What Witches Can't or Don't Do

     There are a lot of expectations that Hollywood, the media, and
society (post-Witch Craze society) has set up for us real witches to
live up to. While most of us aren't ashamed that we can't do a lot of
things (and we shouldn't be), it can be frustrating when people
expect you to be able to. The following is a list of some things that
witches can't do (in the expected way, at least).

Point at something and make it do whatever we want.
It's just not possible. At least not that I know of. If you know
someone who can, let me know ;) This was an ability that was re-
popularized the appearance of the tv show Bewitched, and the
character Sabrina (who has now developed into Sabrina the Teenaged
Witch) from the Archie comics. Versions of this probably existed
before the invention of tv as well.

Do cool tricks with fire
I'm thinking along the lines of The Craft and Charmed here. In The
Craft, the "good-witch-lady" lit one candle and all the other ones
lit up. In the first episode of Charmed, one Hollywood-Wiccan lit
candles with the tips of her fingers, and a "warlock" had fingers
that sprouted little flames. We can do none of those (that I know
of). But it'd be useful to never have to buy another lighter.

Live forever
Witches are not immortal. We are normal human beings who follow the
Wiccan Ways, and work together with nature.

*{Probably where this misconception comes from is our belief in
reincarnation, which in essence may seem like a form of immortality}

Move things with our minds
This is not a natural ability that all witches have, nor is it
necessary. This ability is known as telekinesis, and according to
believers, it is possible, but takes a lot of practice to master.

Fly
Witches can not fly on broomsticks, or without them. In the middle
ages, astral projection (where your "soul"/"spirit" temporarily
leaves the body to travel in the astral world) was probably mistaken
for physical flying of the tangible body. The closest thing
to "flying" (without the aid of a plane, etc) is levitation.

Change into animals
I'm thinking mainly about Merlin in Disney's Sword in the Stone in
this case. Disney's Merlin was able to change into various animals in
the animated movie. As far as I know, that is biologically
impossible. Witches can, however, in trance or meditation states,
adapt the characteristics of certain animals.

Have pets/familiars [who talk]
Most witches chose pets, either in the astral or physical world.
However, they are considered friends and partners in magic more
than "pets." Because animals are considered to be more instinctual,
they are often treated as guides in the magical realm. Witches
communicate the way non-witch pet/animal lovers communicate with
animals.

Cackle
There is nothing to say here except that witches don't cackle. Laugh,
yes. Cackle, almost never.