Real Witches are Among Us

When I saw the preview/promo for this story, I thought it would turn out to be another video editor field-day; an inaccurate and sensationalized media portrayal of Pagans, Wiccans, Witches and Heathens. I have to say, aside from Bob Evans' tone while reporting the story, it was a pleasant surprise. The interview segments weren't so terribly butchered and pieced back together that the story would provide a skewed view of alternative religions, in fact quite the opposite. I would have enjoyed this segment more had the editorial staff opted to include more portions of the interview in order to provide more information to the general public and the opportunity to dispel some of the more negative stereotypes and connotations associated with witchcraft, but I'll take what I can get. Perhaps next year? Or perhaps for Yule? At any rate, kudos to the Fox 13 staff and crew for not repeating the mistakes that so many other media outlets have made for decades.

I am a friend of Rita's and one of the people in several of the photos, as are my partner and my mom, both witches. I am delighted with the tone of the coverage. It was, albeit somewhat short and superficial, both respectful, and, as far as it went, accurate. As a National Officer of the Pagan Pride Project and the President of the Covenant of Unitarian Universalist Pagans, I am delighted to see what I hope is the beginning of a non-sensationalized view of Witchcraft in the media, and the asking and answering of serious questions about Our Religion. Well done, Fox 13!!

I was a little worried at first seeing the propmos for the piece, and was ready to sigh in disappointment at yet another "EEeebil Witches is Stealin' R Babies", type of story. I am VERY happy to have been wrong in my expectations. It was handled pretty respectfully, and for that I am grateful, and appreciative of Fox 13's staff for actually being the thinking adults so many claim to be. As for going more into depth on the subject - and considering our history thus far in the news - as the bear in "Muppets form Space" says, "Baby steps." _/\_

Congratulations to Fox 13 for presenting a clear and fair story. I wish it could have been more in depth.

Not hysterical, not ranting, not too sensationalistic. I also sensed a bit of a condescending tone from Bob Evans but overall it was nicely done.

WHO THE HECK DO YOU THINK YOUR WORSHIPPING LADY??? COMMON! If it's not the almighty God of heaven, it is the devil.

Who do we think we are worshipping? True witches don't even believe in a devil. All men and women were born with good and evil within them. It is free will as to whether or not we act with good conscience or bad. Agency is given to us all. The "Devil" doesn't make anybody do anything. It is mans' free agency that makes that decision. Your commment is based on ignorance and fear. Buy a book, gain some knowledge, and remember what Christ said, "Judge not lest ye be judged" and "Do good to all men". Remember? Witches worship all that is good, all that is beautiful, nature, the earth, all that the gods and goddesses have given us. THAT is what we worship! Or have you not read your scriptures lately?

mjj wrote:

WHO THE HECK DO YOU THINK YOUR WORSHIPPING LADY??? COMMON! If it's not the almighty God of heaven, it is the devil.

mjj wrote:

WHO THE HECK DO YOU THINK YOUR WORSHIPPING LADY??? COMMON! If it's not the almighty God of heaven, it is the devil.

Ignorance is the work of the devil, so who is worshipping who?

Seriously, you obviously need an education; there are many well written books that give substantial teaching and information. Please try it, as it can be more enlightening than you realize.

Good interview, Rita. Thanks Fox, for showing all of us in a positive light. We are every where in Utah, not just SLC. I loved seeing pictures of some of my dearest friends in northern Utah.

I am not from Utah, but I have been here long enough to attend the last 3 public Samhain rituals. All were powerful and well-executed, and I am grateful to have had the opportunity to attend. There are a handful of people, not only Rita but also others (some shown in the video), who dedicate a lot of time and effort into making public events happen. I am grateful to all of you, you know who you are.

I was just learning about the Craft when I moved here, and I was surprised to learn of the diversity of the pagan community. Describing one as pagan is about as descriptive as calling one Christian - it begins a description but leaves a lot to be explained. I don't know if Utah is unique in having so much diversity, or if Utah is unique only in that many paths of the pagan community have an online presence and regular public events. It may very well be that 'this is the place'- and the energy of this valley is inspiring to many walks.

