#i hate hate HATE when ppl keep acting like witchcraft is Neo paganism or those things are new age or that there's only one way

[new-moon-3]

(not trying to go against anyone here, just a little note of a thought I had while reading this!/gen)

As a person who studies sociology, I cant really call my practice a religion personally because 1 it doesn't feel right nor accurate, maybe its bc of the christian propaganda around literally everywhere, maybe not, and 2 because from this discipline's perspective, religion is more of a social concept, an agent of unification between members of a community, society, etc. This is why so many actual religions and practices were colonized along with the people, lands and cultures, and why there are like only 3 or maybe 4 worldwide spread along with different interpretations, etc, and having christianity as one of the most well-known even when you don't even care for it at all (for example when horror movies constantly use this one) -this is globalization's work, basically.

So now we have the question, can a minority's belief be considered a religion? Im talking about minority in the way that is not concentrated in one space, in one countable way like others do, or doesn't have a current culture following it. What about when multiple people form their own communities but online, does that make them suddenly a "real" religion? Do we need institutions to have religions or use that term in the first place? What about ppl who practice alone, secretly?

Do We "Work With" the Gods?

Lately I've been seeing #witchblr posts in my feed more often. Honestly, it’s incredibly exhausting to see witchcraft treated as synonymous with pagan/polytheist/non-Christian practices when it isn’t. Worship is not witchcraft and witchcraft is not worship. Wicca is it’s own belief system, and it deserves to be respected as such.

Worship of the Theoi isn’t witchcraft—it’s prayer, devotion, faith. Sure, a spell can be an act of prayer and worship, but that doesn’t mean prayer and worship of the gods is witchcraft too.

It’s just frustrating to see how prevalent neopagan/Wiccan concepts and ideas are in the pagan/polytheist community. It breaks my heart to see young polytheists afraid to pray or give offerings because they’ve been convinced that “deity work” or “working with” a god is dangerous, difficult, or required to even approach the gods.

The Theoi are present and real. We can and should ask them for help, and build kharis with them. Building a devotional relationship with the gods does require work, but that doesn't mean we are "working with" the gods in the same manner as witchcraft practitioners, nor do we have to.

Religion is not a dirty word. Faith and prayer are not exclusive to Christianity or Abrahamic faiths. We do not have to practice witchcraft to be valid pagans or approach the gods. Worship of the gods is open to all. The Theoi are with us; pray, and have faith they will listen.