Myth #1: Real witches are Wiccan

Witchcraft and Wicca are two entirely separate things. Saying that they are the same is akin to saying that artists and christians are the same. Witchcraft is a craft or skill, just as cooking is a craft or skill. It can be learned and practiced by anyone who can follow instructions and focus on what they’re doing. Wicca is a religion, constructed in the 1950′s by a man named Gerald Gardner. Some Wiccans are witches, but not all witches are Wiccans.

Myth #2: Real witches worship satan, and “pagan” means “satanist”

Witches do not believe in Satan. Satan himself is a construct of the Christian faith, as a counterpart to the religion’s God. Therefore, to put it quite simply, to believe in Satan you first have to believe in God, which requires you to be a Christian.

Also, pagan comes from the Latin word “paganus”, meaning villager, or someone who lived out of the city as a rural peasant. As the Christian faith spread, the outlying towns were often holdovers of polytheistic faiths, and as such those far-flung villagers were at first rightly called pagans (villagers, out of the city). However, the term morphed from that rightful meaning into a meaning of “not believing in God”, as the unconverted did not. Today it has come to mean a person who does not believe in a monotheistic (one god) religion.

Myth #3: The pentagram is the symbol of Satan

The pentagram can be found dating back as far as 3,000 BC in Mesopotamian writings, having an astrological meaning; it represented the five planets Jupiter, Mercury, Mars, Saturn, and Venus. Since then it has appeared in many different cultures and represented many groups, including having a sacred meaning for Christians.
- In Judaism it is the Seal of Solomon.
- In Taoism it symbolises the five elements wood, fire, earth, metal, and water.
- In Mormonism the pentagram appears inverted in many Temples
- In Christianity the pentagram represents the five senses, and sometimes the five wounds of Christ. In medieval times Christians actually wore pentagrams in the belief that it would protect them from demons.
- Both Ethiopia and Morocco have pentagrams on their country’s flag.
- Satanism uses the pentagram inverted, or pointing down, to symbolize pointing towards Hell, with the two upward points representing the devil’s horns.
- In Witchcraft, the pentagram points up towards the heavens, and the points represent earth, air, fire, water, and spirit. There are many different types of real witches, however, and Reconstructionist witches do not recognize or use the pentagram at all.

Myth #4: All real witches are female

Both men and women can practice witchcraft, and both may refer to themselves as “witches”. Some modern-day men refer to themselves as “wizards” in an attempt to denote masculinity, and authors frequently use the term “wizard” to denote a male witch. In Old English, “wicca” (wik-ka) meant “male wizard or sorcerer” and “wicce” (witch-ee) meant “female witch or sorceress”.

Myth #5: The persecution of real witches is over

Unfortunately this isn’t true. While we no longer have public hangings, crushings, burnings, or quarterings of witches here in the United States, that does not mean that they are not persecuted. Some witches still find that if they reveal their beliefs, some people will shun them and their families. Many find that once their beliefs are found out, their employer will fire them. Outspoken witch authors both offline and online receive very nasty “hate” mail, comments on their websites, and slandering of their names and reputations. There are many different types of persecution, not just killings.

However even today people are still being tried, convicted, and sentenced to death as witches. In many countries, witchcraft is considered a criminal offense, and those accused of it can suffer jailtime and hefty legal fees. In July of 2010 Unicef published a paper titled “Children Accused of Witchcraft” detailing the rising tragedy of children being accused of witchcraft and being cast out of their homes, tortured, abused, and even killed all across Africa. It’s not just children being persecuted in Africa, however; accusations of witchcraft made against adults is extremely common and even resulted in the burnings of 11 people in Kenya in 2008. In November of 2009, a Lebanese TV anchor was charged with witchcraft and sentenced to death in Saudi Arabia. In October of 2009, five widows in India were filmed being forced to strip naked, be beaten as they were paraded through the streets, and even being forced to eat human excrement – all because a local cleric accused them of being witches. According to the BBC, widows are often targeted in an attempt to seize their land and possessions.

Remember when doing your research to explore as many resources as possible, and when you run across something that seems a little far-fetched, it’s very likely it’s a myth. Look up credible sources of information and weigh out all of the differing viewpoints carefully. Blessed Be!

