Wiccans worship demons

By Judy Ducayne

Tuesday, November 14, 2006 9:57 AM EST

“Are you a good witch or a bad witch?” Dorothy was asked from the Wizard of Oz. From Macbeth to the present day, our stories, fables and fairytales have often contained witches, boiling cauldrons, spells, warlocks and magic.
Some of it can be considered a literary tool to illustrate the battle between good and evil. A recent article in The Citizen featured two local witches, Linda Townsend and Lydia Rosell. These days they call themselves Wiccans instead of witches. But Rosell admits that she practices the “craft” and was already casting spells in her 20s. It appears that the biggest thing that witches do is supposedly communicate with the dead.

They say that they can thin the veil separating the the worlds of the living and the dead. As Rosell put it, “The spirit world can merge with ours and they (the dead) can move among us.”

This is nothing more than satanism and demonism. Whether they know it or not, they are opening up themselves and others to the influence of Satan and his demons who prowl about the world seeking the ruin of souls.

The Wiccan rituals include a pentagram (a satanic symbol) and an altar. An altar is not just another name for a table but a surface used to offer a sacrifice in the praise and worship of the one, true God. Or it can be perverted in the worship of false gods and demons.

Communicating with the spirits of our ancestors is nothing more than aligning ourself with hell. Can strange things happen which cannot be explained by the physical scientific world? You bet they can. Demons are quite real. St. Paul said “we don't fight against flesh and blood but against the powers and principalities of the air.” Powers and Principalities are the names of two of the nine choirs of angels in heaven. In other words we're fighting against fallen angels-demons.

At the end of their rituals the witches of Wicca say, “We thank you and release you.” Once you open yourself to their diabolical influence they can plague you for the rest of your life. Their goal is your eternal destruction. Wicca will try to promote itself as a religion. However, religion is a virtue by which we worship and adore the One Supreme Being. This is a far cry from the demon-infested practices of Wicca. Townsend was quoted as saying, “There's only one rule - do what thou wilt and harm none. This is a variation on “Do what thou wilt shall be the whole of the law” which was coined by Aleister Crowley, the father of modern satanism who was known as “the beast.” Wicca, witchcraft, spiritism, satanism, demonology - they're all part of the same boiling cauldron of evil.

So say a prayer for these people that the evil grip will no longer hold them hostage and they will turn their lives over to the one true God.

Ducayne#'s column appears

Tuesdays and she can be reached at sacredheart6005@hotmail.com

The Citizens' Say

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There are 243 comment(s)

The One Who Stands Alone wrote on Mar 13, 2008 4:03 AM:

" I have taken the time to read every single comment....
And if both sides have the time and patience to listen to someone who claims neither pagan nor christian.... listen to some sense....

I am 17 years old... I was raised in the Catholic Church, I have read the bible from front to back 20 times.... I know more about the lessons than the pastors do... and sadly enough I found no inner peace....
I than went on to study occult and paganism.... I have read over 60 ancient texts on occult and more than 230 books on paganism.... I am well versed in these matters....

Now than... The entry made was offensive, corruptive, and destructive of a belief of people... Most of the responses from both sides were noticeably worse.... Listen, I bow to no God,Goddess,Element,Object,Spirit,Demon, or Man.....
If nothing else for this sole reason... how can either religion make sense of the truth if instead of working together to find the greater truth that lies inside of christianity and paganism... you are constantly belittling and tearing eachother apart... christians if you truly followed your religion you would not tear apart pagans, Judge not lest ye be judged... And Pagans, Do not retalliate or initiate confrontation... it does you no better to stray from the path for a petty grievance does it truly matter what they say?
God has been taken out of everything besides church almost... Pagans are just as haggard today as they were in salem..... Stop the fighting... It's senseless and regardless of who you bow to..... You are serving no God/Goddess if you are serving your own egos... So fight on if you must... But please, don't claim to follow a being that would never lower itself to this... Pathetic... Maybe one day I will have a religion or a belief system... Maybe when a see an actual hope that reflects through its followers.... "

Rev. Joseph S. Worley wrote on Apr 26, 2007 6:51 PM:

" I'll not attack anyone on this list of responces to this Ladies article. I think that the author could do a little research on the Religion she chose to write about, as well as she could do well to do a little study on Christianity as well. Then this is just my own oppion. I for one am very happy that in the US we are free to have our "voices heard" even if certain elements of society only wish these freedoms for their own group. I to am happy this this 10 year court case with the VA on the Pentacle has come to a close. After all no one in the VA or elsewhere took offense to the Atheist symbol being added. (Just a little something to think about). May the Divine as you interpret it bless you. "

John wrote on Mar 25, 2007 1:11 PM:

" After reading an article like this, I am truthfully left saddened. The sake of newspapers and journalism is reporting the truth without bias, or in the case of an opinion column they should have all facts and records checked and rechecked. It is very surprising to me that something like this was ever printed in modern day society seeing how ignorent it is and how haphazardly it was put together. I have nothing against christians save their holier than thou attitude. Oh, and for the people that posted in all caps, i have only contempt for you. "

Becka wrote on Mar 22, 2007 2:45 AM:

" I emailed this lady and told her she needs to check her facts before letting her rear end do the writing. This article is downright pathetic, and holds more opinion than the titanic holds water. She's obviously nothing more than a little right winger who wants to make everyone else feel wrong, or bad to make herself feel superior. "

devotee to the goddess wrote on Mar 1, 2007 3:44 PM:

" i think that this has to be a joke, i also think that judy has seen one too many horror films made in hollywood, either that or she is so badly corrupted that she is beyond all redemption. wicca as with paganism is an earth religion that was around LOOONNNNGGGGGG before christianty came and corrupted the land. i have every respect for all religions, why cant all you ignorant people realsie that there are books on this subject and mayb learn to read and battle your ignorance and see that wicca does not equal demonic / satanic worship. the goddess and deity that is honours by pagans all have different qualities and to be truthful isnt it possible that all deity becomes one ??? i think the author (if you can call her that) is just caught up in sensationalism and therefor it doesnt matter what she writes................ quite a shame really cos it taints a worthy profession. my blessings to all you who feel that you have to hate first and think later, mayb you had bad socialisation when u was growing up... "

Donna L. Richardson wrote on Feb 4, 2007 3:31 PM:

" It's sad how we are caught out there bashing religious beliefs of one another Even Jesus never argued the point, He just said get behind me, and went about His work. Truth can be said in the most pleasant way possible, even Jesus spoke to His people with tears in His voice as He opened the truth to them about their way of life. Let us not point the finger which leads to 3 pointing back at us, but pray and work for the souls you want to reach & win for eternity. God is love and not the author of confusion. "

Jim Bone wrote on Dec 28, 2006 3:04 PM:

" The purpose of a newspaper is not to publish 'news' and certainly not 'truth'. It is to sell papers. Period. In fact any newspaper is in bed with whoever pays the most. How many pagans have been misquoted from here to Hell, for no other reason that to stir the pot? How many Xtians have been pandered to, in the name of "equal time"? Privilege? I believe I prefer the shadows. "

wiccan woman wrote on Dec 22, 2006 9:00 AM:

" Ok people, we all need to realize that it doesn't matter what race, gender, or religon we are part of. We all have those few who spout hatred or, are not the members of our "group" that we want to be associated with. You can not blame the whole for the actions or opinions of the few. There are beautiful and amazing christians and wiccans alike, many doing great deeds for humanity. I am still hoping that when we all wake up, that we can change the world for the better by working together. My grandmother always said "many hands make lite work." To the wiccans - I understand how hard it is to share this view when we still deal with persecution and non-acceptance. To the christians - When was the last time you were burned at the stake? Claims of eternal life is hard to accept when your faith has killed so many in the name of its God. We as wiccans do not have absolution or confessional. We cannot simply repent and find peace and a clean slate. We live by the karmic rule of three. That what we do; be it good or bad, comes back in return to us times three. There is no escape route, no get out of jail free card. What karma we have earned stays with us until it is paid for. Lessons learned and good deeds done, enlightenment acheived. "

Tim wrote on Dec 14, 2006 12:44 AM:

" This is fairly pathetic. Judy Ducayne has done no research whatsoever on wicca and has only succeded in stirring up a hornets nest. Your christian, im pagan, who cares? We go to the same schools, work the same jobs, say our prayers and even try to make the world a better place. As far as religion goes I like mine and you like yours, that should be good enough. This article however is BS. Im going to get off of here and pray fo Judy Ducayne, that she manages to keep her job and that she does her research before she writes her next article. "

Algiz wrote on Dec 13, 2006 10:48 PM:

" I am a Pagan and I find this story appaling. False Gods? Aleister Crowley a Satanist? If you are truly a Christian why dont you love everyone equally? You know why Pagans are rude on these posts? Because of the Crusades, Witch Burnings, Inquisition, and the destruction of so many lives and indigneous people, and because today Christians still condemn everyone to hell. Please worry about your own soul and not other's. The Gods and Goddesses have blessed me with great strenght and I have made much progress with my soul. If there really is a Christian God he would not punish me for advancing myself, because if he would I would rather spend an eternity in hell than live with him in heaven. Two things I have to say to Christians is that we'll find out who's right after we die and Pagans existed long before Christianity... Enough said. "

Michelle wrote on Dec 7, 2006 7:38 PM:

" You claim that we're ( Pagan community, if I may, speak as such ) the ones being decieved? Then let me offer you this penny for my thoughts. You worship a god which allows a demonic entity who succeeds at manipulating people on a daily basis into terrible things to exist, despite the fact that he is 'all loving' and 'all powerful. Why? Also, since your Satan is the lord of lies, how do you not know you are being decieved into worshipping him instead of your real god, resulting in all the animosity from Christians today? You're supposed to spead love and peace, not spit venom. And everyone who says you're praying for us, don't. We have our own religion. Trying to convert us to your path via hatred, misunderstanding, mistrust, and deception, in my opinion, breaking the very important Constitution. Besides, judging your god via you, I have absolutely no desire to follow a mindless, hate-ridden, paranoia god who has yet to adapt to the free world of today. That's my one cent. Stop attacking my religion. "

alayne wrote on Dec 7, 2006 4:29 PM:

" If you're doing "good amongst the pagans", why haven't you realised that shouting "DEVIL-WORSHIPPER!" at us is only making us believe we're RIGHT not to be Christians anymore? I don't hate you guys - my best friends are Christian, I go to a Christian school, my family is Christian. But I find love and tolerance and acceptance amongst the Pagan community; having an intelligent discussion about other people's religions (with other Pagans) is better than having people like Ms Ducayne spouting off about devil worship under the misguided impression this will somehow return us to Jesus Christ. Develop a proper dialogue before you steam in with this hate speech; or you can expect to get this angry backlash from Wiccans and Pagans that you think is "hateful." Come to Witchvox and talk to Pagans, instead of smugly supporting someone we dislike for their intolerance. "

America Extremely Fundamentalist? wrote on Dec 6, 2006 4:51 PM:

" Alayne and unbelievers: AMERICA IS EXTREMELY FUNDAMENTALIST? I WISH! WE'D ALL BE BETTER OFF!!! And if you're that much in the dark, I'd like to let you know that pro-choice (abortion) is NOT fundamental, gay marriage is NOT fundamental, divorce is NOT fundamental, stem cell research is NOT fundamental, human cloning is NOT fundamental, commercialized Christmas, excuse me "holidays", is NOT fundamental, taking God out of the classroom is NOT fundamental! God is where you put Him. If you take Him out of your life, then out of your life He'll be. You hate Jesus because He's Truth. You hate Jesus because He's the Way. ""Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me."" John 14:6, NIV. Well he loves you, and we love you, and we love all the people mentioned above even though they and you don't love God. He predicted you would do this to Him and He still loves you and died for you: "Live such good lives among the pagans that, THOUGH THEY ACCUSE YOU OF DOING WRONG, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us." 1 Peter 2:12, NIV, Emphasis mine. He'll be patient and wait for you, we'll be patient and wait for you. God Bless. "

Sweet Monkey wrote on Dec 6, 2006 4:17 PM:

" I think Judy is Great. Who cares about the pagans hate speech towards Christians. It's all boring!!! "

HELPING wrote on Dec 6, 2006 4:09 PM:

" I guess April doesn't realize that Churches run Soup kitchens to feed the hungry and homeless. Has a witch ever cast a spell to make someone not homeless? "

HO HUM wrote on Dec 6, 2006 4:06 PM:

" PAGANS SURE HAVE ALOT OF HATRED TOWARD CHRISTAINS AND SURE ARE NOT VERY TOLERANT OF OTHER RELIGIONS. CHRISTIANITY IS NOT A RELIGION IT IS A RELATIONSHIP. "

April wrote on Dec 6, 2006 3:18 PM:

" blah blah blah. don't you have anything better to do with your christian powers of good than to bash other religions? how about helping the homeless? or teaching people to read? so sad. "

KandaP wrote on Dec 6, 2006 12:37 PM:

" Addressing The comment from Alayne: I guess that Christianinty has offened you, not a big surprise seeing the demonic influnece that controls your life now has Hated Christ from the Begining. I always find it interesting how easily offened the pagan society is and how much they misunderstand Christianity, although I understand. Back when I was in "The World" I discoved every other religion than Christianity sounded good to me and made alot of sense, & that is exactly how I figured out that Christianity is the One "TRUE FAITH", because the devil is the father of lies he was tring to deceive me into thinking Christianity was false, and that is how I knew, the devil was trying everything to keep me away from Jesus. You say "well I don't beleive in the devil".. that's exactly what he wants you to believe, he doesn't even have to try, he's alreay got you... Just try to read the Bible every day there are forces in this world that keep even Christains from reading their own Bible. Eph 6:12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high [places]. We pray for your deliverence & salavation, we DO NOT hate you in any way. The truth is just hard to hear when the devil hates truth so much. "

Captain Jack Sparrow wrote on Dec 6, 2006 9:28 AM:

" Yar even Pirates believe in Jesus.. "

Alayne wrote on Dec 6, 2006 7:45 AM:

" I'm interested to note the Christian response proves my understanding that America is extremely fundamentalist. For the record, I was a Christian for 16 years before I became a Pagan, so to the person who said it's impossible to seek him and not find him, that's laughable. Anyone with a brain would be offended by this hate speech - Christians because it makes them look like mouthy idiots, and Pagans because it denigrates us. Easy to understand? "

a young pagan wrote on Dec 5, 2006 3:13 PM:

" I congradulate Ms. Ducayne on proving that she does not research articles that she writes. I also am thankful that such a biased "journalist" and many of those who commented on this article would reveal their undenying hatred for others that are different than them. I agree with the representations of wiccan beliefs my fellow pagans replied with so I will not reiterate. I will only say that such prejudice saddens me, and I Sir, am sad that I will raise children in this world with so much hatred in it. "

Did you Know wrote on Dec 5, 2006 12:36 PM:

" Did you know that in the BIBLE the Religion is only mentioned once of being something good and God calls it "True Religion" every other time Religion is mentioned it is bad. THATS BECAUSE GOD IS INTO RELATIONSHIP AND NOT RELIGION. "

HEY NOW wrote on Dec 5, 2006 12:34 PM:

" Doesn't Judy have freedom of speech and Freedom of Religion too? "

Papa Smurf wrote on Dec 5, 2006 12:33 PM:

" Obviously the wickkkans don't have a clue...maybe they should reasearch before they state facts or quote Bible verses. "

J. Lovesu wrote on Dec 5, 2006 12:31 PM:

" Jesus Loves you wiccans :) He hopes you love him back and so do we.. :) "

hello kitty wrote on Dec 5, 2006 12:29 PM:

" we're praying for you pagans. "

FROM A CONCERNED CITIZEN OF CAYUGA COUNTY wrote on Dec 5, 2006 10:46 AM:

" WOW.. LISTEN TO YOU wickans, READ YOU OWN COMMENTS. THE wickans SURE ARE JUDGEMENTAL, RUDE, & FULL OF LOTS OF HATRED THEMELVES.. . WOW IT'S SCARY THAT YOU wiccans ARE OUT THERE, AND I HAVE TO RAISE CHILDREN IN A WORLD WHERE YOU ARE PRESENT IN IT.. "

Jocelynne wrote on Dec 4, 2006 6:13 PM:

" Obviously the woman who wrote this article did not research the subject of Wicca in any way, shape or form. Her lack of fact based information and the abundance of prejudice statements is offensive. If she had made any attempt to acquire information about this religion, even with just a cursory glance, she would have noticed that Wiccans, Witches, and all other Pagans worship nature, the duality of the divine, and do not have a devil to blame evils upon. We as a religious group are accountable for our own actions and do not follow, as Judy Ducayne is implying, an evil path. Our focus is not on raising/speaking to the dead, but on spiritual and mental growth, respecting and healing our world, and doing the best to deserve the graces we have received. If this woman is fool enough to feel that she can write with any authority on a subject she obviously knows nothing about, perhaps she should follow the rules of good dinner conversation, no politics, no religion, no sex. Honey, stick to the weather. "

Smitty Jensen wrote on Dec 4, 2006 4:35 PM:

" Great Article. May all the wiccans seek Jesus and find Him. If they are looking for Spiritual things, there is nothing more True & Spiritual than Jesus. John 14:6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. We would never say you're going to hell, Christians are not the judge.... God is the Judge. Romans 3:10 As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one: (Christians are only righteous through accepting what Jesus has done for them & by His Blood) News flash.. God dosen't send us to hell we choose to go there all on our own (free will), it breaks Gods heart to see us choose hell/eternal separation instead of choosing him.. he loves us so much. He is our Heavnly Father. Thanks for the Truth of this article and keep up the good work. "

Mr. Truth wrote on Dec 4, 2006 9:02 AM:

" WAY TO GO.... I LOVE THE ARTICLE!!! SOME PEOPLE CAN'T STAND TO HEAR THE TRUTH AND NEED TO GET A THICKER SKIN, THEY ARE TOO EASILY OFFENED. TRULY I HOPE THAT EVERYONE WHO IS INVOLVED IN THIS WITCHCRAFT STUFF WILL DISCOVER HOW SEROIUS AND DANGEROUS IT IS. IT IS A MATTER OF LIFE AND DEATH, SPIRITUALLY AND PHYSICALLY. THEY MAY BE TALKING TO SOMETHING IN THE SPIRIT WORLD, BUT IT IS NOT THE DEAD, IT IS THE ONE THIRD OF THE FALLEN ANGELS THAT FELL WITH LUCIFER AND THERE IS NO TRUTH IN THEM THEY ARE THE EXACT OPPOSITE OF GOD (if GOD is TRUTH then the devil is a LIE). I HOPE ALL THE PEOPLE WHO ARE INTO WITCHCRAFT OR ANYBODY ELSE WHO DOES NOT KNOW GOD, WOULD ALL FIND THE ONE WHO LOVES THEM MORE THAN ANYTHING, AND THE ONE WHO IS PASSIONATE ABOUT HAVING A RELATIONSHIP WITH THEM (SPIRITUALLY), THAT ONE IS THE ONE AND ONLY JESUS CHRIST, THAT'S RIGHT I MENTIONED HIS NAME THE NAME THAT IS ABOVE ALL NAME IN HEAVEN AND EARTH THE NAME THAT THE POWERS OF DARKNESS MUST BOW TO IS: JESUS. ARE YOU OFFENDED YET? WELL THAT'S OK IF YOU ARE BECAUSE THE WORLD HATED JESUS BEFORE YOU HATED THESE COMMENTS, AND HE STILL LOVES YOU, I HOPE YOU ALL SEEK HIM BECAUSE YOU WILL FIND HIM, IT IS IMPOSSIBLE TO SEEK HIM AND NOT FIND HIM, I CHALLENGE YOU TO TRY IT. AND TO THE WRITER OF THE ARTICLE, I SUPPORT YOUR STANCE ON THE SUBJECT AND I AM GLAD SOMEONE AT THE CITIZEN HAS THE BRAVERY TO STAND UP FOR THE TRUTH. THERE IS A SAYING, "IF YOU DON'T STAND FOR THE TRUTH, YOU'LL FALL FOR ANYTHING". "

