Comments on: Regulation for Canadian Witches?

By: Lea Elisabeth

Lea Elisabeth — Wed, 30 Dec 2009 02:02:54 +0000

Wow, I did not know this, despite living in Canada. This is really making me reconsider getting some kind of clergy-ship, even though I’m not a “Wiccan”.

By: mugami

mugami — Tue, 29 Dec 2009 10:43:52 +0000

Did anyone catch the other point? That lawyer is an idiot! I don’t care if they made me levitate, and was rich, I not giving anyone a 100 grand! They should revoke his license based stupidity!
And in so far a american lawsuits, it still falls under “freedom of religion” which DO cover personal beliefs like witchcraft. Think how else do people get away with, say, sacrificing a goat? Freedom of Religion, americans’ constitutional rights, most D.A.s tread very lightly here with what would otherwise be considered “kosher butchering”. Selling wares or services in The US is just as touchy to prosecute. The client goes in knowing you are following your beliefs. And if any of your spells or rituals have been published, all you have to do is plop that book or article down and your defense is as good as gold.
Further, the case is not substantially based on the use of witchcraft, but is used merely to play on the court’s ethical and moral principles. The case is based on a grey area of your laws it seems. I did a little digging and the real case’s grounds is where it should be, on a pyramid scheme and extortion. So don’t put too much thought into it. You’re fine.
And as long as you only respond from a first person perspective to questions when asked for advice from a CUSTOMER, rather than in third, you’re still safe. Such as saying, ‘I’d use this,’ or, ‘this has worked for me,’ instead of, ‘I think you should buy this.’
This last bit comes down to one’s word against another, but a security camera and saved emails will keep this to a minimum. And this again only applies to the ‘pushing’ of crafted wares in which you are personally enfranchised (owner, crafter, or employee), thus it does not apply to the advice regarding herbs or candles, as these can mostly be purchased at the local Wal-mart. This blog is also safe as you are not technically soliciting, despite stating you will sell wares.
I’m not too clear on the canadian legalities though, but I do expect something similar is in place. I hope this helped ease some of your tensions.

By: Harold Roth

Harold Roth — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 00:48:29 +0000

Do they have to prove you are “pretending”? Or do they just assume that anyone who practices witchcraft must be pretending because witchcraft doesn’t exist? In the latter case, someone with deep pockets could do a lot of good by challenging any conviction by comparing witchcraft to, say, Catholic priests who “pretend” to turn wine into blood, etc.

In the US, you will indeed see many sites and even some shops with “disclaimers” re the objects being sold for entertainment value only. Such disclaimers actually offer no legal protection whatsoever. All you have to do is talk to a customer about how the object could be used magically, and you have convicted yourself. The thing is, though, that I have not heard of anyone being brought to court for practicing magic in the US for many years. The earthly powers that be seem mostly interested in those scams who want all your money so they can take a curse off it, etc. Those people are indeed pretending to practice witchcraft.

Involved with my community? I am. It’s online.:)

By: Nix

Nix — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 00:43:45 +0000

Very interesting!

By: Anthony

Anthony — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 22:05:15 +0000

Hahahahahahahaha Sarah I love your descrption of wands vs sparkly sticks…whats amazing is that people actually buy the cheeper ones…no appreciation for the living spirit of the real deal item, birthed in wisdom and psychic sensitivity.

By: Laurel

Laurel — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 01:07:14 +0000

Well, you learn something everyday. I had no clue that this law existed! You have raised some really very valid points, something every all of us Canadian practitioners {full or part time!} should be thinking about. And let it be a nice little reminder to the scam artists.

Thanks for sharing!

By: Sarah

Sarah — Sun, 13 Dec 2009 18:14:20 +0000

Thanks all for your responses! As a non-Wiccan witch I don’t think I’ll ever be able get any legal certification – but as I’m active in my community and have craft teachers… I think those can count as material witnesses!

I hear you Miaerowyn – after reading Owen Davies Grimoires I realized that throughout history there’s always been at least five charlatans for every one real mystic. It’s human nature to capitalize on someone else ideas and success…

By: Miaerowyn

Miaerowyn — Sun, 13 Dec 2009 03:29:55 +0000

Wow, that’s definitely something to think about.
It’s one of those things that can be zoomed out to the bigger picture: there is always someone trying to make a quick buck off of everything. And because spirituality is something that people hold dear to them and take quite seriously, we trust too quickly those who, on the surface, are great actors making fabulous claims that we feel we have to believe.

Also, there’s really no way to measure one’s spirituality, and I think in our time, if Neo-Paganism became one of North America’s main spirituality, there would be sort of that “laissez-faire” feeling about it, each to his own. Who are we to say who’s spirituality is real?

As far as those people who sell objects, or services related to their religion, or spirituality, I don’t think there will ever be an effective way to rid ourselves of those charlatans. I completely agree that those who wish to sell spiritual wares should have a presence in the community, even if you are a solitary, go to some public rituals!

A wonderful post!

By: Mist

Mist — Sat, 12 Dec 2009 21:57:23 +0000

I live in the U.S., but this is exactly one of the reasons that I am now registered clergy. Just getting a coven registered as a non-profit here in the States is a HUGE fiasco. I can’t imagine what it would be like to have to prove myself a witch if I were a solitary practitioner of something not-so-Wiccan…

By: Nicholle

Nicholle — Sat, 12 Dec 2009 21:45:54 +0000

Yikes, I messed up my post above.. when it says Also and the lil it was supposed to be quoting what you said about the wand being crafted by a devout witch or the twig with glued on beads.