Introduction

Part One: When Someone You Love Is Wiccan

Why would I want to read a book about Witchcraft?

Why would anyone want to call themselves a Witch?

So Witchcraft isn't about ugly hags riding on brooms?

Is Witchcraft evil?

What is Witchcraft?

What's so good about Witchcraft?

Do Witches worship God?

Is Witchcraft safe?

Why should we take Witchcraft seriously? Isn't it just a big joke?

Part Two: Understanding Witchcraft

What is the difference between Witchcraft and Wicca?

What is the difference between Witchcraft, Wicca, and other forms of Paganism?

Is there more than one kind of Witchcraft?

Is Witchcraft hereditary?

Why are male Witches not called wizards or warlocks?

What is the pentacle, and why do Witches wear it?

What is a magical name? Why do Witches use it?

Why is there so much secrecy surrounding Witchcraft?

What's the big deal about the ``burning times''?

Part Three: Going Beyond the Stereotypes

Why do Witches wear black?

Do Witches have familiars?

Why are Witches portrayed as stirring a cauldron? What's in the cauldron anyway?

Do Witches practice animal or human sacrifice?

Are Witches on drugs?

Do Witches have orgies?

Do Witches do their rituals in the nude?

Are Witches kinky?

Is Witchcraft irrational?

Part Four: What Do Witches Believe?

Why do Witches place so much emphasis on the Goddess?

Why do Witches place so much emphasis on nature?

Why is mythology so important to Witches?

Are Witches polytheists?

Are Witches pantheists or animists?

Why do Witches call the God ``the Horned One''?

Do Witches have a moral code?

What do Witches believe happens after we die?

Do Witches believe in evil?

Part Five: What Do Witches Do?

What are the main activities of Witchcraft?

Can a person be a solitary Witch, or must they work in covens?

What is initiation? What is the difference between the three degrees?

Do Witches worship the moon?

Why is Halloween so important to Witches?

What other days qualify as Wiccan holy days?

Why do Witches like to burn candles and incense and use essential oils?

What is an altar? Why is it important?

What is a circle?

Part Six: Magic and the Occult

Is Witchcraft part of the occult? What is the occult?

Are Witches psychic?

What is magic, and why do Witches do it?

What do Witches mean when they talk about ``energy''?

What is a Cone of Power? What is it used for?

If a Witch has magic power, what's to prevent him or her from using it for bad purposes?

If Witches are such powerful magicians, why haven't they all won the lottery?

Do Witches believe in astrology or Tarot?

Do Witches believe in spirits, such as angels or fairies?

Part Seven: Witchcraft, Christianity, and Other Religions

Witches call their religion ``the old religion,'' implying that Wicca is one of, if not the, oldest religions on Earth. Is this true?

What are the differences between Witchcraft and Satanism?

What do Witches think about Christianity?

Do Witches believe in Jesus? The Buddha? Etc.?

What do Witches think about the Bible? Do they have their own Bible?

Can a person practice Christianity and Witchcraft or Witchcraft and any other religion?

Do Witches try to convert other people?

My church teaches me that Witchcraft is wrong. Shouldn't I try to witness to Witches, in order to get them to repent?

How can I tell if Witchcraft might be the right spiritual path for me?

Part Eight: The Role of Paganism in Society

Is Witchcraft legitimate?

How many Witches are there today?

Do Witches suffer from discrimination in our time?

What rights do Witches have at work? At school?

What do Witches believe about abortion? The death penalty? Gun control? Gay rights?

What does the U.S. Military think about Witchcraft?

What social and political issues are important to most Witches?

Can gay and lesbian people be Witches?

Can a teenager become a Witch?

Part Nine: Practical Considerations

I'm a parent of a teenager interested in Witchcraft. Is there anything I should be worried about?

Can a person become a Witch just from reading a book?

What will the neighbors think? What do I tell people when someone I love is Wiccan?

Is there anything I should know about the etiquette of Witchcraft?

What do I need to do in order to get along well with the Witch in my life?

What should I avoid saying or doing when relating to the Witch in my life?

What are some good Wiccan books for teenagers?

What are some good Wiccan books for adults?

What are some good Wiccan Websites?

Conclusion

Index

About the Author