About Magick and Witchcraft

There is a shroud of mysticism about magick and witchcraft, even after the great witch trials and hangings of the late 1600’s. The quiet mystery of the modern day witch is glamorized by Hollywood and yet confusion ensues as the general audience considers this reality taboo or perhaps implausible. The most basic explanation is a western-Christian belief system carried over from those early years; these narrow beliefs elude to witches and pagans worshiping the devil or Satan and casting mutating and wicked spells on whim. Here is a glimpse at modern day witchcraft and the art of magick.

Witchcraft is an ancient art which calls upon the natural world and utilizes the forces of nature to strengthen spells and manifest. Psychic abilities and an altered state of consciousness are all part of the journey of witchcraft. There are more practicing witches currently today then ever before in history.

Modern day witches often (but not always) refer to themselves as Wiccans. Wicca is a modern day movement developed in the 19^th century. In the 1950’s many ancient pagan rituals and ceremonies passed down were reconstructed by Gerald Garner and Doreen Valiente. These teachings have become the main source for wiccans today.

Witchcraft is a Personal Journey

Practicing witchcraft however, is a more personal journey than an initiatory, cultish oddity as often portrayed. There are many wonderful books and tools for one to learn about the beautiful craft of magic. Most people interested in becoming a witch may join the wiccan movement which places a more structural, ceremonial context to highly ethereal concepts. Wiccan’s are generally members of what’s known as a coven, or group which is led by a high priestess and a high priest. They have a multitude of rituals and prayers as part of an initiation and these are written down in a sacred book called a Book of Shadows.

While there is much glamourized negativity about magick and witchcraft; there is really nothing scary about it. It is certainly seductive, bathed in femininity centered around the goddesses and the Great Goddess but ultimately the belief system considers and acknowledges what the wise and ancient elders had to teach concerning our lives here in this world.

Although we live in a culture of advanced scientific proof and fact; many archeologists, historians and scientists struggle to unravel the puzzles left behind by these wise teachers, shamans and mystics. Ancient cultures such as the Egyptians, Mayans, Native Americans and those with far Eastern philosophies have left behind marvels and secrets our society is unable to understand. The magnificently constructed structures found in places like Egypt and South American baffle modern science with their engineering prowess. There are many theories as to the possibility of these mysterious sites such as alien visitations (Ancient Aliens) and unknown technology but they are still inconclusive in their findings as yet more discoveries are made around the world.

Could magick have been real? Through a higher level of awareness and practice is it possible there was a time when manifestation of great power could be harnessed and used to create amazing things? Already there is much research on bio-energetics and the energy of the universe. Imagine if perhaps people could indeed build magnificent structures through magick, telekinesis or move mountains or part seas or even heal the sick or feed the hungry? Just a though but no more outlandish than alien interventions or humans rising from the dead.

Today witches use magick for a number of positive things. Most of these are personal or perhaps for global balance. Witches use the seasons and tides of the earth, moon and sun to strengthen their spells. They believe in a plural form of worship between the Great Mother Goddess and a God of the Sun. This duality, such as the yin and yang, represents a balance which is reverently protected.

For those intrigued and interested in embracing their witchy side; it is not always necessary to join a coven. There are many witches who consider themselves to be solitary practitioners of magic. Tools are available as well as a plethora of books to read. Becoming a witch is more a way of life and is as simple and complex as meditating or doing yoga. It begins with a belief system that our earth is sacred and protects all that mother earth has offered.

In order to join a coven; please visit the link below which offers advice directly from the wicca establishment on how to move forward from here. In case readers are confused; do not go looking for green faced, hags riding broomsticks and cackling in the sky.

We all have a bit of magick within us. Since witches are protectors of mother earth, it can be said that any earthly or positive planetary based activity can be called witchcraft in modern day terms. Examples include: planting a garden of herbs, brewing a home remedy using natural elements such as teas or holistic medicines, communicating with your animals, healing your friends. In fact, the most common form of witchcraft is using herbal medicine or divination. We all know there are herbs which can bring pleasure, relaxation, and even cure ailments. Most witches use herbs for healing or in rituals. Candles and alters are also a large part of spell casting and meditation.

Magick can be briefly defined as methods of causing coincidences to happen. By defining a need, focusing on it, utilizing ancient symbols from nature or from more intellectual sources in ceremonial witchcraft, a pattern is created. That pattern is first made in the world of imagination and creativity but through the power of manifestation is brought into our reality. Harnessing nature and natural laws provides a ritualistic setting for the witch to create. There is much focus today on manifestation in our lives. “The Secret” or “Secret Laws of Attraction” for example are simply avenues of manifesting what is needed in our lives, no different from the craft of magick. It is all abou intention. With focus, much can be transformed and brought into reality.

About magick and witchcraft, it is the use of personal power in conjunction with energies, herbs, colors, guides, deities and natural objects. The success is to alter consciousness and open the mind into insightful awareness. It is here in that place where magick culminates and answers needed in our lives are given and received.