Witchcraft is experiencing a new level of acceptance and generating intrigue by those who may have at one time questioned or shunned the practice. Today's technology has put all things witchy at our fingertips. Curious about Samhain? Google it. What's a Pagan? Wikipedia Wicca! But it's not all about feel-good full moon drum circles and burning sage. The archaic accusations and practices of casting spells and manifestations weren't taken to the grave with those burned at the stake. They have evolved and mutated to suit the needs of today's Witch, and some spells have much darker intentions than others.
Before we dive into the mysterious practice of Witchcraft, we need to define what it means to be a Witch. If you were around in the 15th century, then you may have either gone by the biblical definition of sorcery or followed the Witchfinder General's manual, the Malleus Maleficarum.
The commonalities in the various definitions of a witch would mean that the practice of Witchcraft dates back to pre-Christianity. The Old Testament tells the story of King Saul, consulting with the Witch of Endor to summon the dead prophet, Samuel.
The Witch got in touch with dead Samuel, who then prophesied the death of Saul and his sons. And wouldn't you know it, Saul's sons died in battle, driving Saul to commit suicide. Necromancy in antiquity.
The Old Testament provides us with a verse that is still used today in regards to fraternizing with witches: "Thou shalt not suffer a witch to live." ~ Exodus 22:18
The New Testament gets a bit more gritty in their condemnations of witchery. The King James version references the evil that is synonymous with Witchcraft: "And he caused his children to pass through the fire in the valley of the son of Hinnom: also he observed times, and used enchantments, and used witchcraft, and dealt with a familiar spirit, and with wizards: he wrought much evil in the sight of the LORD, to provoke him to anger." ~ 2 Chronicles 33:6
In 1486, Heinrick Kramer took it upon himself to not only define a witch but also to give explicit instructions on how to determine their witchiness and what to do with them once convicted. Kramer defended his tome by warning citizens of "women's spiritual weaknesses" and their "natural proclivity for evil.
Heinrich Kramer's Malleus Maleficarum (Hammer of the Witch), declared that there are four essential points of Witchcraft: renunciation of the Catholic faith, devotion to the Devil, offering (sacrificing) unbaptized children to the Devil, and engaging in orgies with the Devil.
Kramer continued in his bold, authoritative manual by explaining that witches were also known to "shape-shift" and could be seen "flying through the air." He explained the Witch's intent was to abuse Christian sacraments. They performed many of their spells by "confecting magical ointments." 15th-century witches must have been exhausted.
The claims, accusations, and witchery didn't end then. As many were fleeing the old country in search of freedom in the new colonies, they brought their fears with them. New England became a hotbed for the heresy of Witchcraft. The Salem Witch Trials was a forum for the fanatical accusers to torture and persecute men and women for supposed evil doings. Witchcraft was to blame for any misfortune in 17th century New England.
"Just because you don't believe it[] [...] doesn't mean that it's not true." ~ Katherine Howe, The Physick Book of Deliverance Dane
As we journey through time, the definition of a witch has been slow to evolve. It's taken a long time for people to see the parallels with spells, potions, and spiritual communication with affirmations, herbology, and prayer.
We now understand that assuming all Witchcraft is nefarious is a half-truth loaded with misinformation. Many practicing witches, historical to modern, look to their practice as a means for healing and gratitude. There is reverence for the earth and all living things, in addition to an appreciation of ancestors and spiritual guides. Wiccan practitioners follow the creed of "harm none." They aspire to live in harmony and for a collective-universal balance.
I just want a version of the occult that isn't built on plunder, but I suspect that if we could excise the stolen pieces, there would be nothing left. ~ Elissa Washuta
Some say that the modern-day "Witch Movement" is just a form of consumerism. It's merely capitalism monetizing women's desire to feel empowered. Pop culture has definitely marred the traditional way for those who have spent years practicing, some following in generational footsteps. American Horror Story made it on-trend to be a witch with their Coven season.
There is exclusivity and segregation even in the Witch World. How dare the white woman burn sage, a sacred Native American practice? Does a suburban divorced housewife deserve a full ceremonial moon bath if she's not a neopagan? At the end of the day, White Witchcraft has (mostly) good intentions, even if it is packaged in cellophane and on a shelf next to self-help books.
There's no shame in a healthy dose of practical magic. (no "k") White Witchcraft utilizes folk magic, herbology, dreamwork, oracle and tarot cards, and good old fashioned intuition. It's the original advocate of self-care. A White Witch understands the magnitude of manifestation and promotes sincere gratitude for all experiences, good and bad. A White Witch practices magic as a tool to speak the truth and attain a balance.
But where there is light, there must be dark. The term "witch" has become a title used interchangeably for various practitioners. It is essential to know that most witches would not classify their Craft as "good/evil" or "white/black." Though some choose to practice what is known as the Dark Arts.
