Is It Really Just a Craft?

[pt_tangles]

I have been thinking since I first saw this article:

http://www.witchvox.com/va/dt_va.html?a=usmo&c=words&id=10563

What I have been thinking about is less the whole Wicca/Witch thing, and more about the common partyline about how Witchcraft is not a religion, but a skillset that can be incorperated into any faith. I was reading TT earlier today and a thread started by a misinfomed Christian, and there were numerous posts all repeating this same thing.

It got me to wondering ... is Witchcraft really just a craft? Can it really be compared to carpentry or to metalworking? And if it is a skillset and nothing more, can it be stripped from every Pagan religion that incorperates it (the claims of 'Wiccan but not Witch' are becoming more commone than in previous years)? Is it wise to do so?

Witchcraft has been illegal before, and in some places, accepting money for reading tarot cards is illegal still. Do you think it is possible, that the practise of Witchcraft could become illegal again if it is shown to not be an essential part of a Witch's religious expression?

Thoughts?

--Phae

X-posted to my journal and thicketeers

Comments

[pjvj.livejournal.com]

I think Witchcraft is intergral to the practice of some Pagan religions, but I still view it as a craft, a skillset as you say. Some practice it outside of a religious context so how would their practice be called religious? Should they have to choose a different name because maybe someday it may be labelled illegal? Naw.

It can be stripped from religions that do not require it, like any nonrequired part, but not from others. If someone decides to suddenly call my Craft illegal it will quickly become an essential part of my religion. The good part of living in The States, we have ways around being fucked with when it comes to law and religion. I'd happily dedicate all my workings to Yemaya and make it religious.