Kentucky Crystal Shop Owner Accused of Witchcraft, Satanism

Joe Stutler

There are those who would claim that the only religion that should be promoted is one of the variants of the Abrahamic mythos. Those folks are stupid and should be ignored other than to get them the mental health care they clearly display a need for.

Alan Meunier

I thought the entire (Salem) witch hunt thing was settled centuries ago. Which year is this again??? (Apparently the 1600s in Kentucky!)

Katelynne Shouse

Once again......There's No Hate Like Christian "Love"!

John W

And once again the hard core bible pounders find themselves embarrassing the Commonwealth of Kentucky via their pushing of their religious beliefs on others and using their feelings like a proverbial cudgel via threatening acts of violence against others of different beliefs. It's a business like any other that deals with specialty items. Items that consumers purchase and pay sales tax on; A store that the owners have to pay property taxes on and the operator has to pay employee taxes on. The local tourism folks are just doing their jobs promoting businesses in the community and their events. I love Kentucky for all of it's beauty, but it gets hard to love folks like those spreading hatred in the name of their version of being Christian.

Laura McAllister

What century is this ,are you going to hang her or do what. If she is evil she will face God one day. We have enough going on in this world right now let’s work on that first.

Joy

Oh but it’s ok for Christians to burn incense during a mass, and tell fairy tales from a magic book? The hypocrisy is ridiculous.

Rev “D”

So christian cannibals and bodily fluids drinkers are now upset over a rock shop? Such fragile egos christians have, you’d think believers of hell would have stronger stomachs. Tsk tsk

Najah P Tamargo

Najah Tamargo - USA

Good Grief Charlie Brown!!!! The healing and power of stones and herbs has been around way BEFORE any known religion. If it comes from Mother Earth, it is believed to have power. Are they going Salem on her???? Burn her at the stake??? With all the horrific things going on in the world.....go back to your church and PRAY ON THOSE!!! Don't PREY on a single woman that is just trying to run her business.

PS - Those stores are all over the country, and I used to "Rock Hound" when I was a kid. Get with the times folks!!!!

Timothy C Stone

This is a business like any other. Obviously creating a market. Believe whatever superstitions you want. If it works for you or just a novelty. Polished stones are pretty and feel good in your hand. Tarot cards? They can work like The I-Ching, and The I-Ching works. I wonder how many of those 'Christians' wear crosses. Any way, All power comes from God. Many paths for many people in search of the same destination.

Daniel Gray

Give me a break. They are nothing more then rocks and candles. If this helps people to ascribe to their chosen Deity, then so be it. I wonder how much the people complaining would be doing or how loudly they would be doing it, it their religious parts of their worship were to be banned?

If the deity they worship isnt real then as long as they dont break any laws, exactly WHO have they harmed? Lets use my belief for an example...Do I believe in Christ and the trinity? Yes I do. Now when I die if I have done all kinds of "good works" and helped as many as I could, if there is nothing afterwords then so what? I will still be remembered and talked about long after I am gone. And if there IS something afterwords, then I will be rewarded. Now on the other hand if I deny a deity and I pass, and to my chock there is one. I dont think standing before them and saying "ooopps my bad" is gonna quite get it now is it? Thats what a lot of people dont seem to understand, and thats including the writers of this thread and the people who are making the charge.

Katelynne Shouse

Once again......There's No Hate Like Christian "Love"!

Bridget Kielas-Fecyk

Most of these individuals are Alt-Right "MAGAs" who want to turn the USA into an Evangelical Theocracy. I heard about this before it was put here. There have been physical attacks and protests at the person's little shop, and the owner, herself, has been physically attacked more than once, with people even threatening to kill her and "Burn her body where everyone can see it".

They want the time of mass-murders and witch-burnings to return again out of sheer hate and the demands to control people and erase all religions but theirs. It's sickening.

Freedom of religion is ALL religions. And people can be free to not worship ANY religion if they don't to. I agree, this is likely a personal vendetta people in the church have against anyone who refuse to conform and obey them.

