Witches, Witchcraft, and Wicca, Oh My!: American Horror Story Coven

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Recommended: Witchcraft history around the world

What images come to mind when you think of witches? Many people immediately imagine a black pointy hat, bubbling cauldron, green warty skin, and Halloween. Usually the image that comes to mind is something scary and evil. Real witches do exist. Most modern witches go by the label Wiccan now. Wiccans practice Wicca, which is a nature-based religion with many different branches or denominations. The basic tenant of all Wicca is called the Three Fold Law. The Three Fold Law states that whatever you do will come back to you times three, good or bad, so do not cause harm or, in other words, “harm none”. It is kind of like the concept of karma in one lifetime. There is debate over how old the religion actually is with some saying that it is an ancient religion that pre-dates Christianity and some saying it is more modern, starting in the 1950’s with Gerald Gardener. Regardless of how old the religion is, Hollywood’s portrayal of witches often does have some kernel of truth, albeit sometimes it is hard to find.
One of the most watched hits on television right now is American Horror Story Coven. It is a fictional story of Salem witches versus Voodoo. Like all great fictional stories, there are some seeds of truth that can be found within its story line. One of the things I like about the show is that the characters are complicated. There are no pure good or pure bad witches, just witches; rather like people in real life. Of course, not all witchy characters are good role models. But girls do not necessarily need role models from television, as much as they need options. Rather than simplistic and basic characters, witch stories offer complex female characters, who have interests that go beyond the men in their lives. This can be a go...

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...oks/2013/oct/26/witches-cast-spell-on-culture>.
Murphy, Ryan, and Brad Fulchuk. "American Horror Story Coven." American Horror Story Coven. FX. FX, New York, 20 Nov. 2013. Television.
Scooby-Doo and the Witch's Ghost. Dir. Jim Stenstrum. Perf. Scott Innes, Mary Kay Bergman, Frank Welker. Hanna-Barbera Productions, 1999. DVD.
Scott, John, dir. "Potentia Noctis." Witches of East End. Lifetime. 10 Nov. 2013. Television.
Thakur, Ambika. "Entertainment & Stars News." Coven Season Three: 'American Horror Story' International Business Times AU, 6 Aug. 2013. Web. 24 Nov. 2013. .
Yardley, Meg. "Social Work Practice With Pagans, Witches, And Wiccans: Guidelines For Practice With Children And Youths." Social Work 53.4 (2008): 329-336. SocINDEX with Full Text. Web. 24 Nov. 2013.

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