Fad ‘Magic’?
“Did anyone lose a necklace?”
The girl held it up, so everyone could see. A fine silver chain supported an intricate silver pentagram. I frowned.
“I know whose that is,” another girl answered, taking the necklace. I noticed that, around her neck, another pentagram with an amethyst center hung. Hmm…
Maybe both jewelry owners knew exactly what their fashion symbols meant. But I doubt it. The fact is, pagan symbolism and practices are becoming popular – and both people who understand the paranormal and don’t are jumping on the bandwagon.
So why is this pagan resurgence happening? I have some theories.
1. Teenagers are rebellious. It’s what we do. Many are turned off by their parents’ organized religion and strict rules, turning to the more individualized, accepting pagan religions.
2. Witchcraft, ghosts, magic, and all related things are far less taboo than they used to be. No one’s being burned at the stake. Of course, it’s still not going to make you loved at family reunions if you announce you’re a witch, but you’re unlikely to be run out on a rail.
3. Support for the environment, religious freedom, romantic freedom, and similar ideals are more commonly found in pagan religions than the typical Big Three.
4. I hate to say it, but I’m sure plenty of kids go to the store and buy a pentagram or a bracelet covered in runes with absolutely no clue as to their real meaning. That’s what makes it so hard to tell the difference between real and fake psions/witches.
Why do you think paranormal ideas and items – particularly jewelry, symbolism, etc – are popping up again? Have you seen it happening where you live?
Another reason for this is because mediocrity has become normal for Americans. None of these “Fad Witches” feel like they need to be dedicated to the magic they are toying with. They don’t have any sense of personal accomplishment. It’s like running a race and coming in last, but still getting a ribbon that says “You’re a winner!” If you knew that everyone got one, why try to win?
Playing the devil’s advocate here:
Why frown? You may not know their story for keeping such a necklace, but you do have access to the present moment. Frowning leads me to think you were focusing too much on the material item, rather than the reality.
A kind act occurred; someone found something of value and instead of keeping it for themselves inquired about the owner. Another knew the owner and offered to help return it.
Fad/fashion symbol or not, authentic ‘witch’ or not, the message of kindness was still delivered. Or cast, one could say.^^
Cheers^^
I hate to disrupt your detailed analysis, but my use of the word ‘frowned’ just referred to the fact that I was thinking. I tend to frown when I’m considering something. XD