Theresa C. Marquess

Pity that the Christian community of Winchester, KY is so insecure that they have to attempt to drive out one Metaphysical Shop from their community. I will pray for them. ...blessed be!

James Riggle-Johnson

It’s amazing that these towns people haven’t learned from history. The Salem witch trials are over and were found to be wrong. Not one witch was burned. I’d laugh if this weren’t so serious. People are threatening the shop owner, and her customers don’t feel safe. Then simultaneously, you have Christians claiming religious persecution. What is going on? People have truly lost their minds. Just when you think it can’t get stranger, it does. Are we returning to the dark ages, the crusades, and the inquisitions?

Matthew Mastrogiovanni

Freedom of religion means ALL religions! It doesn't matter if the shop is new age, witchcraft or Satanic - it's their American right! Abrahamics have overstepped and need to be reigned in.

Rev. Michael Gerraghty II

Its the Entitlement for me that Christians seem to think they're some sort of authority figure and can dictate over everyone..

Scottie Lee Carpenter

Never again the Burning times! That pastor is a biggot and the shop deserves all the support she can get!

Rev_Shaun

How comical!

One set of dumb kids objecting to the antics of another set of dumb kids. When I were a lad, our physical education teacher would put a pair of boxing gloves on two arguing kids and leave them to sort it out in the gym.

Reverend Cory

Much ado about nothing.

Robert Edward Szekely

What needs to be recognized is that a bunch fanatics claiming to represent "Christian Values" (which they aren't) are taking something harmless and blowing it out of proportion. The question is, what is the REAL problem they're trying to deflect attention from?

Rev. Carol M Anaski-Figurski

Congrats on your one yaer anniversary. keep your business growing with interesting things.Dont let them scare you off. There are over a million witches in modern society today in fact. I am a wiccan practitioner & it is often wicca is witch. & male practitioners are warlocks, " It has spiritual roots in antiquity, acceptance of magic & mysterious made it particularly appealing." Wicca is a religion. You have the right to believe what ever you want. Blest be.

Tareq Asfour

So sick and tired of Americans christians who are lost themselves accusing others of witchcraft….

Daniel Todd Kamm

While accusing and seeking to chase a "witch" out of town, tell them not to forget to check for warts or moles or whether she floats... and while they are at it flush out the Jews, the Queers , migrants, Catholics, Democrats, and anyone else in town (or their own families) they don't like... like the pastor that was making dirty phone calls during lunch and may or may not have accidentally impregnated the occasional wife, daughter or black cat.

Very poor community values. And lacking those, I would say religious and spiritual values as well.

Are there businesses owned by these crackers to boycott or rate online, or a chamber of commerce to complain to ...while I purchase a candle or two from this lady?

I'm a fan of beeswax myself.

Reb tk

David Arthur Lewis

Who Would Jesus Hate?

Nicholas J Page

Crystals have been used for years now this lady is running a business where is the proof that she is a Satanist there isnt any.So leave her alone and mind your own business are you going to claim next that her customers are evil?Satanists grow up people and get a life of your own.

Mark John Simpson

I may be stepping on toes but isn't this just the pot calling the kettle black? We all know there are those in our own community that are like this. I don't believe any have the right to run something/one down just because of a personal belief. A hammer is just a hammer until it's used to bash in a head.....items such as those being sold are used in many different ways in many different religions and even in non religious activities. It would seem to me some one of proper authority and/or persuasion should get this kind of activity settled up before it becomes a plight on that community.

Ann Vogts

All I have to say is people fear what they don’t know or understand. For those people they don’t like change and their opinions are the only right ones. Be not afraid to learn and grow from others. So mote it be. So blessings and prayers for the shop owners

Matthew Mastrogiovanni

Enough already. Freedom of religion means all religions.

ServantOfJudgement

Been through all parts of Kentucky lots of times. Beautiful state. I'm surprised they're not more worried about the crystal meth than they are a crystal shop.

There's a war being waged and its fought by poor white men.

