What do you make of witchcraft, voodoo, and black magic?

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In summary, the conversation discusses different views on witchcraft, voodoo, and black magic. The conversation also touches on how witchcraft is considered a religion and the beliefs and practices associated with it. The topic of quantum physics and its relation to witchcraft is also brought up, with one person arguing that it is the secret behind magic. Overall, the conversation delves into the belief and understanding of the supernatural and how it can be perceived in different ways.
  • #1
Leah
Not sure if this thread should be listed here, but thought I'd try. So, what do you make of witchcraft, voodoo, and black magic? My mom said she tried black magic when she was in college (so that had to be in the 50's). She said she saw something so bad that it scared her and she never did it again. We use to play Ouiji Board together...ever tried that? Anyway, I was just thinking of all those "outlets" that support the spirit world. What do you believe? What are your thoughts on witchcraft, voodoo, and black magic?
 
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  • #2
Witchcraft is actually a religion, not a practice. "Magick" in Witchcraft is basically just prayer. I'd consider voodoo to be just a collection of superstitions. As for "black magic"...I certainly don't take it seriously.
 
  • #3
I believe that there is something to it. Though I believe none of the superstitions and rituals can control it, there is something more there. I mean if there is a God behind the singularity at time zero, than why could there not be other forces beyond current scientific comprehension.
-Scott
 
  • #4
Witchcraft is not, in and of itself, a religion. Witchcraft could be described as "active prayer" in that the forces (supposedly) behind prayer are being acutely directed when using witchcraft.
 
  • #5
Smasherman said:
Witchcraft is not, in and of itself, a religion.

Yes, it is.

"Witchcraft is an ancient religion that predates Christianity. It is not anti-Christian (or anti anything), it is simply non-Christian."

Taken from Buckland's Complete Book of Witchcraft.
 
  • #6
Buckland is the founder of modern Wicca, right? Wicca and witchcraft aren't the same thing.
 
  • #7
When did I say that Wicca and Witchcraft are the same thing? Buckland was obviously not speaking of Wicca. Wicca was founded by Gerald Gardner in the 1940's. If I'm doing the math correctly, that wouldn't predate Christianity.
 
  • #8
Perhaps instead of arguing, let's get something straight: What is required for something to be called a religion? I consider witchcraft to not be a religion much the same way that prayer is not a religion.
 
  • #9
Witches are very real. The secret of their magic is the word "Quantum". You can conjure anything with it:
I just found this post over at DiscussAnything:
witchywoman said:
Let me tell you something about the world being affected by the thoughts of others: For those who are empirically minded, Quantum Physics--and I believe that most people would not disagree that such a subject is not to be dismissed lightly--has actually quantified exactly the absolute certainty that the watcher changes the watched. No student of psychology could refute this same certainty...it has been proven (by quantum physics calculation) that a doctor who expects a certain outcome in an experiment will most absolutely affect that outcome--and I'm not talking about fudging the results. We are affected by perceptions more than one would like to think. Change is magic, pure and simple: that is the secret of the alchemists, and that is the intent of a witch's prayers (called spells or incantations by the judeo/christian influences to distinguish them from the acceptable, and thefore, "right," minded...

http://www.discussanything.com/forums/showthread.php?t=68139&page=3
 
  • #10
So a psychologist inadvertently giving signals to his subjects is witchcraft, or is she talking about something deeper than that?
 
  • #11
Let me tell you something about the world being affected by the thoughts of others: For those who are empirically minded, Quantum Physics--and I believe that most people would not disagree that such a subject is not to be dismissed lightly--has actually quantified exactly the absolute certainty that the watcher changes the watched. No student of psychology could refute this same certainty...it has been proven (by quantum physics calculation) that a doctor who expects a certain outcome in an experiment will most absolutely affect that outcome--and I'm not talking about fudging the results. We are affected by perceptions more than one would like to think. Change is magic, pure and simple: that is the secret of the alchemists, and that is the intent of a witch's prayers (called spells or incantations by the judeo/christian influences to distinguish them from the acceptable, and thefore, "right," minded...

Wow, experimenter bias and the fact that you need to bounce photons (or electrons, or other things) off things to measure them is witchcraft?
 

FAQ: What do you make of witchcraft, voodoo, and black magic?

What is witchcraft?

Witchcraft is a broad term that refers to the practice of magic, spells, and rituals in order to manipulate the natural world and influence events. It is often associated with the belief in supernatural powers and the use of herbs, crystals, and other objects to cast spells and perform rituals.

What is voodoo?

Voodoo is a religion that originated in West Africa and is practiced in various forms in countries such as Haiti, Cuba, and Brazil. It involves the worship of spirits and ancestors, as well as the use of charms, potions, and rituals to communicate with these spirits and seek their assistance.

What is black magic?

Black magic is a term used to describe the use of supernatural powers for malicious or harmful purposes. It is often associated with practices such as curses, hexes, and spells that are intended to cause harm to others. It is considered taboo in many cultures and is often associated with witchcraft and voodoo.

Do you believe in witchcraft, voodoo, and black magic?

As a scientist, I do not believe in the supernatural or magical powers. I approach these practices from a cultural and sociological perspective, studying their origins, beliefs, and cultural significance. While I may not personally believe in them, I respect the beliefs and practices of those who do.

Is there any scientific basis for witchcraft, voodoo, and black magic?

There is no scientific evidence to support the existence of supernatural powers or the effectiveness of witchcraft, voodoo, and black magic. Many of these practices can be explained through psychological and sociological factors, such as the power of suggestion and the placebo effect. However, the cultural and historical significance of these practices cannot be denied and should be respected and studied in a scientific manner.

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