(KYTX) - Wicca is a religion many people don't know much about.
East Texas Wiccans say their religion is misunderstood. They hope by telling their stories, the community will better understand them.
We'd like to point out that KYTX CBS 19 News has no position on Wicca or Paganism. We present the story as information about a little known religion being practiced in East Texas.
Wicca is a religion that stems from Paganism, traced back to the days before Christ. It's a nature-based faith that's practiced all over the world. There is a Pagan community here in East Texas, but it's very secluded.
The two women we spoke to asked to remain anonymous, so we have concealed their identities. Despite their concerns about talking on camera, these women want to clear up what they call "myths and misconceptions" about their religion.
East Texas Wiccans "Lady K" and "Crystal" explain, at the core of every Pagan faith, is nature.
"We celebrate the bounty of the Earth and nature, and the cycles of nature, and that's what our holidays and traditions are based on," Lady K says.
They compare their faith to Buddhism and other peaceful Eastern religions.
"We believe in harm none," Lady K says. "That means animals, people, bring no harm to what you do."
The symbol of Wicca and Paganism is the five point star. The top always points up, representing god.
"It consists of the Earth, air fire and water and in Wicca it has a circle around it because it brings everything together, and that's life - because you take one of those elements away and you do not have life," Crystal says.
Both women say Wicca is often misunderstood because of terminology associated with the religion.
There are witches in Paganism and Wicca - but they have nothing to do with evil, and flying broomsticks.
"They used to be called wise ones or the village healer, something like that, someone who worked with herbs and spices," Lady K explains.
In the Wiccan faith, spells are another word for prayers.
"We're sending a request or honor or a celebration of our Goddess or God when we do that. So it's just a different way of approaching our Creator as opposed to what other religions do."
Local Wiccans say another misconception about their religion is that they worship Satan.
"That has nothing to do with Wicca or Paganism," Lady K clarifies.
Lady K and Crystal explain that Satan is a Christian concept that is not found in their religion.
"There's no devil in Paganism or Wicca," Crystal says.
Wiccans say it's the negative misperceptions about their religion that has forced believers into seclusion. It's the reason Lady K and Crystal say they felt the needed to hide their identities.
"Most of the people that I know wouldn't go on camera," Lady K says. "I've had several say, 'They find out I'm a Wiccan and start saying I'm not doing my job.' Several people have lost their jobs. My co-sponsor with my group here in East Texas would not come on camera because he has a new job."
The two women hope that by talking about Wicca, they'll be able change people's views about their religion, and open the doors to acceptance.
"I want them to know that we're not bad people," Lady K says. "We're not evil people. We don't want to hurt anyone. We just want the same freedoms that everyone else in this country has. Freedom of religion means all religions, and as long as we're not evil people and we're not hurting people, and we're not trying to make people believe the same way that we do, I feel that we should be treated as equally and with as much respect as everyone else."
The two women say the majority of East Texas Pagans and Wiccans practice their religion on their own or in small, private groups. However, there are also bigger pagan organizations throughout East Texas.
You can find groups in Tyler, Longview, Kilgore, Athens and other towns too.
