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Is the Practice of Witchcraft Harmless?
Much of the knowledge and expertise of present day witches is derived from the writings of Gerald
Gardner in the 1950s — a retired civil servant. So influential
have his writings been that many people feel he is the closest approximation to a witch-traditional authority.
The most evil of occultists in recent times was Aleister Crowley, who died in 1964.
Most modern witches insist it is totally benign. however it inspires little confidence in such
protestations of innocence to learn that Gardner's widely used rituals were written in collaboration with Crowley
or that the well known English "white witch" Sybil Leek praised Crowley's "contribution to occultism"
on the cover of Francis King's chilling biography of the man.
One repentant former member of a Wicca group has described her experience in terms that strip away any illusion
of harmlessness
When I was a witch, 1 performed rituals. I evoked spirits. I called entities.
I cast spells, burned candles, concocted brews. The only thing I didn't do was fly on a broom, but I probably would
have figured it out if given time. But where did it lead to? Into darkness, depression and the creation of an aura
of gloom around me. I was frequently under demon attack. The house where I lived was alive with poltergeist activity
. . . . due to residual "guests" from rituals. My friends and family were afraid of me, I knew I had
no future; all I had was a dark present. I was locked in by oaths and "destiny" But I had power, something I'd always wanted. It wasn't
Satan's fault. He didn't exist —
so I thought. I gave it all up, and came to Jesus on my knees . . . . He freed me from the oppression and gave
me back my soul — the one I had
so foolishly given to evil in exchange for power . . . . Our salvation was bought at a great price and all we have
to do is reach out for it, But we cannot serve two masters." (From "The Practice
of Witchcraft" by Carmen Helen Guerra, letter to the editor. National Catholic Register, May 18, 1986)
The above is based on parts of pages 68-71 of Ungodly Rage by Donna Steichen,
Published by Ignatius Press 1991. This book seems to be out of print but copies can still be obtained from Amazon and also from Aquinas & More Catholic Goods
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Version: 30th January 2008
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