All religions are a business and like anything else the new version gets more action than the old.

"An’ ye harm none, do what ye will."
I always liked that.. but the need to have "faith" in some higher being stopped me from learning more.

not sure how that is better?

I maybe dabbled in paganism on my way to atheist. I don't think it's uncommon as it's no where near as restrictive and it's nature based. Way more appealing than most mainstream religions.

And you get herbs and stones and cats! Ok dabbled means I read books. That was it. I had friends who did a lot more and still do. But I just don't have the suspended disbelief.

Is it preferable that people believe in witchcraft rather than more mainstream religious belief?

I am currently working on a book that explores this very topic! Of course, my witches actually have magic powers and are hiding in plain sight posing as nuns in a group known as the Covenant. Because they're fictional...