I’m Okay, You’re Not: the Practice of Labeling in the Field of Paranormal Investigation - Page 2
© Dayna Winters
"If you are affiliated with the occult, you are not a trustworthy or reliable individual and/or group. Further, people should avoid individuals who either study or partake in occult principles or practices because they are dangerous individuals with dangerous affiliations."
Rebuttal:
The statement above is not an uncommon belief behind the veil of the paranormal community. Some members of the paranormal community feel that if an individual practices the occult in any way, shape or fashion, they are troubled individuals who have little or no regard for other people. Such a contention is so far off the mark it is frightening. Besides Christianity, there are numerous religions that are spiritually fulfilling and wholesome for the individuals who partake in them. The practice of Wicca is one such example. As Wiccan practitioners, various members of our team often hear gossip and other such nonsense pertaining to who we are and what we do and believe. The occult is actually a term that refers to esoteric studies and is often misinterpreted as meaning the same thing as the word "cult". Wiccans practice the rule, "if it harm none do what ye will," and we are not affiliated with Satan, demons, and/or devils. We don't deliberately set out to hurt people and it is almost absurd to know that in this day and age, many individuals are still under the impression that Wiccans are some sort of evil breed that is out to hurt every individual they encounter. Just remember, we study the occult and we are NOT members of a cult. Likewise, we do not condone individuals who suggest that their point of view or religion is the one true path to enlightenment. Finally, Wiccans do not partake in the practice of necromancy (invoking the dead), nor do we curse individuals or purposely set out to hurt anyone. Not now-not ever.
Myth Number 5:
"Only a minority of individuals believes in ghosts, spirits or the paranormal, and that minority bases their belief on false information and false hopes."
Rebuttal: First, approximately fifty one percent of Americans believe in the existence of spirits. We would hardly call that a minority. Secondly, much of what individuals believe are a combination of societal influences, personal experiences and equally personal exploration. To make a judgment about the validity of someone's beliefs without knowing how they have grown up, how they live and what they have experienced is to make extremely wrong assumptions.