Traditionally referred to as the use of supernatural powers for evil intentions, Black Magic is an antiquated term, but still used as the opposite of White Magic. It is known as the left-hand path or the malevolent counterpart to White Magic's right-hand path.
Many people think of Voodoo or Hoodoo as the root of black magic. We can all conjure images of Marie Laveau and gris-gris bags. And surely, there are some Voodoo and Hoodoo priests/priestesses who utilize black magic in their practice. Still, it is not a vital component of these religions. We are trying desperately to move on and out of the ancient witchcraft definition.
Laurie Cabot, known as the "official witch of Salem," states, "Witches use Witchcraft as a science, an art, and a religion." She continues to explain that a witch uses their knowledge and "Magick" in harmony with the Universe. That "much of what we do is verifiable," that nothing "is supernatural, occult in what we do."
Occultism has been a catchall term used to describe most anything that was or is esoteric in nature. In the 16th century, astrology, alchemy, and natural magic were considered "occult sciences." Though some practicing witches will claim that their beliefs, ceremonies, and rituals are open for discovery, one could argue that Witchcraft has never been considered transparent.
In the 19th century, we see the term occultism used to describe various esoteric groups in Europe. These "esoteric groups" were exploring ancient texts and philosophies that claim to understand how to reveal and harness the powers available to all through higher consciousness. Which inspired the ubiquitous "k" that is frequently seen at the end of "magick."
Black magic is not a myth. It is a totally unscientific and emotional form of magic, but it does get results — of an extremely temporary nature. ~ Aleister Crowley
Hermeticism is the foundation and the influence of many esoteric beliefs and practices. (Whether the practitioner realizes it or not.) Thought to have originated before Christianity, it was a significant influence during the Renaissance. Based on the writings of Hermes Trismegistus, it suggested the existence of one true theology that is in all religions, provided by God.
In the 19th century, on the heels of the transcendentalist movement, the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn was established. The Magical Order initiated individuals who were interested in the esoteric arts and sciences. Initiates studied alchemy, metaphysics, tarot divination, astrology, and paranormal experiences. Enter everyone's favorite master of the sex magick ceremony, Aleister Crowley.
Aleister Crowley, an English occultist, ceremonial magician, author, and founder of Thelema (after his time in the Order of the Golden Dawn). In Crowley's book, Magick in Theory and Practice, he defined Magick as the "Science and Art of causing change to occur in conformity with Will." Crowley believed that Magick was the tool used to communicate with those "who exist on a higher plane than ours." He urged magicians to keep detailed records of their magical experiments, much like an alchemist makes notes of their alchemical process, or a Witch's Grimoire records spells, incantations, and recipes.
Many witches today resent being lumped together with "Magickal" practitioners, understandably. Salem's Laurie Cabot feels that the word "supernatural implies some outside or extraordinary factor at work as opposed to results achieved through study and practice." Practicing the esoteric arts, whether it's Wicca or Hermeticism, takes devotion and intensive study, and the results seem to be supernaturally influenced.
Is there a universal definition of Witchcraft? Most would agree that the answer is, "Nope!". Some old school practitioners would say that anything involving manipulation of supernatural forces, whether it's casting a spell, conjuring spirits, or ceremonial magick, is Witchcraft. Anthropologists define Witchcraft as "an innate, inborn condition involving the use of malevolent power by psychic means with no need for ritual or Charm." Unless, of course, you're a White Witch. Then your practice is centered around herbology, folk medicines, incantations, and rituals for protection, health, and prosperity.
In the 1950s, Witchcraft was finally acknowledged as a religion in England. Gerald B. Gardner was concerned that the practice was in danger of dying out. Up until 1951, Witchcraft was still considered a serious crime in England. Once the law was repealed, England's Witches could come out of the broom closet.
Since the 1950s, many Witches have worked hard to eradicate the negative stereotype associated with being a Witch. But the lines become blurred with "bad witch - good witch" delineation. Months could be spent researching all of the different types of Witchcraft today.
Much like the multiple denominations living under the Protestant umbrella, different churches within each denomination, Witches have a diverse list of practices, each with numerous covens.
Contemporary Witches define themselves as healers and servants to their communities. They respect the sanctity of all life and strive to be in harmony with all living things, and with the Universe. Most Witches believe in using magick for good, "harm none." But some have chosen a different path.
The bottom line is that if you identify as a Witch, then your practices, ceremonies, and rituals would be considered Witchcraft. If we look at the definition of Witch and Witchcraft through the centuries, then it's fair to say that there is a bit of crossover between all of the esoteric arts. Philosophies and intentions may be different, but the roads traversed are often paralleled. Especially the roads that lead to darkness.
