Wizards, familiars, witchcraft

[Laiahna]

I have read that we are to stay away from wizards, familiars and witchcraft. While I understand what witchcraft it. I would like to know what you think the rest are. Seems to me that to have a familiar would put one in the witchcraft catagory.

I still am confused as to what a wizard is. I have always related to them as just fantasy characters.

Discuss!

 

[Densetzu]

The word typically translated 'witch' or 'sorceress' in the Old Testament referred to some one who used evil spells to harm others. Many other occult practices including Snake Charming and some forms of Divination are also forbidden. Fantasy magic--'wizards' like Gandalf, Merlin, or Harry Potter, don't really exist. The types of magical spells that adherents to modern occult religions 'cast' are not the same thing as either Biblical sorcery or fantasy magic. They're three entirely different things.

Generally, Wiccans don't cast evil spells to harm others (it's against their religion) and not all of them engage in divination. The only thing inherently wrong with Wicca is its belief about Divinity. (They hold that there are two deities, a god and a goddess, which are apparently not the creators of nature but are created by nature.)

Satanism, on the other hand, does have evil spells that Satanists cast against their enemies.

Of course, I don't believe any of this magic actually works, it's just words and rituals and prayers to gods that don't really exist.

 

[Harley_Angel]

I think mostly using familiars is idolatry. You are giving recognition, worship, and power to items or animals that don't possess those capabilities and putting them before God in your life. For the most part, familiars would be an item or animal that the "witch" uses to focus power or to cast spells. Some think that they can give their animal a spell and send it to someone and the spell will rub off or some other such nonsense. Witches aren't the only ones who use familiars. Having "good luck" charms that you truly believe have the power to change outcomes would be, in a sense, a familiar item. Having an animal that you give uncharacterstic properties to (oh, my dog tells me when people are sick, my cat can sense when something bad is about to happen, it always rains when my dog turns around three times, etc) would be giving it the properties of a familiar.

The reason witchcraft is wrong is because it puts yourself as the center of your life and you give all credit of power to yourself and not to God who is truly the center of our lives. Having dabbled in it myself, I can tell you, it's a heady thought feeling like you have the power to make whatever you want happen and that you are oh so clever and wonderful because you know words or incantations that defy reality. Even though I wasn't casting evil spells, or harming anyone physically, I still was deluded that somehow the elements (which God created) would do whatever I told them to do. And yes, things worked...there is always the probability that something will happen after you've cast a spell that you can construe as your spell working. MOst of the time it's just coincedence, but there were also so very scary times where I'm sure Satan himself was present. Sometimes it would get so scary, I finally decided to stop (example, I was mediatating, trying to almost astral project, and something hovered over me and talked to me, and I could feel that it was evil. It scared me so much, I can't even meditate like for yoga anymore)

Wizards I think might be a horrible translation simply because our modern language does associate them with a fantasy being. But the wizards spoken of are probably people trying to use spirits or their own personal "powers" to shape reality and affect the world. It could even mean those who seek to harm people through the use of nature (herbal potions, poisions, etc).

Anyway, those are my thoughts on the three subjects!

 

[MahogonySnail]

Of course, I don't believe any of this magic actually works, it's just words and rituals and prayers to gods that don't really exist.

Well satan works by deception yes. But if it didn't work, no one would be dabbling in it.

Reading stories of events occurring in certain places leads me to believe that the magic does actually work. The gods exist in the form of demonic powers and they have a certain amoutn of control over the elements.

Which leads to wiccans and witches and others to believe that they are harnessing the power of the earth, when in fact it is supernatural beings fulfilling their desires.

 

[Harley_Angel]

Me and two of my friends who were also dabbling in it decided one very sunny afternoon we were going to try to make it rain. We did all of our little hocusy pocusy stuff in the middle of a field on a cloudless, bright, day...and sure enough for just a few seconds, maybe 15 seconds at the most, just in that little area we were at, it rained on us.

There are explanations for it, maybe the rain was from a small cloud passing by that we couldn't see because it was so high up and so light, maybe it was something else...all I know is it gave me goosebumbs and ultimately deep inside me, past the part of me that felt so smug that we had told the elements what to do, I knew it was wrong, and dark, and scary.

