Biography: Witches

I've watched this biography thanks to YouTube. I rather enjoyed this documentary, though I do believe they left out a large chunck of vital information, but other than that it was an enjoyable piece.

I have seen numerous people criticize the choice of interviews for this piece, but I think I can understand from Biography's point of view. While, if this were written from a Pagan/Wiccan/Witches point of view, the interviews probably would have included less "fluffy" (as they say) people, and more reputable people. However, I feel that Biography chose these certain people because they were the best representations based on popularity, not reputation.

**Silver RavenWolf**: Chosen perhaps because she has a rather largely popular selection of books out there, largely popular to the Teenage interest, and glamourizes Wicca into some "pretty posey, harm none" type of religion...whereas she demonstrates a Wiccan ritual that looks more like a rousing fundamentalist-Christian type of event, complete with hand-raising, praising type worship. Because of her popularity with the younger generation, is perhaps (what I believe to be) the reason why SHE was chosen to be interviewed by Biography. Not because of her knowledge on the Wiccan tradition in proper.

**Laurie Cabot**: Labelled by the City of Salem, Mass. as the "Offical Witch of Salem" is probably a major flag as to why Biography chose to include her in their documentary. While I (and many others) dislike her choice in attire to represent herself as a Witch, I do believe she has some good points regarding Witchcraft. I think she is criticized mainly because she chooses to represent herself as a "stereotypical Witch", purely because of her label given by the City of Salem, wearing her hair all askew and straggly, enormous glasses and black robes. I think that just because she dresses in a stereotypical manner, doesn't necessarily mean she doesn't know what she's talking about. She too included a ritual in the biography, and if given the choice, I would have attended her rite rather than SRW, as Laurie seemed to understand the serious nature that is Ritual. Humor is a good thing to have when being a Witch, but there is a time and a place for humor and a time and place to be serious, and I do believe that Ms. Cabot understands this.

Unfortunatly there is not much I can say about Christopher Penzack, as he wasn't in there for more than about 5 mins, and pretty much stated what Ms. Cabot did, so I cannot give a definitive feeling about him in this piece. But it was nice to see another author from the Pagan community in here aside from S.R.W and Ms. Cabot.

I will commend Biography for it's inclusion of Roberta Stewart (the late Stg. Patrick Stewart's dear Wife), who fought a worthy battle for the Pagan community, for our Soldiers who fight for our freedom, which includes freedom of religion. She fought to have the Wiccan Pentacle included in the many symbols allowed on military grave markers. A battle that ended in victory for the many Wiccans who died for their country, and now can proudly display their religious symbols on their markers.

An enjoyable watch, regardless of some (inevitable) misinformation. A step, somewhat, in the right direction to get our beliefs properly understood.


If you would like to review the episode, I have provided the links to all 6 parts on YouTube.

Part 1: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K3_Ut4et9dM
Part 2: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jz4CEP4ihfU
Part 3: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iUJkkxoR7Bs
Part 4: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t-eADVGOZa4
Part 5: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TJJ9694j2vs
Part 6: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vcir9GPAQdU