I’m a child of the 50’s and 60’s.  The 60’s was certainly a crazy time – people marching against the U.S. being involved in any conflicts; and drugs became as common as cigarettes – especially with kids from wealthy families.

Rock N Roll

A rebellion seemed to have been born out of the music we listened to and adored. I think of the Beatles and how their music evolved into total rebellion and even encouraged young minds to experiment with drugs.

For those who remember those times, I’m sure that you saw a stark difference between “Meet the Beatles” album and “Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Heart’s Club Band.”  Their first album seemed rather innocent, but Sgt. Pepper’s was filled with rebellion and encouraged kids to take drugs. One song “She’s Leaving Home” even encouraged  “misunderstood” children to run away.

Music is powerful, isn’t it?

I believe that the evil one used the “Fab Four” to negatively influence young minds. I had friends who overdosed and died at the age of 16.  I remember when John Lennon said that the Beatles were more popular than Jesus. That caused quite a stir and rightly so!  I was not saved during my teen years, but even I knew that Lennon’s words seemed to shake the whole universe!

The Practice of Witchcraft Today

I remember as a young woman, being invited to see Mediums – mostly women who were channeling spirits. I went to one of these events, and even though I was not a Christian and a nominal Jew – I knew that this was so evil.  God had His hand on me even then; years before He saved me in 1983.

I have come to realize that the “spirits” who were summoned at that home, were actually demons. The Medium would tell those in the room that this was a departed soul speaking through them. That was a lie from the pit of hell. God clearly tells us to never speak to the dead.  Anyone who “channels” and tells people that they are communicating with ascended masters, are completely deceived themselves. Satan’s demons are busy recruiting vulnerable minds to follow their master, and channeling is their vehicle.

But today, just like experimenting with drugs in the 60’s, it is so commonplace to find people who practice witchcraft.  Now don’t for a minute expect to see big black hats and broomsticks!  People from every walk of life, and from every vocation, may very well be a practicing witch.  They do their job by day, but when they return to their homes, they are conjuring spirits and casting spells.

From witchcraft.org   With commentary

What is WICCA?

There is a lot of confusion between the terms Wicca and Witchcraft, many people, including famous authors, use them interchangeably, so is there a difference, if so what is it?

Classical Definition of Witchcraft

Is the practice of natural magic, and does not have to have any religious component. Natural magic is the simple magic connected with the world around us as opposed to the complex ritual or high magic practised by magicians. Both can be equally effective although natural magic is more commonly is used to solve everyday problems, whereas high magic often has more otherworldly goals. Someone of any religion can also be a Witch, however many faiths such as Christianity and Islam specifically ban the use of magic of any form, especially Witchcraft.

Yes, the Bible specifically forbids the practice of witchcraft or “divination.”

“When you come into the land that the Lord your God is giving you, you shall not learn to follow the abominable practices of those nations.  There shall not be found among you anyone who burns his son or his daughter as an offering, anyone who practices divination or tells fortunes or interprets omens, or a sorcerer or a charmer or a medium or a necromancer or one who inquires of the dead, for whoever does these things is an abomination to the Lord. And because of these abominations the Lord your God is driving them out before you” (Deuteronomy 18:9-12).

Classical Definition of Wicca

Is a religion with definable beliefs, which always includes the practice of Witchcraft. It is unique as a living western religion that explicitly embraces the female principal.

Wiccans believe in and worship a god and goddess,

the deities can vary according to the tradition, and group. This principle is extended to the everyday world, Wiccans believe duality, and equally value both males and females.

So here we go with feminism – more like feminism on steroids. They believe in gods and goddesses and they vary from group to group. Interesting that they make up this evil as they go.

Wicca is connected to nature and the cycle of the seasons.

The 8 sabbats are essentially seasonal celebrations and allow Wiccans to have a real relationship with the Earth.

So, Wiccans have a relationship with the earth!  How New Agey.  As Christians, we have a relationship with the Creator through Jesus Christ. He made the earth!  That is like worshiping a work of art – but never caring to find out about the person who created it.  Very sad.

Magic is an essential part of Wicca, making every Wiccan a Witch.

Well, no surprise there.

Confusion with the meaning of “Wicca” from the USA

American author Scott Cunningham used the term Wicca, that was previously only applied to initiated coven Wiccans for his book for solitaries. His book was the best selling Witchcraft book of all time and its influence was massive, first in the US, then later in Europe too. It is likely there are now more solitary Wiccans than traditional coven based Wiccans. The arguments about who is a Wiccan still rage today with strong opinions on both sides. To reverse this trend is equivalent to King Canute attempting to turn the tide.

We are not confused. We understand that Wiccans worship “Mother earth” and Lucifer (though many would say not).

