- Would-be witches are being offered Government grants
to learn how to cast spells.
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- The popularity of TV shows such as Sabrina the Teenage
Witch, starring Melissa Joan Hart, have led to hundreds of teenagers becoming
interested in spells and sorcery.
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- Now they can take up home study courses in the ancient
art of Wicca, or 'white' witchcraft, run by the British School of Yoga,
which qualify for the Government's individual learning accounts, where
students get a discount towards course fees.
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- But the subject list reads like the syllabus at Hogwarts
School in the Harry Potter books - including Spell Casting, Divination,
Spirits, Gods and Goddesses, The Book of Shadows and Moon Magic.
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- Successful students are awarded a Diploma in Wicca/Witchcraft
of the New Age Foundation.
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- The course brochure says: "Many myths still exist
about witches and those who practise witchcraft. However, it's a gentle
practice, full of love and joy, peace and balance. Many people are turning
again to the old religion and beliefs in witchcraft as a way of giving
their lives new meaning."
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- Witchcraft in Scotland is thriving, with the Pagan Federation
boasting around 2000 members north of the border.
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- Glasgow is thought to have around 15 witches' covens,
with around 20 in Edinburgh. And the forthcoming Harry Potter film is predicted
to swell numbers even more.
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- Followers believe in reincarnation and worship pre-Christian
goddess figures. One of their most important principles is to wish no harm
on others. Modern witches come from all walks of life, with an estimated
40,000 in Britain, including teachers, nurses and accountants.
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- http://www.sundaymail.co.uk/shtml/NEWS/P45S2.shtml
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