OPINION: SRSU Witchcraft Course, Pro
By Brooke Manuel, Skyline Editor
ALPINE - As someone who is intrigued by different religions and types of spirituality, I take the time to educate myself on certain practices. I find the recent integration of courses studying witches and witchcraft at universities across the country timely and opportune.
Over the last few years, witches and witchcraft have emerged in pop culture. That emergence coupled with fourth-wave feminism is undoubtedly what has led to the integration of these topics in American universities.
Expectedly, many people were outraged by the news that these new courses would be taught in universities across the country. Christians seem to be at the forefront of this outrage. In fact, the history between Christianity and witchcraft offers an explanation as to what fuels this outrage.
Witchcraft dates back to ancient times with depictions of witches in Roman, Grecian, Egyptian, Chinese and Mesopotamian folklore and mythology. It wasn’t until the Middle Ages when Christianity became widespread that witches were viewed as being in cahoots with the devil. Christians condemn those who practice witchcraft, and the Salem witch trials, when so-called witches were executed, are a perfect example in history of that condemnation.
With just a bit of research, one can come to understand that many of the principles of witchcraft are based on nature, divination, sex-positivity, herbalism, mindfulness and manifestation. And the purpose of classes like the one Rosemary Briseño is teaching at Sul Ross State University, Witches and Witchcraft in American Literature, is to dispel the myths surrounding witches and witchcraft.
Yes, there are witches who worship Satan, but most witches are just like you and me. It could be the elderly lady who puts cinnamon in her coffee each morning, because it is believed to uplift your mood and relieve fatigue; it could be the corporate woman who looks in the mirror and speaks the promotion she wants into existence; it could be the college student who lights the same candle every time she studies for an upcoming exam as good luck; and it could even be the mom who always sweeps from the back of the house to the front to cleanse her space of negativity.
If looked at from a broader perspective, Christianity and the practice of witchcraft have a lot in common.
Christians and witches both believe in a higher power. That higher power varies from witch to witch, though. Some merely believe that the universe controls all, and some worship a deity, or deities. They both incorporate certain rituals and ceremonies into their day-to-day lives like praying, baptism, communion, spellcasting, and honoring nature. Imagery, symbolism and sacred spaces also play a role in both Christianity and witchcraft.
Aside from the fact that courses like Briseño’s can help clear up misconceptions that commonly surround witches and witchcraft, there is the obvious reason as to why these topics should be studied—it’s part of our history. Regardless of your personal beliefs, history fosters critical thinking, cultural understanding and appreciation.