6 Minutes of Witchcraft: Looking at Labels

Last updated on: March 18, 2019 at 8:21 pm by Laura Tempest Zakroff

6 Minutes of Witchcraft: Looking at Labels 2019-03-18T20:21:06-08:00 Laura Tempest Zakroff

LOGO Patheos Explore the world's faith through different perspectives on religion and spirituality! Patheos has the views of the prevalent religions and spiritualities of the world.

In this episode, I talk about labels, the origin of “pword“, and some other thoughts.

Before we get started: this episode is not approximately 6 minutes long, it’s closer to 10 minutes. I actually filmed a second video where I cut things down to about 7 minutes, but then this one uploaded and the other wouldn’t play, so I took that as a sign from the Fates that this is the better one. (Or I’m just lazy and/or was over dealing with video uploading).

Notes on the video and things I want to talk more below:

In summary:

1) “Pword” is not meant to be disrespectful or an offensive, dirty, or a taboo word – or suggest that the words it stands for in are wrong, unspeakable, or whatever. It’s essentially a label-bypass, an all-encompassing, inclusive word to address all the folks who frolic under this wacky umbrella we find ourselves collectively under – whether you like it or not.

2) Labels can be helpful and insightful. Labels can also be harmful and othering. People can use them to separate themselves or other people off, to discount their humanity or depth. Down that path leads the potential for hate and acts of violence, inciting those old tribal animalistic tendencies without recognizing we’re all human.

3) Labels are best used when self-applied.

4) Do not forget that words are fluid and can mean different things to different people. If you plan on using a label for yourself, then you will want to recognize the multitude of meanings, enabling better communication.

Photo by frederik danko on Unsplash

5) Have patience with people. Language moves so fast today – labels can change meaning seemingly overnight, and it takes a WHILE for people to catch up. It doesn’t mean they don’t care or are intentionally ignorant, or are trying to be rude. People who are at the center of change often forget it takes a while for the orbiting people to get the memo. If you’re going to break ground, shift definitions or create words, then you’re also going to need to be patient with the rest of humanity. Change can be overwhelming for a lot of people, so come from a place from kindness first. You’ll be surprised how much quicker and easier people will pick up when you communicate with them, not call them out or act defensively.

6) If you don’t understand or may not agree with how someone uses a label, then ASK them what they mean. Again, communicate. Find common ground.

7) Don’t let labels be walls. Let them be a point of centering for you. It’s like being in the center of the labyrinth, and working your way out from there.

Previous Post

March 16, 2019

Truths & Confessions of A Cranky Witch

Next Post

April 3, 2019 The Narwhal and the Playful Witch

Browse Our Archives

Select a Category Art Books cats cauldron month community contest Events home Metaphysics Modern Practice Movement Myth & Folklore satire sigils Tradition travel Uncategorized video

Select a Month May 2026 March 2026 January 2026 September 2025 August 2025 April 2025 March 2025 February 2025 January 2025 December 2024 November 2024 October 2024 August 2024 June 2024 May 2024 March 2024 February 2024 January 2024 December 2023 November 2023 October 2023 September 2023 August 2023 July 2023 June 2023 February 2023 December 2022 November 2022 September 2022 July 2022 May 2022 February 2022 January 2022 December 2021 October 2021 September 2021 August 2021 July 2021 June 2021 May 2021 April 2021 March 2021 February 2021 January 2021 December 2020 November 2020 October 2020 September 2020 August 2020 July 2020 June 2020 May 2020 April 2020 March 2020 February 2020 January 2020 December 2019 November 2019 October 2019 September 2019 August 2019 July 2019 June 2019 May 2019 April 2019 March 2019 February 2019 January 2019 December 2018 November 2018 October 2018 September 2018 August 2018 July 2018 June 2018 May 2018 April 2018 March 2018 February 2018 January 2018 December 2017 November 2017 October 2017 September 2017 August 2017 July 2017 June 2017 May 2017 April 2017 March 2017 February 2017 January 2017 December 2016 November 2016 October 2016 September 2016 August 2016 July 2016 June 2016 May 2016 April 2016 March 2016

TAKE THE

Religious Wisdom Quiz