Raven is a real witch practicing solitary witchcraft – well, except for the cats! For more information on witchcraft, especially spellcrafting for beginners, visit her blog at Real Witches or join the Real Witches group on Facebook.

What is within? God. The inner journey, the discovery of remembering who a person really is and the path to inner peace. When a person sees things from the viewpoint of a physical human being, it is selfish and materialistic; when a person considers their spiritual well-being they see things realistically and find harmony within oneself and other human beings. Body, mind and emotions are instruments which can either be the self centered nature and never fully able to control them, always in constant struggle or the spiritual centered nature which are fully controlled by the vision of God’s will. And when God’s will takes over, a person will find inner peace.

I’m Not Comin In

I’m not comin in, I like it out here.
All alone with my thoughts, and no-one is near.
I can still see, watch the world going by.
Even not using, I’m feeling so high.

Whatever’s happening, I don’t seem to care.
Like a lost little boy, into the silence I stare.
Not a worry comes to me, I’m happy I’m free.
Then a thought crashes down, wait, this isn’t me.

What is going on with me, I don’t seem to know.
It all seems so strange, not a care not a woe.
But I kinda like it, this feeling of peace.
This calmness, it’s tranquil, I sense I’m at ease.

But at this moment, I don’t know who I am.
I’m kinda fearful, at not giving a damn.
Cause my minds always racing, it won’t seem to stop.
But here on the water, I feel I’m on top.

So I’m not comin in, I don’t want to go home.
Out here by myself, I don’t feel I’m alone.
Cause someone is with me, I can feel him just now.
I can see Jesus, right here on my bow.

Author; Gary Michie
Email michiegary@gmail.com

Inner peace is attainable for everybody with the presence of Christ, and God wants everyone to find peace, and He will show the way to All who follow Him, only if they are willing to accept it. Inner peace is not just a way of being that is nice to have, it is imperative that people bring peace into their life, Today!

For one thing, finding Jesus is the greatest discovery that a person will ever make, and may even stumble upon him without really looking for him at Freedom’s Door. Finding Jesus is just the beginning of a person’s journey in life; not the end.

Freedom’s Door is in Kelowna offering Spiritual Hope, Healing and Wholeness for Men with Addictions.

Freedom’s Door is a non-profit registered society that uses the Twelve Step program and Christian principles to rehabilitate men struggling with alcoholism and drug addiction in the Okanagan Valley and Kelowna, BC area. Freedom’s Door, a doorway to spiritual freedom from drug and alcohol abuse.

James Murray is a successful writer and online Search Engine Optimization (SEO) and Search Engine Marketing (SEM) expert providing valuable tips and advice for those interested in seo and sem strategies. His numerous articles found on the Internet, provide useful and factual seo and sem information and insight. Some of my websites are http://www.seo-worldwide.net, http://www.atclickbank.com, http://www.website-submissions-worldwide.com

Inner peace is the greatest gift an individual could ever ask for, and so many think they will be happy, but the truth is that without inner peace, they have nothing, and the depth of the inner Peace is a measure of the progress toward spiritual awakening and where the love of God leads. Inner peace is not “human”.

Inner peace is attainable for everybody with the presence of Christ, and God wants everyone to find peace, and He will show the way to All who follow Him, only if they are willing to accept it. Inner peace is not just a way of being that is nice to have, it is imperative that people bring peace into their life, Today!

Step toward inner peace and anyone working for this goal will find peace, spirituality, and a growth of human awareness throughout the world in people and in their life, and the moment when a person finds their inner peace, is when they feel or believe that they have no more doubts, regrets or negative thoughts about the moment. It is only possible when a person is in alignment with life as it unfolds in the moment.

Finding inner peace is an integral part of spirituality and it plays a major role and it is a state where a person’s mind is absolutely still with a sense of contentment and a deep, spiritual energy. Inner peace is the essence of a human being, and a person’s mind is calm, clear, and certain, and God is the inner peace; the result of God’s soothing presence.

Many prefer to endure their inner wars, believing that they cannot change, that inner peace is not realizable, that life is just too hard. This healing journey of finding inner peace and to be that spark that a person so much wants to be; to be that seed of spirituality; inner peace is a vital part of that quest, an inspiration and achieving this is something an individual can choose for, here and now, any moment any place.