Denise wrote on Dec 3, 2006 1:54 PM:

" I am quite offended by this article. I don't really have much to say, because the majority of people here have pretty much hit the nail on the head. Before an article can be written about a religion, you must research the facts. YOU, Ms. Ducayne, did not research anything. Before you begin to spout nonsense about a religion you know nothing about, I suggest you do a bit of background research beforehand. "

Stephanie Davies wrote on Dec 3, 2006 12:29 PM:

" This is sheer hate propaganda, remniscent of the Nazis in WW2. As a Pagan, I am truly offended by this article. I don't know anything about the newspaper that published this utter nonsense, but I assume they are of the same quality as the Weekly World News and the other tabloids that claim they found Atlantis or saw Elvis. I think it is horrible that something could spread hate and misunderstanding like this article. Pagans are NOT evil, are NOT affiliated with Satan, and do not practice any form of harmful practices. We don't even believe in Satan or Hell (quite frankly, we find the idea of a place of eternal suffering laughable - just like this article), so how can we worship Satan if we don't believe in him? "

Estatigua wrote on Dec 2, 2006 5:14 AM:

" I could go on a rant, but everyone has said all I would want to say & more. I feel sad for her sorry, misguided, predjudiced soul. "

wiccan woman wrote on Dec 1, 2006 9:56 AM:

" This is simply sad, most spiritual paths are based on some form of the "golden rule". If those who follow their path are not intentionally causing harm to other living things, or hypocrisizing their beliefs, why should they be put on "trial"? It is ridiculous for anyone to believe that they know the one true way. It is not the religion that should be questioned, but the people who have charged themselves with spreading it. We all fall prey to our fragile human nature on occasion. Everyone has felt fear, anger, even hatred, some people act on these things, others try to influence masses to follow them in their cause. It is far easier to fear what we don't understand than to take the time to educate ourselves. It's horrible to think that we are still killing our fellow man in the name of something meant to promote love and light. Persecution has always been an embarrising act in the race of man. Sadly, I fear this will never end. Let those with only love in their hearts throw the stones.....ahh, but they wouldn't! "

John W. wrote on Nov 30, 2006 1:57 PM:

" Apparently this reporter, and I use the term loosely, is just spitting out her own venomous version of hate towards anything that does not conform to her own twisted beliefs. There are so many innacuracies in her story the paper should be sued for allowing it to be published. The pentagram for instance origianlly was a Christian symbol before being associated with satanism just as the swastika is a tibeten religious symbol not a nazi symbol only. Also in the Christian faith there are numerous instances of historical people who not only spoke to the dead but raised them from the dead...Jesus is one example. Does that mean Jesus is actually a satanic agent? Wonder how miss know it all-bigot answers this question? By the way since Jesus raised the dead does that make Ms. Ducayne a closet Wiccan or devil worshipper as she claims all Wiccans are? Bet she does'nt respond to this. Most cowards who make accustaions they can't back up never do. And no, for your information I am not Wiccan I am a Christian also. "

WitchyWoman wrote on Nov 30, 2006 7:58 AM:

" This article completely disgusts me...especially when she says how communicating with our dead ancestors is evil...Last i checked, God is christianities creator, which would make him their ancestor, and isn't praying a way of communication ?? Yea...i thought so. Before writing articles as rediculous as this, based on nothing but opinion, I think you should get educated first. I know nothing about journalism or being a columnist, maybe I'll get a job at my local newspaper, obviously you don't NEED to know anything about it to write articles.. "

Gypsy wrote on Nov 29, 2006 9:00 PM:

" Wiccans worship demons ~ OMGoodness~Not true in any sense, this is just so silly of you to say~ A Pentagram ~ NOT (a satanic symbol) used for protection~ An Inverted Pentagram is (a satanic symbol) A cross is used for protection An inverted cross (a satanic symbol) AN Altar for your future information BEFORE you go blasting something you know nothing about check this out~ with photos http://www.magickrituals.com/bosaltar.html Ms.Judy Ducayne some info on Different Types of Witches/ Charmers Ceremonial Witchcraft~ Strega Witches ~ Soliitary Witch ~ Pow-Pow Witch~ Caledonii Tradition ~ Hereditary Witch~ Pictish Whitchcraft~ Dianic Tradition ~ Gardenarian Tradition~ Alexandrian Tradition~ British Tradition Witch ~ Eclectic Witch~ Celtic Wicca ~ Satanic Witch ~ THIS does'nt EXIST! ~ Why?? ....Witches DON'T believe in Satan. How can a respectible newspaper publish such a narrow minded idiots option such as this? If you care to learn anything AT ALL about the craft or Witches/Wicca please come to my posting board. Witch's Community - Home http://inthecircle.proboards83.com/index.cgi We are a family that helps each other, we pray for people of all Gods~ We do research and learn from each other~ We don't" bash" or make "Potentially libelous statements. Obscene, explicit, or racist language. Personal attacks, insults, or threats against anyone~ If you are looking for satanic people ...look somewhere else~ If your looking for Spirits see the Ghost Hunters~ As you say"Communicating with the spirits of our ancestors is nothing more than aligning ourself with hell. that is called Paranormal~ NOT HELL.....lol PLEASE get a clue and retract this column and apologize for your lack of knowledge and admit you have don't have a glue on what your talking about here? Ms. Judy Ducayne you are sterotyping so many groups here and calling them Witches/Wiccans~ I as many will be watching to see what you do on this because I do know some good Lawyers, who would love nothing better than to take on a News Paper~ BlessedBe Gypsy "

shanna wrote on Nov 29, 2006 2:54 PM:

" Potentially libelous statements. Obscene, explicit, or racist language. Personal attacks, insults, or threats. didnt you do that all in the story i forgot we dont live in the middle ages anymore i guess i forgot that the witch trails were over and i guess you like using sterotyping and i guess you don't believe in the freedoms i guess our forefathers fought for nothing man oh man what a flake if you dont know anything about wicca dont write the story you olny make people really see how big of a shallow mind flake you really are before judging something learn about it yourself and stop believing everything you hear people like you is why the world will never be in peace we all believe in the same god start acting like it you make christains look bad and shallow minded people like you is why some of us have to still hide how we believe afiard that we will be judged for how we worship god you know people comes to my mind when i think of how you think called dictators you know if you guys at thisnewpaper should really get a life and reseach before printing stuff i did feel like we didnt live in a free country anymore if you were try for that angle man it worked better watch out everyone a nut with a pen is at it agian the sad part is theres at least one fool out there that believe this crap "

shanna wrote on Nov 29, 2006 5:15 AM:

" Potentially libelous statements. Obscene, explicit, or racist language. Personal attacks, insults, or threats. didnt you do that all in the story i forgot we dont live in the middle ages anymore i guess i forgot that the witch trails were over and i guess you like using sterotyping and i guess you don't believe in the freedoms i guess our forefathers fought for nothing man oh man what a flake if you dont know anything about wicca dont write the story you olny make people really see how big of a shallow mind flake you really are before judging something learn about it yourself and stop believing everything you hear people like you is why the world will never be in peace we all believe in the same god start acting like it you make christains look bad and shallow minded people like you is why some of us have to still hide how we believe afiard that we will be judged for how we worship god you know people comes to my mind when i think of how you think called dictators you know if you guys at thisnewpaper should really get a life and reseach before printing stuff i did feel like we didnt live in a free country anymore if you were try for that angle man it worked better watch out everyone a nut with a pen is at it agian the sad part is theres at least one fool out there that believe this crap "

i think someone needs a life wrote on Nov 29, 2006 4:20 AM:

" hey people if we are to hell for what we believe man oh man they are along with us because isnt judging another a sin by the way i dont believe in worshipping demons give me a break and come back to the real world for a minute a pentagram is not a satanic sybol it like saying the star of david is evil or a cross is evil oh my god lady you need a life and the word warlock isnt even really used saying i worship satan is like say i worship mickey mouse if i dont believe hes real how can i worship it lady you are so funny i havent laugh so hard in my life lady why dont you go out for yourself and look whats wiccan is really about before you jugde it people like you is why people seen christian as a bunch of bible beaters and by the way spells are olny praying . eternal destruction this is so funny i also believe that the people at this paper watches and believes anything they hear or see on tv i have a lot of christain friends and im wiccan and my husband is christain hows that one for you hes isnt as shallow minded as you are thats for sure before you write another story like this one why dont you really study what you are writing about because you surely do not have any clue or since you like writing lies go work for the tabloids but of course sometimes they get stuff right well more then you do "

BritWitch wrote on Nov 26, 2006 5:01 PM:

" This woman's writings remind me of the propaganda put about Judaism during WW2. Written to incite hatred - is this truly the way of Christianity? "

wife of a pagan wrote on Nov 26, 2006 2:21 PM:

" this article makes me sad that there are such narrow minded idiots that write columns for a paper and get paid for it "

Adam Labonoski wrote on Nov 21, 2006 2:11 AM:

" This article is pure bull. I can accept that this is Judy's personal opinion, but it has no place in a respectible newspaper. Judy needs to return to journalism classes and learn to research fact from fiction properly. There is nothing sadder in this world than an uninformed person who spews garbage like this in the name of religion. Blessed Be! "

Mark wrote on Nov 20, 2006 6:27 PM:

" Why isn't this column placed in the "Funnies "section of the newspaper? Judy's ability to present a topic in an intelligent manner is certainly comical. "

Jerry Morgan wrote on Nov 20, 2006 5:02 PM:

" Is this Diversity? If it is the I don't want ant part of it "

Michael Schillace wrote on Nov 20, 2006 4:39 PM:

" Why are we reading religious sermons from a weekly Citizen columnist? Someone who writes a regular column for a newspaper has a responsibility to do research and learn about what she's writing about before going on a rant about people and their beliefs. As others have already made clear, Wiccans do not worship Satan. Anyone who knows even a tiny bit about Wicca or the history of religion knows that paganism is not the same as Satanism. Satan and his demons are the fictional creations of the Catholic Church. Of course, there are Christians who will say that any kind of spirituality that is not the same as their own is Satan worship. Why that sort of nonsense is being preached by Judy Ducayne to readers of The Citizen is beyond me. It is people like Judy Ducayne who make me realize more and more that Christians and followers of Jesus are not the same thing. In fact, I think Wiccans live closer to the spirit of Jesus than many Christians do. "

Andy Bartholomew wrote on Nov 20, 2006 12:33 PM:

" This woman is insane! Although to be fair to the citizen this article is an editorial. It's her opinion, I've seen some pretty crazy sentiments in this paper from both the Left and the Right. "

Reginleif wrote on Nov 20, 2006 8:36 AM:

" DiCondito: Well, someone dropping in from Mars likely wouldn't have any idea that Xtians have been persecuting everyone who's disagreed with them for 2,000 years. If you think the " intensity, duration and tone of the responses to this article are seriously out of proportion with article itself," maybe you need to brush up on your history. Then again, if you find people defending their non-Xtian religions to be more "evil" than Xtians attacking other people's religions, I'm sure there's no reasoning with you. "christian minority" (snort): Your handle itself was an indication that the rest of your comment would be idiotic blathering, but I'll respond anyway: Poor, poor Judy. She attacked a religion that has done nobody any harm -- unlike hers and your own -- and now she has "a gang" "beating up" on her. Wah, wah, wah. As for her being a "christian mother," who cares that she reproduced? Actually, to be honest, I find it frightening that she did, but since when does that give her any more moral authority? And quite a few of the pagans who have responded to you have kids, so give us a break with the manipulative "our children" garbage. "Rev. Wall, DM": Let me guess, you were trained at some "Bible college" whose geology professors teach that the world is 6,000 years old. The Finger Lakes is a gorgeous region, full of cultural and historical delights. But if Judy and her defenders are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to local Christo-fascists, no wonder so many reasonable people are looking to escape. "

Pagan wrote on Nov 20, 2006 7:49 AM:

" The best interpretation I can put on your article is that you are ignorant, Judy. I'm surprised that the publication you work for allows you to write such a libellous and unfounded attack on any religous group. I suggest that you reseatch your subject matter more thoroughly in the future. "

David Heizer (NYC) wrote on Nov 20, 2006 5:50 AM:

" Actually, to give the (ahem) devil her due, contrary to the screaming of most of the commenters, Ducayne is not calling Pagans evil people. (Although she uses the terms interchangeably, not all Pagans--nor all witches for that matter--practice Wicca.) She is--clumsily, haphazardly--making the claim, based on the Jack Chick strain of fundamentalist Christian theology, that "[w]hether they know it or not, they are opening up themselves and others to the influence of Satan and his demons." She is certainly insulting the wisdom of Pagan practitioners, but her claim is a theological, not an ethical, one. Once one posits a basically paranoid theological worldview where the world we live in is a battleground between Jehovah and Satan, and that, furthermore, gnosis (symbolized by that famous fruit) is forbidden by God, the conclusion that anyone practicing mysticism must be (however ignorantly) of necessity being led astray by the Deceiver (since it obviously can't be God) becomes a pretty inescapable conclusion, and one that many kind and well-meaning Christians cannot in good faith disavow, as much as they may wish there was some way they could (lovingly) convince us of our folly. The fact is, one thing the various Pagan theologies (and there are many) pretty much all have in common is that we do not think of the universe as a battle to the death between Good and Evil but as an ecosystem of many forces and primal energies, both great ("Gods") and small (spirits, whether human, animal, or otherwise). We simply do not recognize a "one, true God" (except those who see the various Gods as aspects of a single Divinity which we cannot hope to approach in its pure nature), and do not recognize the existence of Satan (except as a malevolent deity created and maintained as a necessary part of the Christian/Muslim traditions) or Hell (except perhaps as the place where bad Christians and Muslims go after death as part of their religion). Ms. Ducayne, like all people, is certainly entitled to her beliefs as to the ultimate nature of reality, but might consider adopting a bit of humility about the fact that no one still living can know The Truth about the divine realm with any degree of certainty. "

David Laurie wrote on Nov 20, 2006 1:21 AM:

" As a Catholic, a naturist, and an environmentally aware soul, I find that artcle too be ignorant and obnoxious in the extreme... Call her a 'Journalist' ? What a sick joke. Ignoramus, more likely.. I have to side with the Wiccans and other Pagans on this one. This sort of superstitious, misinformed, and probably largely self-created crap is the type of rubbish that turns most rartional and reasonable against the fundamentalist fringes of all religions. What an idiot that writer is. "

Ugh...not other one of these fools again. wrote on Nov 19, 2006 11:40 PM:

" It's people like Ms. Judy Ducayne that reinforce the fact that we should all be educated as to others belief systems and, yes, even respectful of them. In Leviticus, it does tell us to murder witches, yet Jesus spoke about something much different in the latter half of the Bible. Perhaps Ms. Judy Ducayne hasn't read past the Old Testament quite yet. Words like "love thy neighbor" can be hard to understand. "

Tom Swiss wrote on Nov 19, 2006 10:26 PM:

" What a stunning and shameful display of ignorance. Ms. Ducayne, I've very sorry that you've been exposed to such lies and mis-information about Wicca. However, as a journalist, you do have a professional responsibility to get your facts straight, and not rely on twisted rumors and hearsay. May I suggest that you 1) quit this writing job that you are obviously unsuited before (before you are fired), and 2) cure your ignorance by reading a good book about the Pagan movement, such as "Drawing Down the Moon" by Margot Adler? "

karl logan wrote on Nov 19, 2006 10:24 PM:

" ...just a little note to all the curious out there on the side of the pagans(you KNOW that includes me!!! There's a book i just finished reading called "Caesar's Messiah" by Joseph Atwill that, in my estimation (having done extensive research and reading on this specific subject) proves beyond the shadow of a doubt that Jesus Christ was invented by the Romans;specifically by Titus Flavian as a way to replace the anticipated militaristic messiah with a peaceful and benign figure who would gradually subvert and replace the militant Judaism which was so troublesome at the time. This is also why the New Testament contains so much anti-Semitism; to punish and destroy those radical elements(like Judy? :) )within ancient Judaism by inventing a new religion that blamed the old for "killing" it's "savior".It's a absolutely fascinating thesis and at one point the author uses the laws of statistical probabilities to compute the odds of his evidence being wrong--- and he comes up with a percentage IN FAVOR of his conclusions that are BETTER THAN THE DNA STANDARDS CURRENTLY USED IN A COURT OF LAW !!!!!It's a "must-read" for those who want to arm themselves with the awesome power of Knowledge to repudiate ignorant fanatics like Judy Ducayne.Or to confirm for yourself that there is no historical evidence whatsoever for the messiah of the religion which throughout history has been Paganism's greatest persecutor...P.S.Jerry Morgan,you sound like a pathetic soul forever trapped in the anger and humiliation of being abused and ridiculed in the schoolyard,continuously trying to purge your insecurities with ridiculous statements about your God having a bigger "G" than a pagan "god".I thank "myself" that I'm not an acolyte of whatever "God" you think sanctions and blesses your pathetic utterances.Grow up!! "

Proud Pagan Priestess wrote on Nov 19, 2006 10:18 PM:

" I really dont have anything to say about Ms. Ducayne's article as all my fellow pagans/readers/supporters have said it all. I just wanted to say that I felt an overwhelming sense of pride in my chosen path in reading the number of passionate responses to the ill-written article. This paper is from a small town in upstate NY and it proved that we Pagans/Wiccans are everwhere and are not to be put down or back into the proverbial "broom-closet". I applaud you my fellow spiritual brothers and sisters. Blessed Be. "

For your Freedom wrote on Nov 19, 2006 5:21 PM:

" My husband is a Wiccan and he is over in Iraq right now fighting for your freedom to offend his religion. "

You Have Issues wrote on Nov 19, 2006 4:49 PM:

" I think you need to find the real story before you post something like this ever again. "Wiccan is an ancient practice, a gentle, earth-oriented religion that seeks truth and understanding, and a way of life meant to affect inner change. Yes it's a freamework for using magickal powers. It also involves worshipping ancient Pagan deities and it recongnizes the duality of the divine as one force that incorporates male and female, both God and Goddess. It also encourages respect for nature, stresses concern for the planet and acknowledges that the life force so be reverenced in all things as well" This does not in anyway make us devil worshipers. I'd love for you to know this. I am only 17 years old. I have been studying wicca for over a year now. This is a complete insult to us all. I think you need the prayers not us. ~*~missa ann~*~ "

ellen wrote on Nov 19, 2006 12:50 PM:

" aren't you afraid we are going to curse you Judy? That we will make your readership fall off and your job go bye bye? Oh WAIT?? you did that yourself.... shame on the citizen for paying for bigotry and hate!!! I'll never pick up that paper again! Ill get Syracuses paper, or Rochesters... "

