Witches in danger

Submitted question covered in this blog:

"What dangers are present to those who identify as witches today?"

Thank you for submitting this question as this is a huge concern internationally. The answer to this question will depend on where you live in the world.

This question may have derived from the previous blog entry: https://www.askagreywitch.com/post/dangers-of-witchcraft Dangers of Witchcraft.

Most of whom are affected by witchcraft related prejudice unfortunately usually belong to vulnerable or marginalised groups such as women, children or people with abnormalities or disabilities. Witches are sometimes used by their communities as easy excuses or scapegoats for all kinds of problems such as but not exclusive to illnesses, misfortunes or poverty. "If something goes unexpectedly wrong, a witch must've been involved" and accusations can spread like wildfire. It is my understanding that this was the basis behind the European and North American witch trials, also known as the witch-hunt, in the mid 1600s. This radical movement has been memorialized within the popular colonial town of Salem in Massachusetts, USA. This is where in 1692 to 1693 more than 200 people were prosecuted for suspected witchcraft related activities and many perished under torture, in unsanitary prisons, or while being hung when found guilty. ...And, that was just one town! In Europe this was known as the Burning Times in the 16th and 17th centuries as witches were often burned at the stake.

The historical persecution of witches are complex and tragic events that collectively encompass the misunderstandings, misconceptions, and prosecutions that led to the deaths of countless innocent people.

Unlike the United States and Canada, unfortunately this fear and prosecution is still very prevalent in some other countries around the world today, such as in India, Nigeria, Zimbabwe and South Africa. Within these countries it is extremely dangerous to be considered a witch due to the amount of fear, misunderstandings and misconceptions that still existing today.

The many number of churches that preach about sorcery and witchcraft being tied to evil contributes to the rise of witchcraft related abuse and discrimination. The ways in which witches are often portrayed in movies and television shows doesn't help either and also contributes to this fear factor. The many misunderstanding that still exist today has lead to many witches to feel unsafe to publicly identify as a witch, or any kind of magickal practitioner.

More about that can be read in this previous blog entry: https://www.askagreywitch.com/post/out-of-the-broom-closet Out of the broom closet.

Proper education and training on the subject of witchcraft as well as cultural and social changes may be what's required in order to tackle these epidemics of panic driven fear.

As a North American witch who resides in Canada, I am fortunate enough and privileged to express myself without the worry or fear of prosecution. It is not dangerous for me to be a witch as it is for others in other areas of the world, as I mentioned above. As a citizen of Canada, I am protected by the Charter of Rights and Freedoms. Particularly: the Freedom of Religion; Freedom of Thought Belief, Opinion, and Expression; and Equality Rights. However, I do still occasionally experience some discrimination from others based on my individual beliefs that differ from the more common belief systems and general public view.

It should be mentioned that while the Canadian Charter provides these protections, there are limitations on these rights. Such as when these rights infringe on the rights of others or are contrary to public safety. The Witchcraft laws in Canada were officially repealed in 2018. This means that it is no longer a crime to practice witchcraft or to engage in related activities. This is when I, myself began to openly express myself as a grey practitioner of magick. While the specific laws against witchcraft have been removed, other laws, such as those related to fraud or harassment, may still apply if someone uses witchcraft-related practices to deceive people.

It should also be mentioned that many witches and Wiccans generally follow a "harm none, do what ye will" guideline in their magick. More about that can be read in this recent previous blog entry: https://www.askagreywitch.com/post/the-law-of-iii The Law of III.

Thank you for reading my blog while visiting my website. Do you have questions related to magick and witchcraft? Submit them at: https://www.askagreywitch.com/contact

Stay safe! And, bright blessings.