If there was ever a topic open to intense dispute, it would be the subject of witches and wizards. So many people hold such strong convictions about this subject that you would think it was a situation concerning life or death. However, it is a fun topic of discussion when you approach it from many different points of view.
Are witches and wizards bad? The answer must be yes and no. You must look through history to determine what the final answer may be. In medieval times, the kings and queens sought out relief for sickness from the local practitioner, who was often considered a witch. These people, generally women, had a robust knowledge of natural medicine and could heal people with their brews. It was not until a later time when the church set forth condemning these women that the term witch became synonymous with evil.
Merlin, perhaps the most famous of all wizards, was a good and bad man. Said to talk to the dead, Merlin helped guide King Arthur to become one of the most beloved king’s in all of British history. It is also said though, that Merlin was not afraid to use his magical powers to conquers his, and the king’s, enemies.
If you come to modern day, take a look at the Wizard of Oz. There was a good and bad witch, a wizard and a cast of characters innocently interacting with them all. Harry Potter and his friends were all attending school for witchcraft and wizardry, and regardless of the fundamental outrage, the Potter series is one of the best selling children’s books of all times.
These creatures, often human beings with additional knowledge, must be placed into the same category as regular mortals. Some are bad and some are good and some struggle in between. Like their mortal counter parts, these creatures have the free will to use their knowledge for good or bad, leaving the decision of their goodness only to them, not to others.
Fairy tales are filled with witches that perform good and bad deeds. We teach our children right from wrong using these tales, so they cannot possibly be all that bad.
Magic is something that everyone needs in their life in some way. Whether it be a wonderful tale to share with their children or a natural cure for their ailments, magic must become a part of everyone’s life to make life worth the effort.