Preston Wilson wrote on Nov 19, 2006 9:53 AM:

" I am proud of my fellow Auburnians in doing through writing what they did physically in running the neo-nazis out of town some years back. There comes a point, as happened with Joe McCarthy, when the people, recognizing a threat to sacred principles of their culture, collectively respond with, "Have you no shame?" In a strange way, Ms. Ducayne's attacks bring us closer together and make us proud to hold hands with our neighbors and say,"Enough"! "

Read The Fine Print wrote on Nov 19, 2006 9:15 AM:

" If Judge Judy had submitted her opinion here, I wonder how much would have made it through the libel-filter that they mention? Fascinating that she was likely paid for her work by this publication, yet those who respond online may not spread libel or break the Code of Conduct for The Citizen. What exactly is the Code of Conduct at The Citizen? Here's what is says at the bottom of this form: Auburnpub.com encourages readers to offer opinions on our local stories. We will never edit or alter your comments, but we do reserve the right to not post or to remove comments that violate our code of conduct. For this reason, comments are first reviewed and may not be posted immediately, especially during overnight hours. No comment may contain: Potentially libelous statements. Obscene, explicit, or racist language. Personal attacks, insults, or threats. Commercial products or promotions The opinions above are from readers of auburnpub.com and in no way represent the views of The Citizen or Lee Enterprises "

Rev. Wall, DM wrote on Nov 19, 2006 2:41 AM:

" As I am sure all of you good Christians and well read Pagans know, Jesus was an initiated and trained Druid! He was sentenced and put to death on a Cross (Crucifixion for those not in "the know")for being a "witch". And for all of you fluff bunnies out there, according to Christianity you DO worship Lucifer, as He was given dominion over the Earth (by God) not over Hell. By the way, read Dante's Inferno for the proper modern version of the underworld, a piece of fiction I believe. "

Doragon Reklaw wrote on Nov 19, 2006 1:17 AM:

" I would argue with Ms. Ducayne... but I have learned that you cannot win an argument with an ignorant person. Partly because they are too close minded to listen, but more because they do not truly know enough to know when they lose the argument. "

Miriah Bruce wrote on Nov 18, 2006 11:45 PM:

" I'm extremely happy that I don't live in the area that this paper is published in. This article was a crock of BS. "

Sharon wrote on Nov 18, 2006 9:17 PM:

" Very offensive publicity stunt, Ms. DuCayne ... and shame on your editor for endorsing it. "

Rev Deborah Thomas (UCC) wrote on Nov 18, 2006 5:25 PM:

" I can honestly say that.. I am embarrassed ,ashamed and mortified of a this so called fellow Christian… Thank God and Your Goddess too that all of us do NOT believe as she does.. She is narrow minded and self-serving and I think she is trying to get a name for herself by hurting others with out have the facts on a subject and people (GOOD People I will ad) that she knows nothing about "

Food for thought wrote on Nov 18, 2006 2:17 PM:

" I'm thinking that we (as people of an alternativre belief system) are assuming that Ms.Ducayne is a Christian. She never once said in her article that she is, in fact she never mention what religious belief she follows. So, in saying this, maybe she is assuming that all Christians believe what she wrote. Obviously she didn't do much investigating when she wrote about wiccans/pagans, why would you all assume that she would investigate (in full) the Christian belief? You are all giving her way toooo much power here. I'm asking my self...why is she still in all of your thought, manifesting negativity? Just food for thought.... "

Dave Drinnan wrote on Nov 18, 2006 1:24 PM:

" It's the paper's right to publish peoples' views, however far-fetched or prejudiced, ignorant, or one-sided they may be. After all, it's America, and we have the right to free speech. And this writer's article is all of these... with ignorance taking the lead. She lives a life with an obvious one-sided view that there is no other way than the Christian way. She makes several references to Satan and his influence and his dangers... forgetting that there are other belief systems, and the vast majority of the world does not believe that Satan exists. That doesn't make them wrong, simply because SHE (and a minority) believe he exists; it just simply means they have different opinions and beliefs. She says "Can strange things happen which cannot be explained by the physical scientific world? You bet they can. Demons are quite real." So therefore, we are to believe that anything Science cannot explain is the work of demons?! This is quite laughable. Even moreso, when you think of the modern day bible thumpers that claim that science is wrong when it comes to evolution. She also says "However, religion is a virtue by which we worship and adore the One Supreme Being." Well, there's another statement showing ignorance... or refusal to accept that her reality is not the only reality. That's more the definition of Christianity, than of "religion". There are many religions (some of them FAR pre-dating Christianity) that recognize multiple gods and goddesses. And in closing, I'll just add that I know many wiccans myself, and for the most part, they're all wonderful people... and live lives as good as any Christian could strive to live. "

Tom Wiggins wrote on Nov 18, 2006 11:53 AM:

" The Citizen has succeeded in sacrificing editorial integrity and responsibility on the altar of sensationalism. The decision to print a malicious attack by a predatory columnist upon members of a minority religion was, at the very least, reprehensible. The motives for this decision must be questioned. Perhaps the Citizen views controversy as a means to increase its revenue. Ethics, morality, and reputation are simply impediments to business success. In choosing this course, the Citizen risks alienating readers of conscience and businesses who prefer to advertise in respectable publications. The temptation by the paper, or the columnist, in the forthcoming week to invoke their Constitutional rights as an exit-strategy would be an insult to the concept of decency. The right, proper, and moral course of action would be an apologetic retraction and compensation for any injuries incurred to the reputations of the two women named. "

miaka wrote on Nov 18, 2006 11:02 AM:

" I have been wiccan for over a decade, and never have i heard any mention of this satan. I would think this newspaper should issue a public apoligy to all the people it has offended. How are you any different from Muslim extremists to incite people to blow things up?/ That is all you are doing, is trying to get people worked up, by spreading lies! And not only should hte author of this article apoligize but so should her editor, and the newspaper for allowing such lies to be printed! "

Annoyed wrote on Nov 18, 2006 10:53 AM:

" Who is the bigger fool...her for writing this or everyone who posted here for taking her seriously? "

Agnostic in PA: wrote on Nov 18, 2006 10:51 AM:

" Proverbs 12:18 Thoughtless words can wound as deeply as any sword, but wisely spoken words can heal. Proverbs: 12:16 When a fool is annoys, he quickly lets it be known. Smart people will ignore an insult. Proverbs 14:3 A fool's pride makes him talk too much; a wise man's words protect him. Proverbs 16:5 The Lord hates everyone who is arrogant; he will never let them escape punishment. Proverbs 16:28 Gossip is spread by wicked people; they stir up trouble and break up friendships. And finally: Proverbs 26:3 You have to whip a horse, you have to bridle a donkey, and you have to beat a fool. I have been Methodist, fundamentalist, Wiccan, pagan and now I am agnostic. Mostly because while I believe in the God and Goddess, I find that religion is more harmful than helpful. Judy's attempt at 'warning' others (at least that is what I am assuming she is doing) is as mean and spiteful as anything that Jack Chick (http://www.chick.com/default.asp) or Fred Phelps (http://www.godhatesfags.com/) has come up with. She has the right to think what she want, to say what she want, and believe what she wants. I was in the US Army to defend that right. I have the right to disagree with everything she says. And, I do. I also agree with what several of the other people have mentioned: you are not doing the Wiccans/Pagans any help by lambasting her. Cursing at her and speaking badly of her only puts you at her level. She knew what she was doing before this was even published. The editors knew what they were doing when they published it. This is just as much pulp trash as any tabloid, give it the same respect. "

born , raised and will die a pagan wrote on Nov 18, 2006 9:51 AM:

" Wow, I am amazed that person that is suppose to be so educated as you are, is so stupid!!! Pagons in your book must all be satan worshipers. I am one have been one my whole life, Born raised and raised my children as ones also. Yes right here In auburn new york I raised theese children, who went on in life to hold great jobs and contribute to your community. One is in law inforcment the other in law school and the third in high school. My mother was a witch my grandmother my great grandmother, and so forth and so on. My family came from Ireland. Witch means healer moron. Witches were the first healers. Yes they worshiped idols. Don't catholics? they have saints they pray to, Those could be considered idols. It was easy to convert pagans to christ. because they were offered what they had already A virgan mary? they had a goddess/ saints/ and lest not forget hmm soltice / christmas/ spring equonx/easter all hallows eve/ all saints day... so forth and so on. Most of these so called converts never really converted they just practied the craft in private. Wicca is a religion the federal goverment recg. it in 1982 and then allowwed gi's to put it on thier dog tags as relgion. Btw untill 1978 it was still illeagal in the untied states to practice witch craft. Must be your a left over uniformed moron . I do not worship Satan. I have never worshiped satan! I don't steal children in the night. I don't kill little animals or do scarifices. There is a big differance between Satan worshipers and white witches. You would be surprised to find out how many witches there are in cayuga county allot them do not publiclly admit to it because of people like you. So the next time you are in the E.r sick or at the grocery store checking out. or getting gas, or just walking down the street you can wonder wow that nice dr who just treated me who would of known so forth and so / no one would known because people like you would run them out this town with your ingnorance "

Proud Pagan Veteran and Child of the Land of Nod wrote on Nov 18, 2006 9:07 AM:

" Now, let me start with this. Doesn't YOUR bible--by which I mean the current misprinting in a long line of misprintings from misprintings from other misprintings from other misprintings, ad nauseum--state, "Judge not, lest thee be judged thyself?" I see a lot of judgement of other human beings in your article; this tells me that your God and his earthly son will be judging you and finding your soul wanting. I can only hope that you will open your eyes and your mind and find compassion for your fellow humans before your judgement day, else Mr. Jesus Christ may just rescind the offer he gave to the rest of his followers and say with tears in his eyes, "Father, I may have died for all their sins; but not hers, for she and her kind of Christians are the true manifestation of Evil on Earth." "

You Are Dumb wrote on Nov 18, 2006 1:51 AM:

" guess what you are? DUMB DUMB DUMB DUMB DUMB DUMB DUMB DUMB DUMB DUMB DUMB DUMB DUMB DUMB DUMB DUMB DUMB DUMB DUMB DUMB DUMB DUMB DUMB DUMB DUMB DUMB DUMB DUMB DUMB DUMB DUMB DUMB DUMB DUMB DUMB DUMB DUMB DUMB DUMB DUMB DUMB DUMB DUMB DUMB DUMB DUMB DUMB DUMB DUMB DUMB DUMB DUMB DUMB DUMB DUMB DUMB DUMB DUMB DUMB DUMB DUMB DUMB DUMB DUMB DUMB DUMB DUMB DUMB DUMB DUMB DUMB DUMB DUMB DUMB DUMB DUMB DUMB DUMB DUMB DUMB DUMB DUMB DUMB DUMB DUMB DUMB DUMB DUMB DUMB DUMB "

You Suck wrote on Nov 18, 2006 1:47 AM:

" Bassically i think that u made up all of your info and you have prejudged what wiccans are and you a idiot, i hope that u are aware of how many people you offended, you suck "

Jeff wrote on Nov 18, 2006 1:43 AM:

" This is the sole most offensive thing that has ever crossed my path...the title of the column is enough to put my mind in a knot..this women if that is what you would call her is completely and utterly pathetic "

Nicole Chardenet wrote on Nov 18, 2006 12:46 AM:

" Good to see that in "the land of the free, the home of the brave," even the most ignorant, uninformed and superstitious dunderhead can have their say in public. Read a science book, lady, I've been a practicing Pagan for sixteen years and I have yet to raise a demon. What use would I have for Satan anyway? He's a Christian invention, not a Pagan one. I wonder What Would Jesus Post? Probably a blistering response to Ms. Ducayne as well, who may well not be nearly as Christian as she thinks she is. She certainly doesn't write like a real one. Go back and read the Gospels lady, Jesus *stood up* for a pagan Roman soldier, did you know that? "

Magick Mark wrote on Nov 17, 2006 9:43 PM:

" Another article by an ignorant, uninformed, person who completely lacks any real understanding of the subject she writes about. Everything I read was just plain false. "

LEV wrote on Nov 17, 2006 9:29 PM:

" I would like Ms. DuCayne to ponder the following before she writes, and The Citizen prints, such a closed minded, irresponsibel article. We teach are children to be respectful, accepting, tolerant,in schools. This article was the epitomy of the schoolyard bully rallying her cronies to pick on those 'different' from them. I found this a while back and found it to really make you think. It wwas written to Dr. Laura Schlesinger in response to a show on homosexuality and how in homosexuality is an abomination according to Leviticus 18:22 . Dear Dr. Laura, Thank you for doing so much to educate people regarding God’s Law. I have learned a great deal from your show, and try to share that knowledge with as many people as I can. When someone tries to defend the homosexual lifestyle, for example, I simply remind them that Leviticus 18:22 clearly states it to be an abomination. End of debate. I do need some advice from you however, regarding some of the other specific laws and how to follow them: When I burn a bull on the altar as a sacrifice, I know it creates a pleasing odor for the Lord – Lev.1:9, The problem is my neighbors. They claim the odor is not pleasing to them. Should I smite them? I would like to sell my daughter into slavery, as sanctioned in Exodus 21:7. In this day and age, what do you think would be a fair price for her? I know that I am allowed no contact with a woman while she is in her period of menstrual uncleanliness – Lev.15:19-24, the problem is, How do I tell? I have tried asking, but most women take offense. Lev.25:44 sates that I may indeed possess slaves, both male and female, provided they are purchased from neighboring nations. A friend of mine claims that this applies to Mexicans, but not Canadians. Can you clarify? Why can’t I own Canadians? I have a neighbor who insists on working on the Sabbath. Exodus 35:2 clearly states he should be put to death. Am I morally obligated to kill him myself? A friend of mine feels that even though eating shellfish is an abomination – Lev. 11:10, it is a lesser abomination than homosexuality. I don’t agree. Can you settle this? Lev. 21:20 states that I may not approach the altar of God if I have a defect in my sight. I have to admit that I wear reading glasses. Does my vision have to be 20/20, or is there some wiggle room here? Most of my male friends get their hair trimmed, including the hair around their temples, even though this is expressly forbidden by Lev. 19:27. How should they die? I know from Lev. 11:6-8 that touching the skin of a dead pig makes me unclean, but may I still play football if I wear gloves? My uncle has a farm. He violates Lev.19:19 by planting two different crops in the same field, as does his wife by wearing garments made of two different kinds of thread (cotton/polyester blend). He also tends to curse and blaspheme a lot. Is it really necessary that we go to all the trouble of getting the whole town together to stone them? – Lev. 24:10-16. Couldn’t we just burn them to death at a private family affair like we do with people who sleep with their in-laws? (Lev. 20:14) I know you have studied these things extensively, so I am confident you can help. Thank you again for reminding us that God’s word is eternal and unchanging. Your devoted fan, Jim "

Lisa wrote on Nov 17, 2006 9:21 PM:

" This article was the most boring piece I have ever read. Not only did she basically lie about another religion... it's the same lie that has been told over and over again... at least when you lie, give us new material. -Military Pagan "

A wiccan priestess wrote on Nov 17, 2006 9:08 PM:

" Judy Love, the quote about 'do what thou will' from Crowley, actually is from the teachings of St Augustine. The problem with christians such as yourself is that not only are they completely ignorent about the faith of others, they are also often very ignorent about their own.In my experience the avarage Pagan can teach the avarage christian way more about christianity that a christian could ever teach a pagan! I advise Judy to get some psychotherapy, religious extreemism is a classic sign of a schizm taking place in the psyche. "

trisha and james good wrote on Nov 17, 2006 9:00 PM:

" No wonder hatred still runs rampant in this day and age.You made an assumption that a religion is all about one thing when you obviously know nothing about it. I have known more people of other religions who have harmed more people with their prejudicial thinking than any i have ever known in the earth based religions. So if you were a good columnist you should have done your research with several different sorces to compare the information you were getting. Then once you had accurate information you could have made a more informative decision. All you have accomplished in doing is creating a hatred for people of earth based religioins without giving them a chance.I feel so very sorry for you.THat you are that shallow that you could believe a fairy tale version of the truth and not really check into the truth about the wiccan and pagan religions. and if you are christian then you have just then you should be aware that it is unchristisanlike to judge people before knowing them.and that is exactly what you yourself have done.You have prejudged a whole group of people without knowing all the facts. Yes granted there are some people as there are in any other religion or faith that do things that are not of the norm.Those are the ones who make everyone else look at that religion and shake their heads and condemmn the whole religion for the acts of a few. I feel sorry for you and your readers if you are that shallow and you believe that all wiccans and pagans are bad and into satanismm. satanism is a belief all on its own. Not all wiccans are witches,granted there are witches that are wiccan.But being one does not mandate that you are the other. Learn how to get reliable sorces of information before you open your notepad and spread untruths again. Oh yeah and it you happen to be of the christian faith did you not know it is unchristian like to spread lies about another. Hope you learn to discern the truth a little better next timem. trisha and james good kentucky "

Madame Chaos wrote on Nov 17, 2006 8:56 PM:

" What an ignorant crock of drivel. You no not of what you are speaking! Grow up and read a book, you ignorant, self-absorbed, intolerant, uninformed waste of skin. "

Serenity, Buffalo/Niagara Pagan wrote on Nov 17, 2006 8:23 PM:

" Oh my Goddess… I can’t believe what I just read... I had to read it twice just to make sure what I was reading was real… it is so very heartbreaking that this woman lives in such ignorance , trepidation. & plain fear... We do NOT… repeat NOT worship Satan and his demons... Fact be told we don’t even believe he even exists…Satan is a Christian belief. and why do you insist on pushing it into other religions… For many a millennium nature worshipping people, Pagans included have used the Pentacle as a form of protection as it is to represent the five elements - Air and Fire, Water and Earth and Spirit, with the top of the star representing Spirit and all others corresponding to their true direction… They are all interconnected and kept in balance by the circle… We do however live along with nature inn an eco-friendly (meaning we care about everything within our world) & honor all the interconnections between all living creatures. Our Alter… is a table that is sacred and all items on it is for honoring the divine, at times there may be incense, candle, chalice of water and bowl of ice, and crystal.. Some use an athame and or a wand but in no way is there anything evil... I really cant believe that the Editors would not allow such an uninformed article to be published… We should demand an immediate retraction Oh one more thing There's only one rule we do follow ~ “ Do What Thou Wilt An It Harm None” Light and Love, Serenity Buffalo/Niagara Pagan "

Ann Cash wrote on Nov 17, 2006 7:57 PM:

