secrets splashed all over some terrible books and dreadful websites.
I don't feel that connection anymore. I'd give anything to feel like that again.
|
david hobbs
|
Perhaps it's time to move on.
|
Raymond
|
To what?
I could never leave paganism. It's just too 'right' while everything is so 'wrong'.
I have been feeling pulled towards Druidry of late though.
|
david hobbs
|
I suppose the question is, what are you looking for?
Not just you're question but everyones question.
For instance, what makes you happier. Having someone close who you can talk to about anything, or being a witch.
I feel that it is so easy to give ourselves an identity. I am this or I am that.
Once you have done that where is there to go from there.
I went through the phase of feeling special, and witnessing, and living through incredible events.
At the end of the day I still wonder what is next and feel restless.
It is never enough.
It's like that for some people I guess. I know it is for me.
|
|
|
