Expert: Ralph Salier - 5/9/2010

Question
Dear Ralph
I have been researching belief systems in particular witchcraft and have noticed it is common for people to assume that these beliefs are "traditional" and therefore rigid without the capacity to adapt to social change. Is it fair to say this? and is it true?
Many thanks in advance
Mandy

Answer
Hi Mandy,

As with any belief system, there is an evolutionary trend towards codification and thus rigidity, look at the Catholic Church as an example.  With Wica or any of the "multi-theistic" spirt worshiping systems (and there are many), there are some traditions but it is among the more flexible of the traditional belief systems.  In large measure, the flexibility comes from changing social morays which are more accepting - Wica is a good example of this.  In the past, you could be burned at the stake for this where today, it is accepted with out question (by most).  

"Black Magic - Witchcraft" vs Wica is a different story.  Witchcraft is viewed as being fairly rigid by the outside.  And for the most part it is.  However, as with any system, there are evolutionary changes here as well.