It works, whether by spirits or simply by us tricking us our minds or whatever, it works, and it leaves you feeling defiled.

 

[Laiahna]

Oh it does work. I know some, who not into witchcraft can still use power to do things. I think maybe those are the wizards? If so you need to know that wizard is not a male term.

 

[MahogonySnail]

this website explains the difference between the factual and fantasy uses of the terms:

http://answers.google.com/answers/threadview?id=38123

so i think the person you described who can do things but not into witchcraft would be a sorcerer.

 

[carpetmanswife]

Me and two of my friends who were also dabbling in it decided one very sunny afternoon we were going to try to make it rain. We did all of our little hocusy pocusy stuff in the middle of a field on a cloudless, bright, day...and sure enough for just a few seconds, maybe 15 seconds at the most, just in that little area we were at, it rained on us.

There are explanations for it, maybe the rain was from a small cloud passing by that we couldn't see because it was so high up and so light, maybe it was something else...all I know is it gave me goosebumbs and ultimately deep inside me, past the part of me that felt so smug that we had told the elements what to do, I knew it was wrong, and dark, and scary.

It works, whether by spirits or simply by us tricking us our minds or whatever, it works, and it leaves you feeling defiled.

o man that would creep me out! ....

 

[pickles]

I have sometimes questioned seeing my naturalpath as I know they apear to believe in the earth mother ect. I prayed about it and felt that Jesus has placed a shield around me and they know that my faith is in Our Lord Jesus. I have had a chance to gently witness to one of the people there and believe that as Jesus did we need to love all, even those that believe or do things we consider wrong. My hope is that in time they will see the love and healing power of Our Lord Jesus. I do watch for anything that would go against my faith and am cautious. if you have the time say a prayer as I said there is one that is open to learning about Jesus. God bless, pickles

 

[Stand_Up_4_God]

I have some family in Alabama,when I went for my biological grandfather's funeral there, they totally had me terrified...they were into wicca/witchcraft, and all that junk....they told me the true life experiences they had....told me VERY graphic things, and I tell you what, one of 'em told me ''don't mess with this stuff if you don't know what you're doing, it will mess you up or even kill you''. Why on earth you'd wanna try it anyways I have no idea, but they said ''it's not a game at all, it's very real''. They told me very dark, cold things, which I shall never repeat....it is real, and it does happen. The worst part of all, one of them use to be a preacher, then he left that, and got into the wicca and all sorts of crazy things I just can't understand, and don't even want to try and under lol!

 

[Laiahna]

I have some family in Alabama,when I went for my biological grandfather's funeral there, they totally had me terrified...they were into wicca/witchcraft, and all that junk....they told me the true life experiences they had....told me VERY graphic things, and I tell you what, one of 'em told me ''don't mess with this stuff if you don't know what you're doing, it will mess you up or even kill you''. Why on earth you'd wanna try it anyways I have no idea, but they said ''it's not a game at all, it's very real''. They told me very dark, cold things, which I shall never repeat....it is real, and it does happen. The worst part of all, one of them use to be a preacher, then he left that, and got into the wicca and all sorts of crazy things I just can't understand, and don't even want to try and under lol!

Not surprising about the preacher. Many turn to that for other reasons besides preaching or ministering the way our lord intended. That is for another thread, though.

 

[Densetzu]

Well satan works by deception yes. But if it didn't work, no one would be dabbling in it.

People do things all the time that don't serve any practical purpose. The human psyche can see patterns where there are none just because it wants to. Knocking on wood, trying to roll the bad numbers out of dice, blowing off a cookie they dropped before putting it in their mouths. There's no real worth to these practices just as there is no real worth to Ouja boards or Wiccan spells.

Witchcraft is appealing to people who feel powerless because it gives them the illusion of power and control over their lives.

