A feeling... Of sorts.

[The Hammer]

So, I'm not Wiccan. But I do use divination, and know quite a few Wiccans.

I am not really sure how I feel about seeing these books (and card deck) at the Spirit Halloween store today.

How would you feel if they were selling the NIV or KJV Bibles alongside an exorcist costume, or a Bhagavad Gita and a Hare Krishna outfit?

Note: those books can actually be picked up at a Pagan/Metaphysical store, or B&N. It's actual Religious literature. And that's a fully designed 78 card tarot deck, not really a "costume piece".

 

[crossfire]

Would you have any qualms about picking up ritual supplies (such as candles) from the Halloween Spirit store?

 

[JustGeorge]

I noticed costumes with Wiccan symbolism on it today(I went to the same store), and I have to say it bothered me a little. Other people's religious symbols shouldn't be appropriated for Halloween costumes, in my opinion.

I didn't care for the stuff with crosses on it, either. It seems as a way to 'make fun of' things that other people hold dear. The same also goes for Halloween costumes that are made up of another culture's traditional wear, as well.

 

[Viker]

At a costume store? Wtf. Please, tell me they're not next to "witch" costumes. That would be a tad bit beyond tacky.

 

[Wildswanderer]

So, I'm not Wiccan. But I do use divination, and know quite a few Wiccans.

I am not really sure how I feel about seeing these books (and card deck) at the Spirit Halloween store today.

How would you feel if they were selling the NIV or KJV Bibles alongside an exorcist costume, or a Bhagavad Gita and a Hare Krishna outfit?

View attachment 67567 View attachment 67568 View attachment 67569

Note: those books can actually be picked up at a Pagan/Metaphysical store, or B&N. It's actual Religious literature. And that's a fully designed 78 card tarot deck, not really a "costume piece".

I think it's terrible... Trying to lure people into witchcraft.

 

[Sgt. Pepper]

As a Wiccan, I don't think it's appropriate, and I disapprove. I think Just George is right as well.

I haven't been to the local Spirit Halloween store yet, but I should go see if these books and cards are being sold there too.

 

[Sgt. Pepper]

I think it's terrible... Trying to lure people into witchcraft.

Oddly enough, I feel the same way about evangelical Christians trying to lure people into Christianity.

 

[Audie]

They'd all go outta biz waiting for me to buy

 

[Sgt. Pepper]

So, I'm not Wiccan. But I do use divination, and know quite a few Wiccans.

I am not really sure how I feel about seeing these books (and card deck) at the Spirit Halloween store today.

How would you feel if they were selling the NIV or KJV Bibles alongside an exorcist costume, or a Bhagavad Gita and a Hare Krishna outfit?

View attachment 67567 View attachment 67568 View attachment 67569

Note: those books can actually be picked up at a Pagan/Metaphysical store, or B&N. It's actual Religious literature. And that's a fully designed 78 card tarot deck, not really a "costume piece".

I feel that I'm close to choosing my own deck of tarot cards, by the way. I know that it's taken me quite a while to decide on which one is the right one for me, but I shared with you what happened to me when I touched a deck once before. Maybe I'm being too cautious.

 

[The Hammer]

I think it's terrible... Trying to lure people into witchcraft.

Oddly enough, I feel the same way about evangelical Christians trying to lure people into Christianity.

At least we aren't door to door proselytizing, nor do we have a 1600 year history of colonization and forced conversions of indigenous peoples.

Edited for spelling*

 

[beenherebeforeagain]

Fortunately or unfortunately, it's America, and ignorant people can do ignorant things...

 

[Sgt. Pepper]

At least we aren't door to door proselytizing, nor do we have a 1600 year history of colonization and forced conversations of indigenous peoples.

^ This. Well said.

 

[The Hammer]

I feel that I'm close to choosing my own deck of tarot cards, by the way. I know that it's taken me quite a while to decide on which one is the right one for me, but I shared with you what happened to me when I touched a deck once before. Maybe I'm being too cautious.

Nothing wrong with taking ones time. More people should exhude patience outwardly.

 

[The Hammer]

Would you have any qualms about picking up ritual supplies (such as candles) from the Halloween Spirit store?

Yes and no. If it is the only place this thing exists, by all means get it at Spirit (never seen candles sold there though, it's a costume and decor shop). Outside of that I highly recommend people support their local metaphysical shops (in person or online). Some of those places have a hard time staying in business as is.

 

[The Hammer]

I noticed costumes with Wiccan symbolism on it today(I went to the same store), and I have to say it bothered me a little. Other people's religious symbols shouldn't be appropriated for Halloween costumes, in my opinion.

I didn't care for the stuff with crosses on it, either. It seems as a way to 'make fun of' things that other people hold dear. The same also goes for Halloween costumes that are made up of another culture's traditional wear, as well.

Yeah, I'm not even a fan of priest costumes (or cultural costumes)... Maybe with the exception of doing like a zombie priest or something like that.

 

[The Hammer]

At a costume store? Wtf. Please, tell me they're not next to "witch" costumes. That would be a tad bit beyond tacky.

No, but still with all the "witch" decor, including Hocu Pocus™ merchandise. Many of the "witch" costumes also had triquetras, pentagrams, world trees, etc on them.

 

[Sgt. Pepper]

Nothing wrong with taking ones time. More people should exhude patience outwardly.

The kind of intense energy I feel when I stand close to several decks of tarot cards can be overwhelming, let alone touching one.

 

[The Hammer]

The kind of intense energy I feel when I stand close to several decks of tarot cards can be overwhelming, let alone touching one.

Do you know or practice any grounding techniques? I'll be honest that my grounding and warding is weak these days, but it would be effective to do that prior to deck shopping I think. Focus on your breath.

 

[Quintessence]

Haha... is it bad that I find this more amusing than anything else?

Pop Witchcraft was a thing decades ago and apparently it is in vogue again. I don't read it as anything more than that, personally, but at the same time I can understand the frustration. It's more interesting to consider why it is in vogue again - no doubt some of the regular scholars who study the contemporary Pagan landscape are (or will be) looking into it. Wouldn't surprise me if the reasons of now are similar to the reasons of back when. Contemporary Paganism was always an inherently countercultural movement (at least in the United States) and Witchcraft in particular is an expression of personal (often female) power in times of oppression. Put another way, it wouldn't surprise me if the latest Witch craze relates to heightened attention to social justice issues and the feeling of relative powerlessness many feel to affect change.

That aside, the people running the store know their audience and are doing some smart marketing. People into Witchcraft, the occult, the New Age, and assorted other movements like Halloween as a general rule. It's basically the only mainstream holiday that comes close to acknowledging that people like us - the mystics, the occultists, the spellcasters - actually exist.

 

[Sgt. Pepper]

Do you know or practice any grounding techniques? I'll be honest that my grounding and warding is weak these days, but it would be effective to do that prior to deck shopping I think. Focus on your breath.

Yes, I've learned about grounding techniques from another medium who is a close friend of mine. My grounding and warding are weak these days too. I'm sure it has something to do with this time of year and All Hallows Eve approaching. This time of year has always been chaotic and emotionally draining for me because of the upsurge of spiritual energy and spirit activity that occurs a few days before All Hallows Eve, on All Hallows Eve, and a few days afterward. Although I like the ambiance of Halloween, I dread it as well as the days before and afterward. I know this time will pass, but I've found myself wishing that I could turn off my abilities for awhile.