Thou Shall Not Suffer a Witch to Live

Exodus 22:18 is an odd verse that has been used to justify various atrocities throughout history. Indeed, some people still (somehow) believe that witches should be burned at the stake. This seems to stand in stark contrast to many of the underlying themes and principles that the Bible - and religion in general - espouse (don't kill people is literally in the 10 commandments).

Pictured: What some people had/have no problem with.

Before I get into this one, I want to provide a quick warning. This is going to be extremely bleak for some. And, after reading this, you might accidentally become a witch. Don't say I didn't warn you. But if your curiosity is getting the best of you and you start reading, I would ask that you don't stop in the middle and finish it.

Last chance. Once you pass this, you are at the point of no return. You are promising that you will finish this.

Okay. Here we go!

***

I am a witch. But that doesn't mean what you probably think it does. For example, I don't see it as incompatible with other religion. As for myself, I am a Christian and I believe that the whole idea of Christ's sacrifice is that we are free to explore and indulge our curiosity. I believe I don't need to be perfect and that I am free to learn, wander and experiment.

Being a witch is fun. I cast and write spells, play with the forces of nature, make potions, etc. But that's not what qualifies me as a witch. What makes you a witch is (i) what you call yourself or (ii) what you believe.

This is how I see it:

I believe in magic.

I believe in me.

That makes me a witch.

Which I'm proud to be.

Let's go through this one at a time.

1: I Believe in Magic

Funny enough, magic is probably the easiest thing to prove. It absolutely boggles my mind that people don't believe in magic while owning a smartphone. Like, just look at the world around us! It is full of magic. You can circumnavigate the globe in a matter of days by flying. You can talk to someone in a completely different location instantly. We have tamed lightning and use it to power cities. (If you want more examples, check this post out).

How is this not magic? Just because we know how it works or understand it doesn't take away from how crazy it is.

Pictured: Modern magic.

You already do some form of magic in your life. For example, whatever you do as a profession is a kind of magic (it's why it's also called a "craft"). For me, that's law, which is a powerful and terrible craft. With the right words, I shape the world around me. Looking elsewhere, engineering is the power to make magical objects that defy what others think is possible. Teaching is the ability to transfer knowledge to the next generation. What kind of magic do you practice?

2: I Believe in Me

Another aspect of witchcraft is recognizing that you have agency. That you can be in charge of your life and shape your future. Though there are obviously things outside your control (and you should recognize/respect that), there are plenty of things in your control.

The truth is, no matter who you are or what you believe, you are the ultimate authority on what you decide to do. Other things can influence and guide you, but these are still your choices to make. Many choose to let others make those decisions for them (which is ironically still a choice). Others choose more autonomy. But there is always a choice.

One of the first spells I ever wrote is entitled "To Answer the Call," which is supposed to be read in an authoritative voice to yourself. It's a bit lengthy, but here are the most salient parts:

I will follow and blaze my own path

Adventuring free of any Gods' wrath.

Free to stray, learn and explore;

To wander and knock on any door.

I grasp the power to shape my own destiny

and accept the privilege that is my sovereignty.

Pictured:

No one is perfect, But that's okay!

Your path may have bumps (but it would have anyway).

I prefer to make my own path instead of following others who are just as clueless as me. If you do too, I have some news for you...

3: That Makes Me a Witch

Don't say I didn't warn you. Even if you don't like the label, this is the de facto definition that society uses.

But this is also liberating. You are a bad-ass being that has extreme power within. Do remember that actions have consequences (and plan accordingly), but also remember that you have the power to shape your own destiny. You are free to do what you choose. Enjoy your freedom.

Pictured: A dare.

4: Which I'm Proud to Be

Well, I am at least. You don't have to be proud of it (because you don't have to do anything, see points 2 and 3), but it's much more fun if you do.

***

But back to the initial matter at hand: What's up with Exodus 22:18? Here is an interpretation:

Once you take control of your own life, it becomes glaringly apparent that life is both extremely amazing and terrible at the same time. Existence is a gift and also pain.

At some point, a witch may truly not desire to live any more. And if a witch asks to die, thou shall not suffer a witch to live.

Be humane with this request (and this is not a decision to be entertained flippantly). Not only should you not torture them to death, but don't make someone beg for it.

On the flip side, if a witch does not want to die (I count myself within this group), this does not give you a license to kill. Perhaps we should not burn/kill people for what they believe.

In sum, I choose to see Exodus 22:18 as a recognition of a witch's autonomy rather than an invitation to murder. Perhaps I'm wrong (and I probably am), but no one on this planet has a right to interpret this in any more authoritative of a way than I (or you) do.