 

[MaggieMye]

Familiars are spirits that are used by wizards, witches, warlocks and sorcerror to do their bidding. Warlocks are male witches; sorcerers and wizards are the same thing, but it is ALL witchcraft and it is ALL divination and it is ALL rebellion.
There is no such thing as 'white' witchcraft. Witchcraft is witchcraft. The New Agers and the wiccans have termed the phrase 'white witchcraft' in an attempt to make it SEEM pure. But it is still bypassing the Lord and His will on any given manner and therefore it is rebellion.
Witchcraft is not always done with potions or pieces of articles owned by the intended 'victim'...as in voodoo. Most witchcraft is done with WORDS. Curses are spoken out loud into the spiritual realm...remember the Word of God tells us that the tongue is a tool of life and death!...and it is the words that go forth and to the deed of the witch or whatever. Have you watched harry potter? If you have, recall how many times they SPEAK things to be or to happen. Harry potter is actually quite accurate....how typical of hollywood to portray it as fiction...to desenitize the parents and entice the kids!
Having taken several writing classes...the first rule of writing is to WRITE WHAT YOU KNOW! Rowling could not write that stuff if she did not know about it. HELLO!
Stephen King has admitted to inquiring of demons to get his story line ideas, details and all. A natural man who has never had any violent or horrific experiences of his own from which draw from to write (people that have had the experiences rarely write of them expect to share testimony of how the Lord brought them out of it) would never be able to get detail and sequence correct UNLESS they were getting their info from someone or someTHING that knew it well.
Manipulating another person or attempting to manipulate them is also witchcraft. It is the usurping of that persons will to get your own way. That is witchcraft...it is not walking in love towards our Christian brothers or sisters or the lost.
People that do not believe that the stuff of witchcraft and the like is real are, in a nutshell, ignorant (unknowledgeable) or just plain deceived. Scripture tells us FIVE TIMES that people either perish or suffer for lack of knowledge.
I do agree with the last statement above, post 12. People are drawn to witchcraft because they want power over their own lives...but often then want CONTROL over someone else: parents over children...there is a fine line between discipline and control; wives over husbands and husbands over wives; employees even trying to manipulate (contol) their bosses...the situations are endless. I'm not saying that husbands should not be in control of their homes, but it should be loving, not forceful....you get the idea.
People come out of the occult all the time. But it is rare for a TRUE Christian (our pulpits are FILLED with people that do not have a relationship with Jesus!) to turn their back on God and go into the occult. And y'all know what scripture says about those who have tasted of His love and glory and then turn away? Not a good thing to do!
Maggie

 

[Laiahna]

Familiars are spirits that are used by wizards, witches, warlocks and sorcerror to do their bidding. Warlocks are male witches; sorcerers and wizards are the same thing, but it is ALL witchcraft and it is ALL divination and it is ALL rebellion.
There is no such thing as 'white' witchcraft. Witchcraft is witchcraft. The New Agers and the wiccans have termed the phrase 'white witchcraft' in an attempt to make it SEEM pure. But it is still bypassing the Lord and His will on any given manner and therefore it is rebellion.
Witchcraft is not always done with potions or pieces of articles owned by the intended 'victim'...as in voodoo. Most witchcraft is done with WORDS. Curses are spoken out loud into the spiritual realm...remember the Word of God tells us that the tongue is a tool of life and death!...and it is the words that go forth and to the deed of the witch or whatever. Have you watched harry potter? If you have, recall how many times they SPEAK things to be or to happen. Harry potter is actually quite accurate....how typical of hollywood to portray it as fiction...to desenitize the parents and entice the kids!
Having taken several writing classes...the first rule of writing is to WRITE WHAT YOU KNOW! Rowling could not write that stuff if she did not know about it. HELLO!
Stephen King has admitted to inquiring of demons to get his story line ideas, details and all. A natural man who has never had any violent or horrific experiences of his own from which draw from to write (people that have had the experiences rarely write of them expect to share testimony of how the Lord brought them out of it) would never be able to get detail and sequence correct UNLESS they were getting their info from someone or someTHING that knew it well.
Manipulating another person or attempting to manipulate them is also witchcraft. It is the usurping of that persons will to get your own way. That is witchcraft...it is not walking in love towards our Christian brothers or sisters or the lost.
People that do not believe that the stuff of witchcraft and the like is real are, in a nutshell, ignorant (unknowledgeable) or just plain deceived. Scripture tells us FIVE TIMES that people either perish or suffer for lack of knowledge.
I do agree with the last statement above, post 12. People are drawn to witchcraft because they want power over their own lives...but often then want CONTROL over someone else: parents over children...there is a fine line between discipline and control; wives over husbands and husbands over wives; employees even trying to manipulate (contol) their bosses...the situations are endless. I'm not saying that husbands should not be in control of their homes, but it should be loving, not forceful....you get the idea.
People come out of the occult all the time. But it is rare for a TRUE Christian (our pulpits are FILLED with people that do not have a relationship with Jesus!) to turn their back on God and go into the occult. And y'all know what scripture says about those who have tasted of His love and glory and then turn away? Not a good thing to do!
Maggie

Thank you for expounding! Well written. I think you covered everything pertaining to this topic very well.

