Witchcraft: A Brief Guide to Its History, Beliefs & Practices
What is witchcraft? Before you read on, take a moment and think of the archetype of the witch. Who do you see in your mind’s eye? The crone, with the straggly hair and the hooked, warty nose? The seductive woman with the dark hair streaming behind her as she dances in a forest clearing under the full moon? Or maybe the boho chick with the flowing skirts, bedecked in crystal bracelets? Most probably your witch is alone (or else with her coven), living on the fringes of society, shunned, persecuted, but also appreciated by those whom the witch helps.
What Witchcraft is Not
It can be easier to define witchcraft by considering what it isn’t. People often ask “is witchcraft a religion?”. It is not. Witchcraft is not Wiccan (it can be if you follow the Wiccan religion. I do not). Witchcraft does not take a one-size fits all approach. Witchcraft does not support any type of oppression, disempowerment, hate or -isms. Witchcraft is not black or white, dark or pure.
What does Witchcraft mean?
So, what is witchcraft, now that we know what it categorically is not? Modern witchcraft is a way of life. Modern witchcraft is deeply individualistic and intuition-led. How your craft looks is personal to you and you can create your own witchcraft traditions. Magick can be woven into your everyday life (‘mundane’ magick) but also used for special occasions and large-scale workings (‘ceremonial’, ‘high’ or ‘ritual’ magick).
Witchcraft is empowerment and sovereignty. Magick has a cumulative effect, spells build up, and one day you realise you’re living the life that you dreamed of, or maybe living as the person you always knew you were. Witchcraft is deeply transformative. Can speak from personal experience.
Witchcraft is also about being connected to the planet we live on, taking care of her, and marking the changing seasons and planetary movements. Witchcraft is about harnessing the vibrations and energy of earth and all that lives and grows on it.
Is Witchcraft the same as Wicca?
Quick answer: No. Wicca is a religion which was created by a man in the 1950s. Witchcraft is far, far older than Wicca. Witchcraft is healing and doing good, yes, but witchcraft is also baneful. There is the left-hand path, the dark path, the path of justice. I believe that to heal, you need to be able to hex. There is a commonly held belief that witches should do no harm, but I can debunk that for you. Read on, and hold onto your (witchy) hat!
There’s a common misconception about the rule of 3, or the threefold Law, that it applies to witchcraft and all witches. The rule of 3 is a Wiccan construct, and not one I subscribe to because I ain’t a Wiccan. It’s no surprise really that this rule was created by a man… did he want to make witches fear their power, sometimes the only power we can wield I wonder… I mean, witches are predominantly female (although men can definitely be witches!). I believe that the rule of 3 was designed to subjugate us, to make us terrified to do the justice work. This “law” is a load of shite. Even the word “law” indicates that it is universal. It is not. It is a Wiccan belief. I’m not a Wiccan, so don’t fucking quote it at me. Here’s another controversial opinion while I’m at it: I don’t believe in karma, because I’m not a Buddhist. I do believe in accountability, checks and balances, and justice. Justice spells work. I know, because I have cast them and I have seen the results.
Do your Shadow Work
Witchcraft involves shadows, both internal and external. The witch knows her shadow, and to truly access your power I believe you need to know yourself to the core. Intuition is your most powerful tool, closely followed by self-awareness. A witch who doesn’t do her shadow work isn’t working to her full capacity. It is also real fucking important to check your motives and your shadow before performing any justice workings.
The History of the Craft
Being a witch comes with a deep awareness of the Witchcraft Trials, the bloody history of witches throughout history, and the persecutions that exist to this day. A witch must be aware of the treatment of women at the hands of the patriarchy and capitalism. All women, not only the ones who have the same colour of skin or come from the same country as you (trans women are women too). There aren’t many rules to witchcraft, but I’m sorry, you can’t be a witch if you hold any right-wing beliefs or consider any other human as less than you because they’re different. Bitch, witches are different. Remember the history? Those shitty right-wing beliefs go against the whole history of the craft and the witches who came before you. Witches believe that all humans are equal, and that every life has value (even the real toxic, evil ones).
Can Anyone practice Witchcraft?
In the tarot cards, the Queen of Wands is the witch. This Queen is fierce and fiery, creative in all that she does. The Queen of Wands knows herself – her surface, but also her shadow (remember what I said about doing your shadow work?). Witchcraft is about the balance of the light and the shade, in life, but also in ourselves.
The first step to becoming a witch is realising that you are a witch, already. Everyone and anyone can be a witch (other than the right wing fuckers and the haters). You don’t need to be born into the craft or have witches in your ancestry. You don’t need to be spiritual already. You don’t need to be anyone other than who you are, with an awareness of the path you have walked and the wisdom you have gained. Bring your intuition and your knowledge of yourself to your craft. You may need to unpick learned beliefs and confront your value. You must be willing to transform.
Beginner Witch
Are you ready to practice your first spell? Read this, and then follow the guidelines, or do as you feel!
Stand up and plant your feet firmly on the ground. Feel, see, imagine roots extending from the base of your spine, through the souls of your feet, extending down down down through the earth until the roots connect with Gaia’s core.
Take three deep breaths (the power of 3 is important, but not the way the Wiccans believe!). Push your chest out and take the breath all the way down into the pit of your stomach. Hold it and exhale it, imagining everything that doesn’t serve you leaving with your breath.
Place your hand on your solar plexus. Close down your eyes and let yourself go quiet. Sink into yourself. Listen for your intuition.
When you are ready, say out loud, with force and feeling: “I AM A WITCH”. Feel the energy ripple through you.
Pull your roots back up and thank Gaia and yourself.
You are a Witch!
Well done! You are a witch! Now the journey can truly begin! I’m fucking buzzing for you.
Now I would suggest you go visit my online witchy shop for all sorts of magickal tools, spell kits and accoutrements to help you start developing your craft. My handcrafted magickal items are the perfect way to cast your first spell. Guidance is provided, but always trust your own intuition.
I would be honoured to guide you through your initial steps. Book a spellcasting session at my home and we will work together to get you confident in the basics of magick. Click here to visit my secure booking system, or email me at guidedbygaiatarot13@gmail.com if you have any questions before booking.
Wikipedia can be a useful starting point. Do your own research. However, don’t feel like you need to buy all the books. I’m not book-learnt. I learn as I go. Witchcraft is a constantly evolving way of life, much like the tarot. It truly is a lifelong learning path, and your intuition won’t steer you wrong.
