Editors:

FYI: the word "warlock" is an INSULT. It dates back from the time of the Inquisition, and is meant as a slur against those the Church had accused of witchcraft. It implies that the main purpose of the purported "witches" was to sow dissent and cause harm. Modern pagans consider it a grave insult to be called this.

If you'd bothered to run your little intro past the writer of the article in question, you could have learned something. But I guess basic research is too much trouble for you.

Is "witch" similarly derogatory?

Considering how pagans don't seem to have any kind of set traditions or rituals (see the article), it is possible that there are some ok with that term. And before you go off on me....yes, I've met some. If that is what they want to be called, I don't see where you have the right to tell them they can't.

Warlock means "oath breaker". I don't know anybody who wants to be called that.

I find your cynicism disturbing. Wiccans believe that there are many paths to the center, and each soul should choose the one that works for them. No belief system is without merit if it helps the beliver to be a better person and live a better life. Typically, that is the result when a soul finds its true path.

I hope you find yours.

Blessed be.

you're right that the etymology of the word "warlocK" is commonly accepted to come from a word meaning "oath breaker." However, as is the case for evolution of many words, it no longer means this and is now synonymous with the word "sorcerer" or "male witch". You and your group may have attempted to redefine the word back to its etymological roots, but that doesn't mean you should expect anyone else to accept your definition or that you even have a right to be insulted by the common-use definition.

Ok, so you don't personally know anyone who wants to be called that, and you definitely don't want to be called that. Fine.

That doesn't invalidate the fact that I do know people who aren't offended by that word, and take it as a source of pride. Maybe they get off on the thrill of offending you and yours. Maybe it's sort of along the lines of the offensive language often used in rap, or when some women and gays address themselves and others with nasty, anti-female slurs that I'm not gonna post here. Don't know, didn't care to ask, didn't think I had the right to dictate to them how they should be addressed.

Apparently, for some reason, you think you have that right, including the right to patronize me by implying I'm still looking for my path.

Please get beyond yourself and realize that in the realm of the spiritual none of us, including the Dalai Lama, have all the answers.