Rise in witchcraft & Satanism in KZN?
Whilst Lyse Comins’ article, ‘Rise in witchcraft & Satanism in KZN‘ made it perfectly clear that no actual crime has taken place, according to comment by Westville police station spokesman Stephen Clarke, the South African Pagan Rights Alliance strongly objects to the publishing of Kobus Jonker’s stark characterization of South African Witches as not only potential criminals, but as somehow implicated in his own personal paranormal fantasy.
It is clear that Mr. Jonker knows nothing about Occultism, Occult Philosophy, or Witchcraft. If he did, he would never have refered to a ‘hexagram’ as a “witchgram”. The geometric figure of a Hexagram is called that because it has six points, not because the word ‘hex’ is an Afrikaans word needing translation to ‘witch’. There is no such thing as a “witchgram” as Jonker describes.
Witches do NOT use this symbol to mock anyone. In fact, as all Jews know, the hexagram known as the ‘Magen David’ is a generally recognized symbol of Judaism and Jewish identity and is also known colloquially as the Jewish Star or “Star of David.”
The hexagram, like the pentagram, was and is used in practices of the occult and ceremonial magic and is attributed to the 7 “old” planets outlined in astrology.
The six-pointed star is commonly used both as a talisman and for conjuring spirits in the practice of witchcraft. In the book The History and Practice of Magic, Vol. 2, the six-pointed star is called the talisman of Saturn and it is also referred to as the Seal of Solomon.Details are given in this book on how to make these symbols and the materials to use. ‘SOURCE‘
In this most recent public commentary on ‘the occult’, Jonker has succeeded in once again misinforming the general public on actual Occult beliefs and practices, and has made prejudicial statements against South African citizens who identify as Witches.
This Alliance is concerned that transparent religious discrimination against clearly identified religious minorities in this country is being promoted by IOL, in direct contravention of the South African Press Code. This article does not fairly or accurately report on Witchcraft, Witches, Satanism or Occultism in general. The Press Code states:
1.1 The press shall be obliged to report news truthfully, accurately and fairly.
1.2 News shall be presented in context and in a balanced manner, without any intentional or negligent departure from the facts whether by:
1.2.1 Distortion, exaggeration or misrepresentation;
1.3 Only what may reasonably be true, having regard to the sources of the news, may be presented as fact, and such facts shall be published fairly with due regard to context and importance. Where a report is not based on facts or is founded on opinions, allegation, rumour or supposition, it shall be presented in such manner as to indicate this clearly.
1.4 Where there is reason to doubt the accuracy of a report and it is practicable to verify the accuracy thereof, it shall be verified. Where it has not been practicable to verify the accuracy of a report, this shall be mentioned in such report.
The reporter did not fact-check information provided by her sources and failed to approach any organization representing Witches in this country for comment prior to publication.