Robert E. Polston

Hello Friends!

As we know, it gets windy at times and one can get sawdust in their eye. It is always a best practice however not to attempt to remove the sawdust in a neighbors eye before removing the plank of wood that is lodged in your own eye.

What if we all started rumors and had meetings to condem this church group for their blatent child sexual abuse? What if? Making thngs up without understanding or out of fear or bigotry is just human stupidity at work. It seems that for some people religion and superstician are just about the same thing.

This kind of gossipy crapolla should be contrary to a church community of loving people, so what is it that these people are practicing?

All Fed Up, Bob

Mountainsage

I would recommend some studies and education on modern day witchcraft, there seems to be a fear factor going on here. And what people are afraid of they demonize.

Rev. Rory

The reaction to this business is sparked by people that don't understand their own Christianity. Their local religious leaders should educate them. The shop is not about religion and there are similar stores all over the country. Rocks and candles only have magical properties in the movies and literature. Using religion to attack people is so 16th century.

Rev Ned

Let’s all sing, 🎼 “Jesus loves me, but He can’t stand you!”

Lisa R Reeder

OMG! Crystals and herbs are of this earth! So the earth itself is evil and satanic?! Some people use all sort of items as totems or whatever, that is each persons choice....but anybody, Christians included, can enjoy and appreciate natural things that make some people feel good! This is ridiculous. I sure hope the owner sees the amount of support she has here, and that this doesn't fill her with so much hurtful, negative energy that she quits. Everyone needs to think about my daily mantra "I release all Energy that is not mine".

Robert J. Kirkman

Just the latest example of small town ignorance and prejudice. If this shop were located in a larger city, it's likely that no one would raise an eyebrow. We have religious freedom in America, but that doesn't give ANYONE the right to force their religion down anyone else's throat! The shop owner claims that the materials she sells are spiritual rather than religious, and that's fine. Even among actual Witches, some have a religious aspect to their practices. For others, the Craft6 is simply a system of magickal practices, without any religious aspect. And some may practice the Craft yet hold a totally different religious affiliation. I personally know "Christo-Pagans" and "Jewitches"...one of whom I initiated! Bottom line, follow your own path and allow others to follow theirs without interference!

Rev Samantha Counihan

1) just because someone runs a shop with tarot cards, herbs, incense, and crystals dosnt mean theyre in a religion or religious practice. 2) Witchcraft (religious practice) has nothing to do with satanism (book abraham religion). 3) if churchgoers dont like her shop then they dont have the right to go in there harassing her and threatening to murder which she can have them escorted and arrested for death threats. 4) they dont own the town freedom of religion includes the shop owners

Jennifer Louise Kemper

Excuse me, but doesn't our nations' constitution guarantee frredom of religion?

Rev Samantha Counihan

1) just because someone runs a shop with tarot cards, herbs, incense, and crystals dosnt mean theyre in a religion or religious practice. 2) Witchcraft (religious practice) has nothing to do with satanism (book abraham religion). 3) if churchgoers dont like her shop then they dont have the right to go in there harassing her and threatening which she can have them escorted and arrested for such threats. 4) they dont own the town freedom of religion includes the shop owners

April B

The bible has very clear accounts of gemstones/crystals use. Moses brother Aaron, The High Priest, wore the priestly breastplate made of 12 gemstones representing the twelve tribes of Israel. (Joshua 4) Also, the Urim and the Thummim were used for divination. (Exodus 28:30, Numbers 27:21) None of these Bible accounts stated it was wrong to use these things. I wish more people could comprehend what they have read in the Bible; if they have read it at all.

Storm

shakes head So many misconceptions regarding metaphysical shops and witchcraft

First, for those unaware, not all people that shop at metaphysical shops consider themselves to be witches. While some of us do follow a pagan path, some of my friends are Christian and shop for not only their candles and incense, but also some of the herbal tinctures that are made to help with pain relief or muscle spasms. These herbal concoctions are all natural, they find better relief from those than they do from prescription drugs and they don't need to be concerned about it being habit forming because the ones they are grabbing aren't. That isn't to say there aren't some herbs that need to be used carefully as with many things, overuse may not always be positive. However, a natural remedy is sometimes their preference.