" I'm a veteran law enforcement officer with nearly 30 years of service to my community. I also do a good deal of community oriented work to improve the quality of life for less fortunate members of society. I have a wonderful, close and loving family life, and I'm a productive, contributing member of society. I am also Wiccan, and have been for many years. Though I expect to run up against people who don't know about Wicca, or really understand what alternative religions are all about, I'm still amazed that people of Judy's level of ignorance still exist in this country. Here, she had the perfect opportunity to shed light on a beautiful, loving religion, yet she chose to spread lies and gross inaccuracies. She had the opportunity to open the door to better understanding between Christians and non-Christians, but she chose to slam the door, and pull down the blinds. Instead of helping to educate, she took it upon herself to spread her ignorant hate. Her lack of insight, and obvious desire to remain uninformed is her choice. However, she should not be allowed to predjudice others with her narrow-minded views. This "article" reminded me of something I might see in a middle school newspaper, in the editorial section. It had that untrained feel to it. I don't know who is more at fault for this rag, Judy for writing such uneducated filth, or The Citizen for not tossing this waste of space in the trash. I could almost understand allowing this horror to be published, if Judy had at least researched her material, and written from an informed standpoint. However, this article was nothing more than her hate and fear filled opinions of a religion that she has no working knowledge of. I am opening Pagan, and have many Christian friends, coworkers, and associates. All of them know and accept that my Path is different from theirs. They don't fear alternative religions, because they have actually bothered to learn about them. They know that Wiccans are as far from evil "demon worshippers" as Jesus and his followers were. Remember, 13 is the ideal number of members to make up a coven. Counting Jesus and his 12 disciples, doesn't that make 13? Since we are a new, alternative religion, we are often referred to as a "cult". Throughout history, any new religion was first looked upon in the same light. Jesus was a "cult" leader in his time. And look where that's lead. My advice to Judy is to open your eyes, and take another look around you. Melt the ice from around your heart, and try to walk the walk, instead of just talking the talk. Your Jesus preached love, tolerance, understanding and acceptance. If he could do it, what's stopping you? As for The Citizen, you will attract trained, educated, and qualified writers if you raise their salary. Given the way this article was written, you obviously aren't trying to improve sales, or your standing in the community. "

Susan wrote on Nov 17, 2006 7:42 PM:

" Wicca/Paganism is an earth-based religion with gentle, peace loving people who don't even believe in Satan or "the devil." Satan is a Christian concept, not a Wiccan one. "

Mike wrote on Nov 17, 2006 7:23 PM:

" You are truly ignorant and uneducated. Just the person to preach a holier-than-thou attitude in the name of Christ. "

Rev. Wayne L. Chonicki, Ph.D.e wrote on Nov 17, 2006 6:29 PM:

" While I support author's right to free speech, I cannot condone her blinding ignorance of the facts and her bigotry. I had been born & raised Roman Catholic and for a time was even a Laity consultant to Mount Mercy Catholic College (now Carlow College) in Pgh., Pa. onthe topics of magic, witchcraft and TRUE Satanism. The world has enough true 'boogiemen' without manufacturing windmills to tilt at. Albeit, the windmills don't strap bombs on themselves and wade into innocent women and children spouting THEIR version of extremist fundamentalism before yelling "God is great" and detonating themselves. I would ask the author, since she fancies herself such a good and pious person...if ever in the TRUE Christian sense of Love and Spiritual Works of Mercy... "Has she EVER considered praying to either Jesus or Jehovah for the eventual reconcilliation between God the Creator... and the FORMER Archangel 'Lucifer'? So often Fundamentalists forget that the God Who made all Creation... ALSO made 'Lucifer'. And... if indeed the Creator is both all powerful and infallible...it is IMPOSSIBLE for God not to have FORSEEN what we today see as Lucifer's character flaw. Since God does not make 'junk'...there be method in God's "madness"~ And... lest we lose sight of the BIG picture... when all time comes to an end ask oneself: "To Whom do 'all the toys' belong in the first place?" (in the beginning there was but God and God's Spirit moved upon the darkness...) The outcome is already a foregone conclusion. Why would ANY thinking person back someone who owns NOTHING of their own? "

Jim Ziegler wrote on Nov 17, 2006 6:12 PM:

" Is this a joke? This may be the most obtuse, hyperbolic piece of hateful filth I've ever seen in a publication. What kind of paper is this, anyway? The author's ignorance is matched only by her intolerant presumptuousness. What responsible editor would allow this demonic bigotry pass for responsible journalism? You people really need help. Possibly prescription medications, too. "

Rev Amy Sampsell wrote on Nov 17, 2006 5:53 PM:

" I am simply disgusted !!! How can a paper allow such hate to be printed? Has anyone ever heard of Religious Tolerance? Obviously not I say !! The freedom of speech act is out there, yes, but it is not there to be abused as badly as it has been by this hate-filled woman. I feel that since this piece has been allowed to be printed, I, and many of my friends and congrgation members, have since decided to longer subscribe to a paper that allows this type of treatment of various religions. One must remember, Wicca, like many other alternative religions are accepted by the judical system as legal religions. I believe that the editor really must let this woman leave due to the amount of ignorance and hate that she has generated. And to Judy Ducayne, please, I urge you to seek professional assistance for your lack of compassion, grace, intelligence and last but not by far least, your hate at something that you do not wish to understand or take the time to actually learn about. After all, journalists are 'supposed' to give un-biased truths... and allow the readers to form their own opinions when the complete facts are given. Do keep that in mind please. And also, fire that woman as far away from this paper as you can before she poisons more people with this trash.....what a shame. "

Simon (UK) wrote on Nov 17, 2006 5:35 PM:

" Although I am not a witch, I am tempted to turn to the Wiccan faith solely to spit into the eye of this columnist. The Evil of Bigotry lies deep in her heart contrary to the tenets of her faith. "

Jennifer wrote on Nov 17, 2006 5:09 PM:

" Judy, Your article was biased and unresearched. I am all for freedom of speach, however, as a professionial journalist you are representing the paper and have a resposibility to be fair and present both sides of the story. I do not think you should be fired for your opinions, but I do think you owe an appology and a retraction of the article. "

Jay Ritchie wrote on Nov 17, 2006 4:58 PM:

" My only questions; What happened to balanced reporting? What happened to basic research for an article? What was the editor thinking? "

Time to resign! wrote on Nov 17, 2006 4:55 PM:

" There is nothing to say, but WOW. Actually, I do have this to add to the fray: With any freedom comes responsibility, freedom of speech is not exception. Judy, your opinion piece was based upon your limited knowledge of the subject material and should never have been published. You have the responsibility to investigate before you site your opinion. Do you think that the Auburn citizen editors “shoot from the hip”? You should accept responsibility for your actions and rightfully resign. If you don’t resign or refuse, I urge Auburn citizens to start a petition to remove you from your bully pulpit. This isn’t the first time you have written an uneducated piece, but it should be the last. "

Boston wrote on Nov 17, 2006 4:49 PM:

" I think this "devote Christian" is angry with witches/wiccans because they have no spell to cure her closted homosexual angst she normally deals with by spewing venom about the gay community. Her and Ted Haggard should keep searching for that special spell.. "

Daniel Kestral wrote on Nov 17, 2006 3:58 PM:

" Traditionally, Wicca is an Initiatory Mystery Religion of Modern Pagan Witchcraft. There are no demons, no devils, or diabolical practices. One thing I cannot stand is how someone can continually lie about my chosen Path. We worship/honor/revere pre-Christian Gods and Goddesses. Whatever you may believe, please donnot impose your own dogma on a Path that doesn't recognize or give any validity whatsoever to the concept of hell and the devil. I honor complimentary opposites, not adversarial ones found in the middle-eastern desert religious traditions. "

robert in Rochester wrote on Nov 17, 2006 2:42 PM:

" as a devout Christian, I practice the " what would Jesus do" principle. He certainly would NOT so hatefully attack another religion.Will she now go after the Jews, Islamic followers, Brunettes, people who have freckles? come on this is soooo hateful and cruel, please fire her. get a Journalist in here, a real one. Hey the 11 year old that wrote had better people skills then Judy, why not offer HER the job instead..... "

jo wrote on Nov 17, 2006 2:38 PM:

" Im appalled that this "Christian" has forgotted what she was taught about love and compassion... do unto others rings a bell? Jesus never put others down and he certainly wouldnt attack someone in such a vicious way.... Please cease publishing her.... "

Holly wrote on Nov 17, 2006 2:17 PM:

" It is a shame that Judy is so ill-researched that she leads others to believe that ALL Christians are as misinformed. As a Pagan, I am saddened that you would represent yourself (and your religion for that matter) in such a way. There is enough ignorance in the world. I have many Christian friends who have studied other religions so as NOT to preemptively judge another person. Love thy neighbor, respect other beliefs, and for goodness' sake- read a book. "

This is the Worst Yet wrote on Nov 17, 2006 2:08 PM:

" Worse than the tattoo piece (though not by Judy), worse than the gay marriage rant. Who gets picked on next and when will this community demand that OUR newspaper stop bashing fellow members of this community? I for one am getting off my butt after 20 years of living in Auburn and getting my family out of here and into a community with a wee bit more tolerance - which shouldn't be too difficult to do. "

??? wrote on Nov 17, 2006 1:14 PM:

" First let me say that I am shocked that a newspaper, an organization that is supposed to have facts would publish something like this. This is nothing but one person spewing their hatred out on people and showing that their mind is closed and that they are happy with their ignorance. As a wiccan I can say that we are peaceful, and we do not summon demons to reak destruction or anything like that.We worship nature and recognize the divine in everything around us. I kindly ask that the Editors make sure their reporters do research before publishing an article. I also advise Judy to get a job at a tabloid. The pentagram also happens to have been a christian symbol at one time, representing the 5 wounds of jesus. Also Wicca is a religion where as witches are practitioners of witchcraft. ~Blessed Be p.s.-about some of the earlier posters, wicca isnt hundreds of years old, created in the 50's by Gardner. "

L.S wrote on Nov 17, 2006 1:08 PM:

" You know publishing something like this is ignorant! Obviously this lady knows little to nothing about the craft nor Wicca. I would think that a paper would at least research the material before allowing it to be printed! You have just opened your self up for lawsuits against you and the lady! "

An Enraged Christian wrote on Nov 17, 2006 12:01 PM:

" How ridiculous. Judy, how dare you perpetuate the ignorance of our religion? I am canceling my subscription as of today. "

SeaRaven wrote on Nov 17, 2006 11:59 AM:

" HOW can a "newspaper" publish this sort of inflammatory drivel? Does no one do RESEARCH anymore??? My goodness, Ms. Ducayne, are you living in THIS century? Would you say such things about OTHER non-Christian people? It's individuals like Ms. Ducayne who perpetuate prejudice and injustice in the world today. "

SOD wrote on Nov 17, 2006 11:55 AM:

" “Satan and his demons who prowl about the world seeking the ruin of souls.” Judy it must be nice to be that out of touch with reality, do you play dungeons and dragons or something? I thought that went out in the 80’s with mullets and hair metal. "

L Perez wrote on Nov 17, 2006 11:36 AM:

" As I read this article, I must wonder if you even bothered to research the religion which you so villainously persecuted. I also must wonder how insecure you are in your own faith that you would seek to shake the faith or others. You have based your entire article on one aspect of Wicca, and that aspect has been so sorely represented and skewed that it is hardly recognizable to one who practices the faith. Before I go, I would also urge you to look up the definition of "religion". Christians do NOT have a monopoly on the word or the institution. "

Calling all Clergy wrote on Nov 17, 2006 11:00 AM:

" I hope that our local clergymen/women of all denominations will use Ms. Ducayne's column in services to reinforce the universal idea of human compassion, goodwill and tolerance - particularly with the holiday season rapidly approaching. A way perhaps to to take some of the sting from her hateful words. "

GenerationHex wrote on Nov 17, 2006 10:59 AM:

" No comment may contain: Potentially libelous statements. But they put it in their papers? Am I missing something? How did this woman even get published? There must be something seriously wrong with The Citizen ig they're printing and selling slanderous proppaganda. "

Myrydhn wrote on Nov 17, 2006 10:43 AM:

" Perhaps you'd be more comfortable living in Alabama. If I had a time machine, I'd lend it to you so you could also go back in time a few hundred years. That would also make you more comfortable, I'm sure. Who knows? Maybe you could participate in a lynch mob or burn someone at the stake. Wouldn't that make you happy you closed minded bafoon? "

LAB wrote on Nov 17, 2006 10:19 AM:

" If this article was written about another faith there would be a great up roar. Judy Ducayne is very ignorant and clearly does not know about the roots of Wicca. If she would read a history book she would understand that the roots of Wicca go back before Christianity and it was re-established in the 60’s and 70’s by various practitioners. Ms. Ducayne you should read some history books and become more informed about the subjects that you write about in the newspaper before they go to print. I am really embarrassed for you because your article displays your level of ignorance and lack of knowledge. As for the Auburn newspaper, The Citizen, would they run such an article if it was about Judaism or Islam? Lastly, satan is a Christian God. Wiccans do not believe in the devil or satan. "

Rev. Sandy Caswell wrote on Nov 17, 2006 10:15 AM:

" Oh, dear, how very sad that this woman lives in such ignorance and fear. I must address this article point by point, but before I do, please understand that we should be gentle with her as clearly, she has lost the power to entertain an independent, rational thought. “Are you a good witch or a bad witch?” One could also ask, "Are you a good Christian or a bad Christian?" One would suppose a GOOD _____ would strive to build bridges rather than divisions, endeavoring to heal rather than wound and to soothe rather than scare. One would also assume that a GOOD _____ would use documentable FACTS in an arguement. "It appears that the biggest thing that witches do is supposedly communicate with the dead." No, I'd say the BIGGEST thing we do is live closely with nature in an eco-friendly and responsible manner, honoring the interconnection between all living creatures. I wonder, Judy, what is the biggest thing YOU do? "This is nothing more than satanism and demonism." Nope. Satan comes from Christian stories. We don't believe in a Spirit of unrelenting evil whose fondest desire is to seduce us away from good. "The Wiccan rituals include a pentagram (a satanic symbol) and an altar." Oops... wrong again. For millennia, nature worshipping people have used the pentacle to represent the five elements - air and fire, water and earth and spirit, all interconnected and kept in balance by the circle. We wear this as a symbol of balance and protection much the same way Christians wear the image of a saint. "An altar is ...a surface used to offer a sacrifice in the praise and worship of the one, true God. Or it can be perverted in the worship of false gods and demons." Oh, please... an altar is a table on which one rests sacred items for honoring the divine, They may be a Pagan's incense, candle, bowl of water and crystal or a Catholic's censor of incense, crucifix candle and sacramental wafers. "Communicating with the spirits of our ancestors is nothing more than aligning ourself with hell." Why? Are your ancestors in hell? I can confidently say, mine are not. "Can strange things happen which cannot be explained by the physical scientific world? You bet they can." Absolutely. The power of prayer, for one. How scarey is that? "St. Paul said “we don't fight against flesh and blood but against the powers and principalities of the air.” Air... as in non-tangibles like ideas and opinions contrary to our own. "Once you open yourself to their diabolical influence they can plague you for the rest of your life. Their goal is your eternal destruction." and you know this how? "...religion is a virtue by which we worship and adore the One Supreme Being." Check any dictionary and it will tell you that religion is the format by which any person or group of persons express their spiritual beliefs. Girl, have you read ANYTHING besides the Bible? "Townsend was quoted as saying, “There's only one rule - do what thou wilt and harm none. This is a variation on “Do what thou wilt shall be the whole of the law” which was coined by Aleister Crowley, " Could be. It could also be a variation on "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you" which was coined by Jesus of Nazareth. "So say a prayer for these people that the evil grip will no longer hold them hostage and they will turn their lives over to the one true God." So say a pray for the people that are so closed minded and fearful that they cannot even consider the possibility that an idea other than their own might have merit and say a pray for those who live in fear. Be the Light - Rev. Sandy Caswell Lady of Willow Grove Look to the Heavens * Honor the Earth * Celebrate Life "

Rhiannon wrote on Nov 17, 2006 4:11 AM:

" It really saddens me to read articles like this. I'm a respectable member of my community, a responsible teacher and a loving daughter, sister and friend. And yes, I have been a Wiccan for years. It is a real paranoia to think that people call demons "whether they know it or not" though it is not the first time I hear such nonsense. It all arises from the ideology that is doing the world so much harm-I am right, you are wrong, you are evil. Ms Ducayne, you just added your bit to a mountain of destructive hate. Congratulations. "

A.Lizard wrote on Nov 17, 2006 2:01 AM:

" If the intent of the editors of "The Citizen" is to persuade people who live outside your community that Auburn, NY is filled with hateful, ignorant rednecks, and that intelligent, educated professionals, and corporations that don't restrict their hiring to members of the extremist Religious Right are not welcome, you have succeeded beyond your wildest dreams. A town where religious crazies of the sort who the American people rejected in last Tuesday's midterm elections are given newspaper space instead of professional help ... I guess that says it, doesn't it? Enjoy your blissful ignorance, and the sooner your local economy tanks, the better. "

Miss Myra wrote on Nov 17, 2006 1:37 AM:

" This "Reporter" may consider writing childrens books. Not much research needed there. If in fact she wished to indulge in the subject at hand, perhaps she should consider interviewing more than two subjects. Our religion is not just a salad to be tossed together, it is in fact true love, and acceptance of ALL people and beliefs. "

Chris of California St wrote on Nov 16, 2006 11:01 PM:

" In regards to many of the comments I have seen posted. We must remember, regardless of the columnist's rhetoric, that we must try to remain objective in the regard that we should not be launching an attack on Christianity or other faiths, but of honest criticism of (in my opinion) an ignorant, close-minded, ill informed and unresearched (and I use this term very loosely) literary work. --------------- Showing that we are displeased and angry at a person is one thing, But resorting to insults, spite, and hate, makes us no better than the instigators of the Inquisition from 1233 - 1808 or the "select" model citizens of Salem, Massachusetts in 1692. It is my hope that the love of ourselves and others, and through acceptance of all, regardless of belief, that there is a better way. ---------------- Blessings to all Chris Abel "

Joe Fleming wrote on Nov 16, 2006 10:44 PM:

" My significant other is High Priestess of Sanctuary of the Crescent Moon, another coven in Rochester. I am as appalled as everyone else on this website. Wiccans worship the dieties that are found in all living things. We are polytheistic and practice varied traditions that pre-date Christianity by centuries. We recognize the masculine and feminine aspects of all, including our dieties. We respect all life. we follow the rede of "An it harm none, do as ye will." We also believe in the three-fold law, This states that for anything we do, good or bad, that it will come back to us three times over. We believe in Kharma and reincarnation. We do not worship the god of Christianity. We do not recognise the devil as anything other than one of many things in the Christian religion which are made up. We see the inconsistencies in the bible. We see the narrow minded bigotry professed by people like this woman. I have been in and thru Auburn many times. It is the county seat for Cayuga County, NY This is the same county that openly has demeaning events like DWARF TOSSING in neighborhood taverns. (Yes, it IS exactly what you think!!!) I thank the Goddess daily that for as much as bigots like this try to espouse this drivel, there is a strong enough group of people who are not willing to sit back and let this warped idea of freedom become the way of the land. "

just for thought wrote on Nov 16, 2006 10:36 PM:

" "They say the road to heaven is straight and narrow They say the road to hell is smooth and wide Well, the path I follow is long and winding But it surely leads to the other side" "

This is funny wrote on Nov 16, 2006 10:33 PM:

" All this publicity for the Auburn News paper, just because of an angry old spinster, who can't even do her jb correctly, PEOPLE...she's waaaacked, she wants the attention, that's her job. The paper will gladly pay for the lawyers if they get sued...It's more publicity. The best way to handle this, is just to ignor her, she's a nothing, going no where in the next life! "

El of Greece NY wrote on Nov 16, 2006 10:22 PM:

