PaganSquare.com - WitchesAndPagans.com

I have read many posts in forums, in blogs, and elsewhere regarding the social issues of the Pagan community.

"How can I know for sure if I'm a witch?

My sister says we come from a family of witches for generations, but I'm not sure... My whole family, aside from me, is very sensitive to the spiritual and paranormal, and I have had a few run-ins where I could have predicted what was about to happen. Also, I've had a few very very few cases of mind control: me making people forget, making people bring me things etc. Other than than, my life is normal... Am I really a natural born witch who just hasn't learned how to focus and control her natural abilities?"

Nadia from Norway

The Guardian examines the long-term influence of one of the world's most famous science fiction novels. A comic details the story of a cop secretly practicing magic. And Vin Diesel explains how The Silmarillion informs his views of mortality. It's Airy Monday, our weekly look at magic and religion in popular culture. All this and more for the Pagan News Beagle!

There is a rising movement with Pagan communities, to regain the respect and adoration Witches and Pagans once knew. Are you a part of it?

All over the world Witches and Pagans are working to reclaim the respect of Witch, Pagan, and Wiccan. From the coast of California to small towns in Pennsylvania, and even as far away as Pakistan; Witches are rising up to reclaim the value of our faiths and sacred titles. 

One Pagan lists her favorite "witchy" movies, a transwoman discusses her complicated relationship with Ranma 1/2, and the late Terry Pratchett's legacy is discussed. It's Airy Monday, our weekly take on magic and religion in popular culture. All this and more for the Pagan News Beagle!

Everybody knows that witches don't have leaders. Granny Weatherwax is the leader the witches don't have.

The knock came late. The boy looked scared when Granny opened the door.

“What?” she said.

“Mistress Weatherwax, come quick: the cow kicked Mrs. Brown and she's hurt bad and she's gone into labor early,” said the boy.

“You don't need me,” said Granny, “You need the midwife.”

“It's the midwife that sent me,” said the boy.

While eating lunch one day a girl noticed that, having shelled their hard-boiled eggs, her parents crumpled up the shells before throwing them away. She asked why they did this.

“If you don't, the witches use them for boats,” they explained. At one time this belief was quite widespread throughout Central Europe.

“Witches need boats, just like anyone else,” she replied, and threw her eggshell, uncrumpled, over her left shoulder. A whirlwind caught the shell and whisked it away.

One day the girl was fishing from an island in the middle of a river. Suddenly, due to a heavy downpour upstream, the water began to rise. Before she knew it, her boat was swept away, and soon the rapids were in danger of covering the entire island.