Not all those that call themselves a witch follow the same path, but the craft is all about intent. While there may be those on TikTok being idiotic and speaking of hexes, most of those that are part of witchtok or pagantok that I have seen are much more interested in seeing the communities come together to support peace and open hearts. They want to stop the growth of hate, racism, genocide, transphobia, homophobia, and see people unify.

Crystals are often used to facilitate a specific need or energy, for example when I know someone facing extreme anxiety I will often give them a charged amethyst and a hematite so they have the calming energy of the first and the negative energy repellant of the other.

Contrary to what many think, a Tarot divination is not a devil's tool (we'd have to believe in the devil first and most of us believe that evil is inside of each person, not necessarily an entity guiding that evil, but our choices determine our path toward that evil). Tarot is for seeing where one has been, where one is, and where they are going while also helping them to see what problems might be holding them back. And so many claim the death card is a sign of a devilish thing as well, but in truth when a death card comes up it doesn't actually mean that type of death. Most times it can mean the end of something and the preparation to start something new.

Candle's are often chosen for rituals based on need, but most are chosen for their protection and for extra focus for whatever we might be doing. We call them rituals but they can very much be similar to prayers where we seek to have our will done but if a higher being (whatever we may call our deity/deities) doesn't will something to come of it then it will not be. We know that if something does happen it was not by our power, we are just a conduit for our deity/deities.

For many years I have at times had friends in different covens that would gather for healing rituals at the same time as I had Christian friends gathering for prayer circles all to focus on a single person with the hopes that the person would survive and heal. I know I may have requested they all time when their thoughts were joined as one, but I was merely the tool that helped those people that did survive.

Not once have I tried to force my belief on others and I wish others would stop trying to force their belief on people. If people could leave a few things at the door, so many people would get along otherwise.

Asa William Sprague, II

Sounds like the town should put signs on the outskirts saying "A Christians Only Community" and then craft local laws to allow their LE to arrest any "not-Christian" that might ignore the warnings and enter their commune.

Bishop William Dusenberry, DD

When the European Christians tried to eradicate witches, during the European Inquisitions (1300 — 1804) they were successful, and burned untold hundreds of thousands of them as the stake, which is why ther are no more witches today. Ergo, no witches, no witchcraft.

Wayne Edward Kilmer

There are probably more witches and Santanist now than there was in the 1600s. That is their choice, the wrong one in my opinion but still it’s their choice and their consequence.

James Richard Norby

I hear the term "witch hunt" a lot in the news today. This might be the real thing and it is unfortunate.

Patrick Alois deHertogh

I did not read entire article. I got to Kentucky. Are these storeys real. It be more interesting if they burned the witches.

Colleen McAllister

Nothing Satanic here folks. Move along.

Rev. Klaire ThD, MA

I'm filing this one under the heading "So, what?" A local "church" doesn't get to determine what legal businesses get to operate in a properly zoned locality.

shiningwolf9

Just my comment I left elsewhere here. Only meant for some, yet, good thought for all of us, including me.

In a forum where we should be discussing, and helping one another, "jokes", and derogatory comments From Anyone here shouldn't be aloud. Frankly, such has never been upheld. Please try to do better.

