What is a Witch???

Any of my close friends will tell you that my beliefs are a little different than most, but I believe this memo perfectly describes how I feel about what I believe in; thanks Sandi!

I AM A WITCH!
By Sandi Thomas
When I stand up for myself and my beliefs, they call me a witch.
When I stand up for those I love, they call me a witch.
When I speak my mind, think my own thoughts, or do things my own way, they call me a witch.
Being a witch entails raising my children to be strong people
Who have a solid sense of personal and social responsibility,
Who are not afraid to stand up for what they believe in
And, who love and respect themselves for the beautiful beings they are.
Being a witch means that I am free to be the wonderful creature I am,
With all my own intricacies, contradictions, quirks and beauty.
Being a witch means I won't compromise what's in my heart means I live my life MY way.
It means I won't allow anyone to step on me.
When I refuse to tolerate injustice and speak up against it, I am defined as a witch.
The same thing happens when I take time for myself instead of being everyone else's maid or when I act a little selfish.
I am proud to be a witch! It means I have the courage and strength to allow myself to be who I truly am and won't become anyone else's idea of what they think I "should" be.
I am outspoken, opinionated and determined.
By Goddess, I want what I want and there is nothing wrong with that!
So, try to stomp on me, try to douse my inner flame, try to squash every ounce of beauty I hold within me.
You won't succeed if that makes me a witch, so be it.
I embrace the title and am proud to bear it. I love this, I can call myself a witch now and not feel bad about it!


Yesterday in the news, there was a story of four women in Orissa that have been charged with being witches. These four women were locked in a room for three days by six men and two women. They were allegedly forced to pay a fine of 500 rupees each and forced to consume human excreta. In 1999, the Government also passed an act against witchcraft, the Witch Prohibition Act-1999,according to which six months imprisonment and a fine of 2,000 rupees can be imposed on a person found guilty of torturing innocent women. Most of the so called witches are women, and their alleged victims are women too.

This is just one more reason I am glad to live in the USA; where I can believe what I want and not be imprisoned or harassed for those beliefs.

Blessed Be!