It is all too common to encounter outdated, paranoid narratives stemming from a lack of understanding—whether this originates within or beyond Jewish synagogues, Christian churches, Buddhist temples, or other belief systems. Such misconceptions often materialize as claims like "Witches, Warlocks, and Psychics Invading the Church" or similar unfounded fears. Sure, there are those that play off these fears and Ignorance, fueled by various sources, which is the root cause of these misunderstandings. We do not advocate such fallacies. It' not that we cannot or will not get along with others. Its a factor if they wish to and will choose to get along with us. its never a one sided thing and anyone that holds other opinions are really not worth the effort to deal with.
Thankfully, there are individuals within these communities who are open to learning, embracing truth, and fostering peaceful coexistence. These people remind us that dialogue and mutual respect are always possible. We can get along with others. It does not mean others will want to get along with us. And they don't have to if they don't want to. We also do not have to allow ourselves to sink to the same maliciousness or militancy of others. Yet that is also why we must make corrections to things when they are wrong, regardless the source, and challenge every claim and demand proofs as requirements. We should not and are not expected to believe anything and despite what some insane ones claim, you cannot truly force one to believe anything without isolating them from everything. Even then doubt will exist and its that doubt that allows one to question which is the right of all people.
Druwayu is more than a religion;
it is a living tradition interwoven with layers of philosophy, science, and culture. It finds common ground with others and welcomes inclusion, not simple hijacking of things here or there. Things must align. They are not haphazardly thrown together. Druwayu is also by that factor alone not "whatever you want it to be or pretend that it is." Such views, opinions or attitudes are rightfully rejected and for good reason.
Druwayu has clear intentions;
Within Druwayu, we hold a clear mission. We are not here to convince the willfully ignorant to change their minds. Instead, our role is to educate—to teach the world what Druwayu is and what it is not. Druwayu is the religion at the heart of Druish culture and traditions, uniting the Druans who practice it. This faith does not discriminate based on race or nationality. Rather, it offers a framework for spiritual exploration, inclusiveness, and understanding, guided by the very meaning of the name as "True Ways" as a moral and ethical central focus. We present this in the sense of being honest with oneself and others and stand against all who would misrepresent this.
Druwayu has mutual respect for its elders and its members;
Druwayu celebrates its elders, known as Warlocks and Witches, who serve as vital pillars of leadership and wisdom. Some of these elders are members of the Drusidu, an administrative and custodial council guiding the First Church of Druwayu. Others serve as clergy, enriching the Druish tradition with their insight and dedication. It is important to note that, while all Druish elders (Warlocks and Witches) are Druans, not all Druans are elders—just as not all Buddhists are monks or nuns, not all Jews are rabbis, and not all Christians or Catholics are priests, bishops, ministers, or other clergy members. This reflects the diversity and depth within our faith and culture.
Druwayu freedom for all its members and non-members alike;
Our duty is to defend the freedoms of our Druish culture, traditions, and religion while striving for peaceful coexistence wherever possible. In so doing, it is also recognized we must defend the rights and freedoms of others who, though holding different beliefs hold and share these same basic values of human rights and civil liberties, and that we should ally with one another, not to blend fundamentally different cultures, but against those that would deny all our rights to exist.
At the same time, we do not condone the promotion or pretense of ignorance. While we are committed to open dialogue, education, and understanding, we must also be prepared to stand firm in defense of our rights, which also includes our existence when they are threatened. This is not about conflict but about safeguarding the identity and freedoms that define us as Druans as well as non-Druans.
Druwayu has clear values;
In embracing Druwayu, we embrace the values of truth, life, coexistence, and the profound beauty of diversity. Our goal is not to encourage peace or convert others in some "hope or desire" for rewards here or hereafter. Our foundations are more about how to be better people overall here and now for the betterment of the world, not the promotion of ripping it apart and bringing about or leaving blind destruction in our wake.
Through our teachings and our actions, we aim to contribute to a world in which we live and hope to leave a good and better name behind where mutual respect and understanding triumph over ignorance, fear and pointless blind hatred; something all should be committed to in every generation, while also taking careful steps not to build tools of our own enslavement.