Evone Payton Banks (Minister non denominational)

I'm in Pennsylvania and when I moved from Darby, PA I started putting the pieces back together, and thinking about the clues. So one night after meditation.. I came to and wrote what spirit realm from The Most High GOD said. " Put on my and my sisters page; they watched my sister die". At first I thought it was about a series of poetry of experiences I had... had. Then after a while personal practices items in Chester, PA started coming up missing, then signs of break-in missed. I went to police in the open and was listed as a nuisance by being told my landlord got a fine. Then I continued my practices and as more and more things started to happen; I went through a terrible series of events. Next I started praying the "Christianity way" but with still no denomination. My ancestors rode in meditation. I went to someone I could trust, and the advice given I did opposite as I wasn't out to harm but to heal what has been broken spiritually around my home in that city. Then everything fell apart. Noise citation that wasn't supposed to be given as I knew the ordinance. Then I continued my prayers even in front of my house there. After the ancestors of my way of life rode again I had other experiences "out of world". My son mysteriously came home sickly but looked like he had been harmed... January 8, 2020 I was taking him to the hospital so he could get his fever broken and tell whatever else happened in a supposed "safe place to report". I got questioned about mental state and then surrounded and put in a hospital. Every time I went to seek help I got put inpatient in hospitals. I even got sexually assaulted in the hospital by a room filled with men.. no female nurses. And drugged. I finally put that behind me as I was already in therapy for so much.. I moved from that City to Philadelphia and it continued in different ways. I started to try to date online and kept running into people who wished me harm either by word of mouth or trying to say I was using "feminine" to be listed as something I am not. I met someone fell in love and was happy because he was of another way and past no judgement. We moved to Upper Darby PA and the family of the people who got involved in Chester PA,.. showed up in Upper Darby PA. Now I'm all for moving except my children were bullied and harmed by their family and their children made it known their parents were involved. After that more series of strange events including police and other ways of life got involved in the open bullying. Now I'm in a new space I. Philadelphia and the same behaviors I saw in Darby, PA Camden, New Jersey.. Wilmington DE, Texas at first, then different states as I went on a road trip requested by a now friend as we chose not to date.. florida, other places.. i came back to Philadelphia and the current space I am going through open (for lack of a better term hell) after being assaulted, sexually assaulted, tortured, drugged on mental health, rights violated and ignored, and openly demeaned.. this story hits home. They (people and family of law enforcement and other ways of life) has found clever ways, to witch hunt me and family members of blood relations. I even reached out to the ULC by email for legal help and I was told they didn't have help for ministers. I went back to share the email to them directly and it was erased without my doing so. So as a victim and survivor of this currently. This story needs to be paid more attention.

Dr. Zerpersande, NSC

WOW! People have opinions on this topic, huh?

I used to dig crystals in Arkansas and make jewelry. Put the pieces in all kinds of small shops on consignment. One shop was run by a Wiccan couple. And I can tell you that crystals truly possess the potential for harm. Especially the larger ones, at least in the wrong hands. I had this one rather large clump of crystals. The owners of the shop had no problems with it but a novice came in one day. Dropped it on her foot.

Religious people be whack. They should mind their own business.

William J Lewis

Well.. that's what happens when you deride education. Sure, shut the public education system down, every thing will be so much better.

Remember, an educated man makes a poor slave!

Big money wants more slaves, and Big money gets what it wants in the US.

Rev. Dr. Father JJ

education takes work and commitment, ignorance is the complete opposite. keep on coasting, kentucky (and all rest of the kriz chen ignorami). heads down and nose to the 'bible'

Ari Joseph Bertine

Here's the thing...yes, it's stupid for them to start slinging the word "Satanic" around and panicking over crystals, that's some real 1980s genius there. But so what if she WAS Satanic? This is America. I may not appreciate some Satanists, but I don't appreciate a lot of mainstream religions either...but more importantly, my opinion of any religion means NOTHING in the face of our Constitution. All religions are equal by our laws. She has a business, and promotion of any business by a government division should always be completely independent of any knowledge or judgement regarding any religion involved. As long as a religion's practice doesn't break any laws, it should be treated exactly the same as any other religion. And that includes promoting local businesses, whether they are a Christian bakery or a Satanic ice cream parlor.

Dalton Lynn Austin

Witchcraft is what we all do everyday that we prepare a meal for our loved ones and if they want to speak of suck religion maybe they should learn the original religion animism the belief that everyone is connected to everything and everything is a spiritual attraction

George S Guida

Once again the Christian Taliban strikes again. The entirety of Christianity is to blame for this by allowing a hateful minority to continue their Taliban ways. Real Christians need to begin telling these hate mongers to seal up their pie hole. Even Jesus would be speaking up by now...

