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The
Church of Ravenstar: A NJ NON- PROFIT CORPORATION
Reclaiming the word Warlock
From the Urban Dictionary by
Hans Jaegerstatter Jul 13, 2006
Despite modern neo-Pagan offense taken by some at the word,
"warlock" has for centuries simply meant "male witch" in common English
usage. Claims that the word originates solely from an old word for
"traitor" are erroneus. In extant Medieval records, male witches are
often called "warlock" by Christian persecutors and judges. If one of
its' meanings is indeed "traitor", then it is reasonable to assume that
oaths broken were Christian oaths, and that "warlocks" were perceived
as being "traitors" to Christian values and society.
Many modern day male witches are reclaiming "warlock" as a positive
word of power and ancient imagery, even as the word "witch" was
reclaimed in years past and recast in a rightfully positive light.
These men know that many who make sweeping statements about witchcraft
speak only for their particular coven or tradition and not for all,
despite assertions to the contrary.
Several ancient words from Scandinavia and the British Isles are very
plausible as being origins for the word "warlock". The Norse
"Vargrliker" (one who takes on or assumes a wolf's body) and
"vardlokker" (an enchanter, singer of spells or caller of spirits) are
two such examples. The Old English word "waerloga" does mean
"oath-breaker", but ironically, the Scottish version of the word (which
anti-warlock neo-Pagans like to tout as their reason for disliking the
word in the first place) does NOT. It means "cunning man" or male
witch.
Link: What
is a Warlock
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