" First I must say that you as editors, should have reserved the right not to publish Ms. Ducaynes article, as in yor own written words #1: Potentially libelous statements, and #3: Personal attacks, insults, or threats. It seems to me that this woman did do exactly that, and, in my opinion (of course) I feel that she should make a retraction of a good portion of her article which may I add was totally false. If you are going to employ a journalist, you should see to it that said journalist does some investigative work, before they give an opinion on it, otherwise their opinion is void. Also, (in my opinion) she should be made to apologize to the many good hearted people that follow their spiritual path to the fullest, with out doing any kind of sacrifices! The only sacrifice that we may do, is to not think bad thoughts, or put out any negative "vibes" into the universe about people such as Ms. Ducayne. This next portion of my letter is in my own opinion also... I am writing this to you in hopes that you may be able to straighten out a few thoughts about the way certain people perceive what "Christianity" is suppose to be all about. First let me start out by saying that I am NOT perfect, and by no means follow what is suppose to be a “good Christian diet of the soul” but as I observe and listen to what is being said and done by a few of the “saved” people in the "Christian church",pains me to see what is being done by them. I thought (whether you are “saved” or not) you as an individual and a child of the almighty should be as forthright as possible, you should love thy neighbor as you would love thyself, you should NOT pass judgment on ANYONE (the last I heard the only one that should be passing judgment is the one who oversees all that is going on in the kingdom here on earth, unless that has change in the past several hundred years, or the people have changed the way that is suppose to be “perceived” in the bible). Now that I’m on the subject of judgment, I would very much appreciate your ear and understanding in what I am about to say, this is my opinion however and really doesn’t matter if you or anyone else agrees with it, because it is an opinion. I’m not sure where it was or is said that a person who is not “saved” should be condemned by anyone, or judged as a “bad” person, or judged at all for that matter in anything. It seems that there are people of a "certain belief" that think they are above others that are not “saved”, but they themselves do not seem to follow the basic rules of Ten Commandments. Or, maybe it is the “implied” thought of saved people that they do not have to follow the “rules” because they are saved and they will be forgiven if they do wrong? Let me see here if these words are remembered. “Thou shall not bare false witness against thy neighbor”. In my own opinion this to me means (very simply) DO NOT LIE about what your neighbor has done, or said. How many people have done that? For what ever reason…, maybe it’s to take blame off ones own self, or for self gratification? What ever the reason may be IT IS WRONG! If you want holy guidance you must study the word of God and find out what God has to say about life and human experience, so that you can be guided by His Word. Neither my opinion, nor anyone else's opinions are sufficient to solve the problems of humanity. The answers can only be found in God's Word. He is the creator of all things, and He has the answers for His creation. He is the Judge and final authority on every subject. And yes, I am a pagan, and follow my path, in the old way of "The Strega" a mystical art that is handed down from generation to generation. So I will conclude this letter in saying...Blessed be, and may the Goddess be with you. "

PaganVet wrote on Nov 16, 2006 9:37 PM:

" Judy: I served in the military to protect YOUR right to freedom of religion because I respect your right to it. I'm not asking you to share my beliefs, but I am DEMANDING that you at least respect my right to the same. And please at least research your information before before shooting off your mouth and slandering good people. I find it both amusing and sad that beneath the box where I'm posting this that the following appears: No comment may contain: Potentially libelous statements. Obscene, explicit, or racist language. Personal attacks, insults, or threats. Too bad that doesn't apply to the staff of this newspaper as well. I hope both ladies hit them with a nice juicy lawsuit. "

Tom wrote on Nov 16, 2006 8:49 PM:

" Judy Ducayne just proves that even Intelligent people can be twisted by religious fanaticism. "

DiCondito wrote on Nov 16, 2006 8:49 PM:

" It occurs to me that someone from Mars just dropping into this conversation would have two observations - 1> The intensity, duration and tone of the responses to this article are seriously out of proportion with article itself, (which leads to) 2> What could be the source of all the reactionary venom? Perhaps it is evil itself. "

Jennifer wrote on Nov 16, 2006 7:05 PM:

" Miss. Ducayne, I must say that I am disappointed that your life has created such hatred within you. I am a practicing pagan, and I do not call up Satan in any rituals that I participate in. The rituals that I have been a part of are really not much different in the way of worship, hope, and spirituality than those of my Christian brothers and sisters. "God" is not just a name...and Christians do not hold the copyright on the idea. In my heart and soul, I feel that all of us, pagan and Christian alike, worship the same higher power, we just have a different idea about how exactly to do so. "God" is found in every city, village, mountain, forest, church, synogue, and home that chooses to accept the love and hope that comes with the veneration of a deity. It is no different for pagans than it is for Christians, except through the limitations we place on ourselves. Blessings and Gentle Breezes, Jennifer in Maryland "

Bob Benjamin wrote on Nov 16, 2006 7:04 PM:

" Garbage, saw this on the web. Glad I don't live in a town that has a paper that esposes hatred, false claims and supports religeous intolerance. This writer should be terminated for her Nazi attitudes. "

Ketira wrote on Nov 16, 2006 6:32 PM:

" To both Jerry Morgan & Ms. Ducayne: You BOTH need to go read the article at http://www.wicca.com/celtic/wicca/christian.htm --it's an article written by a CHRISTIAN friend of mine, who explains the POSITIVE virtues of Wicca in a language you will understand. I know this is how I, now a NeoPagan, can get through to you; after all, I was raised Christian by my parents. However, unlike some parents of today, *they* taught me what *they* felt was "right" and "wrong" --and left it to my own thinking mind to figure out the gray areas. I had *more* problems dealing with how to be a "good Christian lady" than I do now. For my unique outlook on religion --which is *based* in Wicca-- has brought me peace and a way to control my emotions. Besides this, you two are going against what Christ Himself said to me as to the main tenets of Christianity (I leave it to you to research where in the Gospels He said these) : 1. Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, strength, and mind. 2. Love your neighbor as yourself. (If you need to know what He meant by "neighbor", go read the Parable of the Good Samaritan.) The Jews have a better version of this, as told to me by a Rabbi: "Treat others the same way you wish to be treated." 3. LOVE ONE ANOTHER. My personal opinion here is that He meant that we should all live together in peace, no matter *what* religion we practice. And no matter what you think, Wicca *is* a religion. See this site on the definition of the word: http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/religion Christianity fits this definition, but so does Wicca. So does Buddhism - and Shintoism, its Japanese counterpart. So does Hinduism. (I don't know enough about Islam to go there, so my apologies to any Muslims who see this.) I don't see how Wicca can be a cult, since there is NO central leader --unlike Christianity. Especially in my own case; I practice my unique religion on my own, with the help of a few friends who are also NeoPagans. (People like me are referred to as "Solitaries".) So before you write another word about the subject of the religion of Wicca, *please do your homework and read a bit about it before writing!* "

AJG wrote on Nov 16, 2006 6:28 PM:

" What sayeth thee Goody Ducayne, that thou knowest of witches in the city? Forsooth, Auburn must be saved! Hasten thee to thine church and retreiveth ye olde dunking chair. Mind ye that if the witch floateth and not drown, she is surely bouyed by Satan and must be burned! So also fetcheth oil and torches, You know, just in case. 1656 May God save us from the would be theocrats. "

A Roman Catholic wrote on Nov 16, 2006 5:58 PM:

" Oh, yes, I do respect your faith. Roman Catholicism teaches that we must respect others and be tolerant. The Vatican is trying to get more Catholics to be more ecumenical and work with people from other religions as respect can only work both ways. I understand how hard it is - every day it's open season on Christians, esp. Catholics and unfortunately some people in power are trying to say it's legal to do so. I admit that because of my religion I do not like witchcraft, but I still want to believe that there are good witches in the world. I've been attacked by some scary anti-Christian witches, so that has made me start disliking witches. I don't want to become prejudiced, so I'm trying to find witches who are good. "

Martha wrote on Nov 16, 2006 5:30 PM:

" To a Roman Catholic: I apologize for the attacks on your religion (pagans, I sympathize, but this is accomplishing nothing), but you need to understand how hard it is for us to deal with this kind of an attack--which many of us do on a daily basis--without wanting to retaliate. I have nothing but respect for good Christians . . . but please remember that if you want us to respect your faith, you need to respect ours. The burden for ending this kind of hate is on both our shoulders, pagan and Christian alike. So let's agree to fight TOGETHER for a more accepting and loving world. Oh, and somebody please tell me when this goes to court . . . and it had better be soon. "

vetchyue wrote on Nov 16, 2006 3:38 PM:

" Have you noticed we don't see any Christians defending this woman? Look at yourself, Ms Ducayne - not even your own faith supports your bigotry. "

A Roman Catholic wrote on Nov 16, 2006 3:09 PM:

" I'm utterly ashamed at the hatred and ignorance in Mrs. Ducayne's article as it definitely does not represent true followers in Catholicism or even Christianity as a whole. However, I am very saddened that Wiccans and Pagans have taken the opportunity to act in the same way by writing horrible things against Catholics and Christians. Don't you all realize that we are getting NOWHERE with all this hate? It'd be so much better if we could have a non-biased discussion instead of deciding to just start saying hurtful and untrue things to one another. It also makes me sad that you Pagans and Wiccans are not even being tolerant of us Christians - the good ones - when part of your belief system is to be tolerant of others and not do harm. Yes, Christianity, like all other faiths, has its extremists, but why must you judge us all the same way you judge Judy Ducayne? I want to believe that there are good Pagans and Wiccans, but I'm just seeing too much of the bad. Please show me and people like Judy, even though they may not listen, that you are above all this hate. I know you're all angry and have a right to be so, but you'd get your point across more by not counterattacking. "

Waiting wrote on Nov 16, 2006 2:57 PM:

" Still no comments I see, from the spineless editors of this newspaper. Cowards! Feeling smug gentlemen? Hopefully your jobs will shortly be on the line as well! "

Teresa Chapin wrote on Nov 16, 2006 2:52 PM:

" As Coordinator for the Central New York Pagan Pride Day Autumn Equinox Festival, I would like to exend an invitation to Ms. Ducayne to attend our 8th annual event next September 15th at Long Branch Park in Liverpool so that you can meet in person some of the Pagans of Central New York, including many from the Auburn area that attend each year. They will be happy to answer any questions you might have and hopefully we can clear up some of the misinformation you apparently have about our spiritual path. I will even donate your admission price of a non-perishable food item for the Food Bank of Central New York (last year the Pagans of CNY donated 1,201 pounds of food to the Food Bank). Peace and Blessings, Teresa Chapin "

Pagan in Colorado wrote on Nov 16, 2006 2:10 PM:

" I understand freedom of speech. I understand freedom of religion. I believe that this particular piece was written by an uninformed narrow-minded individual. It is very disheartening to realize that this one person's opinion if far from the only person's. By publishing this in their paper, the Citizen is perpetuating a cycle of ignorance and narrow vision. I live in Colorado, and this was brought to my attention by other upset people, both Christian and Pagan alike. What is happening to us as a society that we cannot embrace one another as fellow human beings, in our search for light and love, no matter the path? My hope is that this piece drives the readers towards more education and more tolerance, not hate and ignorance. In Light and Love - Blessed Be "

Hawthorn wrote on Nov 16, 2006 1:58 PM:

" I am so proud to be a part of this wonderful community. I consider myself a Neo-Druid, ex Wiccan. And i could not be more proud of the wonderful people that will stand up for all to see. This person, this hateful ignorant person has made it very clear that the witch hunts are far from over. They simply changed methods, she may not be pointing fingers but she might as well be, it is just as hurtful to all of us whether it be one individual or the whole lot. And many are exactly right, what is considered Pagan? I always thought it was all Non-God-Fearing beliefs. If that is the case then it would be Buddhists, Hinduism, Wiccan, Druids, Ancestor Worship, and on that note, even though he supposedly had no children wouldn't he be considered an ancestor? I mean if he was the son of God and God was everyones father, then it would make sense to put him under one of all of our ancestors right. Anyway, i am starting to think to much like a christian again, plus i think i am rambling. So to all who wish to point finger at religions saying that they are evil, do some research first, you will find a lot of info about your own religion that the church won't always preach. "

Jenn U. wrote on Nov 16, 2006 1:57 PM:

" What a wasste of time it was to read this artical! Ignorance is not bliss please do remember this. This is why innocent people died in the burning of the "witches." If you had done your research properly, you would understand this religion. Yes religion, recognized since 1986 in the US. The Wiccan Rede opens up with the saying, "Harm Ye None." There is no Satanic ritual, nor worshipping the devil or talking to the dead. We live by the rule of 3x3. What ever ye do, it shall come back to you by the power of 3x3. Get your knowledge straight, if you need help, dont hesitate to ask. I love helping ignorant people learn. "

faithsstuff wrote on Nov 16, 2006 1:42 PM:

" I think that I hear a resounding gong for truly the love is missing. And as we have all heard the greatest of these is LOVE. Peace be with you. "

Morgana wrote on Nov 16, 2006 1:39 PM:

" What on earth makes some individuals think people are subject to the deities of others? Are Christians subject to Brahman? Allah? Muhammad? Of course not. And neither are we Pagans/Wiccans/Witches subject to the Christian cult's evil Satan or his demons. "There is no character known as the devil or Satan in the religion of witchcraft. Writings about Witches occur in Western literature as early as the eighth century B.C.E. In the pre-Christian history of Europe there is NO association or mention of Witches in connection with the Judeo-Christian entity known as Satan or the devil. The concept of a personification of evil originated outside of Europe, and was later imported when trade with the Middle East and Egypt was developed." from _Spirit of the Witch_ by Raven Grimassi "

Cathy S. wrote on Nov 16, 2006 1:09 PM:

" Everyone else has said it so nicely, so the only thing I can see is that people like Judy are the reason this country is starting to suck so much, and unfortunately, we are stuck with one of them (Bush) for the next year and some. "

Chris of California St. wrote on Nov 16, 2006 12:56 PM:

" My first comment is the Editorial staff of "The Citizen" and it's EULA below where you post a comment. Judy Ducayne's opinion piece has in itself, clearly violated both #1 and #3 of the following: #1 Potentially libelous statements. #2 Obscene, explicit, or racist language. #3 Personal attacks, insults, or threats. #4 Commercial products or promotions My second comment is to Ms. Ducayne. In this day and age where we plenty of information available to us at free or little cost, Why is it that you have done no research on the topic? The Pentagram was according to historical research, was known as the "Symbol of Solomon" was in turn the son of King David, better known as the slayer of Goliath. The belief system that you have just recently criticised, modern Christianity has absorbed much of symbology, holidays, and other holy rites into itself, both Catholic and Protestant sides of the fence. I see none of the wisdom and acceptance that I believe that the Bible teaches. It is also my opinion that this rhetoric you've written has very little basis in fact, and is what I consider "Convenient Christianity", i.e.: I'll say or practice when it suits me, but not applicable all the time. As a final note for speaking with the dead and other forms of demonology, Jesus too spoke with the dead, also he himself has passed from this mortal realm to the next, so is speaking to him (or Buddha for that matter) also considered a form of demonology? "

BryarRose wrote on Nov 16, 2006 12:23 PM:

" And Christians wonder why they get such a bad rap. As long as Ms. Ducayne and others like her, act as Personal Spokesmen for God, their childish and ill-formed rantings will continue to be railed against by people and countres who believe those lies are actually what America and Christianity are all about. Isn't bearing false witness a sin? How interesting - the bottom of my comment sheet says: No comment may contain: * Potentially libelous statements. * Personal attacks, insults, or threats. It's a shame that doesn't apply to its columnists. "

Christie wrote on Nov 16, 2006 12:17 PM:

" This article was SO hurtful! I worship a Goddess of the Northern Forest who is kind and gentle and who helps me a great deal while asking nothing in return but love, kindness, and rememberence. For example: one day, she came to me in my imagination and spoke to me. Her words sparked a flicker of intuition that urged me to lay pathway stones in my garden before the next day. Sure enough, the rain came, the weather cooled, and I was grateful for having the sure footing afforded by the pathway stones on the now mud slick, steep slope. Later, she excitedly noticed a purple cone flower in bloom. She requested that I invoke her and inhale the echinacea's sweet scent so that she might enjoy it also. I gladdly did so. We shared a smile and moment of calm contentment. It's so disheartening to hear Wiccans accused of devil worship, sacrifice, and mean tidings. I fight back the tears as I write this, feeling hopeless sometimes that the love and relationships we Wiccans share with our Goddesses is so misunderstood - a condition that puts our health and safety at peril. Please, please, please, I beg you - take just one step toward tolerance and understanding. "

April wrote on Nov 16, 2006 12:15 PM:

" Regardless of which faith a person follows, are we not sharing the earth together? And shouldn't we all practice tolerance and respect? Yes this article was her opinion, and she is entitled to her opinion. But to write such an article without the basis of truth and honest, unbiased research is disrespectful to say the least. I am not Wiccan, but Pagan...and Mr. Jerry Morgan, I have never invited evil into my home or my life and I have never bent my knees to YOUR Christian devil in worship! How dare you and others like you make such horrid accusations about a people you refuse to know?! It is not the faith a person follows that makes them evil, but the evil that a person spews from their hearts and mouths. I'll pray for you and those like you that you may someday have the peace and love in your heart towards ALL faiths that your Christ would want you to have. "

BeWitched wrote on Nov 16, 2006 12:13 PM:

" This is almost funny! You Christians stand in front of your chidren and lie to them about Santa the Easter Bunny and the Tooth Fairy and then expect them to believe some guy for whom there is ABSOLUTELY NO HISTORICAL evidence that he ever existed, let himself get nailed to a cross and then rose again? (Actually he was sacrificed by his father wasn't her? Hmmm...) Lessee--- not a single record in either the very meticulous Jewish or Roman records about this Jesus, or his mother, or of a Jewish tradition of releasing a prisoner at passover, no Barabas no record of a temple veil tearing or the sky darkening or of any of the purported miracles...no Lazarus, no loaves and fishes, in fact the Sermon on the Mount was discovered in its entirity in the Dead Sea Scrolls which predate Jesus by 800 years! Also, no place called Golgatha, and Nazareth wasn't even formed as a city until 100 AD ...so how could Jesus have been from there??? Also for you edification, the pentacle is considered sacred geometry -- it predates christianity by about 3500 years, as do similar sacred geometries such as the labyrinth, the triskel and the spiral -- all used today by modern Pagans. By the way, Pagan and Wiccan are capitolized in every instance Christian would be. Please make a note of it. Thank the Gods for the First Amendment. It's your hell judy, you burn in it! "

Jen wrote on Nov 16, 2006 11:47 AM:

" There is nothing I can say about this hateful attack that hasn't already been said, but I would put forth a request to Judy to please quote your sources. There are a lot of statements put forth here as published facts, for which I would question the source, if it were offered. Let's please be clear whether the quote is from a literary source, or is simply Judy's opinion. I suspect that the majority comes from Judy, and that's my opinion. "

taijiya wrote on Nov 16, 2006 11:39 AM:

" It's wonderful that persons outside our faith tradition know so much better than we do what it is that we worship. Why is it that ignorance and condescension so often march hand-in-hand? An opinion piece like this aimed at Judaism or Islam--or Christianity, for that matter--would rightfully be decried as hate speech, and never see print. I doubt anyone outside the "Big Three" will ever see similar consideration. "

Kira wrote on Nov 16, 2006 10:53 AM:

" Boring, sensationalist, badly written and with seemingly no research at all apart from a google search for a Crowley quote. Gutter press writing at its finest. Makes the Weekly World News look truly highbrow. Next! "

Justice for the Peace wrote on Nov 16, 2006 10:52 AM:

