Origins + Misconceptions/Debunking of "Witchcraft" ( Part 1 )

I have come to the realization that people of today have an extremely delusional and misinformation view and practice of Witchcraft, Wicca and Paganism. Too many people, mostly young females are obsessed with the practice of spell casting. They have convinced themselves that they can cast spells on others for personal gain or harm people through spell casting. This practice is simply false. Can you effect someone by deflecting your intentions and energy onto them? Yes, in many cases. However, you CANNOT chant some words and put together a "potion" and alter someones feelings or behavior. 

Now, to get into the REAL origins of "Witchcraft". The word itself comes from a bastardization of the term/practice "Craft Of The Wise." People of today confuse Wicca with Witchcraft, when in fact, these two things are NOT synonymous. Wicca, was introduced through the theories and nonsensical thinking of Anthropologist and Egyptologist Margaret Murray in the early 1920s. Her works feature out of context quotes from witch trials and deceptive representation of REAL, "old world" practices. Murray's claims have ZERO evidence to back it up. She often claimed evidence to depict things that they did not. Her irresponsible choices and works have birthed a modern generation of delusional, misinformed individuals who are practicing a religion that never existed. 

Her claims are much more akin to New Age Mysticism, which has also proven to be false. Below, is a short list of things and practices that are falsified and NOT connected to original practices. 

1. Cauldrons
2. Robes
3. Wands
4. Magic
5. Pointy Hats
6. Altars
7. Daggers
8. Stars / Pentagrams
9. Spell Casting
10."Potions"

Original practitioners of the Wise Craft were regarded as healers, intellectuals and more comparable to Shamans. They understood and had a deep connection with nature and animals. Common practices of said individuals included:

1. Math
2. Science
3. Holistic Healing
4. Questioned/ Challenged the Christian and Catholic Churches
5. Logic + Thinking for yourself
6. Deep, concentrated prayer or meditations (mistaken for spells)
7. Natural / Holistic Medicine (mistaken for potions)

Breakdown:

Wicca = Neo-Pagan / Centered around the elements
Wicca = Belief in karma ---> "As it harm none, do as thou wilt" ---> Harm No One / Harm no living being

Witch --> (Old English) --> Wicca --> (Germanic Root) Wic --> Means to bend or turn.