A Witch may be a Wiccan

Wicca is a both a magical system and a religion that includes Witchcraft in it’s core principles, however a Witch does not necessarily have Wiccan religious views. So a Wiccan is always a Witch, but a Witch is not always a Wiccan.

Well, that is clear as mud, huh?

Unique amongst western religions

With its inclusion of female spirituality, magic, and affinity with nature, Wicca is unique among western religions. It truly is old ideas for the new world as its principles answer so many important modern issues

As Eve was deceived by the devil – so are these “Wiccan” feminists

 Magic is an inseparable part of Wicca

Unlike other western religions Wicca always includes the practice of magic in the form of spells. The caster carries the entire responsibility for the results of a spell they cast, so while similar in concept to a prayer a spell is a far more personal force. See Wiccan Rede for restrictions on use of spells.

Comparing spells to prayers is ludicrous, but lies are so common. After all, the Father of lies is their master.

The Rede an essential limit on the use of spells

An it harm none, do what ye will . Is a deceptively simple positive morality, easy to understand, but hard to live up to. In a simple phrase it gives a moral blueprint for all of life’s decisions

“And it harm none?”   Kind of like the witches who cast spells on our president on a daily basis, right?

Wicca balances reverence of both male and female

Wicca includes both a Goddess and a God, and gives equal status to females and males. This is both an important principle of Wicca, and one of its strongest attractions. – source

And this is at the very heart of witchcraft and Wicca – to add a feminine side to God. We know that in the Word, God is ALWAYS referred to as HE.

How witchcraft has gone “mainstream.”

From standupforthetruth.com

Are Christians welcoming witchcraft?

The darkness of the occult and witchcraft has to a great degree been accepted in our society, but the question we should ask is to what extent has it seeped into our churches?

Every year Christians debate about holidays, holy days, celebrations and symbols. Should children be encouraged to go trick or treating? Is Halloween really evil? Can it be redeemed by calling it by another name? Let’s look at both sides.

I’ve heard Halloween described as harmless, satanic, fun, evil, innocent, or demonically inspired. What spirit is behind the festivities? Obviously, Christians should not celebrate holidays the same way the world does; darkness should not entertain the church – we are called to be the light of Christ.

This is the message we have heard from Him and announce to you, that God is Light, and in Him there is no darkness at all (1 John 1:5).

So, what are concerned Christian parents to do when all their kids want is to have fun with their friends and eat a bunch of candy? Know the Word of God, understand the truth and history behind any holiday in question, make your own decision before God and do not judge others either way.

Some refer to Halloween as “National Evangelism Day” because people come to your door. Hand out Bible tracts with candy and you can share the gospel without leaving home. If a Christian alternative is not available, use the opportunity to tell trick or treaters about Christ. God loves them, Jesus conquered sin and death, and forgiveness can only be found in Him; Nothing scary about that.

However, casting spells, demons, fear, sex, witchcraft, familiar spirits, wizards, horror, violence, animal or child sacrifice are definitely not gray areas. Once we are informed we are without excuse. (See the links below)

In the early 1900s, the migrating Irish and Scots brought Halloween to the United States. It’s roots can be traced back about 2,000 years to the Celts of Europe, who occupied parts of Ireland, the United Kingdom, and northern France. It was a pagan festival called “Samhain” during which the dead were honored and sacrifices of animals and crops were made.

Halloween is a combination of pagan superstition and traditions associated with witchcraft and the occult. Death is a reality for all mankind and a tragic result of sin and should not be celebrated, but has what the Bible calls “sin” become today’s entertainment?

Let’s look at ways the occult and witchcraft have gone main stream in America. The following is an excerpt from The Cost of Our Silence; chapter 13, “Witchcraft is Out of the Broom Closet.”

It is hard not to notice the rapidly growing fascination in America with zombies, vampires, death, the occult, and the supernatural. Witchcraft has gone mainstream; casting spells is cool, black magic is exciting, fortune telling is fun, and killing zombies is sport. Are these just harmless, innocent fads or is there something more – something evil – behind the fascination? We need to determine what is behind it and understand what the Bible teaches.

… Christians should strive to obey the commands and warnings throughout the Bible regarding the occult, witchcraft, and idolatry. We should avoid any form of spirituality or godliness that denies Jesus is Lord Savior.

The apostle John tells us every spirit that does not confess Jesus Christ is not from God (1 John 4:3). Must we point out the obvious? The modern spirits behind the ideas, practices, and products of Hollywood and the gaming industry certainly are not acknowledging Jesus as Lord and God. The Bible cautions us about the dangers and subtleties of sin and its practices. John also writes, Do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God (1 John 4:1).