Inner peace is a human being’s true nature, and it is available to all mankind whenever someone joins with God in prayers, and this path taken to find inner peace is as hard or simple as a person makes this journey of inner peace; is a matter of accepting ones life in the control of God. Spiritual thoughts from God that teaches people the ways of love and through forgiveness to others. They ask for themselves and others from a consciousness of total faith and with the practice of love and compassion in the moment; accessing the heart center and allowing the spirit to choose ones thoughts. Inner peace is the only peace, there is no other kind.

James Murray is a successful writer and online Search Engine Optimization (SEO) and Search Engine Marketing (SEM) expert providing valuable tips and advice for those interested in seo and sem strategies. His numerous articles found on the Internet, provide useful and factual seo and sem information and insight. Some of my websites are http://www.seo-worldwide.net, http://www.bingosbingos.com, http://www.atclickbank.com

As a reporter on psychology, this can become tricky as you need to clearly identify and draw the line on what category to write on. One of the hardest parts of this term paper is coming up with psychology term paper ideas. Psychology essays term papers test a student’s ability to research, understand and interpret the topic or one of its many aspects. The portion below lists some interesting psychology term paper ideas.

Social psychology

For starters, you can look into Social Psychology as a psychology essays term papers idea. This field is the study and critique of the relationships among people and groups of people. Patterns of mingling, interaction and communication are observed and noted.

Child psychology

Also known as Developmental Psychology, Child psychology is the study and analysis of the mental development that takes place in humans starting from when they are born and through various stages in life. You can write on this area’s increasing practical use.

Applied psychology

Among other psychology term paper ideas is Applied Psychology. Here scientists use different psychological principles and works to identify and solve problems in various areas such as education, physical health, mental health, society and the industrial sector.

Academic psychology

Another psychology term paper idea is Academic Psychology, which is that sector where the research and theories proposed by various psychologists are used in academic institutions as a teaching ground and portal for budding students. You can mention how psychology is part of most academic curriculums and how it provides direction to students interested in the field.

Psychologists

You can also provide an amplified account of famous psychologists such as Wilhelm Wundt, Hermann Ebbinghaus and Sigmund Freud. List their achievements, theories and their contribution to the field which has made them famous all over the world.

Theories

Yet another psychology term paper idea is to write about the various theories offered. You can choose one and attempt to support it or find loopholes. Popular theories and areas include Behaviorism, Existentialism, Humanism, and Psychoanalysis.

As with any psychology or related term paper, remember to proof read and cite your work by providing references and a comprehensive bibliography. This reflects well on your work ethic and keeps you free from plagiarism suspicion.

Hope this helped you in your research on Psychology term papers and essays term papers

Everyone hear words like an mind open to peace, harmony, health and love and that conveys clearly the message that inner peace is a gift that all human beings deserve and that they can achieve it if they are willing to learn; a state of mind that is serene and peaceful.

Especially when a person is feeling overwhelmed and stressed they seek to find inner peace, and the good news is that inner peace is already within them and it is natural to each and every human being. Some people just do not know what inner peace is, and maybe it is just that people are so rushed, and if individuals could slow down, maybe they would obtain the understanding.

Inner peace is achieved through daily meditation and focusing on what a person desires in life and a key to developing inner peace is to learn to flow with events and people instead of fighting them; the external problems do not affect their deep sense of peace and tranquility.

The way is never easy and many prefer to endure their inner wars, believing that they cannot change, that inner peace is not realizable, that life is just too hard, but yet by opening ones heart and mind; inner peace is attainable, so follow the path ones heart guides a person on and the light will glow.

First, inner peace is about knowing “all is well” in this moment. Inner peace and happiness is when; what a person thinks, what one says, and what one does are all in harmony. Inner peace is the most valuable thing that human beings can cultivate.

Inner peace and happiness does not come from the fleeting pleasures and fulfillments of earthly desires. True inner joy and happiness is created from within, and this inner peace and joy does not depend on outer circumstances or worldly achievements.

Minds inner silence and peace of mind, a spiritual awakening and enlightenment, and the answer is not verbal, just a realization with no words or thoughts, and this process of inner discovery and finding ones spiritual heart to become closer to ones soul. These divine qualities of ones soul become a living reality to learn ones inner self, and will produce a greater meaning and purpose to life.

