January 22, 2004

• Congrats to Jellybean71, the winner of last week’s word game.

  
  

  Vexillology is indeed the study of flags. This word is simply the melding of the Latin word “vexillum,” meaning flag, and the Greek “logo” meaning discourse or study.

  
  

  This means Joyous, SilverRavenKat, LasaGrl, and Jellybean71 each have one point.

  
  

  This week’s word is:  confrere (noun)

  
  

  Hint: You would probably meet one at work.

  
  

  Now remember, don’t look the word up, but try to come up with a definition. If you do know what it means all the better. Then use it in a sentence, paragraph, or short story. One-point for the closest definition and one for the most creative use. Post the solution on your blog, and I’ll link back to it when I choose the “winner.”

  
  

  **

  
  

  Now for something that irritates me to no end, and that is the identification of Pagans as witches and witches as Wicca. Even my own grandmother is guilty of this generalization, assuming witch means Wicca and telling all her friends that I am Wicca. I see this generalization as nothing less than the majority’s attempt to classify and thus dismiss Witches as safely defined.

  
  

  This is why I hate the media despite any good it may have done the Pagan and witch community. Pagan does not mean you practice witchcraft; being a witch does not mean you are a wicca, and wicca only means that you follow a particular branch of Paganism. Witches, or rather those who are capable of magickal acts, are found in All religions. There are Christian witches, Jewish, Pagan, etc.

  
  

  Perhaps I am just too nit-picky, but I refused to be called Wicca. I am no more a Wicca than I am a Christian or an alien from outerspace (though some might question that last one ). I have nothing against Wicca or any other religion, but I’m not Wicca. I don’t want to be called something I’m not.

  
  

  If we’re discussing religion, I’m an eclectic pantheist. I’d call myself a shaman, but I’ve had no formal training, so I don’t feel entitled. The world is swathed in spiritual energies. From the rocks and trees to animals and people, all things have a spirit worthy of respect. This is Pantheism, and one among many Pagan faiths.

  
  

  I’m not saying I’m not a Witch. I can cast spells (quite successfully), though I seldom do. I feel it is better to at least try to do things on your own before “asking for help” by casting a spell. The universe doesn’t reward whiners. The gods help those who help themselves. Besides, if you never even try to do anything on your own, how will you ever know that you can?

  
  

  But the fact that I practice Magick has nothing to do with being Pagan. Practicing Magick only makes me a Witch. Witchcraft has nothing to do with Pagans, though Witches will often gravitate to Pagan religions for the simple fact that they find acceptance among them.

  
  

  Witchcraft aside, it is quite possible to be a Pagan of any tradition and have no Magickal ability whatsoever. No one’s going to kick you out if you can’t cast a spell or practice divination. All Pagan paths are religious. And religion serves no purpose but to make you feel better about yourself and your place in the world.
  

  • 2:43 pm
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