" I am an adjunct professor of Religion and I could use some extra income. Surely, despite my best efforts and years of training, I can scare up some narrow minded complaints about other religions for a steady paycheck. I mean, why stop with the Pagans? There’s Scientology, Jehovah’s Witnesses, Seventh Day Adventists, those Jews for Jesus, the Sikh temple down the street that readers don’t know much about. If the price is right, I can be easily tempted to promote ignorant thoughts about them. And what about those Baptists? I mean, really, what’s with a tradition that appeals to people on the right, the left, African Americans, racist bigots, and liberal social justice workers? Or Pentecostals and Charismatic Catholics, how do they know they welcome the Holy Spirit and not a demon into their sanctuaries? Furthermore, why stop with religious minorities? Having the Ph.D., I could craft equal opportunity slander with considerably more credibility than the current columnist. Even though the editors have tossed productive public discourse about religion and journalistic ethics to the wind here, why settle for ignorance when instead The Citizen could publish carefully selected and explained “facts” from a narrow perspective in order to feed religious intolerance. And even if I did not know what I was talking about that's not really the point, is it? Apparently I can even make stuff up. I can use my own rather petty picture of God to shape everything I say about other people, wrap it in a flashy scarf of self-righteousness, and call ‘em all “cults.” Since the editorial board obviously does not have a clue or worse simply does not care to serve the community well, The Citizen could still pay me to print it as if it were informed opinion. What a lovely little slanderous scam! Aggrieved parties and concerned citizens who do care about the quality of public discourse will write in to this forum and talk amongst themselves while those without internet access are stuck with what I happened to *bleep* out at the computer one morning. Meanwhile, the paper can print a few carefully selected complaints and corrections along with letters that agree with me for “balance.” I think it should be a weekly column called Holy *Bleep* where I could let my own lesser angels have full rein. You want demons? Let’s see how many inner demons of religious supremacy and defamation I could wake up in Central New York through this newspaper. Why should it be left to a hack writer to stir up trouble when a professional could do it big time? So, please, what’s your best offer? Or is it only certain (class action) groups that The Citizen will target this way? Now, where did I put that number for the ACLU? "

The D wrote on Nov 16, 2006 10:10 AM:

" Judy and I know what the score is. We watched The Wizard of Oz! We know what you Wiccans are up to, with your flying monkeys! To Judy, go read a book. To "The Citizen", enjoy your fifteen minutes of fame. I hope it's followed by your abrupt end. "

Harmony Rhiannon wrote on Nov 16, 2006 9:24 AM:

" Ms. Ducayne, I hope that you soon find spiritual wholeness in the religion your preaching. Matthew says not to try to remove the mote from your brother's eye before acessing the plank in your own. Have you forgotten this? A good and true Christian is content with thier spirituality and remembers the passage about not casting pearls to swine, meaning you don't witness to those who don't want to be witnessed to. I'm very sorry that you are so unhappy with your own spiritual self that you have to justify your path to others by bashing the paths you don't follow. Have you also forgotten the golden rule? We do our best not to treat Christians as bad for burning thousands of innocents under the guise of Witchcraft, so why do people like you continue to say such horrible lies about us? It's not the 1600's anymore, the Malificus Malificarum is defunct, why continue to use it? Speak to a Pagans more openly and you may find that through finding this path we've studied the book your preaching to us further than you yourself have. Some of us even believe in Jesus, though not in the way you think. Jesus tells you to share love with all, be it empathy for someone who's found spiritual atainment elsewhere, or passion for someone who has decided to follow your path. I'm not angry with you over these comments, but I pity you. You will not be seen to a kind and loveing God as a person who's following his teaching by spreading lies and fear. I think it's your own spirituality that needs to be acessed, not somene else's. Jesus warns you of that in Matthew. If your going to be an example of Christianity you should remember his words. To be a good Christian you live by those words, not cause others harm by spreading lies. "

Concerned for Society wrote on Nov 16, 2006 9:12 AM:

" I think what bothers me more about this article is how up in arms EVERYONE got about it. Paganism and Wicca are earth-based religions based on traditions many thought lost long ago. Christianity is a religion that is based in God and Jesus and the Bible. Is either one more right? Yep. You pick. If it feels right, go with it, but don't prosecute your neighbor because they have a different religious symbol and another way of practicing the great mystery of FAITH. "

Rowan wrote on Nov 16, 2006 8:12 AM:

" As a practicing witch I am offended by this article and shocked that at this point in time there is still so much blatant ignorance regarding paganism and wiccan practices. Shame on the author for not even checking her sources of information. BB "

Jenne McG wrote on Nov 16, 2006 8:05 AM:

" Good lord. That is the most narrow minded viewpoint I have ever read. The line between paganism, which includes Wicca, and demonism is very clearly defined. Pagan worship are genrally gentle earth based religions. Worship of the sun, mother nature and the harvest, the earth; those are all elements that are worshipped in Wicca. I suggest that you, Judy, need to do a bit more research and should do so with an open mind. For the record, I am a christianized pagan... Insulting other peoples religion is just not right, and is in fact, down right rude. "

Dan Holzman wrote on Nov 16, 2006 8:04 AM:

" I'm uncertain which of the following precepts is the more crucial thing for someone to explain to Ms. Ducayne: - Thou shalt not bear a false witness. - Get your facts straight. 1) Wiccans do not worship demons, no matter how badly Ms. Ducayne might wish it were so. 2) Crowley was quoting Rabbelais. 3) The person who called Crowley "the beast" was his fundamentalist Christian mother -- before he hit puberty. 4) The Wiccan Rede ("An it Harm None, Do As You Will") is not the Thelemite Law ("Do As You Will shall be the whole of the law.") 5) Hinduism and Zoroastrianism are two examples of religions that do not involve the worship of Ms. Ducayne's God. The Citizen should be ashamed of itself for permitting such an error ridden piece be published under its masthead, even as an opinion piece. "

Jessica, AR wrote on Nov 16, 2006 7:10 AM:

" Miss Ducayne should be ashamed of herself and her sloppy research and the editors should be equally ashamed for letting this happen. This article is beyone BS, it's generalized hate aimed at trampleing on the image of Wiccans and other Pagans. I'm going to have to agree with some of the other commenters, this deserves a retraction and an appology to the Wiccan and Pagan community. Would The Citizen tolerate and print such slander against Christians? "

Conor wrote on Nov 16, 2006 6:51 AM:

" I am appalled that this evil minded, twisted woman was allowed to post such trash. She is an insult to everything Christianity stand for. I would suggest that Judy Ducayne go to her local library and find a copy of a book she has obviously never read, it's called the bible. Try the New Testament Judy, there's this cool guy in it called Jesus, everything you represent in this article is a complete contravention of everything he taught. You are no Christian, and I hope your spiteful anti Christian sentiments are never mistaken for Christian beliefs. Please change your email from "sacredheart6005@hotmail.com) as you defile everything to do with the Sacred Heart. I only hope your evil doesn't spread any further. May you take it with you when St Peter casts you from the gates of Heaven to burn in hell for your blashemy. "

jj wrote on Nov 16, 2006 6:37 AM:

" well, WE know that Karma will bring this back thrice... "

Jonathan Martin wrote on Nov 16, 2006 5:17 AM:

" I'm very disappointed to read such an uninformed piece! This is really quite an obvious attack on Wicca. I am Neopagan. I think what Ms Ducayne fails to realise is that Wicca is one branch of many different paths under 'new age' beliefs, just as we have Roman Catholic's and Protestant's both considering themselves christians. Every person is on their own spiritual path and has the right to follow that path. Also, not all Wiccan's practice the same beliefs, e.g. they dont all cast spells! She states that the Pentagram (five pointed star) is a Satanic symbol. Completely untrue! The Pentagram is a universal symbol that has been used for centuries by many different groups - including christians themselves! The four points represent the four elements of Earth, Air, Water and Fire and the fifth point is commonly associated with the spirit or God/Goddess. Wiccan's, as far as I am aware, do not believe in hell either - this is an invention from christian mythology, ironically borrowed from Greek mythology! I am not denying the existence of demons or malevolent forces, but to state that ALL Wiccan's are open to such forces and even pursue them is both insulting and ignorant! Ms Ducayne would have us all believe that Wiccan's are some sort of covert, 'evil' movement attempting to take over the world and steal souls for Satan - even though Satan is more to do with christianity than paganism. This is childish scaremongering and a blatant attempt at once again demonising a belief system simply because it is not 'christian'. Laslty, many Wiccan's and others on a spiritual path may recognise different deities but most also believe in a Supreme Being or God/Goddess, of which Ms Ducayne speaks. Need I remind her that christianity simply eradicated the worship of Goddess from its belief system in order to create a male-dominant faith? Perhaps we should worry less about this 'evil' Wicca movement and concern ourselves more with the tyrannical, oppresive, fundamentalist movement of Evangelical's currently sweeping the USA in their attempts to control and convert everyone in their path! "

Chad wrote on Nov 16, 2006 4:29 AM:

" I have some bad news for Judy. She is going to have to get use to Pagans and Wiccans. I'm a New York Pagan serving in the military and I can tell you there have been Wiccans and Pagans every where I have travelled. We are your doctors, lawyers, vetrenarians, police officers and military members. We are a part of American society. You might not like our beliefs, but that is okay because we don't always like yours either and we are not here for your approval. I've always shown people of other religions common respect and I hope that someday Judy will be able to do the same. I've never blasted Christians because there are intolerant Christians who try to blame us of human sacrafice even though it's in the bible (Take your son, your only son – yes, Isaac, whom you love so much – and go to the land of Moriah. Sacrifice him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains, which I will point out to you." (Genesis 22:1-18)). You have to accept that there are people in the world that are different from you on every topic from favorite pizza topping to religious preference. Your whole opinion seems to be based on one news article you've read. I think it's said best by 'It's better to be thought a fool, than to open your mouth and remove all doubt.' Judy you are a fool. You are a person who speaks about things that you really know nothing about. If you want to speak about the greatness of Christianity and quote the bible then I wouldn't have blinked twice. But you defamed a peaceful religion, made slanders claims about it's members and the whole time know nothing of the facts. This is simply a foolish thing to do. "

Crystal Walters wrote on Nov 16, 2006 2:09 AM:

" "Eliza Barringer wrote on November 15, 2006 10:36 PM:"Chill out, this is an "opinion" article, Judy Ducayne's opinion, not anyone elses. She is invoking her 5th ammendment right just like the rest of you are obviously doing with your banter. The only difference is she gets PAID to do it!! " 5th amendment? Right to avoid self incrimination? Methinks someone needs to pour back over their constitutional law notes... "

Myrdrake wrote on Nov 16, 2006 2:04 AM:

" Ms Ducayne has expressed the views of a Fundamentalist Christian Cult. Religious Fundamentalism is one of the major problems in the world today - they only have one preposition wrong in their basic belief statement. If they could change "Ours is The Way" to "Ours is A Way" many wrongs would not be happening... "

Crystal Walters wrote on Nov 16, 2006 1:54 AM:

" This article by Judy Ducayne is despicable in the worst way. Such things have been said about Jews as well, however I doubt that would be fit to print even in an "opinion" column. Just because something is an opinion doesn't mean a publisher or "journalist" doesn't have a responsibility, and such glaring hatred and willful ignorance definitely qualifies as libelous. Journalists do research, and editors check facts, at least that's the way real news organizations are run. You don't just say whatever you like, shades of Mel Gibson, because you're supposed to be a source of news. If I were to write an editorial claiming that the employees of The Citizen were gay terrorist cannibal nazi baby eaters with bad hygene, that would be libelous. What a difference being a minority religion can make huh? "

witchdoctorjoe wrote on Nov 16, 2006 1:52 AM:

" my Goddess gave birth to your "one true god" "

Brid wrote on Nov 16, 2006 1:37 AM:

" Thank you judy for reaffirming my decision not to convert to Christianity EVER. "

Tyler wrote on Nov 16, 2006 12:18 AM:

" While this lady, Judy Ducayne, has the right to say her opinion that right only extends so far. What kind of a pathetic newpaper even employs a writter who can't be bothered to do the bare minimum of research before she starts with the hate speach? Has Judy even ever MET a Wiccan? I doubt it. "

John Nelson wrote on Nov 15, 2006 11:33 PM:

" Bravo to "The Citizen" for giving air to Ms. Ducayne. If it were not for the highly visible platform afforded by this publication, most of the community would never have been made aware of how ignorant, fearful, and hateful Judy Ducayne really is. I mean it, really. That's the true beauty of the concept of free speech. Good ideas, bad ideas, even unbelievably stupid ideas, like Judy's, can be laid bare for all to see. The tenor of the responses here would indicate that the principle is working just fine. Virtually everyone who commented has clearly seen what a hateful, ignorant, and un-Christian fool she really is. Don't underestimate the importance of that process, people. If we were to supress such speech, we give it tacit validation. It's akin to saying, "I don't like your argument and I'm afraid others might actually believe you", and in the darkness of such repression, some just might. Out in the light of day however, her arguments have been quickly and handily dismissed for the ignorance and lies that they are. "

And Another Thing... wrote on Nov 15, 2006 10:49 PM:

" Judy, you should listen to Tis American Life. They are stating that God is more of a monster than Hitler. How could he condemn more people to hell than all the halocoust in all the world history. Or maybe God is more forgiving than what the bible says, because mabye the bible was nothing more than a bunch of correspondances between the apostles. Maybe since the translation of the bible to its modern interp. through King James is so messed up, that only bigotry of your understanding is ever taught. Maybe Pagans are Pagans because they read and understood the bible for what it really is, A bunch of interesting parrables. Hey judy check out Landover Baptist ministries, I think they may have room for you! Ha "

Eliza Barringer wrote on Nov 15, 2006 10:36 PM:

" Chill out, this is an "opinion" article, Judy Ducayne's opinion, not anyone elses. She is invoking her 5th ammendment right just like the rest of you are obviously doing with your banter. The only difference is she gets PAID to do it!! "

James R. Struthers wrote on Nov 15, 2006 9:49 PM:

" I find it distressing (and sort of amusing) that this paper would actually print this sort of slanderous rubbish. Wouldn't get away with it in Australia (where they actually have laws against and care about religious defamation). You'd end up in jail. Sounds like it is time for the local Wiccans to contact the ACLU and bring a defamation suit against the paper. Should be easy enough....oh, and they will be up their neck in legal fees. Cheers from the west coast. "

DiCondito wrote on Nov 15, 2006 9:40 PM:

" Boy, there are a lot of stuck pigs squealing here!! "

Misty wrote on Nov 15, 2006 8:58 PM:

" This woman should never have been allowed to "print" this article. I am disappointed that any news establishment in America would allow someone to make such a load of vitrolic, bigotted trash public through their establishment. It is a sad day in our country when this woman's words, without any more basis in fact than the beliefs she is condemning, are treated as "news." This isn't news, it's prejudice and lies being supported by the media. I'm just glad that there are some media centers out there still willing to be unbiased and truthful. Too bad yours isn't one of them. "

Lady Carissa Stormbringer wrote on Nov 15, 2006 8:48 PM:

" Excuse me, but Satan is NOT a Pagan God. Worship is a conscious act. You can't "accidentally" worship a Deity...the very thought is ludicrous and goes completely against logic and good sense. I worship the Gods and Goddesses of ancient Greece. They have their flaws as human do, but They are NOT evil! My husband is currently serving in our armed forces, defending American values such as religious freedom. To read such sickening rubbish as this article is repulsive to any educated, loving human being. Jewish Kaballists did and still do practice ceremonial magic. I wonder if the author of this article has ever looked at a Goetic evocation..demons, my friends, demons are what the Kaballist evoke in those rites! I have friends who are Christian magicians. They work with various Angels and spirits. Oh, and need I mention that the Hebrew word for The Holy Spirit is "Rauch"? It has a feminine ending, people. The Holy Spirit is a female Deity. Now matter how much the male-dominated religious right tries to hide these facts, the truth is the truth! Read about the Gnostics, Rosicrucians and Masons and you'll get a VERY different view of Christianity. Jesus was a Kaballist, people, that's why He did all those miracles and was called a Rabbi. In The Gospel of Mary it is said that other disciples rebuked Peter for his hatred of women and told him flat out that he was wrong. Here's a dollar...go buy yourself a clue! "

Morgan wrote on Nov 15, 2006 8:37 PM:

" My name is Morgan and I am 11 years old, and a witch. I am being taught the old religion which is the one your christian one was based on, you took our holidays ( easter= oestara,) (beltaine= may day) etc and you took many of our practices, the altar, the incense of the priest and even your communion comes from our cakes and ale. Constantine in the 3rd century rewrote Paganism into Christianity and borrowed our practices and changed them a little for them, mom says imitation is the best flattery :) she also says people who go after someone else relgiouswise are insecure in their beliefs and that makes them feel like a big person, kinda like a bully feels when he beats a little guy up and steals his lunch money. well im proud to be a Pagan and a Wiccan , Id rather be taught this, then taught to hate.... Morgan Rae Rochester NY "

Star Foster wrote on Nov 15, 2006 8:24 PM:

" In the age of the WWW and instant acess to research materials it's outrageous such an ignorant article was published. As a Wiccan I'm very upset about this article. The Pentagram is also Saint Andrew's star (patron saint of Scotland) and was used by early Christians as a symbol for the five wounds of Christ. It originated as a religous symbol with the mystic mathematician Pythagoras. A routine web search by the editor would have revealed this article for the ignorant rant it is. No, I say the article is hateful in tone despite it's ignorance. Such an article would never have been published about Muslims, Jews, Buddhists or Hindus. I think the thing that makes me most angry are the military Wiccan men and women who died defending this country overseas and are repaid with such blatant hatemongering. I demand a retraction and apology. "

Jen G. wrote on Nov 15, 2006 8:24 PM:

" It's obvious that Judy has done absolutly zero into the religion that she is attacking. It's this type of ignorance that has caused centuries of killing and violence, all in the name of god. She is a very sad representation of Christians and Christianity. Love thy neighbor...as long as they are exactly like you. Blessed Be. (Jen is acting High Priestess of the Coven of the Black Rose, based in Rochester NY) "

Christopher Blackwell wrote on Nov 15, 2006 8:19 PM:

" Okay Judy has upset people. I believe that was her purpose. I can imagine her sitting gleeful over all the emotions she has raised. All religions have their extremists, be it Christian or "any other religion." In no way does she represent most Christians, just herself. So calm down everybody. You have been taken in by another shock jock. Shock jocks thrive on attention and you have given her plenty. Just consider how you have increased this papers on line viewing. The papers advertising department and circulation departments will love it. "

sue wrote on Nov 15, 2006 8:12 PM:

" how dissapointed you will be Judy, when you stand before heaven, and God asks if you were kind and caring and good ,and he opens the book, and it says you were a bigot, a liar and a hateful mean spirited person. He will say you did this in MY name? I NEVER said that, why would I have given people freedom,if I didnt want them to use it, and I gave them brains to Think and question, and hearts to love, and yet you didnt even TRY to use these to your potential. And then he will sadly shake his head.... he will be SOOOO dissapointed in you.... "

WickedFine2 wrote on Nov 15, 2006 7:58 PM:

" The author of this article needs to open her mind. The Editors of this paper shoul be ashamed of themselves for allowing such a travity of lies to be published. If such an article of hate were published and was referring to the Muslim religion I would not want to see that backlash!! For her ignorance, I am truly sorry. Perhaps she should follow her God and "love thy neighbor as you love yourself". Hate like this only breeds more hate. Here's hoping that people may read her article and do some actual research on Paganism and Wicca and find out that thier own Christian religion is based on OURS! ----- Blessed Be. "

