RELIGIOUS FREEDOM EXTENDS TO WITCHES, OF COURSE
In the US, there is a little piece of paper called the Constitution, which was written hundreds of years ago with a view to making life easier for folks. In it, there is a general principal stating that the state should have no role in promoting any specific religion, be that Christianity, Judaism, Islam, or the Third Reformed Church of the Second Coming of the Fifth Prophet.

Putting aside George W. Bush's faith-based initiative that supplies money to religious groups doing charitable works, it works pretty well most of the time. Occasionally, some right-wing religious zealot decides it's OK to drop a two-ton piece of rock with the ten commandments on slap bang in his court room. But despite the protestations of fellow zealots, who feel that this is in no way unconstitutional, the state did in fact have the thing removed.

However, life is a little different in Norway, where not only do they not have any Hooters bars, but also no qualms about government funding for religions. And they are so open that Lena Skarning, owner of Forest Witch Magic Consultant has received a grant of over $7,000 as a business start-up grant.

She intends to use the subsidy to help her tell fortunes from Tarot cards, teach magic tricks at corporate seminars, and develop products like magical bath oil, water potions or face creams meant to help users have clearer dreams at night. As part of the deal, she has had to promise not to use her powers for evil - like cold-calling potential Tarot customers or developing a grating West Indian accent.

So if you're a budding Satanist needing a little extra cash for those baby sacrifices (and we know babies don't come cheap) why not emigrate to Norway where you can apply for state funding?

Of course, if you're a really good magician, maybe you could just conjure up some cash?