/begin rant
In my never-ending quest for information, I stumbled across a pdf of A Practical Guide to Witchcraft and Magic Spells by Cassandra Eason (Foulsom Press, 2001). I’m fairly certain it’s a pirated copy and for that, my apologies to Ms. Eason. However, had I purchased the book, it would have been returned.
The title of the book is really, really a misnomer. It should read, “A Practical Guide to Wicca…”.
Some errors from just the first chapter:
“Witchcraft is said to be the oldest religion in the world.” A quick Google search gives the following definition of religion: “the belief in and worship of a superhuman controlling power [emphasis mine], especially a personal God or gods.” While some witches may choose to follow a particular religion and/or incorporate deities in their path, it’s a craft and is separate from religion. (IMNSHO, of course.)
“[…] basic rules of witchcraft […] An ye harm none, do what you will. […] other equally vital law of witchcraft, the Threefold Law.” These are laws of Wicca, not of witchcraft in general.
Of course, there’s the whole casting a circle, calling on the Guardians of the Watchtower, invoking deities, continual mention of “white magick” … Not all of us cast circles, much less the Watchtower stuff and many of us have absolutely no problem casting a hex or curse.
When will people stop conflating Wicca with all witchcraft?
//end rant