 

[wwjd_kilden]

Of course witchcraft is real!

I was once stupid enough to buy a "Dream catcher" because, as it was at a stall in town selling junk, I thought that it was simply mass- produced and sold as ornament, nothing more. (How stupid can one get?...) I placed it in my bedroom, and had a nightmare that night. (and I barely ever have nughtmares... I think I've had about seven that i remember the last 15 years). I was wondering if ti vould be the dream catcher, but left it onne more night. Again I had nightmares, and woke up feeilng evil vas present. I put the thing in another room, and told the presence to be gone in the name of Jesus Christ, I then couldn't feel it anymore.

I forgot all about the thing until about a year later, after I had moved out, and came back for the summer. I was now sleeping in another room, and again I had nightmares two nights in a row. I remembered the dreamcatcher and destroyed it. - Again the sense of evil disappeard.

I know for sure I'll never use such things again... they are real, and they are powerful.... and i am VERY glad that my God is stronger...

 

[Stand_Up_4_God]

Of course witchcraft is real!

I was once stupid enough to buy a "Dream catcher" because, as it was at a stall in town selling junk, I thought that it was simply mass- produced and sold as ornament, nothing more. (How stupid can one get?...) I placed it in my bedroom, and had a nightmare that night. (and I barely ever have nughtmares... I think I've had about seven that i remember the last 15 years). I was wondering if ti vould be the dream catcher, but left it onne more night. Again I had nightmares, and woke up feeilng evil vas present. I put the thing in another room, and told the presence to be gone in the name of Jesus Christ, I then couldn't feel it anymore.

I forgot all about the thing until about a year later, after I had moved out, and came back for the summer. I was now sleeping in another room, and again I had nightmares two nights in a row. I remembered the dreamcatcher and destroyed it. - Again the sense of evil disappeard.

I know for sure I'll never use such things again... they are real, and they are powerful.... and i am VERY glad that my God is stronger...

The thing about dream catchers is this, depends on what you use it for, and what kind it is. Dream Catchers are also a thing for/of Indians,my grandfather has one, but it's simply for decoration, and because I have Chekoree Indian in me. Never had any issues with or from it. I had one when I was younger, but somehow it got lost...I was a kid so no telling where it is today lol. So not all dream catchers are bad.

 

[carpetmanswife]

The thing about dream catchers is this, depends on what you use it for, and what kind it is. Dream Catchers are also a thing for/of Indians,my grandfather has one, but it's simply for decoration, and because I have Chekoree Indian in me. Never had any issues with or from it. I had one when I was younger, but somehow it got lost...I was a kid so no telling where it is today lol. So not all dream catchers are bad.

cherokee eh?? me too..my great great grandmother was cherokee

 

[Stand_Up_4_God]

cherokee eh?? me too..my great great grandmother was cherokee

Yes ma'am, I got Cherokee,Irish,Scottish,and American in me that I know of...no tellin what else....with a bit of sassyness, a dash of sarcasim, and much more!

 

[wwjd_kilden]

The thing about dream catchers is this, depends on what you use it for, and what kind it is. Dream Catchers are also a thing for/of Indians,my grandfather has one, but it's simply for decoration, and because I have Chekoree Indian in me. Never had any issues with or from it. I had one when I was younger, but somehow it got lost...I was a kid so no telling where it is today lol. So not all dream catchers are bad.

it was indians that sold them... but I guess those were the "bad" type then

 

[Stand_Up_4_God]

it was indians that sold them... but I guess those were the "bad" type then

Probably, depends on what they may and may not have done, they could have put some sort of ''curse'' or whatever on it, crazy as it is, it's possible.