ADDRESSING SOME FALLACIES OF CHRISTIAN LEADERS
Due to historical distortions and modern sensationalism, Warlocks and Witches are often misrepresented as malevolent figures engaged in absurd and horrifying practices—such as devil worship, demonic possession, and grotesque rituals involving the unthinkable. This caricature often includes imagery of individuals dressed in black, flying on broomsticks or pitchforks, and concocting potions from the fat of unbaptized children.
The "broomstick and pitchfork" imagery, while a parody within Druwayu, echoes exaggerated beliefs about pre-Christian customs. Many actually Christian developed customs and traditions are also claimed to pre-Christian that are not is claimed by the results of nonsensical garbage scholars and academic invention from the mid 1700s onward, and established by the early 1900s in many dictionaries that even to this day have failed to remove the fictions.
Poor education is not a new thing in other words and not just the preoccupations of the paranoid and abusive. Some of these customs did persist among remote agricultural communities distant from Christianized towns or feudal castles. However, the portrayal of these practices was often wildly inflated to serve religious and political agendas which has continued to this very day. In that sense, we have all been in many wars continuously even in times of presumed peace.
Linguistic Roots of Misinterpretations
The terms "Warlock" and "Witch" have often been used as catch-all descriptors, leading to widespread confusion about their meanings. I already provided a lot of direct examples of actual etymology on the Etymology page that covers the actual meanings. These linguistic origins highlight the divergence between original meanings and modern misinterpretations and mismanage which is its own form of illiteracy. Linguistic analysis reveals:
The Greek word μαγεύω (mageuō)—origin of "mage," "magi," and "magic"—referred to Persian spiritual practices and was later extended to "magician."
The Greek φαρμακεία (pharmakeia)—root of "pharmacy" and "pharmacist"—related to the preparation of medicinal remedies, not magical practices.
The Greek word θεραπεύω (therapeúō)—origin of therapy and therapist.
The same are also ignorant when they see texts condemning philosophers while being blind to the retained philosophies of their own religion and the philosophers that inspired their predecessors.
"Craft," as in "Witchcraft" or "Warlockcraft," originally referred to a profession or trade. For example, stone-craft (masonry) or mental-craft (smithing), or wood craft such as (carpentry).
Enchanter and Enchantment: Derived from the act of chanting prayers.
Soothsayer: Simply a speaker of truth ("sooth" meaning "truth").
Divination: Seeking guidance from the divine, a practice often condemned despite its parallels in many religious traditions.
Sorcery: Originally referred to the sorting of lots (voting or decision-making).
Mediums and Prophets: What some call "mediums" are often revered as prophets elsewhere and simply means one in the middle, a mediator.
Historically, the title "Warlock" and "Witch" have mutually undergone false revisions:
In Hebrew texts, "lawmen" or adherents of the Torah were such as the Pharisees or Sadducee. "Warlock" was often used as a gloss for them from its original source Warlogan (and later variants of this plural) so that everything such Pharisees or Sadducee were accused of became spun together as a co-opt slander.
The term "Witch" was applied to women associated with temples, priestesses, or temple prostitutes, depending on context. While some priestesses were devoted to female deities, others served as devoted women of the Almighty—a tradition that was later suppressed.
The fact remains that both Warlock and Witch stem directly from Scandinavian related Germanic languages often defined as Old Saxon and Anglo Saxon. Most of the others stem largely from Latin sources, including Wizard, and the same is true for the very noun and adjective expressions of the word God.
Historical and Linguistic Context
The term Warlock originates from Old English and related languages, combining wer (meaning "man") and logan (meaning "laws"). It referred to individuals with specific roles or crafts, much like other professions of the time, such as stone-craft or metalworking. Similarly, Witch derives from Old English wiccan, which was tied to practices of wisdom, healing, and spiritual guidance. These terms were never inherently linked to malevolence or Satanic worship.