Mike C wrote on Nov 15, 2006 7:57 PM:

" It is bigotry like this that prevents a US soldier killed in Afghanistan from getting his pentacle grave marker which he is entitled to...and why I became an attorney. "

jennifer Z wrote on Nov 15, 2006 7:56 PM:

" I am just appalled, aren't "journalists " supposed to check their "facts" before they are published? You would never allow an article saying Catholics are going to hell, or that Jews are going to hell.... this paper is a RAG to print such a blatent attack on a religion that like ALL religions,is protected by the US constitution. This journalistic TRASH was posted on a popular Pagan website, expect LOTS of comments.... Im embarrassed to be in the same state as Auburn.... Bright blessings all. )0( Jen a Wiccan in Rochester, NY "

disgusted wrote on Nov 15, 2006 7:43 PM:

" I sincerly hope that the women maligned in this article sue Judy Ducayne and The citizen for slander. "

Rathan wrote on Nov 15, 2006 7:36 PM:

" It grieves me that so many are like this Ms. Ducayne, so insecure and fragile in their faith they find the need to attack others. Matthew 5:43 "You have heard that it was said, 'Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? And if you greet only your brothers, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect. Matthew 7:1-5 "Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. "Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother's eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? How can you say to your brother, 'Let me take the speck out of your eye,' when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother's eye. "

A curious woman wrote on Nov 15, 2006 7:16 PM:

" Why is it that so many people reading this comment section believe that if you don't agree with Judy, you must be Pagan? The other thing I'd like to point out, is To change is to "alter". A table used for sacred objects is an Altar. "

Camille wrote on Nov 15, 2006 7:12 PM:

" To be fair, this is an opinion piece – and everyone is entitled to their own opinions, regardless of what they may be. Still it says something about the paper which prints such an ill-informed piece. Essentially, you can sum up the actual content of this piece as: “As a Christian I believe that anyone who does not worship God (YHVH) is Evil. Wiccans do not worship God (YHVH), and they do magic, which means they are therefore Evil.” Alright, that’s an opinion – but this is backed up, not even by scripture, but by actually incorrect information about the belief system. The information presented is either statements which are clearly opinions, or statements which are factually incorrect. This paper manages at once to insult the intelligence of very conservative Christians (through the poor quality of its arguments against Wicca), moderate and liberal Christians (by dictating to them what they should believe if they’re “really Christians”) and of course, Wiccans (by presenting so much factually incorrect information about the faith). To Judy I say: please, if you’re going to write these discourses, take the time to understand the belief against which you are speaking, and also to differentiate between what is your interpretation of the Christian belief, what may be other’s interpretation of the Christian beliefs, and actual fact. Thank you. "

Yet another pagan. wrote on Nov 15, 2006 7:08 PM:

" This article is so full of hate, lies, and potentially libelous statements that I wonder how it got past her editor. I find it insulting in the extreme. The paper should issue an apology and fire her. She is a religeous bigot. Wicca is NOT the same as Satanism. We don't even believe in Satan. Satan is a Christian concept, or to put it another way, Satan is the Christian god of evil. We can't worship something we don't even believe in. I have seen more balanced articles about Wicca from the deep South in the heart of the Bible Belt. I certainly didn't expect such an abyss of bigotry to show up in New York. "

Black Knight wrote on Nov 15, 2006 6:58 PM:

" "Satan" is a Christian invention and has no place in Wicca. With that said, the author needs to do some actual research before putting her foot in her mouth. "

JB wrote on Nov 15, 2006 6:46 PM:

" Scroll to the end of this web page...it states "No comment may contain -Potentially libelous statements...-Personal attacks, insults, or threats...". I say this to remind ALL who post here, YOU are not allowed to say anything along these lines, leave such statements and remarks to "The Citizen". This article being the perfect example of such trash, and ignorant hate mongering drab that it publishes. "

Recovering Christian wrote on Nov 15, 2006 6:34 PM:

" In 325 AD/CE, Constantine vigorously presided over the bishops he had brought to the Council of Nicea to resolve the dispute over the nature of Christ. Basically what this means is that The Roman Empire decided that the world would not be right until every other belief, save the "approved" belief, was eradicated. And they're still trying. Nice to see that Judy's still going on Crusade. Just remember though, the Crusades failed 4 times before, and they're going to fail now. "

Beyond Pagan wrote on Nov 15, 2006 6:23 PM:

" Judy Ducayne would be right at home among the Catholic hierarchy of the 15th Century...crying "wolf" and blaming the pagans and the jews and the "infidels" for everything from the Black Plague to the Pope's acne. Give me a break! More people have been killed in the name of God than in the name of the Goddess...and I sure as heck did NOT kill MY saviour. "

Pagan wrote on Nov 15, 2006 6:23 PM:

" Dear Jerry, guess what? As far as I'm concerned I worship The God, not a god. You can argue all you want about how you think your god is the real God, and that doesn't change anything. Say it till your blue in the face. Unless we can all live in each other's shoes, there's no point arguing about it. We obviously belive our own expiriences otherwise we wouldn't be so important to us. "

Pagan and Proud of it wrote on Nov 15, 2006 6:15 PM:

" Oh Judy, save your prayers for the Pagans... we don't need them. Perhaps instead you should just pray for enlightenment. "

Jerry Morgan wrote on Nov 15, 2006 6:13 PM:

" Dear Pagan, that is because it is God, not god. Your pagan god begins with a small "g" My God is a Capitol "G" You are a pagan ,,, I worship the one real GOD! "

curious wrote on Nov 15, 2006 6:11 PM:

" I didn't know Auburn had so many witches, where did you all come from? I have had 4 generations of my family live here and they are all rolling over in their graves right now. I don't have a subscription to The Citizen but I am going to get one now! "

Phoenyxfyre wrote on Nov 15, 2006 6:10 PM:

" No, re-read your statement. You contradict yourself nicely. First you claim Demons are real, then you call them naught but Air. You cannot have it both ways. You also state that those are two choirs of angels in Heaven. If they are in Heaven, then they have not fallen, hence cannot be your so-called Demons. Demons, Ms Ducayne, are flesh and blood creatures that prey on society: ie child molesters, criminals or anyone who wishes to harm others in any way. Turn your venomous words on THEM, instead of the oldest belief system in the world. Besides, Aleister Crowley was not the father of modern Satanism, that was Anton LeVay, and if you have ever READ the Satanic Bible, you will see that it is NOT about calling forth demons, but about personal gain though self-motivation. The only thing most of us Pagans have ever sacrificed was our sanity when dealing with bogots. "

Gengirl wrote on Nov 15, 2006 6:07 PM:

" wow, does anyone else see the irony of the disclaimer statement right below the comment box? "Potentially libelous statements. Obscene, explicit, or racist language. Personal attacks, insults, or threats." Hmmm...I guess that job is left up to Judy. As for my opinion, it is quite simple. Love your fellow man...not just fellow Christian, Muslim, Pagan, or any other religious label. Therefore I extend my care and love to ALL of you (yes, even you Judy). You don't have to agree with someone to respect their humanity. So, I hope and pray (yes, at my PAGAN ALTER) that some of you who seem so filled with hate will wake up one day and realize that hate is a wasteful, negative force not worth your precious time. Blessed Be and Amen "

Disgusted with the Citizen wrote on Nov 15, 2006 6:06 PM:

" Judy, your display of ignornace is appalling. Perhaps you should investigate first, before you report and perhaps your newspaper should hold to those tenants as well. I'm disappointed that a newspaper would print such nonsense as this without at least having looked into this woman's supposed "sources". "

Glory wrote on Nov 15, 2006 6:04 PM:

" I'm just stunned at the amount of venom in this woman's column. It saddens me that her limited view of God spews such hatred. God is bigger than any one religion, any one image. That's why so many of the world's religions have more than one aspect of God to honor and respect. And no, Judy, Wiccans are not Satanists, because we don't believe in your Satan- AT ALL! Our religion, and yes, it is a religion, is based on the positive things life has to offer. It's a shame yours seems to be focused on fear and evil. "

Terra wrote on Nov 15, 2006 5:35 PM:

" Poor Judy. If what a person sees in life is mostly evil, then more than likely there is evil within that person. There are a few "guidelines" that cross over religious boundaries. From Buddhism to Christianity to Wicca and many many others. 1. Treat others the way you would want to be treated...and do not to others what you would not want to be done to you. 2. A tree is known by its fruit. (not by what garden it is planted in) 3. Don't judge - for you would not want to be judged (civil law does not apply) 4. You reap what you sow. Karma, What goes around comes around. It seems that all four of these "guidelines" were breached in Judy's statements. "

Louis Adkins wrote on Nov 15, 2006 5:34 PM:

" I find it sad that you apparently feel the need to attack another religion. Are you insecure in your faith? Printing such libelous statements is a disgraceful act, in my opinion. If you have an argument, present it with facts and references. Presenting the public with lies and misleading statements is not a way, in the end, to truly be a good Christian. "

Libertarian wrote on Nov 15, 2006 5:24 PM:

" Where is all that "Christian Love" I hear so much about ? "

Jenn wrote on Nov 15, 2006 5:18 PM:

" It saddens me tremendously that hate-filled, ignorant rants such as this are actually published in so-called "news"papers. Aside from the fact that this editorial piece is very poorly written, there are so many factual errors (which, in my opinion, are there on purpose to direct hatred towards a specific group) that the area's Wiccans should consider a lawsuit against the paper for inciting hatred against them. "

Granny Meg wrote on Nov 15, 2006 5:13 PM:

" Oh my stars and garters! Such bigotry and hatred! As the matriarch of a large family who are considering relocating from Illinois, I shall veto the recommendation of our nephew that we join him in central New York state! It would be irresponsible of our several housholds to risk exposing our children and young people to such dangerous people as your Judy. So you may count that her hatefulness has cost you seven white collar carreer adults, four pensioned retirees, and sixteen infant through highschoolers. And by the way, we are various in our religions. You must really have a lot invested in this woman to allow her to present you to the world in this manner. "

Open-Minded View Point wrote on Nov 15, 2006 5:06 PM:

" Shame on you at the Citizen for taking part in the spread of ignorance and hate that is already dividing this world, and community. Regardless of whether your views are extreme right or left I would expect a News Organization to be respectful of the community is serves. Allowing Ms. Ducayne to spew forth unfounded truths is all most criminal. Did anyone think about this before allowing the article to go to print since the article attacks their charactor and morality. Do the right thing and publish a apology to the mentioned women and either repremand Ms. Ducayne or remove her from your staff. "

Christian Minority? wrote on Nov 15, 2006 4:30 PM:

" Christian Minority. When a Journalist Defames a Segment of the Population,then they should expect to hear back from them. This is the way it works in all Newspapers across the globe. If you consider youself a Journalist,you should be willing to back up what you say. Being a Parent has nothing to do with it. "

DG wrote on Nov 15, 2006 4:22 PM:

" Well I for one would like to extend a hand to help you learn more about Wiccans and Pagans in general. We are a diverse group with no religious ruling body but do share a love of life and all things divine. I hope that you wrote this with the lack of knowledge needed to give our religion a fair representation However if you do have such knowledge, I can only pray for you. That you learn tolerance and understanding for those who's beliefs do not follow along the same lines as yours. Still if this is your opinion nothing I can say will change it, and nothing you can say will change mine. "

A Pagan wrote on Nov 15, 2006 4:22 PM:

" What gang? Who's beating up who? I know what a Wiccan is, but whats a "wican"? It's not so much that Christians believe their god is the "one true god" and that all other religions are false. They are free to believe whatever tripe they want. My problem is with the lies used to present this point of view. Why would anyone lie about something to present what they think is truth? It's nonesense. "

Stacy wrote on Nov 15, 2006 4:20 PM:

" Seems to me that these narrow minded points of view that Judy is allowed to promote do nothing but show the level of ignorance the right wing christian conservitives possess. Just remember Judy, those who live in glass houses should NOT throw stones!! "

vetchyue wrote on Nov 15, 2006 4:19 PM:

" With the 99.9% of worthy Christians who truly love Jesus and understand his teachings, there is a minority of people like this. I think it sad that they spout bigotry with no information and no understanding, but I'm content that I, as a Druid, know real Christians, who are worthy of the name of their Christ, and of a place in Heaven, should it exist. "

christian minority wrote on Nov 15, 2006 3:55 PM:

" What has become of our society when we would allow a gang to beat up on a christian mother. What has become of our paper that would print such garbage as a wican cult. Is this what they want for our children? "

Ron Parker wrote on Nov 15, 2006 3:33 PM:

" So, according to Judy, we, Wiccans, worship the Christian devil...sorry, the devil is your religions creation not ours. We don't required being "saved" in our faith because our Gods are up front and don't create ridiculous & impossible rules to live by and then condemn you when you can’t. Perfection is an ideal and only a human created ideal. Christianity is one of many religions on this world. Like all religions, the purpose is to bring one closer to ones deity(s) as this is what Wicca does as well. To assume that Christianity is the “one and only true faith” is human arrogance, nothing more. Its proof is no different than any other religion. The difference is that some people, like Judy, assume that their understanding of religion and god is the only way, which is a personal belief, not a fact. But here is the prime example of that error, confusing belief and fact as being the same thing…it’s not. It’s shameful that this paper would print such inflammatory remarks, especially based upon her belief of what Wicca is, rather than what Wicca honestly teaches. By the way Judy, if I should use the same wide paint strokes that you’ve used, I’d have to say that Christianity is cannibalistic and vampiric. After all, what kind of a religion eats the flesh of its god and drinks its own god’s blood? Also, those 10 commandments that so many of the Conservative Christians like to quote all the time, must be a great inconvenience because you’ve broken two of them: “thou shalt not bear false witness” and isn’t there something about lying? Simply, you’ve lied about Wicca and have stated beliefs that are not ours and have grossly mislead readers. Your comments reflect what you think Wicca is, based off of your religious beliefs. We are not anti-Christian, simply not Christian. You, by way of your article, are apparently anti-anything that doesn’t fit your religious beliefs. I am amazed by how much fear controls the thoughts, beliefs and actions of your faith. "

Jennifer Desmarais wrote on Nov 15, 2006 3:16 PM:

" First, rather than do actual research and explore various sources to get an overall understanding of such a broad group (as there are many traditions Wiccans follow and many practitioners are solitary) you based your opinion on a few quotes. The sources you mentioned do not represent Wiccans as a whole, but themselves as Wiccans. They don't all communicate with the dead nessisarily. What you have to understand Judy that you disregard the fact that other religions usually have not just other practices, but an entirely different cosmology than your own. Not only did you fail to learn about the cosmology, you failed to explain it. I must say you have a limited perspective on Satanism as well should you associate it with Wicca, as they have little to do with each other. It's also presumptous to call the dead "demons." To call Wiccans demon worhippers is akin to calling Hindues or Buddhists demon worshippers based on your lack of knowledge regarding a set of practices and principles you're not used to. You don't know what the practices are about, and instead of researching it, you jump to conclusions. It's not unlike calling someone an idol worshipper when they pray in front of a statue. Regardless of whether they are actually worshipping the stature or using the image as a focal point to pray. I don't think you would have a problem assuming the former regardless of which is the case. I'm sure you would choose to believe what you do and disregard any evidence to the contrary, just because it makes your world a little more appealing. FYI, the pentagram is not a satanic symbol, and was used by just about every culture throuout history including Christianity in the 15th centurey to represent the five wounds of Christ. To make a long story short, you are irresponsible. It is people like you that feed on irrational behavior and circular reasoning that there is such a lack of social progress in the 21st century. I will continue being a Pagan and following my heart and soul despite your opinion. Pagans of any part of the broad spectrum do not regard the bible as any spiritual authority, so we really don't care what it says. For someone who apparently worshippes demons, I sure do get a sense of hope, knowledge and understanding from my path, that no other could possibly (or has) satisfied. On top of this, many Pagans including my Wiccan mother are the most shining examples of human beings I have ever known. That's interesting concidering the propaganda circulating that we are all hopeless drug addicts. Your article is not much different. I can only imagine how effortless it is for you to draw an opinion. Concider how much more enriching it would be if you grew up. "

Mark wrote on Nov 15, 2006 3:14 PM:

" This womans ignorance is astounding. I am not even sure where to start correcting her on all the hate she is spewing. Ms. Ducayne would be strongly advised to research her subject PRIOR to shooting her mouth off about something she clearly has no clue about. "

AHT wrote on Nov 15, 2006 3:03 PM:

" "Townsend was quoted as saying, “There's only one rule - do what thou wilt and harm none." Well, Ms. Ducayne, for such a self-proclaimed good Christian, you seem to have a hard time recognizing the Golden Rule. Here's a little refresher: "Be merciful, even as your Father is merciful. Judge not, and you will not be judged; condemn not, and you will not be condemned; forgive, and you will be forgiven; give, and it will be given to you; good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap. For the measure you give will be the measure you get back." (Luke 6:36-38 RSV) For the record, Ms. Ducayne, I am a practicing solitary eclectic Pagan, but I'm still capable of respecting Christianity, even when it produces such a display as this. Pity it doesn't go both ways. I'd also like to congratulate the Citizen on its ability in differentiating so clearly between reporting and editoralizing on its website. A fine job, all around. But the biggest congratulations, really, go to the (former) readership, for their outstanding display of critical thinking skills. "

Traveler Farlander wrote on Nov 15, 2006 2:42 PM:

" I would like to thank Judy Ducayne for her editorial regarding the nature of Wiccans. Without the example of people like Ducayne, many people would not realize that ignorance, intolerance, closed-mindedness and superstitious fear of the Bogeyman are the qualities of Christianity and those who choose it. Ms. Ducayne and those like her, such as Pat Robertson and Jerry Falwell, are guiding lights in our society, helping people see that Christianity is a dying behemoth, irrelevant to modern human civilization. Without these examples of the truth behind Christian love, Wicca would not be the fastest growing religion in these United States. Thanks again, Judy, and keep it up. With people like you, at least we know our opponents are never going to outsmart us. "

Reverend Amy wrote on Nov 15, 2006 2:33 PM:

