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Date Posted: 10:00:35 10/19/06 Thu
Author: purplegrrl
Subject: Re: hmmmm
In reply to: Trev 's message, "Re: hmmmm" on 04:40:49 10/19/06 Thu

Unfortunately, I think there is still some generalization and/or labeling going on here. This is a very slippery slope to stand on.

There are many cultural, political, and socio-economic issues that influence the terms "witch", "magician", etc.

During the period of the Inquistion, almost everyone who didn't follow the strict doctrine/belief system of the Roman Catholic Church of the time was labeled a witch and/or someone who trafficked with the devil. The "accused" included village healers, wise women, and people who had slightly different beliefs about God (such as the Cathars). Sure, there were probably some real practioners of witchcraft that were also executed, but they represent the vast minority.

Similarly, the Knights Templar were accused of being satan worshippers and magicians. This accusation gave the pope and the king of France the excuse to destroy the order. Although there are several theories about exactly why this execution happened, the most likely is that the Templars were considered a political and economic threat. In addtion, the Templars had secret initiation rites that could be conveniently demonized to suit the accusers' purposes.

If you asked the "man on the street" what a magician is, they would probably tell you that is someone like David Copperfield. Not someone who delves into the "occult" and "dark forces".

Not to mention that the word "occult" doesn't necessarily mean a bad thing. Looking it up in the dictionary, you get "eclipse", "mysterious", "not easily understood", "concealed", "involving the actions or influence of the supernatural".

As to "witches" understanding "karmic energy":
I think alot of what we (as a society) believe to be true of "witches" has been handed down from the Inquistion, as well as being influenced by popular culture (such as the TV series "Charmed"). As I understand it, understanding karmic energy is also part of the Buddhist religion. But that doesn't mean that Buddhists are witches.

I know this response rambles a little. I'm just trying to point out that your reasoning may be faulty concerning the labels of "witch", "magician", etc.

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Replies:

  • Furthermore . . . -- purplegrrl, 10:15:13 10/19/06 Thu
  • at last -- Trev (relieved), 01:04:45 11/10/06 Fri
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