In many entertainment products from Charmed to Harry Potter to Sabrina the Teenage Witch, the heroes are typically good people – you know, the ones using witchcraft and the occult – while the average person is portrayed as ordinary, weak, or even bad, partly because they do not have any magic powers. Therefore, the occult, the satanic, and anything related to it are looked at as beneficial and desirable, which is a complete twisting of the concept of good and evil. We are to resist, expose, and stand against sin, not invite it into our homes.

The apostle Paul wrote,

But examine [test] everything carefully; hold fast to that which is good; abstain from every form of evil (1 Thessalonians 5:21-22).

Occult themes dominate books, movies, marketing campaigns, the Internet, and prime-time television. And children are playing right along. The darkness of the occult and witchcraft has to a great degree been accepted in our society, but the question we should ask is to what extent has it seeped into our churches? That may sound extreme to those who have bought what the world has been selling, but for Christians, we are instructed to not conform to this world (Romans 12:2).

Here’s some food for thought: Public schools do not allow Christianity to be taught or promoted. However, they accept the religions of atheism, Humanism, evolution, environmental extremism (earth worship), Buddhism, Islam, and of course the religion of Wicca – the practice of witchcraft. Kids have sat through readings of the Harry Potter books, watched the movies during class instruction times, and have even discussed the details of casting spells. Someone may argue Wicca is not a religion and Harry Potter has nothing to do with the occult.

First, on the bottom of its home page, the Church of the Wiccan Interfaith Council (aka Wiccan Interfaith Council International) describes itself as a “nonprofit religious, educational, and charitable organization” holding a 501(c)(3) status with the federal government as a “church or conventions or association of churches.” So don’t give me the separation of church and state line as the reason for banning God, Christian prayers, and the Bible. Public schools openly discriminate by allowing anything except biblical Christianity.

Second, even many well-meaning parents have said, “at least the kids are reading,” as if to imply the occult influence in Harry Potter is not as blatant and reprehensible as so much of what we see in culture today. This argument merely shifts the line of acceptance which most always leads to compromise.

In a 2008 interview with several young witches, Abel, a teenage boy, explained, “In the Craft, no matter who you are, you are divine … However you interact with the world, you are sacred.”

Pastor Joe Schimmel of Good Fight Ministries suggests the sharp increase of young people identifying themselves as neo-pagans and Wiccans is mainly due to the media’s propagandizing and the glorification of occult themes in Hollywood, which has a long history of providing fuel for the lie that there are both good and bad witches. Schimmel added, “Harry Potter is a doorway to the occult,” and “even MTV has acknowledged that such movies [including the Twilight series] have played a surprising role in making Wicca [witchcraft] one of the fastest growing religions in America.”

Christian parents, we cannot be naïve any longer about subtle satanic influences. The enemy rarely tempts us with something so obviously evil and wicked that we know immediately it is his doing…

God created mankind in His image. He rules and is sovereign over all He created. He has authority over all powers in the universe, and He is a personal Being of infinite love, wisdom, and power… Occultism, however, promotes the idea every individual can acquire supernatural powers and become his or her own god.

Many occultists also believe in a dark side and a light side of energy forces in the universe. In witchcraft, they may refer to this in terms of “black magic” or “white magic.”

They developed chants, practices, and rituals through which man-made gods might be pleased and grant them favors. Their goal is to tap into these powers in order to use them for their own benefit.

In his extremely thorough and research-packed book, Occult Invasion: The Subtle Seduction of the World and Church, internationally-known author, Dave Hunt, explains:

It involves mystic knowledge and magic powers and revelations received from the spirit world and dispensed for the benefit of devotees or directed destructively at enemies by those who have been initiated into its secrets. The masters of occult power are known as medicine men (or women), witch doctors, witches, psychics, priests, sorcerers, astrologers, gurus, yogis, shamans, mediums, seers, or healers.

In a Newsweek article called “Hexing and Texting,” some of the young people interviewed said they “enjoy dabbling in different metaphysical practices without subscribing to one doctrine,” while others are more dedicated to a specific craft or are literally experimenting with sorcery…

One college professor admits we’re in the middle of an occult revival, and these kids are not just wearing black lipstick, nail polish, and dark clothes while watching witches hex each other on screen; they’re practicing it themselves.

Another young woman said she turned to tarot cards and astrology when things were difficult in her personal life. If only she would turn to the Maker of the stars and read the truths in the living Word instead of tarot cards! Rebecca, a twenty-five-year-old, said lesbian women are drawn to the occult because they “seek outside validation” but don’t want to answer to pastors or priests. Lynsey, twenty-two, declares she wants nothing to do with a church where a man is in a position of authority. Another young woman said when she reads ritual instructions, it makes her feel “grounded.” Isn’t it interesting many Christians say the same thing about reading the Bible regularly?