Carey Copeland

Frankincense and myrrh are resin incense. Gold and silver are minerals that are extracted from rocks. Christianity is stolen from paganism. Easter is a pagan holiday. Christmas is viking pagan. I guess I should stop here before I bring up the fact that the jesus is black, in Kentucky. And knowing is half the battle. Yo Joe! Oh, my wife has the same type of shop in northeast Florida.

Misti

I do not consider these people spiritual at all. Fear Mongering and Demonization of Powerful tools to empower individuals are ancient tactics of “Mind Control” used by Organized Religion and leaders of the church. Their ignorance Illuminates their incredible Lack of knowledge on Crystals. The church is a failure at creating Unity, Dignity, Respect and Oneness. I use Crystals even Crystal Skulls (gasp) in a grid utilizing the 72 Fire Codes of Creation to bring more Love, Divine Light, Peace, Kindness, Healing and Blessings of Protection to all sentient beings. Earthly & Galactic. This is very High upper World spiritual work on behalf of the Creator. Please Support this Shop in Kentucky. I am checking for an online store. Grace & Gratitude to all!

Mark P. Bender

God made crystals. God giveth, and God taketh away. The Pagan ways are only for those people. Crystals or not - Paganism is a choice. It's just not for me. Think on this and Pray. God has all the answers for your fee will.

John Wesley Pike

As a fellow Kentuckian, I moved to Florida for this exact Bull! Backwards for the stupid cause!! Really, not everyone in Kentucky is uneducated! But the narrow mindset will never leave that state! Just move out! It's easier than fighting city hall!

Rev Samantha Counihan

the churchgoers can get in trouble for hate crime

Rev Samantha Counihan

1) just because someone runs a shop with tarot cards, herbs, incense, and crystals dosnt mean theyre in a religion or religious practice. 2) Witchcraft (religious practice) has nothing to do with satanism (book abraham religion). 3) if churchgoers dont like her shop then they dont have the right to go in there harassing her and threatening to murder which she can have them escorted and arrested for death threats. 4) they dont own the town freedom of religion includes the shop owners

Walter J. Holbrook

Matthew 12:36-37.. I tell you, on the day of judgement people will give account for every careless word they speak, for by your words, you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned. James 1:22.. But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourself.

We must be careful of who we let interpret the word of God to us and not fall from his word. The devourer is waiting for any seed of distrust he can plant to separate you from God and using false bearers of the word in our churches and communities.

David Webber

Horse manure. These church people are blowing it all out of proportion. She's trying to make a living. Don't blame her if her items are used in Witchcraft.

Govannon Thunorwulf

This, to me, is certainly a modern day witch hunt.

Amber Fry

And here I thought God created everything in nature? Crystals are dug out of the earth and if that's true then how do they make the leap to them being demonic?

Antonio Monte Lewis

How do crystals promote a "panic"? I mean even in Christianity symbols of the cross are said to promote the same thing and folks just accept it.

Michelle Kitz

This is ridiculous. I thought we were done trying to burn witches. Aren't we supposed to be free to worship as we please? And how are crystals dangerous exactly? One quote almost made me laugh: “the products they sell, the material, some of it is used in witchcraft.” Do they realize witches also use candles and herbs which can be purchased in many shops, not just metaphysical focused ones? Are they going to ban the sale of candles and herbs as well as crystals. I'm shaking my head here. I openly wear my pentacle every day and everywhere. Am I to understand I wouldn't be safe in this community?

Pastor George Day

Anything that promotes magic is Satanic. There's no such thing as 'white' or 'neutral' magic. That's just a myth!

Lady Mutt Cat

So what if she's promoting Witchcraft? While Witches don't generally proselytize, we have as much right to our religion as Christians have to theirs. And Goddess knows Christians are notorious for trying to shove their religion down others' throats.