Wicca
‘Am I the worst thing a person can be?’: Witches fight media bias
By Heather Greene — June 14, 2021
(RNS) — 'Criminals aren’t labeled as Baptist,' one witch observed, unless the crime is related to professed religious beliefs, as was the case in the recent spa shootings in Atlanta.
Pagan ‘metaphysical’ shops navigate threats from Christian critics
By Heather Greene — May 7, 2021
(RNS) — Selling herbs, crystals and spiritual guides, metaphysical shops are often perceived, especially by conservative Christians, as exotic, devoted to the so-called dark arts and, often, a threat. It's frequently those Christians who threaten them.
‘The Witch of Kings Cross’ finds the woman behind the scandal
By Antonio Pagliarulo — March 4, 2021
(RNS) — Norton is a figure who may offer a few lessons for society today, when radical personalities and movements abound.
This Valentine’s Day, some pass up chocolates and flowers for love spells
By Antonio Pagliarulo — February 12, 2021
(RNS) — Though magic is a cornerstone of modern-day witchcraft, many who practice spells are not witches but seekers looking to make positive change in their lives.
National unity isn’t just possible, it’s worth working for
By Heather Greene — February 2, 2021
(RNS) — The question is not really whether we can achieve national unity. It is whether we are willing to do the work.
Yule traditions new and old wish good riddance to 2020 at the winter solstice
By Emily McFarlan Miller — December 19, 2020
(RNS) — The symbolism of the solstice resonates at the end of a dark, difficult year punctuated by a pandemic, political protests and a presidential election.
Witchcraft becomes a political stance — and a booming business
By Tara Isabella Burton — February 14, 2019
(RNS) — Once a fringe spiritual practice, witchcraft has become a key, and increasingly popular, component of feminist political resistance.
Why we should stop using the term religious ‘nones’
By Tara Isabella Burton — December 13, 2018
(RNS) — Most of America's religiously unaffiliated millennials are not so much religious 'nones' as they are religious 'manys.'
The roots of the Christmas tree: Pagans celebrate Yule
By Mikala Compton — December 19, 2017
BOONVILLE, Mo. (RNS) — This winter celebration featuring trees, candles and wreaths predates Christianity.
Is Tumblr witchcraft feminism – or cultural appropriation?
By Aysha Khan — October 27, 2017
(RNS) — A perfect storm of Instagram-era online branding combined with leftist political posturing has made witchcraft the latest victim of cultural appropriation.
Signs and wonder: How people of different faiths view the total solar eclipse
By Emily McFarlan Miller — August 18, 2017
(RNS) — On Monday, a solar eclipse will darken skies across the United States, crossing from coast to coast for the first time since 1918. Some people of faith see it as a sign warning of God's judgment on America; others, as cause to wonder at the glory of God in creation.
Adult coloring books get niched
By Kimberly Winston — July 19, 2016
(RNS) Their roots may be different, but the intention behind these coloring books is similar -- to provide a tool for meditation and prayer and a means for exploring one's faith and spirituality.
The ‘Splainer: Why is the Halloween witch mean and green?
By Kimberly Winston — October 27, 2015
(RNS) The first witches were healers, herbalists, midwives and wise women. How did our image of the Halloween witch evolve, and why? Let us ‘Splain ...
Pagan Pride Day: Earth-based religions celebrate unique identity (PHOTOS)
By Lauren Pond — September 22, 2015
(RNS) It is difficult to estimate the size of the American neo-pagan community, which includes adherents to Wicca, Druidism and Asatru, among other polytheistic and Earth-based religions. Fearing reprisal for their beliefs, many people do not publicly identify as pagan. They remain, as the saying goes, “in the broom closet.”
Satanism 101: The ‘faith’ behind the headlines
By Cathy Lynn Grossman — May 13, 2014
They're devil worshippers. No, they're atheists. They're witches. Well, maybe, but not Wiccan. A quick look at Satanists, who currently worship controversial headlines.