The secret to inner peace is having “The Reason” for everything one does; James Bond has a license to kill, and people have a license to care. Inner peace is about connection with ones true and natural self, and a sense of being part of something larger. It is the goal in life, 24 hours a day and 365 days a year; inner peace is priceless.

James Murray is a successful writer and online Search Engine Optimization (SEO) and Search Engine Marketing (SEM) expert providing valuable tips and advice for those interested in seo and sem strategies. His numerous articles found on the Internet, provide useful and factual seo and sem information and insight. Some of my websites are http://www.seo-worldwide.net, http://www.bingosbingos.com, http://www.atclickbank.com

Finding inner peace is tough when there is so much internal turmoil, fear, stress and financial worry going on in a person’s life, and eliminating stress and finding inner peace is an important step on the healing journey. It is a precious jewel and like a shiny pearl can only be cultivated by oneself, but there can be no price put upon it except the price a person pays when it is absent from ones life.

Inner Peace is not possible through selfish hope and one of the best ways to find inner peace is to be clear about ones intentions in what ever one is doing. It is so important, but so few really do something about it, and it is not enough to try to relax the mind and experience some inner freedom. Begin by gaining a deeper understanding of what inner peace is not and being able to rule out some false ideas of inner peace may just be and it is beyond victory or defeat.

Inner peace is always important but it is most needed now, and to be that spark that a person so much wants to be; to be that seed of spirituality; inner peace is a vital part of that quest, an inspiration and achieving inner peace is something an individual can choose for, here and now, any moment any place, heart and mind. Once a person has emotional stability the inner peace will come, and one cannot have inner peace without first having peace of mind. Peace within and when some Christians talk about peace, inner peace is what they mean, and peace is understood as an inward reality before it is an outward one and cultivating this inner peace is pure joy.

The inner power which everyone has inside their hearts and this inner peace is power, it is light, and it is bliss. One just has to bring these qualities forward, and the power of inner peace is infinitely more solid and infinitely more concrete than any outer disturbance anybody can create on this earth. With this inner peace a person can easily devour the irritation caused by others.

An inner peace is a state of being that revolves around accommodating reverence for others, while outer peace relates to the environment, culture and other outermost interrelationships. Taking the time to discover inner peace is indispensable in order to arrive at ones objective and so a prerequisite for inner peace is to get ones space clutter free and tidy. Inner peace is the state of being that exists beyond a person’s mind, and it is the basic self; aware of all ones thoughts and emotions; a sense of calm that can created within oneself and it is the source of all peace, and when a person is at harmony with oneself, they are able to live in harmony with others.

James Murray is a successful writer and online Search Engine Optimization (SEO) and Search Engine Marketing (SEM) expert providing valuable tips and advice for those interested in seo and sem strategies. His numerous articles found on the Internet, provide useful and factual seo and sem information and insight. Some of my websites are http://www.seo-worldwide.net, http://www.bingosbingos.com, http://www.atclickbank.com

So what’s so great about having these lucid dreams Let’s answer that question with another question. Haven’t you ever fantasized of leaving this world set up with boundaries of social norms, and bustling off to somewhere where you can be who you really want to be – without the restrictions of the physical and social needs of society Escape from the real world, some would call it.

When we go to sleep and have dreams, we often wake up having a bleary memory of that dream; may it be pleasant or something we’d never like to think about again. However the thing here is, as we start to become more awake or more aware of the real world, the memory of the dream would also start to die away away as quickly as we had become aware of it; until we are only left with fragmented ideas here and there of what that dream is all about.

The attainment of being in a dream often takes place when the actions occurring start to get weird or unusual, such as flying or trying to run away with your body feeling like dead weight. Most people who have memories of their dreams have experienced this at some time, often waking up immediately after the realization. However with lucid dreaming, it is possible to continue in the dream while remaining fully aware that you are dreaming. So what could stop you from doing whatever you like You could either stay back and see how the course of dream would turn out; or put your hand in it and control what would happen. Dream cues may also be real life representations. This would also be a respectable way for you to discover what is really deep down in your subconscious, since these things tend to surface in dreams, or in times where there is very low activity in the brain.