The evolution of these words into symbols of evil was largely a product of later religious and political agendas. For example, the Greek term pharmakeia, which gave rise to "pharmacy," was misinterpreted to conflate medicinal practices with sorcery. Similarly, divination—seeking guidance from the divine—was condemned despite its parallels to practices within many religious traditions.
1. Misrepresentation by Religious Institutions
During the rise of Christianity, pre-Christian customs and spiritual practices were often demonized to consolidate power and suppress alternative belief systems. This led to the portrayal of Warlocks and Witches as agents of Satan, despite the lack of any historical or theological basis for such claims. In fact, many of the practices condemned as "witchcraft" were simply remnants of older, nature-based traditions or misunderstood cultural rituals.
The Bible itself contains contradictions in its treatment of spiritual practices. For instance, while divination is condemned in some passages, prophets who communicate with spirits are revered in others. This inconsistency highlights the selective interpretation of religious texts to serve specific narratives. Furthermore, most Christians become frustrated when thy are confronted with the fact tere isn't just "one version of a Bible" and never was, and the first "called" Christians were accused of all the same things they accused and some continue to accuse others of and there was no Bible or single canon for centuries after that movement was started.
2. Cultural Parallels
The demonization of Warlocks and Witches mirrors similar patterns in other cultures. For example, the term soothsayer—meaning "truth speaker"—was condemned despite its benign origins. Likewise, enchanters and enchantments, which originally referred to chanting prayers, were rebranded as sinister acts. These shifts in meaning were not based on the practices themselves but on the desire to control and marginalize certain groups.
3. The Absurdity of Satanic Associations
The portrayal of Warlocks and Witches as Satanic figures often includes absurd and grotesque imagery, such as flying on broomsticks or engaging in unholy rituals. These caricatures are not only historically baseless but also reflective of the fear and ignorance that fueled witch hunts and persecutions. Within Druwayu, such misconceptions are parodied to highlight their absurdity and encourage critical thinking.
In fact, if we must be completely honest, as well we should, Satanism and its basic concepts was in actuality invented, created and developed by and out of Christianity as a weapon of coercian, and anything but honorable actions taken against those accused of Satanism and therefore "Devil Worship." Modern Satanists, regardless their spin are frankly pathetic because they latch onto the very thing they claim to reject. It's idiotic.
4. The Importance of Reclaiming Truth
By understanding the true origins and meanings of these terms, it becomes clear that the association of Warlocks and Witches with Satanism is a product of ignorance and deliberate distortion. Reclaiming these terms and their historical context is essential for fostering understanding and dismantling harmful stereotypes.
Common Citations and Notes:
While I by no means agree with a lot of things by what is apparent that some were well meaning, much of the same fallacies continue even in the following works. They have a premises they start from based on the over generalizations, use such to form their narratives which results in their conclusions. I only note them as examples of the on going errors and their imposed biases they are blind to.
Thomas, K. (1971). Religion and the Decline of Magic.
Briggs, R. (1996). Witches and Neighbors: The Social and Cultural Context of European Witchcraft.
Russell, J. B. (1980). Witchcraft in the Middle Ages.
Clark, S. (1997). Thinking with Demons: The Idea of Witchcraft in Early Modern Europe.
Monter, E. W. (2002). Witchcraft in France and Switzerland: The Borderlands during the Reformation.
Bailey, M. D. (2007). Magic and Superstition in Europe: A Concise History.
Cohn, N. (1993). Europe's Inner Demons: The Demonization of Christians in Medieval Christendom.
Davidson, H. R. E. (1998). The Roles of the Northern Gods in Modern Religion.
Hutton, R. (1999). The Triumph of the Moon: A History of Modern Pagan Witchcraft.
Maxwell-Stuart, P. G. (2001). Witchcraft in Europe and the New World: 1400–1800.
It leaves me wondering if these so called professors and scholars actually take the time to cite such things as I have such as this list of source material and proper cross references of linguistics? They clearly don't know as much as they like to pretend they do and instead mostly rely on much later erroneous conclusions.