… Would millions of people have been introduced or desensitized to the occult and various forms of witchcraft had it not been for the influence of [Disney, the Wizard of Oz,] the Harry Potter and Twilight series? Would today’s shows have made it to television; would video games have taken such a dark and dangerous turn, and would countless young people be dabbling with astrology, tarot cards, Ouija boards, magic spells, séances, and fortune telling?

Then I will draw near to you for judgment; and I will be a swift witness against the sorcerers and against the adulterers and against those who swear falsely (Malachi 3:5).

…I think the main fascination with zombies and vampires is the idea of a man-created afterlife. Though it is a counterfeit of the truth and of the biblical concept of eternity, theirs is based on life with no need for God and no accountability. Worldly religions, practices, and philosophies often lead people away from the only One who can save them, the living God and Lord of all.

…It doesn’t matter if you think your kids are not into this stuff. Many of their friends and peers are, and they spend nearly triple their waking hours with friends, media, and technology than they do with you, their parents.
Witchcraft is the fastest-growing offshoot of paganism today as hundreds of thousands of children and teenagers have joined its ranks…

Author and researcher, Caryl Matrisciana, is a well-known authority on ancient and modern world religions, contemporary cults, paganism, and the occult. In a video about the repackaging of witchcraft and making evil look innocent, Caryl and Robert S. McGee point out a wide variety of witchcraft techniques offering powers of control for personal gain are readily available today through many bookstores, on the Internet (aka “the portal of transcendence”), in public schools and libraries, and throughout the media as an aggressive marketing campaign to young people.

Hollywood’s presentation of witchcraft as exciting and glamorous has further increased its appeal to young audiences. Enhanced by digital technology and revolutionary special effects, cultic spells and rituals are given visually stunning portrayals as are the depictions of supernatural beings: ghosts, demons, vampires, mythological characters, and even Satan.

A growing number of cartoons and television dramas aimed at increasing younger audiences further seduce children with the allure of sorcery and divination. Cultic themes are frequently woven into the story lines of prime time series, which has undoubtedly contributed to the practice of magic as being the fastest growing mystical attraction among teenagers.

On Amazon.com alone, kids can find nearly 2,000 books on witchcraft and hundreds of websites are dedicated to selling it specifically to children. Young people are turning away from Christianity and traditional religion and joining witches’ covens in order to learn spells to help them pass tests in school, attract boyfriends (or girlfriends), and get rich.

For adults, the practices of Wicca lure the “me” generation by promoting self-gratification, self-centeredness, and rebellion and preaching of the “do whatever you want” philosophy. There is no absolute truth, no sin, and no need for God the Creator or for Jesus Christ the Savior because the patriarchal God of the Bible has been removed.

Finally, the spirituality behind contemporary feminism often comes in the form of goddess worship. The more radical feminists seem to believe in an internal god, if they believe in any at all, and have a desire to overthrow the patriarchal structure in society. Some New Age proponents teach that Wicca, goddess worship, paganism, and witchcraft are all centered on a religion involving the mystery and sexuality of the female. The idea is for women to regain their natural power and to have authority over men. In order to accomplish this dominance, they must invoke certain spirits to help destroy the Judeo-Christian religion. God can no longer be “Father.”

We’re all in need of the Savior. For those of us thankful enough to be forgiven and saved from eternal separation from God, we need to pray for the lost souls in Hollywood, the music and publishing industries. Imagine the influence if some of the top producers, authors, and executives trusted in Jesus Christ. If they don’t turn to Him soon, their rewards end in this life.

…Secular entertainment can open us up to demonic spirits and move us away from the truth of Jesus Christ. Satan will take every opportunity and use other people to fill us with the things of this world…

Entertainment is not all bad or evil; it is often simply a distraction and an escape from reality. In essence, we are switching our brain off. The problem is our hearts remain open. Let’s be more discerning and guard our hearts, protect our children, and not be silent about things that matter.

When you enter the land the LORD your God is giving you, do not learn to imitate the detestable ways of the nations there. Let no one be found among you who sacrifices their son or daughter in the fire, who practices divination or sorcery, interprets omens, engages in witchcraft, or casts spells, or who is a medium or spiritist or who consults the dead. Anyone who does these things is detestable to the LORD; because of these same detestable practices the LORD your God will drive out those nations before you. Deuteronomy 18: 9-12– source

So, brethren, if Christians are not standing against the occult; should we be at all surprised that the world has accepted occult practices as normal and an “alternative” to Christianity?

It is so clear that we are in the end of the end times. Satan is roaming and roaring like never before.  Good is evil and evil- good. People are believing the “lie” and refusing to come to the “truth” and be saved.

Should we stop praying?  NEVER!

 ^“Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much” (James 15:16).

God’s arm is never too short to save!

Shalom b’Yeshua

MARANATHA!