what is witchcraft?

In a comment:

Anonymous said...

Hey, thanks for updating! I know that there are many different concepts associated with the word "witchcraft", and I was wondering: What is your definition of witchcraft? Do you cast spells on things? How does it work?

I decided this needed a complete post, or else it was going to be a very long comment. Entire books have been written about your simple questions.

My definition of witchcraft is the actual craft of creating/casting spells. I see it as the same as any other craft, such as art (I'm also painter/photographer) - you may not always be actively engaged in practicing your craft, but you are probably thinking about it on some level a fair amount of time.

In art this means I'm looking for something new to paint and/or photograph. I also think about what size canvases I want to buy, what mix of turpentine and linseed oil I want to use as a thinner for my oil paints. I also have to decide what pigments I will choose in the paints I buy - titanium white, zinc white, or lead white? Each has subtle differences in the way they lighten various colors. Do I want to use all natural, mineral based pigments, like the old masters, or do I want to use less expensive modern hues of those colors?

As a witch, I'm thinking of the herbs I have withering in my garden due to the Alabama heat and the two tropical storms that have come over the Huntsville area. I'm also thinking of when the next full moon is so I can re-charge some healing stones I have, and hope it rains before then because I would like to use rain water to rinse them in. I can make do with bottled spring water or tap water, but using rain water would be the best for me.

Witchcraft is also not a religion, the same way art is not a religion. I am a Wiccan, and most Wiccans also practice witchcraft, but not all. Some people may become obsessed with witchcraft, but it is not a religion.

As far as casting a spell, you have probably already cast more than one spell already. We teach our children a very basic spell:

Star-light, star bright,
First star I see tonight,
Wish I may, wish I might,
Wish I get my wish tonight.

That is the first spell that nearly everyone knows. Wish magic seems to be the most common form of spell-casting. Tossing a coin in a fountain, making a wish when you see a shooting star, or blow out the candles on a birthday cake. Another simple form of witchcraft is planting herbs and flowers around the house. Plant lavender for health and healing. Put the flowers in a bath with some salts for a relaxing bath. Simple witchcraft.

As far as personally casting spells each one is unique. As you've seen some are very simple, while others are more complex. For one, I started with a spell in one of my books and adapted it slightly. The spell was to protect a friend of mine in the Army in combat in Iraq. I created a magic circle, a space where I could feel the magic, and a place to work. I carved a combination runes on a white candle with a pin that had never been used before that in the particular configuration I used, gave protection, strength, health, courage, and safe journey home. I also inscribed his name on the candle as a part of the spell, then asked the Norse Deities Odin and Freya to watch over him and bring him home safely. It was one of the more complicated spells I have cast, needing both fire and ice, to infuse the candle with protective powers. After I completed the work, I thanked Odin, Freya, and all the spirits that had helped me. I then had a candle that each time I lit it and let it burn for a few minutes would re-enforce the protection around my friend.

You don't really need all of the props like I described in the spell I worked for my friend in Iraq. Now, I can sit, meditate, and feel the magic around me. I do much of my magic without any tools. I use herbs more than I used to, along with stones for personal healing. I'm still not very good at scrying (looking into the future), but I do practice using either my quartz crystal ball or by looking into a fire, even if it is a single candle.

How does magic really work? I believe it is the ability to tap into the energy of nature that flows through all of us, through everything. Some people are more aware of it naturally, and find magic easier to perform. What you do with that energy is your responsibility. I will say now, primum non nocere, first do no harm. There are other variations, but as an EMT, I like this version for taking responsibility for your magical actions. You may have also heard "If you harm none, do what you will" as an alternative. Consider the results of you actions, and never impose your will on another, because then you are taking away the other's free will. You are free to help yourself, to attract money or other non-necessities, simply never at anyone else's expense.

In the end, everyone has their own way to cast spells. Casting a spell is nothing but manipulating the power that flows thorough all of us. I've avoided using any references to any deities, since I don't know what your personal beliefs are, but in general I this power comes a divine source, that is reflected in all of us. I've been desperately attempting to avoid any Star Wars references, but where do you think George Lucas got the idea for "the Force" from?

I believe I have answered your questions. If you have figured out on your own how to cast a complex spell, then use that power with care, and consider your actions before you do them. If you have not figured out on your own how to perform more powerful magic and spells, I won't tell you, or anyone else who is reading this, how to do that. I do not want to be responsible for teaching someone how to tap into their power without knowing that person, then only to have the person to do less than honorable things. If you wish to ask more specific questions, please contact me directly. I will have my email address and all my IM IDs on this site shortly, but for now you can find them all listed on my main site. I would like to get to know you better before I give you any more specific information. Yes, I know you can find such information elsewhere, and if you choose to look there, then so be it. I hope you understand my reluctance to teach someone I don't know how to potentially do harm.

Merry part and meet again.

Blessed Be!
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