My Citations for your Reviews
Heliand (c. 830, 9th Century) Pronunciation: /wɛːrlóʊn/
Derived from wer (“man,” /wɛːr/, as in wɛ́ːwʉlf/werewolf) + logan (“laws,” /lóʊn/).
Variations of spelling: Warlowe, warlow, warlou, werloh, werlou, werlawe, warlouʒ, wærlogan, warloghe, wârlogo, warlau, warlawe, warlagh(e), warlau, werlau(ghe), warlagh, warlach, warlag, waerlaeg, warloc, warlok, warlage, warthel-, werlok, wirlok, wīrlēah, worloi, worley, wyrley, warlaʒes, worlais, warlais, warlois, werlah, werlahe.
Andreas (Old English, c. 9th–10th Century)
From wǽr (“man,” /wɛːr/, as in wɛ́ːwʉlf/werewolf) + logan (“laws,” /lóʊn/).
Dōmbōc (c. 893, 9th Century)
Pronunciation: /ˈweːʧ/ʧen/wiccan/wiccian (“wech-en,” not “ˈwick-an”).
Origin of Old English ʧ as “ch” in “church,” with parallels to Old Slavic veche and Old Russian вече (vecha, meaning “speak, call, gather, counsel”).
Ælfric’s Homilies (Late 10th Century)
Wiccan: Variations include Veche, vicce, veech, vecha, viche, vich, vicht, vecht, vetch, wech, wecha, weche, wich, wicha, wicht, wecht, wichta, wicche-, wichua, wichche-, wichen, wichen(e), wuche-, wuches, whicche-, whicces-, wheche-, whuche, whiche—all feminine.
John Dryden (1672–1673)
Mention of Warlock/Witch. Sources:
April 15, 1755 CE, Original Edition of A Dictionary of the English Language, Page 2243.
Later inclusion in the First Edition of A Dictionary of the Scottish Language, published January 1, 1818.
These references are often overlooked, further exemplifying the disregard for imposed false narratives.
All this said and done, though such as the OED and the various soruces that continue to simply regugitate the errors either out of laziness of less than academic reasons, and will not yet accept the provided evidence here, it it clear warlock as a title is not related to the reference to the "vardlokkr" from the Icelandic Saga of Erik the Red (Circa 950 – 1003 CE) for several reasons. Vard from icelandic is Ward in English. The part that is linked is lokkr which is locker in English. It originally meant "protection binding" in proper context.
I am not saying somewhere along the lines that this wasn't confused into the original etymolgy We can gather that just by looking at the nonsense currently being pushed. Its well known that in later German earlier forms with "gh" that were silent as in Light, becomes Licht pronounced as leek-t and li-ch by others. its also known ch also changed to ck in other dialects being swapped back to original sources and so on. That's Lingustic evolution and it is often messy. Either way, fact are more important than feelings and those offended by these facts can get over it and themselves.
History of my research must be stated clearly
I have been presenting these facts online since the early 1990s. Of course its all been suppressed, scrambed and erased from many sites where they claimed to be about learning when instead they were about something else entirely. This goes back to when I was living in Salem OR at that time before most libraries, at least in those areas, had internet options. I was already digging through many books, making many notes, making corrections, memorizing as many facts as possible and then when online options came to exist, I tried to create andoublish some websites using the old Front Page tool when that was actually free. When early stages of chat systems came into play before there was such graphic user interfaces (GUIs), I was chatting with people who spoke some of these as first Languages, especially Icelandic.
How research should be dones is to talk to native speakers when possible:
"Varðlokkur" is not an Old Norse word at all. It is a name for a song that appears in a single place in the corpus of Old Norse literature, in the Saga of Erik the Red. (where it's mentioned twice) which is also riddled with tall tales and also considered not a true or reliable source of prior icelandic culture or beliefs.
It is a compound word from vǫrðr (guard, ward, protector) and loka (lock). So "wardlock" would be the actual English cognate and such directed me to things like the ONP dictionary.