How does one have lucid dreams Dreams are usually a product of a person’s thoughts and experiences throughout the day. Therefore, thinking of dreams during the day and wanting to have lucid dreams when you are awake might be helpful. These thoughts might be engraved in your subconscious, thus making it possible for them to reflect themselves in your dreams. Get creative – experiment, and get the picture. Not all techniques apply to everyone. The method shown here may be very effective to some while it may be not the case for others. Experiment with different ways on how to achieve this lucidity; a lot of sources are available for you on the world wide web at your convenience. Most people are attracted to this due to its capability for adventure and fantasy fulfillment. Lucid dreaming offers people an outlet to express their creativity and wildest imaginations without any restraint.

There are also brainwave entrainment products that can help you achieve faster lucid dreaming results such as isochronic tones, binaural beats and monaural tones. These tones guide you to reach the lucid dreaming state easier.

Learn how to lucid dream. Visit How To Dream Lucid for more lucid dreaming articles.

The Unexplainable Store is a large repository of information that provides a record of easily downloadable software products at affordable prices. These software products give various techniques for empowerment of the human brain. The brain is the most important part of the human body, it needs to be always pampered and kept in the best possible condition, so that one can derive most benefits out of it.

The software must be used with headphones. It contains many frequency waves that travel across the human body. The sound waves are first transmitted to the ear and it then signals the brain to a sub conscious state. The brain is absolutely in a relaxing condition now and is best suited for any empowerment activities. The sound waves gives a calming effect to the brain and it gives the much needed loosening so that the brain can cool down and perform its activities with utmost perfection and accuracy.

Creativity is not rocket science. It just means to grab on to certain signals and respond with extremely quick reflex action. It means to think differently and to act differently. Thinking out of the box requires lot of confidence and guts, because, it is normal only to go the way, the whole world goes. If somebody wants to deviate and take a different path, he has to be extremely confident of his step. He should be willing to take the risk and think differently. Even if it can mean a failure, he should be able to treat it with a grin. A brain which is conditioned thoroughly with the soothing sound waves technology, is bound to be doubly effective than the normal brain.

One classic illustration of creativity is the one involving the Russian astronaut. It was once observed that the normal pen does not work in the moon. The Americans and the Europeans spent so much of time and energy in designing a pen that fights pressure and that could have the ability to write even when a person uses it on the moon. They spent a lot of resources designing this special pen and still were not successful. The Russian astronauts, however, found a solution in a minute. Did they do anything magical? No, they simply used a pencil!

This is enough to prove that creativity, in other words, is application of common sense. Most of the times, we don’t use this presence of mind and hence go in the way which everybody goes. We don’t tend to think out oof the box, if there is any other simple solution available. This software eliminates the problem of lack of creativity. The brain is so relaxed, that it is always on high alert. There is not an iota of dullness or mundane minute in the brain. There are studies that have proved that this software is a phenomenal success.

Brainwave entrainment such as isochronic tones and binaural beats can provide the brain with the proper stimulation to develop our natural creative abilities.

Samples of isochronic tones and binaural beats can be downloaded at the Unexplainable Store. You can also try out different frequencies at the brainwave entrainment site.

Article Submission by Article Marketing Robot

Footprints in the Sand

One night I dreamed I was walking along the beach with the Lord. Many scenes from my life flashed across the sky.

In each scene I noticed footprints in the sand. Sometimes there were two sets of footprints, other times there was one only.

This bothered me because I noticed that during the low periods of my life, when I was suffering from anguish, sorrow or defeat, I could see only one set of footprints, so I said to the Lord,

“You promised me Lord, that if I followed you, you would walk with me always. But I have noticed that during the most trying periods of my life there has only been one set of footprints in the sand. Why, when I needed you most, have you not been there for me?”

The Lord replied, “The years when you have seen only one set of footprints, my child, is when I carried you.”

Author; Mary Stevenson, 1936

Since the 1930′s “Footprints in the Sand” has been in print in some form, seen and read by many people around the world and it is truly an amazing poem. The interesting history of this story is that at no time any author has been credited with this immortal piece of work, only “Author Anonymous” which would appear at the bottom of each printing or writing.

The story behind “Footprints in the Sand” and its author Mary Stevenson

Mary Stevenson for many years made handwritten copies of “Footprints in the Sand” and distributed these copies to people who needed something to give them comfort, hope and faith at low and sad points in their lives. Her friends and people who had received this beautiful poem from her would see “Footprints in the Sand” in print and wondered why Mary was not given credit for writing this wonderful poem.