The minority of Witchcraft practitioners would be those who align themselves with the Dark Arts. And in recognizing the diverse practices, one could speculate that what is "dark" to one might be a bit "grey" to another, making the Dark Arts subjective. Because of this ambiguity, we will classify the Dark Arts as practices that are self -serving.
It's not uncommon for one to immediately think of Santeria or Voodoo as a Dark Art; however, both of these religions are heavily influenced by Catholicism and work closely with saints to evoke power. If the Christian correlation is removed from the equation, could these practices be what is traditionally known as Black Magic?
Luciferian Witchcraft defines Black Magick as the process of attaining absolute and extreme power. With no intention of exploring Luciferianism as the only foundation for ceremonial magick, their broad definition of Black Magick seems to be a common thread amongst other genres of the Dark Arts.
The Left Hand Path of magick is centered on personal gain. Frequently this isolates the practitioners and shifts their focus inward, as opposed to working with the natural world. If there is a desire to gain power and control a situation or a person, then Black Magick is believed to be the fastest route to success.
Anton Lavey put Black Magick in the public eye in the 1960s and 1970s. His Church of Satan rattled the brains of the God-fearing population. It gave the curious a resource to learn about something other than salvation. It also gave us the Satanic Panic of the 1980s. Every heinous crime committed had the stamp of the Devil, according to law enforcement and the media.
Black Magick rituals are known to have some extremes: human and/or animal sacrifices, bloodletting, hallucinogens, sadistic actions, etc.… However, out of respect for those who do practice the Dark Arts and are not menaces to society, or criminals, we'll ignore the murderers.
That old black magic has me in its spell, That old black magic that you weave so well; Icy fingers up and down my spine, The same old witchcraft when your eyes meet mine. ~ Johnny Mercer
Hexes, spells, superstition, and the evil eye all feel a little Wicked Witch of the West. But walk into a Voodoo shop in New Orleans or a Witch shop in Salem, and you can pick up candles to help conjure the help of a spirit or a hexing spell kit to ward off someone who has done you wrong.
If you've had your heart broken, carry around some Devil's Claw Root Powder to bring them back to you. Are you heading to the casinos? There's a gambler's spell kit to help your luck at the tables. The theme with these spells, rituals, and intentions is selfish gain, which is the core of Black Magick and the Dark Arts.
The Craft used to be practiced by exclusive secret societies. We can picture the mysterious figures in black robes, standing inside of a pentagram, surrounded by black candles, chanting an incantation to get what they want. Now you can take a class on "conjuring Lucifer for "self-empowerment with a professional practicing Witch. We've come a long way.
None of this should make light of those who are dedicated to their practice. It doesn't truly get dark until getting what one wants means harming others. And there are those out there who perform hexes and spells intending to cause pain and hurt to others.
Sticking needles into a poppet, sprinkling goofer dust around an enemy's home, and casting a Daemonic spell for revenge are a few of the tools Black Magick practitioners use for personal gain. The Black Magician works with spirits and Dark Forces to get what they want, and this can also mean making a Demonic Pact.
A Demonic Pact is the act of committing to a contractual obligation with a Demon in return for services. It is typically explored after trying to go about your goals conventionally with no luck. The Demonic Pact provides a (false?) sense of power over the feelings of defeat and encouragement not to give up. It's important to note that you must believe for this to work.
This level of Black Magick goes much deeper and darker than a bag of herbs and black candles found in a touristy Witch Shop in Salem, Massachusetts. It is studied and practiced in the daily lives of Black Witches and takes commitment and devotion. Whether it's Goetica or traditional Hoodoo, the practice is real. The outcomes? It depends on whom you ask.
We live in a society defined by capital gains. Televangelists are in the 1%, and celebrities promote meditations apps. There are ghost hunting shows on nightly, and spiritual self-help books dominate the bestseller lists. It's no surprise that Witchcraft is becoming the de rigueur for diversifying income streams.
Folk healers and tarot card readers have used their work to support themselves for centuries. Legend says Marie Laveau earned money by making gris-gris bags and doing candle magick for clients. What must be appreciated is that for the serious practitioner, this is not selling snake-oil for a quick buck.
Witchcraft is not new. Witchcraft, "good and bad," has been around for thousands of years. It is easy to think of it as parlor tricks and novelties, but devout followers and practitioners study and devote their lives to their beliefs. They aren't running around in robes splashing strangers with Florida water. They are professionals in the workforce, entrepreneurs, parents, college students, and neighbors.
You may know a few Witches, whether you realize it or not. And should you question the validity of their work, if you are curious about the results, just ask. You will probably learn that many of the spells cast are not about conjuring what you want, but about receiving what you are ready to have.
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