It was composed in the 13th century (albeit with elements based off older oral traditions). The two manuscripts called Hauksbók and Skálholtsbók are younger still. These 13th and 14th century sagas have not been considered a reliable sources on the Viking Age for over a century now.
The idea that these and other texts such as the Eddas correctly depict pre-Christian icleandic culture and religion as a survival of Scandinavian roots, abandoned and largely forgotten in Iceland some 200 years prior is absurd, especially since most of these in one form or another bearing tales in them as clear reflections or outright proclaimations of Christianity winning over what they called pagan heathenry, while no natives ever called themselves pagans or heathens.
Why it matters:
First and foremost, let it be made clear that this is not about "reclamation." It is about ensuring accuracy and consistency in understanding these terms and their historical contexts. By addressing these matters with precision, the goal is to dismantle the paranoia and bigotry that have long been associated with them. This effort seeks to replace fear and misinformation with informed perspectives, paving the way for mutual respect and understanding across all communitiesand different cultures.
1. Correcting Misconceptions
Many misunderstand the terms Warlock and Witch due to historical distortions and cultural biases.
These terms originally referred to spiritual roles, wisdom, and crafts, not malevolence or Satanism.
Dispelling these myths removes false stereotypes and fosters mutual understanding.
2. Encouraging Respect and Dialogue
Education about true meanings builds bridges between diverse faiths and traditions.
When misconceptions are corrected, it allows for honest and respectful discussions.
Shared values like compassion and truth become the focus of interfaith dialogue.
3. Promoting Inclusivity
Clarifications celebrate diversity and ensure traditions like Druwayu are not misjudged.
Inclusivity helps create a culture of coexistence where all beliefs are respected.
4. Reducing Fear and Conflict
Fear of the unknown often leads to prejudice.
Providing accurate knowledge reduces hostility and promotes harmony among communities.
5. Strengthening rather than deminishing Peace and Value of Human Life
In today’s interconnected world, peaceful coexistence is vital.
Clarifying misconceptions contributes to global respect and cooperation among religions.
Can a Warlock or Witch also be a Jew, Christian or Muslim? Simply put, no, not really, because such titles despite their clarified meaning will not be accepted as titles of clergy or spiritual advisors in what has become of those identities. While some may be flexable, there are simply too many incompatibilities and its best to just use a different term or title they don't gripe about and haven't slandered yet. I covered this HERE.
Most Hindus, Christians, Jews and Buddhists, on the other hand, we can co exist with and should, with them, mutually stad against extremists regardless what masks they ware. The only way we can do that is fight to also have the fictious claims of meaning of these words changed properly.
Unfortunately when it comes to Islam, throughout its 300 pages and innumerable variations, and coupled with terrible things like Sharia Law and Maxism which I have covered previously there just can be no peaceful coexistence in their part. Druwayu itself is too incompatible. Until Muslims abandon Islam and cease being Muslims in larger numbers and combat the evils of Islam themselves, there will be no lasting peace where it becomes saturated and embedded. Its delusional to even try.
This is not to say all Muslims are bad people. They are not. In fact, many ex Muslims are infidels and if they return home to their own lands they will be killed viciously by their own family, former friends and neighbors because the Quran and Sharia law demand it.
Those who claim to be Christian Warlocks and Witches:
Given the historical, theological, and cultural facts, it is clear that anyone identifying as a Jewish, Christian, Muslim, Pagan, Heathen, or even Satanic Warlock or Witch is fundamentally misunderstanding the origins and meanings of these titles. The terms Warlock and Witch have specific historical and linguistic roots tied to roles of wisdom, craft, and spiritual guidance, which were later demonized and distorted by Abrahamic religions and societal narratives. These titles are incompatible with the doctrines of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, which explicitly condemn practices associated with magic or mystical manipulation.
Furthermore, those originally identified as Warlocks or Witches did not refer to themselves as Pagans or Heathens, as these labels were externally imposed to demean pre-Christian traditions. Even the Satanic association is a modern construct, rooted in Christian frameworks of opposition, and does not align with the historical roles of Warlocks and Witches. To claim these titles within any of these religious or cultural identities is to ignore their true etymology and context, making such claims delusional and detached from factual history.
