Halloween Symbols

The Truth About Witches - The Most Popular Halloween Symbols
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=D._Halet]D. Halet

When we hear the term "witch", we systematically think about a grey or green-skinned old hags, leaning on an iron black cauldron, cooking an awful mixture, chanting strange words and having faith in Lucifer.

Fairy tales and derivative movies made in Hollywood are mostly responsible for such false idea of those characters only because it makes the film more exciting.

Our Halloween costumes are also inspired by witches, but are they as frightening as it is claimed? Here is the truth...

Firstly the term 'witch' is a bastardization of the words wicca, wiccian, or wicce; whose meaning is 'wise woman', or in the plural, 'wise women'. From the beginning of mankind, there have been women and men, who have been passionate by the different ways of healing, the specific properties of plants, the course of the stars, the moon, and other planets as well as the different aspects of the natural world.

Witches are generally active members of the Wicca, a well-known earth-based religion however also many other people, that can be also called witches, are not followers of this specific religion. A great number of these people practice a mishmash of old pagan rites. These rites existed many centuries before the advent of the Christian religion whose originated the term "witch" and launched the idea that those who lived under the cycles of nature were revering the church of the demon.

It was the Catholic religion which introduced the concept of Satan or a devil. Until the Catholic church came on the scene there was no concept of Satan or a devil. Actually, the term "pagan" itself signifies "country people" - not devil worshippers.

Systematically thinking to women when one hears the term "witch" is also a common mistake as a lot of men are witches. Another misconception about masculine witches is the term "warlock". Once again, this idea is driven by Hollywood as this word sounds more virile.

"Warlock" is a term of derision and loathing that was originally used by the pagans to describe one who had betrayed his people and the ways of Nature. Actually, the term "warlock" originates from the Middle English "warloghe", and from ancient English "wrloga". The real meaning of these terms is: "the one that breaks faith" or "betrayer".

Everyone knows that witches are able to cast spells. "Spell" is a word that actually derived from the old German "Spiel" and signifies "prayer". Basically, Christians, Moslims, Buddhists, Hinduists do pray for a certain outcome; and so witches cast spells for a certain outcome too. The notion is that one can harness the power of the life force of the universe to call into being what they desire.

The instruments witches use to help cast spells are 'props' to evoke the right atmosphere and frame of mind much like the props and costumes actors use to help them get into character.

Since many centuries, witches are considered as evils by a majority of people, however being good or evil is up to each one of us. Witchcraft is not only bad or good; it simply does exist and becomes what its user makes with.

As the basic law of magic states, do what thy will so long as it harms none.

"For as you send, so shall it return to ye thrice-fold."

Do not forget this and happy spell casting on Halloween!

D. Halet is an European history, Holidays and Tarot Cards passionate; she writes articles and creates websites dedicated to these subjects.

For more info on Halloween Costume ideas, visit [http://myhappyhalloween.com]My Happy Halloween! and receive a free [http://myhappyhalloween.com]My Happy Halloween Guide

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