I hope everyone seeing this newspiece and reading these comments will take the time to learn about other religions so that they can discover that all religions have many more similarities than differences. The term pagan simply means 'from the countryside'- and paganism represents how people worshipped the creator before anyone stepped in to tell them how their worship was invalid unless passing through the tenets of a particular religion. I may have not stated this basic definition in a way that all pagans would consider 100% correct, but I trust that there is at least one Crone watching who will correct me where I am wrong.:)

I am thankful to be in Utah where the news stations are willing to teach through their reporting, and where the pagans are so welcoming, knowledgeable, and moral. Thank you.

Thank you Moon Frye! Beautifully stated!

MoonFyre wrote:

I am not from Utah, but I have been here long enough to attend the last 3 public Samhain rituals. All were powerful and well-executed, and I am grateful to have had the opportunity to attend. There are a handful of people, not only Rita but also others (some shown in the video), who dedicate a lot of time and effort into making public events happen. I am grateful to all of you, you know who you are.
I was just learning about the Craft when I moved here, and I was surprised to learn of the diversity of the pagan community. Describing one as pagan is about as descriptive as calling one Christian - it begins a description but leaves a lot to be explained. I don't know if Utah is unique in having so much diversity, or if Utah is unique only in that many paths of the pagan community have an online presence and regular public events. It may very well be that 'this is the place'- and the energy of this valley is inspiring to many walks.
I hope everyone seeing this newspiece and reading these comments will take the time to learn about other religions so that they can discover that all religions have many more similarities than differences. The term pagan simply means 'from the countryside'- and paganism represents how people worshipped the creator before anyone stepped in to tell them how their worship was invalid unless passing through the tenets of a particular religion. I may have not stated this basic definition in a way that all pagans would consider 100% correct, but I trust that there is at least one Crone watching who will correct me where I am wrong.:)
I am thankful to be in Utah where the news stations are willing to teach through their reporting, and where the pagans are so welcoming, knowledgeable, and moral. Thank you.

Thank you Moon Frye! Beautifully stated!

Yes, this was a nice news story on wican/pagans.I do have to tell you that not all wiccans live in salt Lake County or around there. Many live passed point of the mountain we have a large coven in Utah County and surrounding areas that is trying to reach out to the solitary witches out here. We are very public and you can google Star coven of wick and we are everywhere. there is an event lager coven in cedar city near St. gorge Utah. Most of us down this way find it hard to get to the Salt Lake City meetings, gatherings, pride day and more. we love to participate, but find it to far to go. And economics plays a part. We are not a post to being a part of all wiccan groups or organizations or even e-groups that are to join covens, and groups though pride and other such stuff. But we would probably have to do though email. We would like a Utah County and southern utah pagan/wiccan pride day or one that coincides with salt lakes. So please, help us out. to get in touch with High Priestess Char email charnorton@aol.com or site: http://site.google.com/site/officialstarcoven... We welcome all!

Blessed Be...High Priestess Char Norton

Star Coven of wccan is the coven

Star coven of wicca

High Priestess Char wrote:

Star coven of wicca

Can I give you just 2 words of wisdom? SPELL CHECK.
Most of the people I know who are on an alternative path try to not embarrass ourselves and others by posting messages without at least reading the post before we hit send.

there are witches out there, I am a solo one, I choose the graveyards to talk to the dead, I've got some with me in my home. we are real believe it or not.

I have been looking for a coven for years. How do I find one? Please email me with any info at virgo_goddess@ymail.com.

Me and my husband live in Southern Utah, and we both consider ourselves Pagans, although I'm the Witch. So, you can add two more to the count of "how many" in Utah. I had another friend who was a practicing Wiccan, but she died in a car accident several years ago.
My Aunt also professes to be a Witch, and I'm sure there are a few more undeclared that are around as well, they border on a more spiritual Christianity that is actually closely related to witchcraft, that if they really looked into it they might change their definition of their practices.