Who's a Witch?

Reading an essay on witchvox.com, I came across someone referring to William Shakespeare as a witch/sorcerer. This is not the first time I've seen such a statement made. I'd like to know exactly what they're basing this information on.

I've also read about St. Joan of Arc being a very powerful witch, even after her conviction was posthumously overturned and her canonization in the Roman Catholic Church. I personally admire St. Joan and believe that she was a Christian mystic, but still Christian all the same. The church even admits that the accusations made against her were false, and as a saint she is considered by Roman Catholics to be a paragon of Christian virtue.

There are even mentions of Thomas Jefferson being a witch, and it boggles the mind.

Is it not possible to believe that great works and deeds can come from actual devout Christians (or in Jefferson's case, a Deist)? Must people take all the great figures from history and give them the title "witch" to make themselves seem superior because obviously they're counted among them?

I believe that it's offensive. By calling St. Joan a witch, we are perpetuating the accusations made against her which led to her execution. We are dishonoring her memory by dishonoring her true beliefs. The same goes for the Salem gimmick. Those poor people were not witches at all, and people do them a disservice by making outrageous claims about having "power" descended from them, or by capitalizing on their accusations and deaths.

I know that people in the Pagan community have a right to believe and say what they want, but there are times when I am actually embarrassed by what I read coming out of the community. We clamour and rant about not being shown respect by the mainstream religions and the public at large, but we can say some stupid shit sometimes.

A New Year's Prayer of Gratitude

As the new Hellenic year is beginning, I've decided to post my prayers of thanks to the Olympians.

To Zeus Ktesios, the protector of provisions, I am grateful for the bounty of food that has been provided to me.

To Hera Ourania, queen of the sky, I am grateful for the cool breezes on otherwise unbearably hot days.

To Ares Laossous, he who rallies the fighting men, I am grateful for the motivation to accomplish the things I've had to do this year.

To Aphrodite Kallisti, fairest of them all, I am grateful for the beauty and skincare tips I've found.

To Hephaestus Klytotechnes, he who is famed for crafts, I am grateful for my talents in soapmaking.

To Athena Alalkomene, the repeller of danger, I am grateful for being safe while walking through the city.

To Poseidon Pelagaeus, the king of the sea, I am grateful for a renewed appeciation for the aquatic ecosystem in my area.

To Demeter Karpophoros, she who brings forth fruit, I am grateful for the excellent quality of the strawberries this summer.

To Apollon Paean, the healer, I am grateful for the good health I've enjoyed this month.

To Artemis Lokhia, the protector of childbirth, I am grateful for the health of my nephew.

To Hermes Logios, the guardian of speech, I am grateful for my ability to articulate my feelings and my advice to others along my path.

To Dionysus Agrios, the wild one, I am grateful for being able to have fun with friends and enjoy a good celebration.

Finally, to Hestia, lady of the hearth, I am forever grateful for a loving family both in blood and friendship.