NMR ISSUE 2

Astrological Forecast 2
Closer Look at the Tarot: Twos
Editorial
Evolutionary Astrology
Letters 2
Moss Agate
Solitary Lammas Ritual
Tarot Images
The Oldest Magick
The Other Editorial
What are the Chakras?
What Shamanism is and what it is not
Where are the Gods and Goddesses
Where are the Gods and Goddesses
Why Witch?
Wiccan and Magickal Games

Articles
Authors
Rituals
Book Reviews
NMR Issues
NMR Covers

Editorial

By Jason Rath

Welcome to the second issue of the Rose & Quill. We have made much progress since the first issue that premiered in May. I would like to thank those who helped us in the production of this magazine. Among the many improvements is the subtitle of the magazine itself. Instead of a journal of Magick and Witchcraft, it is now a journal of Magick and Wicca. The word Witchcraft still does not sit well many people today, even with some within the metaphysical community.

Unfortunately Witches today still receive a lot of bad press. A very good example began with a story that captured the attention of millions of viewers. The San Diego Union-Tribune reported on Friday, April 14th on a drug-smuggling cult in Matamoros, Mexico. A member of the cult, Adolfo de Jesus Constanzo, was forced to dig up the 13th victim, one of fifteen bodies found buried in Mexico. At the bottom of the column there was a photograph of both Adolfo and another lady involved with the drug-cult, Sara Maria Aldrete. Below the picture was the caption: Was U.S. collegian the Witch? What the hell is that suppose to mean? Later in this same article the paper quotes the Cameron County Sheriff's Deputy Carlos Tapia:

Apparently Sara was leading a double life: as a Witch in Mexico and as a dean's honor role student in Texas Southmost College. Here the Sheriff attests that Sara is a Witch. They, like so many others today, do not understand what a Witch really is! They still adhere to the storybook image of old women casting evil spells on the unwary. Judging by their rash and ignorant statements about Witchcraft, I would not want the Cameron County police protecting my religious rights as a Witch!

I am saddened by the tragedy in Mexico and angered by the associations made with Witchcraft. The media tied other sects, such as Voodoo, to the tragedy. Sunday, April 16th, Cameron County Sheriff's Lt. George Gavito said the cult practiced a form of Santeria, an African influenced Caribbean religion that includes animal sacrifice. About 14 months ago, Gavito said, they switched to Palo Mayombe, which uses human bones . . . Notice the date this comment was published—two days after they had associated Witchcraft with the Mexico tragedy. What does Palo Mayombe have to do with Witchcraft? I am aware of no connection, after practicing Wicca and other related philosophies for the past four years. You might think that the police and media would notice the difference between Palo Mayombe and Witchcraft. But they did not see the difference! Reports on the 18th and 23rd linked Satanism and Witchcraft hand in hand with the Mexico killings. Satanism is an inverted form of Christianity, it has nothing to do the pre-christian religion of Wicca. Furthermore, Witches neither worship nor accept the Deity Satan. Only the persistent outcries of true Witches will clear the name of the Wiccan community. We should all take this responsibility seriously.

I suggest to those who want to find out more about the true nature of Witchcraft, read Scott Cunningham's The Truth about Witchcraft Today and a Llewellyn Educational Guide to The Truth about Witchcraft. Llewellyn publishes both books and both are under $4.00.

I hope that the public will realize that the killings in Mexico were in no way related to Witchcraft. Many thousands of cults, religions and schools of philosophy exist today. How do we distinguish one from another? We do so by their codes of conduct and their belief systems. Witches or Wiccans believe in the preservation of life. All life is sacred in the eyes of the God and Goddess, whom Witches honor and worship. Anyone who claims to be a Witch and behaves in a destructive manner is misinformed or a liar. Do not confuse such people with authentic Witches. The actions in the Mexican tragedy, or in any other destructive religion, are completely contrary to the ethics of Wiccan religion! Until next time, keep in your mind and heart the Wiccan creed: Do what thou wilt, as long as it harms none!