Mary had asked an attorney about the poem and was told that “Footprints in the Sand” would be very hard to prove that she was the original author of this material. Since many people, such as authors and publishers of spiritual writings including greeting card companies had been using this poem.

In the year of 1936, Mary Stevenson wrote “Footprints in the Sand” when she was very young and innocent and also knew nothing about the world of copyrighting. Mary became discouraged and did not pursue the authorship of the poem any further.

It was in 1984, when Mary was preparing to move and leave her home, and while cleaning out the garage looked into a small and very old suitcase. In that suitcase Mary uncovered some other poems that she had written along time ago and among these poems, she rediscovered a very old handwritten copy of “Footprints in the Sand” that she thought was forever lost. This copy of the poem was dated 1939 and it was one of the many copies she had made for her friends. This was just three years after she had written the original poem “Footprints in the Sand”.

In that same year the U.S. copyright office awarded Mary Stevenson a copyright for “Footprints in the Sand” 48 years after this beautiful poem was written. Mary Stevenson’s handwritten copy was authenticated 11 years later by a forensic specialist as to its original age. This is a great ending to wonderful story and a beautiful, inspiring and amazing poem “Footprints in the Sand”.

Look for my many articles on the Internet under James Murray Author for more information or email at jjmurray007@yahoo.com.

James Murray is a successful writer and online Search Engine Optimization (SEO) and Search Engine Marketing (SEM) expert providing valuable tips and advice for those interested in seo and sem strategies. His numerous articles found on the Internet, provide useful and factual seo and sem information and insight. Some of his websites are http://www.atclickbank.com , http://www.bingosbingos.com , http://www.seo-worldwide.net

Forgiving is a great virtue, and forgiveness cannot be considered as separate from virtue, or virtue as separate from forgiveness. Forgiving is all about letting go of anger, resentment and sorrow, and bring in love, compassion and tolerance.

Forgiving is a spiritual grace every Christian should develop, and is something many Christians struggle with, especially when the offenses result from “deep soul wounds.” The joy of being forgiven is only that of a sinner and of this earth; the joy of forgiving is Jesus Christ’s own joy, the joy of heaven. Forgiving is not easy but it is a commandment from God.

In prayers, we must remember that all our human forgiving is grounded in God’s forgiveness of us, and all forgiving is a divine miracle which belongs to God. The Bible teaches that forgiving is not a sign of weakness, but of power.

Forgiving is the essence of spirituality because it prepares us for our ultimate liberation from suffering, and Jesus says that the path to forgiving is recognizing our own debilitating need for forgiveness. Forgiving is difficult to do on your own. You need the Lord to accomplish this. Mark 10:27: “And Jesus looking upon them saith, with men it is impossible, but not with God: for with God all things are possible.”

But forgiving is often easier said than done. Why is it so hard to do? Still, forgiving is something you must do. Matthew 6:15 says, “But if you do not let men have forgiveness for their sins, you will not have forgiveness from your Father for your sins.”

Forgiving is an attribute of God, and as human beings we are expected to be forgiving and carry out that attribute of God as best as one can towards people. God is much-forgiving, and is the dispenser of grace.

The Christian grace of forgiving is an essential component in the spiritual health and healing of God’s children. One reason we resist forgiving is that we do not really understand what forgiveness is or how it works. We think we do, but we do not. The first person to benefit from forgiving is the one who does it, and forgiving is a journey; the deeper the wound, the longer the journey.

Martin Luther once said that “forgiveness is pure happiness.” To achieve this miracle of “pure happiness” and to heal from our wounds in forgiving and forgiveness; we must choose to give up our right to resentment and we must choose to re-establish compassion, generosity, and love toward the very person or people that hurt us. When we realize that forgiving is the only remedy; forgiving is something good we do for ourselves. The Art of Forgiving is itself a work of art and a gift that God has given us.

Look for my many articles on the Internet under James Murray Author for more information or email at jjmurray007@yahoo.com.

James Murray is a successful writer and online Search Engine Optimization (SEO) and Search Engine Marketing (SEM) expert providing valuable tips and advice for those interested in seo and sem strategies. His numerous articles found on the Internet, provide useful and factual seo and sem information and insight. Some of his websites are http://www.atclickbank.com , http://www.bingosbingos.com , http://www.seo-worldwide.net