Other than Islam, when it comes to coreection and peaceful coexistence, it is possible:
Understanding the Titles: Warlock and Witch
The titles Warlock and Witch are often misunderstood due to fictionalized portrayals and historical distortions. In reality, these terms refer to specific roles or trades, much like "Priest" or "Priestess" in other religions. They are not inherently tied to any particular religious identity or practice. For example:
Warlockery and Witchery describe the functions or crafts of Warlocks and Witches, not their spiritual beliefs.
Historical terms like "Gospel" have Saxon origins, showing that religious titles often transcend specific cultures or ethnicity.
However, Druwayu firmly rejects any ethnocentric or racist interpretations of these terms, as such views are incompatible with its principles.
1. The Misuse of "Magic" and Related Terms
The term "magic" has been widely misunderstood and misapplied:
Magi (singular Magus) were Persian elders associated with Zoroastrianism, and their practices were later linked to the Christian nativity. Over time, the term evolved into "Magician," losing its original context.
The word Magus (pronounced mag-oosh) originally meant "humble servant," highlighting its spiritual rather than mystical connotations.
It is erroneous to claim that Warlocks, Witches, or others "practice magic" in the generalized sense. Terms like "Shamanism" or "Occultism" are often misused as interchangeable labels, contributing to widespread confusion. This over generalization stems from ignorance and a failure to verify facts.
2. Historical Conditioning and Linguistic Complexity
Words like "God," "Heaven," and "Hell" have entered modern English through various languages, including Old Saxon, Hebrew, Greek, Latin, and Aramaic. This demonstrates that religious titles and concepts can coexist across cultures. However, centuries of conditioning and diverse complexities have led to misunderstandings that require careful clarification.
3. Historical Use of Mystical Terms
Throughout history, Jews, Christians, and Muslims have used terms like "wizard," "magi," and "sorcerer" in neutral or positive contexts. These roles often involved mystical practices that benefited their communities. For example:
Pentagrams, now mistakenly associated with Satanism, were historically used by Jews, Christians, and Muslims long before being co-opted by occultist circles and media.
Similarly, Warlocks and Witches were often targeted as heretics, not because of their titles but due to broader societal and religious conflicts. The character of Satan, as understood today, developed primarily through Christianity, and even self-identified Satanists define themselves by Christian standards.
4. The Importance of Unlearning Misinformation
The question of whether one can be a Christian, Jewish, or Muslim Warlock or Witch is complex and requires significant research. The honest conclusion is that it is possible to hold these titles while maintaining a religious identity, provided one understands their true meanings and avoids false associations.
5. My stance on the matter
Druwayu embraces the titles of Warlock and Witch based on factual history and clear sources. However, it does not seek to merge with Judaism, Christianity, or Islam, as these faiths are incompatible with Druwayu on many levels. While agreement on some points is possible, Druwayu emphasizes peaceful coexistence without physical confrontations.
6. The Role of Semantics
Semantics play a crucial role in debates and arguments. Many religions and philosophies do not use "magic" in its modern, misconstrued sense. Instead, "magic" originally referred to the practices and beliefs of the Magi. Recognizing and letting go of conditioned misunderstandings allows for a more accurate understanding of these concepts.
7. Advice for Coexistence
For those who identify as Jewish, Christian, or Muslim, it is often best to keep personal beliefs private to avoid unnecessary hostility. Additionally:
Titles like Warlock or Witch should not be claimed without proper understanding and factual support.
The factual support has been demonstrated and the accurate sources have been presented.
Druwayu recognizes these titles within its framework but does not impose them on others.
You also cannot provide clarity if you keep perpetuating fiction and confusion.
Let us also not forget that as Warlock has been falsely claimed to mean Oathbreaker or Traitor, Witch has also been used to mean Twisted and Perverse. In both causes I have proven this all to be false. Deal with it and get over it. Facts won't change because you do not like them and you are ignorant if you think dictionaries are infallible or haven't also been distorted over time.