Misconceptions and Superstitions of Wicca and Paganism

There are misconceptions about any and every taboo subject.  Wicca is no different.  Some people still think that "witches" sold their soul to the devil for magical powers.  Some of the hype is certainly not accurate, but it is kind of funny to see how extreme people would go to find a reason, real or not, to hate Wicca.  It makes me laugh that people also assume every tarot card reader is a "witch" or is some sort of evil being.  I put "witch" in quotes for a reason.  Some people have a stereotype that these individuals eat eye of newt, turn men into toads, and are ugly, old hags.  There are those who go by the term "witch," but they do not have super powers or wear pointy hats.  Although, in Salem there are some neat shops where people fit the discription rather nicely.  However, there get-up is to make the change come out of your pocket. 
With some of the stereotypes and superstitions rooted in Wicca and "witch" related holidays, there are some interesting bits of information.  Halloween, for example, has some "witch" associations, but people are not aware of all the detail.  Typically "witch" costumes for Halloween involve pointy hats, black cats, and warts.  Pointed hats represent a cone of wisdom and power that go into the mind of the wearer.  A black cat does not hold any power of misfortune of luck, but they were good companions to solitary practicers of wicca and witchcraft. 
Everyone knows about some sort of superstitions.  Sometimes I knock on wood if I say something bad, and I feel better because I don't want to jinx myself.  A lot of people pair the color black with evil, but there is more to the color than the negative views.  Black is a good conductor of energy, because it is the combination of all colors. 

In Wicca, the holiday of Samhain or Halloween has some age old superstitions.

• Keep rosemary under your pillow and you will dream of your future husband.
• Do not turn around on Samhain night if you hear something behind you, because it could be a spirit following you.
• Ringing a bell on Samhain night was thought to keep spirits away. 
• Owls fly down on Samhain night to eat the souls of the dead.
• Bats flying early on Samhain night means good weather.
• If you see a spider on Samhain night do not kill it, because it is thought to be an ancestor watching you.

Some non-Samhain related superstitions in Pagan and Wiccan traditions

• carrying acorns bring good luck
• bells drive away evil
• killing or keeping a robin is unlucky
• It is unlucky to see your reflection in a mirror by candlelight
• If a bird flys in your house, death will come soon