| What is Witchcraft? |
| Back to Page 1 where I present Old Testament Scriptures that are used to describe witchcraft Back to Page 2 where I present New Testament Scriptures that are used to describe witchcraft This is Page 3 where I will explain what witchcraft is & is not (from Scripture) as well as other practices people like to call witchcraft |
| The Bible prohibits making something manifest or appear in a negative or demonic sense, being an observer of clouds, such as meteorology, using demons to attain power or control, regularly engaging in communication with the dead in order to gain knowledge, preparing, using, or administering drugs or poisons, utilizing a false god (which would actually be a demon), being someone who seeks to foretell the future apart from Elohim, or being a slanderer. These prohibitions have been mistranslated by using the Old English Anglo-Saxon word “witchcraft”, but none of them are witchcraft. In its most basic sense of the word, traditional witchcraft is a continuation of the practices of native cultural beliefs of the Europeans after the advent of Christianity. The established church labeled these practices "witchcraft." The practitioner of this nature-honoring path did not consider her/him- self a witch, but merely one using natural elements for healing or seeing. Remember, the label “witch” came from the Church, not from the practitioner. The etymology of the Old English Anglo- Saxon word “witch” can be traced to approximately the year 890. “Witch” is not a Hebrew or a Greek word. Wicca is not witchcraft. Wicca is a religious system of belief that involves rituals & rites. Wiccans may or may not practice witchcraft as part of their rituals & rites. In order to take away the sting of the word witchcraft, I will refer to this system of honoring Elohim’s earth as EarthCraft to put the focus not on the practitioner but on our Blessed Earth. To love & honor the Earth is commanded by Elohim, as is also to use natural earthly means of healing or seeing. Remember: “The earth is the Lord's and everything in it” according to Psalm 24. In practicing EarthCraft, we are utilizing a great gift from Elohim. A careful reading of Genesis will show us that day & night, morning & evening existed on Days 1 & 2, but it was not until Day 3 that the Sun, Moon, Planets, & Stars were created. Genesis tells us that Elohim created these not only to give us light, but also to let us mark our seasons, keep count of the days & the years, and also to serve as signs. This word “signs” means: signal, remembrance, miraculous sign, omen, warning, token, ensign, standard, miracle, or proof. Watching the movements of the Planets & Stars in order to see signs, omens, signals, & warnings is commanded by Elohim & is the express purpose for the creation of the Luminaries. Job 38:32 asks "Canst thou bring forth Mazzaroth in his season?" Mazzaroth is the actual Hebrew word that means the 12 signs of the Zodiac and their 36 associated constellations. This is the art of astronomy & astrology. Cleromancy is a form of divination using casting, such as casting lots in which an outcome is determined by seemingly random means, unless the heart of Elohim has been sought. Casting lots occurs relatively frequently in the Bible. In the Old Testament, there are at least four cases where casting lots was invoked as a means of determining God's mind (Joshua 7:11-22, 1 Samuel 10:17-24, 1 Samuel 14:42, & Jonah 1:7). Other places in the Old Testament are relevant to divination (Proverb 16: 33 & 18:18). The most notable examples in the New Testament occur in Acts 1:23-26 & John 19:24. We talk about the nativity of Christ so casually without even realizing that to cast a nativity is another form of divination. Magi, from the Greek "Magos", is interpreted as "wise, teachers, priests, physicians, astrologers, seers, interpreters of dreams". To hide the true meaning of the word Magi, it has been translated as "wise men" or "kings". Magi also include women, and Magi does not translate to "kings" from the Greek. Magi are astrologers who cast the Nativity of One who would be born the King of all Kings; the Magi saw His Star in the sky & cast a Nativity to determine more facts about His Star & His Birth. According to Genesis 44, Joseph had a silver cup which he used expressly for the purpose of divination. The Urim & Thummin were also forms of divination. These mystical stones were part of the breastplate of the priest amongst the 12 precious stones (or crystals) representing the 12 tribes of Israel. The Urim (flame) & Thummin (perfection) would indicate the Will of Elohim. Elohim loves precious stones & crystals, especially as seen in the breastplate of the priest. These stones are also referred to in the Book of Revelation: Iaspis (Jasper), Sappheiros (Lapis Lazuli), Chalcedon (Chalcedony), Smaragdos (Heliodor), Sardonyx (Sardonyx), Sardios (Sard), Chrysolithos (Citrine), Beryllos (Beryl), Topazion (Peridot), Chrysoprasos (Cat's Eye Quartz), Hyakinthos (Blue Aventurine), & Amethystos (Amethyst). Scripture never tells us what affect certain foods will have on our physical bodies, but through study & experience we have learned that a banana will give us sugar & potassium, whereas a carrot will give us Vitamin A & protect us from ultraviolet light. Just because the scientific community has not yet “proven” what benefits we may reap from crystals, colors, aromas, etc does not relegate these natural wonders to the “New Agers” or the superstitious. See our Color Magick page for more details on Color! I am an “Old Ager” as represented in the Book of Jeremiah: “Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is, and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls.” Some people call themselves a witch & practice witchcraft. These people may practice any religion or none at all. I am a Believer in Christ Yeshua & I practice EarthCraft. |
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