Introduction to witchcraft
Hello everyone! I'm going to be doing a series of weekly lessons on various aspects of witchcraft, paganism, and magick. Each week, I'll be sharing my personal insight on different topics, from the history of the craft to practical applications like herbology, kitchen magick, and crystal work. Whether you're new to the craft or simply looking to explore more.
This week I’m just going to be going into a general overview of what witchcraft is, the history, and the crafts, paths, and practices that are intertwined with it. Today I’m going over the very, very basics of witchcraft and the history of witchcraft around the world.
Witchcraft is the broad term that refers to the practice of magic/magick, involving intuition, rituals, spells, charms, and the use of natural elements like herbs and crystals. It is often rooted in spiritual beliefs that honour nature, spirits, or deities. Witchcraft has changed and evolved over time, shaped by spirituality, different cultures, and media. In Egypt, people believed in magical practices for healing, protection, and divination. Rituals were conducted by priests, and the famed "Book of the Dead" contained spells to protect souls in the afterlife. In Greece and Rome, magick was associated with figures like the goddess Hekate (witchcraft, magic) and Circe, a sorceress in Homer's Odyssey. The Greeks and Romans practised both beneficial magic (Positive magick regarding protection, love, and the like) and malevolent magic (curses). They used divination, protection spells, and cleansing magick on a daily basis. When the Middle Ages came around, witchcraft gained a negative connotation and became associated with heresy, particularly with the rise of Modern Christianity. The “witch craze” went from the 15th to 18th century, and thousands of people, men and women alike, were executed after being accused of witchcraft. The most infamous texts, including “Malleus Maleficarum”, described witches as being servants of the devil. (edited)
When it came to the Americas, many Native Americans, South Americans, and other indigenous Americans practised forms of witchcraft and shamanism. Their practices are deeply rooted in spirituality and vary widely among different tribes and regions. These practices often involve deep connections to nature and spirits. However, it’s important to note that terms like “Witchcraft” and “Magick” in a Western sense of the words may not accurately reflect Indigenous spiritual practices. Many Indigenous people still practise their crafts and religions. Many of their crafts are exclusive to people belonging to the culture and can’t be practised by people outside of the culture. Later in the Americas came the infamous Salem Witch Trials of 1692. Twenty people were executed as European beliefs and fears persisted in colonial America. Over in Africa, witchcraft includes spiritual practices that vary by culture, often involving magick rituals and herbal remedies for healing and protection. Traditional healers, such as witches or herbalists, play key roles in diagnosing and treating ailments. Colonialism and modernisation have influenced perceptions of African Witchcraft, leading to fear and stigma. In parts of Asia, witchcraft encompasses a wide range of beliefs and practices throughout different countries, often involving rituals, spells, and herbal remedies for healing and protection. Practitioners, such as shamans and healers, are integral to their communities. While some view witchcraft as sacred, others see it as malevolent, leading to fear and persecution. Historical practices and colonial influences often affect modern perceptions of witchcraft in the region.
In the Middle East specifically, witchcraft is closely tied to ancient traditions, religion, and folklore, with practices often rooted in pre-Islamic and Judaic beliefs. Magic, known as sihr, is referenced in the Quran and is usually viewed with suspicion. It’s associated with both healing and malevolence. Practitioners use spells, charms, and the invocation of jinn or spirits. Although some folk traditions persist, accusations of witchcraft are often met with fear or punishment, due to prohibitions against its practice. Finally, modern witchcraft. Witchcraft experienced a revival in the 20th century, particularly with the emergence of Wicca, a modern religion that draws from ancient paganism, European witchcraft, and ceremonial magick. Gerald Gardner is credited with founding Wicca in the 1950s, bringing a new perspective on witchcraft that focused on nature worship and positive magick.
As these lessons go on, I will go more into detail over specific cultures, practices, and history. Please feel free to ask any questions, give your thoughts, or let me know what you’d specifically like to learn more about in upcoming lessons. Tomorrow I’m going to be going over common witchcraft terms and what they mean.
- Forest