" It is so sad to see a woman who claims to be well informed, make so many generalized statements that are false. Q: Are you a good Witch or a bad Witch? A: When you ask if someone is a "good" Witch or a "bad" Witch, it is the same as asking someone if they are a "good" Presbyterian or a "bad" Presbyterian. Wiccans adhere to the Rede, "An it harm none, do as ye will." Witches, Druids and other pagan belief systems and religions have their own ethical standards. There are good and bad people in every society and in every religion. When a person breaks the laws of society or the tenets of their religion, they are called to account for their actions. To judge a person as either "good" or "bad" based upon nothing more than their religious preference alone has a label, too. It is called bigotry. Q: Do you worship Satan? A: Satan is a part of the Christian and Muslim religions. Since pagans are neither Christian nor Muslim, Satan is not part of our deity structure at all. We believe that each and every human being is completely responsible for his or her own actions. To us, evil is a choice, albeit a bad one, that a human might make, not an embodied entity to blame our actions upon. If an individual chooses to do evil, most pagans believe they will be punished via the laws of karma or as a result of "cause and effect.". In other words, "What goes around usually comes around." Many Witches and Wiccans believe in some form of reincarnation, that the results or karma of past deeds can follow a person from one life to the next. This may also help to explain why terrible things sometimes happen to wonderful people or why some people seem to have been born with certain skills and knowledge. It may also explain why some people seem to lead a 'charmed" life. Some pagans believe in an after-life spent in another plain of existence. Known as Summerland, Avalon, Valhalla or simply the "Other Side', they believe that they will be reunited here once again with friends and family. Q: So why do you use that "Satanic" symbol? A: The pentagram, or five pointed star, is not Satanic. Pythagoras used it as a symbol of health and his followers wore them in order to recognize one another. In Medieval times, some Christian knights used the pentagram as their symbol. To modern Wiccans the pentagram means many things; The five points correspond to the elements Air, Earth, Fire and Water with the top point corresponding to "Spirit". The pentagram in a circle may also represent a human with their legs and arms outstretched, surrounded by universal wisdom or the "Goddess" - humankind at one with the environment. Many Witches and other pagan practitioners do not wear the pentacle at all, but have other symbols of special meaning to them. Satanists turn the symbol upside-down, which puts the elements of Fire and Earth at the top (Fire symbolizes willpower and passion and Earth, prosperity and earthly goods) and Spirit, spirituality, at the bottom. Satanists also turn the cross upside-down. This, in itself, does not make the cross or pentagram a Satanic symbol. In some Wiccan traditions, the reversed pentagram is a symbol of "second degree" status - one who has been elevated from "initiate". To members of these traditions, the reversed pentagram is considered highly positive and has no connection to Satanism. A symbol is simply an image or mark in itself. It is the mind and the beliefs of the beholder which attribute to it a particular meaning. Q: Do you do blood sacrifice? A: Goddess NO! The nature of sacrifice is to give up something of one's own in order to gain something more important. Wiccans believe in the sanctity of all life. Most pagans believe that animals are part of the same natural cycle of life as humans are. Witches have long been associated with animal companions known as "familiars." Q: Do Witches and Wiccans cast spells? A: Yes. Well, some do anyway. However, the term "spell" is widely misunderstood. Spells, are somewhat like prayers and are used to create needed change in one's own life or the life of a loved one. But while prayers are a petition to an external Deity to create the change, most Witches and Wiccans believe that Deity is present in everything, including ourselves. Spells, then, are the channeling of our own divine selves, our own energies, to create the change. Spells such as those which use love magic to gain the attention of a specific individual, or curses, are considered "manipulative". Most Wiccans believe that anything manipulative-that goes against the free will of another-is considered wrong. Many other pagan paths have similar codes of conduct based upon the tenets of their tradition or belief and almost all believe that the responsibility for their actions will lie with them. Q: Are Witchcraft or Wicca cults? A: A cult by definition is a group of people who blindly follow one leader. As Witches, Wiccans and pagans tend to be free-thinkers, there is no one person that we consider to be THE leader. Thus we cannot be called a cult. Q: Do you have ritual orgies? A: These rumors come from our lack of taboos regarding sex. We have no rules which prohibit homosexuality, nudity or pre-marital sex. Sex as the generative force in nature is seen by most pagans as something utterly sacred. We feel that the physical act of love is to be approached with great respect and responsibility. Q: Why do all Witches/Wiccans wear black? A: We all don't. Many Witches/Wiccans actually seem to favor green and/or purple. Black, however, is in many cultures a symbol of clergy. Priests, Ministers and Rabbis all favor black as the main color of their ritual garb. Scientifically speaking, color is energy. The colors you see are the ones which are reflected and not the ones absorbed. Therefore, what appears to be white, which is the culmination of all colors in the light spectrum, is actually reflecting all colors and absorbing none. What appears to be black, is absorbing all colors and reflecting none. This is evident in the fact that when one is wearing white, one feels cooler - as the fabric is sending the heat energy outward, and when one wears black - the heat energy is absorbed in the cloth that one is wearing, making one feel warmer. Many Witches feel that wearing black attracts and holds more natural energy. Q: Aren't all Witches Women? A: No. Neither are Wiccans or those in other pagan paths. Witches can be either men or women. The term "Warlock" is never used to describe a male Witch as it is considered to be a religious slur. "Warlock" is an old Scottish word meaning "traitor" or "oath-breaker". Men and Women alike can be Witches, Wiccans or pagans. Q: Why would anyone want to be a pagan, a Witch or Wiccan? A: People are generally drawn to Wicca and other pagan paths for several reasons. Many women feel left out of more mainstream religions because of the lack of feminine divinity. For them, the Wiccan concept of the Goddess as Mother of all Living fills an empty space in their spiritual search. As a nature based religion, Witchcraft also appeals to those who feel a strong need to "get back to the Earth" and places a major importance on protecting the environment, which we are a part of, not apart from. People drawn to the mystical find pagan belief systems much more accommodating as we do not see anything unnatural about psychic ability or the use of magic to create needed changes in one's life. It gives us the freedom to make our own decisions about what is best for us. Q: How do you convert new Witches/Wiccans/pagans? A: We don't. We feel that the attempted conversion of others is a form of religious bigotry. i.e. If one tries to convert another to his/her religion, s/he assumes that the other person's beliefs are not as valid as his/her own. We feel that all paths are equally valid as long as they do not infringe upon the basic civil rights or free will of another. According to our beliefs, it is up to the individual to choose his or her own path. We do not try to manipulate others into our way of thinking, we only try to educate others about our religion so that they may better understand us. We do, however try to help guide those who have already expressed an interest in the pagan belief systems or religions. Q: So what do Witches/Wiccans/pagans DO? A: Pretty much what everybody does. We come from all walks of life. We raise families, go to work, throw steaks (or vegetables) on the "barbie" and hang out with our friends. We practice our religions and belief systems, celebrate our holidays with festivals and continue to study and explore our past while contemplating our futures. Many covens and groups meet once a month to worship together under the moon. Pagans tend to hold ceremonies or "circles" out of doors as we feel that being with nature brings us closer to the divinity who creates it. Some pagan beliefs may seem strange to those who have not heard much about them before. Pagans, on the other hand, are usually very well versed in the beliefs of other religions. They find the various religious systems interesting and often encourage their own children to learn about these other religions. Pagans believe in free will and free choice and that an educated choice is always better than blind obedience to any religion or dogma. We are not "against" other religions. We have simply made our choice to be pagan and we expect others to respect that choice as we respect theirs. All that we ask is that we are allowed to practice our religion without prejudice or interference as is our right guaranteed here in the United States under the Constitution and as outlined within the constitutions of many other countries. The freedom to practice religion -or no religion-as you choose-whether it be Christian, Muslim, Hindu, Buddhist or Pagan-is the freedom to follow your spirit and your heart. This precious freedom must be defended, protected and treasured by all or it will no longer be guaranteed for anyone. "

Jerry Morgan wrote on Nov 15, 2006 2:33 PM:

" As I said Carl, twist and pervert everything to suit your way of life. Mock the christians yet glorify a pagan religon. Pathetic. As is your way of life "

College Wiccan wrote on Nov 15, 2006 2:29 PM:

" This article is full of lies and I cannot believe that any legitimate newspaper would print it. After I read it I honestly made sure it wasn't a fake. As a Wiccan and a well educated woman, it disgusts me that this type of obviously biased and not well-researched information is still being printed. It is because of people with shoddy research skills, like Ms. Ducayne, that my RELIGION is so misunderstood. (P.S., it's probably a pentacle, not a pentagram you are refering too and it represents Spirit, Water, Fire, Earth and Air, not evil; Anton LaVey is the founder of modern satanism; my altar is the most beautiful, peaceful place which I use to honor the elements, the god and the goddess, and my ancestors, I most certainly have never and will never sacrifice anything on it; and it is because of hypocritical, judgemental "Christians" like you that so many of us look towards alternative religions to find connection with deity...) "

genesx wrote on Nov 15, 2006 2:21 PM:

" Judy Ducayne sounds like one of the judges at the Salem Witch Trials. I can't believe, in this day and age, such complete nonsense could find a home in a respectable publication. Any high school child using "the google" and the term "wicca" would do better. This is a real disservice to the readership. "

Lawrence wrote on Nov 15, 2006 2:09 PM:

" As a Wiccan, I would like to thank Judy Ducayne for writing this article. It just highlights how ignorant certain individuals are, and how far we pagans must go before we can call the world enlightened. Judy Ducayne, I would like to convey to you how much misinformation you have been led to believe, as we are not merely Necromancers or suicide wishers, but rather we are worshippers of nature, and the life eneries that surround us. It is true, that some of us communicate with those who have passed on, but we do not utilize this for any darker purpose, nor are we dictated to by some evil spirit. Indeed, our most basic of Wiccan Laws states, "And It Harm None, Do What Ye Will." meaning that we are bound by sacred law not to use our knowledge or power to harm others. Satan is your embodiment of evil, not ours. This is not to say that there are not individuals who do not misuse there powers for malintent, but such people exist in every faith, including your own. After all, Jeffrey Dauhmer was a devote christian who went to church every sunday. And for the record, Christianity itself is a religion deeply based in pagan tradition and lore, with many of your celebrated holidays (Christmas, Easter, Halloween) began as pagan celebrations of the solstices. Therefore, I strongly suggest that you take a deep look into your information and history. And when you are prepared to make a formal apology to our community, we shall be waiting. Until then, Blessed Be. "

Ariawn wrote on Nov 15, 2006 2:07 PM:

" Chrisitan, Wiccan, or not...such hate is very saddening. On a journalistic standpoint, generalizations and arguments lacking logical backing...is very saddening. I pray to the Goddess that peace may be granted--to all. "

A Reader wrote on Nov 15, 2006 2:01 PM:

" It's appalling that a modern newspaper would allow such childish slander to see print. Any simple review of *any* standard source for information on modern religions would make it clear that Ducayne is merely parroting the opinions of the most bigoted sort of so-called Christian. Wicca is no more demonic now than Judaism was in the 1500s, when Christians accused jews of murdering babies for Satan. "

Gary wrote on Nov 15, 2006 1:33 PM:

" I JUST CALLED CIRCULATION TODAY AND CANCELLED MY SUBSCRIPTION> I INSISTED THAT THEY NOTE THAT THE REASON WAS BECAUSE OF JUDY DUCAYNE. "

carl wrote on Nov 15, 2006 1:29 PM:

" Jerry morgan, Ilove how you speak about our GREAT nation. First of all I see a trend for christians to belive they should reclaim america and try to warp peoples minds into beliveing that jesus would place americans above any other culture on this planet. Americans are just as much of a parasite ruining the earth. Read your bible.the lord will bring ruin unto those ruining the earth.George Bushe's policies have not helped the enviroment, only to destroy the chance to correct some of what the industrial age brought about.Oh yeah, I forgot,I guess the enviroment doesn't matter, since the rapture will suck us into heaven and leave the mess behind.I still haven't seen or heard any clear reason why the new age christians can point fingers and JUDGE others when that task is up to GOD on the supposed JUDGMENT day. Maybe you can clarify. Lastly, I hope you don't vote because Jesus told his apostles "be no part of the world" I assume that means let the sinners do whatever because your seat is reserved in heaven. "

Concerned Citizen wrote on Nov 15, 2006 1:12 PM:

" I am appalled that the editors of this paper continue to offer Ms. Ducayne a forum. Informed, intelligent opinion columns are staples of daily papers; however, Ms. Ducayne's "columns" are ignorant rants, rarely constituting anything more than hate speech. By printing this hate speech, the Citizen's editorial staff demeans the opinion-column tradition and disservices and endangers the Auburn community. Forget canceling your subscriptions---anyone up for a lawsuit? "

Jerry Morgan wrote on Nov 15, 2006 11:04 AM:

" I understand your frustration Carl. After all imagine how terrible it must be to have Jesus shoved down our throats as you put it. AND instead you say nothing concerning a pagan cult, with self proclaimed witches in the front page of our local paper. This is what I mean when the valuse that built our great nation are being twisted and perverted to where evil is good and good is evil. Don't worry Carl, Jesus would refuse to have his word shoved down your throat, he would rather you accept him and his word. If not you can always be a Wican and he will discuss it with you himself sooner or later "

Disgusted wrote on Nov 15, 2006 10:48 AM:

" I stopped my subscription to this obvious RIGHT WING newspaper when Ms. Judy compared HOMOSEXUALITY to beastiality! Judy, don't look now, but I think a house just fell on your sister. Congratulations...you just inherited a pair of slippers! "

carl wrote on Nov 15, 2006 10:37 AM:

" Judy,Judy,Judy, Whatever happned to freedom of (or from) religion in this country? First of all being a CHRISTIAN you should be practicing the NON- Judgemental part of your religion. Pointing your finger and opinions will not save anyone from going to hell. I'am sickened by all of this born again christian resurgence in this country. It seems that no matter where you go JESUS is being SHOVED down our throats.During Halloween I had an out of town guest visiting and she suggested going to the WITCHES BREW for coffee.The people in there were friendly and we both enjoyed the atmosphere.Unfortunately we didn't encounter any DEMONS...as you were not there. "

Response to Christian wrote on Nov 15, 2006 9:35 AM:

" Judy tells it truthfully eh? What happened to one of your most fundamental Christian tenets: "Judge not lest ye be judged?" Is that statement meaningful to your's or Judy's "truth" at all? Perhaps YOU & Judy need to sit down and take a good look at your own values and try to understand why you allow fear to cloud your judgement of humanity. Do you react in the same manner to Muslims, Jews, Hindus, Buddhists,Jainists, Taoists, Zorastrians, Santerias and the myriad of additional religions that many claim as their own? Or is it just the Wiccans you have it out for? Is everyone who does not espouse Christianity evil and damned in your narrow world? "

Steve wrote on Nov 15, 2006 5:00 AM:

" Judy, you don't know a pentagram from a pentacle, but insist you know all about Wicca. Judy, you're a hoot. "

Oa wrote on Nov 15, 2006 3:57 AM:

" Speaking of cults, how about an article about that cannibal cult, the Catholics, that believe they're drinking Jesus blood, and eating a Jesus body. LOL, talk about a bunch of demented wackos. "

JD wrote on Nov 15, 2006 3:51 AM:

" Judy's twisted, uninformed and hateful views are exactly what has gotten millions of men women and children killed throughout history. You should really be more informed about your topic before making such outrageous claims. Say what you will about our religion, but I've never heard of any witches running around massacring innocent people in the name of their "one true god". "

Christian wrote on Nov 14, 2006 10:39 PM:

" Judy, THANK YOU for telling it truthfully. Looks like the little wiccans got their alter moved. "

Pagan wrote on Nov 14, 2006 7:35 PM:

" Potentially libelous statements. Check Personal attacks, insults, or threats. Check I think that Judy should do a little more research about a topic before writing about it. This kind of ignorance is dangerous "

George Bush wrote on Nov 14, 2006 6:21 PM:

" Right on Judy! I don't like wicker either, it hurts my back. "

Wow! wrote on Nov 14, 2006 6:12 PM:

" Does anyone edit this hateful garbage? I am cancelling my subscription, I can't take anymore. Not to mention last Monday's "lighter side" column (which is supposed to be cute and funny) about a woman running for her life from a guy who tried to choke her. "

Lucy wrote on Nov 14, 2006 4:16 PM:

" How dare Judy Ducayne say, and the Citizen print, that religion is "a virtue by which we worship and adore the One Supreme Being." She refers again to the "one true god" and perverting altars by worshipping false gods. Who the hell is she to define religion for everyone?! Does she mean everyone who is not Christian is worshipping a false god, or does she mean everyone who doesn't attend the same church she does. What a narrow minded, ignorant example of religious prejudice! This may be the worst thing I have ever read in the Citizen, and that's saying alot. "

Carole wrote on Nov 14, 2006 4:04 PM:

" Apparently your policy of not allowing "personal attacks, insults, or threats" does not apply to Ms. Ducayne. She is referring to people as "evil" and bringing demons into the world. That's pretty serious to accuse someone of, don't you agree? The pentagram (a five-pointed star) is only a satanic symbol when it is upside-down. In Ms. Ducayne's view, it would mean that the flag of our country is displaying 50 satanic symbols on a field of blue. I would appreciate it if your staff would check their "facts" before going to print. In addition, there are religions in the world that are not monotheistic, as we are used to in our Judeo-Christian culture. Hinduism has many dieties, and some religions actually have no supreme being to whom they pray or worship. I find it hard to imagine that this paper would print a fairly comprehensive piece about the Wiccan religion only to then allow one of their columnists to use it to malign the practitioners of said religion. I have learned to ignore Ms. Ducayne's column as it is opinionated and full of errors on a regular basis. Personal attacks complete with names are over the line. "

SK wrote on Nov 14, 2006 3:59 PM:

" Judy did you marry at an alter??? You should be ashamed of the hate that rages in you- not very christian is it... or is it? "

Stacy wrote on Nov 14, 2006 3:54 PM:

" I find this editorial not only offensive, it is also full of gereralizations. Ms. Ducayne should check facts and not be so hateful of things she may fear. Isn't it a sin to spread hate and intolerance or is it justifyable if it's done in the name of Christianity?? "

Stunned wrote on Nov 14, 2006 12:29 PM:

" I am sitting here stunned that the Citizen would run such a hate fueled rant by an EMPLOYEE. Judy's columns generally have their share of obvious bias but this crosses the line. I seriously question the values and ethics of the individuals at the helm of this publication and am ashamed to say I subscribe. Scratch that - I no longer subscribe. "

OH by the way... wrote on Nov 14, 2006 12:22 PM:

" Satanism is a Christian belief. Why do you persist on pushing it onto another religion? "

Jerry Morgan wrote on Nov 14, 2006 12:15 PM:

" No Pamela, Judy's article exposed the Wican's as they really are a "CULT" that does nothing but promote satinism. You yourself was the head of a so called church, that teaches (in your own words)There is no devil there is no hell.If the Lord Jesus himself spoke about hell and the Devil, why would you as a preacher, say it isn't so? No Pam, you are wrong here, as is your doctorine. The wicans are witches that are inviting evil into their lives, and you and your liberal views of "everything is good" is helping them. We are all held accountable for our actions, more so for pastors who are responsible for their flocks. Think about that the next time you want to glorify satanism "

Had Enough wrote on Nov 14, 2006 11:13 AM:

" Quite frankly, Judy's column this week is the final straw for me with regard to our "balanced" daily paper in this city. It's time for the editors to take at stand and stop promoting bigotry and hatred in the name of Christianity. There is nothing evil about any religion with the glaring exeption of certain individuals who hold that the only worthy religion is their own. They create bigotry and fear in the name of whatever God they happen to worhsip. Judy is no exception and personifies the evil that is aligned with the worst of human failings - bigotry and bias. "

Pamela Anderegg wrote on Nov 14, 2006 10:23 AM:

" Judy Ducayne has missed the point and the spirit of the Wiccans. There is no hell and there is no devil. There are spirits who wish us well including our ancestors. I personally know little or nothing about spells and obviously neither does Ducayne. She apparently comes from a narrow, probably Christian, world view. The wiccans I know are good and decent people who do good in our fair city and are subject to the bigotry of the uninformed. Rosell and Townsend are owed an apology both from Ducayne and the Editorial Staff of the Citizen. The Editors would not allow such an uninformed article about Judaism or Hinduism or even Islam. Ducayne's personal views are attacks on good people. "

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