The Real Witches

“Are you a good witch or a bad witch?” Glinda, The Wizard of Oz.

Halloween may be over, but real En Jay witches—nothing like Hollywood’s green faced, evil doers—dispelled some myths for us.

“A witch is someone who practices the craft,” Davis Aistars, owner of Mystic Spirit Metaphysical Shoppe in Montclair, told us. He and his wife, Karen, have been practicing for more than three years.

Most witches follow Wicca, a neo-pagan, nature-based religion that stems as far back as the ancient Egyptians and Celtic lore. It was popularized by Gerald Gardner in the 1950s and again in the 1970s in The Witch’s Bible and The Good Witch’s Bible by Gavin and Yvonne Frost.

“Witches believe there is a divine force that we are part of,” Davis explained. “All is one. Each individual has a play in the force that is out there.”

Witches follow a simple rule—“If it harm none, do what you will.”—this contradicts the wicked witch casting evil spells.

Do spells exist? “Yes,” acknowledged Davis. But for good, not evil. Spells harness and redirect natural energy to affect change. For example, herbs and stones vibrate with energy. “Rose quartz can bring about love,” he told us. And money? He said there are herbs for that—contact him for details.

“We don’t spend our entire day casting spells,” added Elena Pugh, Wiccan for more than 25 years and co-owner of Off the Beaten Path in Butler, a diverse shop that caters to all religions. “We approach our craft just like any other religion. And we are tolerant of all beliefs.”

We also found the Witching Hour Radio Show out of Blairstown which features an eclectic mix of music and discussions including Witchcraft.

For those who want to explore paganism in relation to modern culture, Thorn Magazine, will make its debut this month. Editor Chip O’Brien said it’s the only one of its kind in the northeast. He hopes this Matawan-based publication and website will “illuminate the joys and complications of living ancient paths in the wired era.”

How do you know if you’re a witch? “That’s a personal decision,” said Steven Repko, (www.gemnaries.com) who has been practicing for more than 40 years. He recommended starting with Witchvox. He also suggested joining a Yahoo group in your area to “feel it out.”

“Beware of what you wish for,” warned Repko. Wiccans believe what you give, you shall receive—threefold. “People always ask about the treasure they will receive, rather than looking at the magic in their lives.”

Guest contributor Pamela J. Principe-Golgolab of PNA Associates Inc.

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Comments

Rule of Three

“Beware of what you wish for,” warned Repko. "Wiccans believe what you give, you shall receive—threefold."

Man, I wish people would stop spouting off that nonsense. Witches have different beliefs, much as different Christian sects do. Not every witch believes that threefold vusiness. Some do not believe in karmic retribution in any form. These people may be witches, but they do not represent all witches. How would people of other Christian denominations like it if the Catholic pope were assumed to speak for everyone's beliefs?

Posted by: Wolfster, | Nov 08, 2008 22:50:47 PM |

Article or Shopping Guide?

If the lack of anything resembling facts about Wicca were not bad enough, the blatant commercialism of this 'article' really set my teeth on edge!

The Craft is capitalized, as is Wicca.

Wicca does not go back to the Ancient Egyptians or to Celtic lore, though magic certainly does. Wiccans are not the only people who practice magic.

Wiccans do have strictures against harming others, but that deosn't mean all magical practitioners do. Harmful spells *do* exist, and you can read about them in history books, grimoires, and even the Bible.

There have been many good writers on the Craft besides Gerald Gardner - - Stewart & Janet Farrar, Doreen Valiente, Paul Huson, among others. The Frosts don't belong in that company.

And it takes a lot more than just a 'personal decision' to become a Witch.

Dana Corby

37 years and counting...

Posted by: Dana Corby, | Nov 08, 2008 16:32:21 PM |

Goddess save us

You'd think that they'd ask someone with more experience than 3 years. I may only be 18 but at least I have 6 years going for me, and I know for a fact I don't know everything (nowhere near) and I most likely never will.

But, even being 6 years in, I know that no two paths are the same. This is just sad.

Lokii Wolfheart

Posted by: Lokii Wolfheart, | Nov 13, 2008 14:11:04 PM |

Money Spell

I'm looking for a legitimate witch to cast a money spell for me but of course it has to be affordable.

I have bought many money spells with no results so I don't know if these were real witches or a scam

Thank You

Bev

Posted by: Beverly Cole, | Dec 10, 2008 04:33:58 AM |

Money Spell

Bev,

Rather than buying a money spell from someone else, why don't you cast one yourself? Also make sure you're not holding some belief that is conflicting with the spell.

Posted by: Narn, | Dec 16, 2008 07:03:38 AM |

FYI

I am Karen the owner of Mystic Spirit. Me and my husband Davis have been practicing paganism and magic for over 12 years.
There are some typos and misquotes in this article. Which often is the mistake of editors. Sadly you do not get to read the article before it is published.

Bright Blessings,
Karen

Posted by: Karen, None | Jun 05, 2009 04:04:26 AM |

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