Witchcraft is a very broad term that refers to the use of magic, usually in relation to natural forces and phenomena. It can be used in many ways, for many purposes.
Like any other spiritual path, witchcraft can be practiced in a number of ways. There is no standard witch’s coven or creed that all witches follow. This makes it very diverse and open to everyone.
Witchcraft has a long and storied history dating back centuries. Many scholars believe that the first witches were ancient women who practiced ancient forms of medicine and healing. Over time, this practice evolved into something more metaphysical and supernatural—perhaps because doctors didn’t know about things like bacteria and viruses until much later!
This article will discuss some of the basics of contemporary witchcraft, including some of its core concepts, prominent figures, and where you can find more information on it.
Understanding the witch
As mentioned before, a witch is simply someone who practices witchcraft. A witch can be anyone- male or female, young or old. There is no official certification or education required to be a witch.
Witchcraft is not affiliated with any religion, though some witches practice their craft within a religious framework. There are also those who are atheists or agnostics who still practice witchcraft.
As with any other field of study or practice, there are many ways to be a witch. Some witches work with elemental magic (air, water, earth, and fire), some work with spirit work (observing and interacting with spirits), and some work with spells and potions.
There is no universal color scheme for witches either. Some dress in black and/or purple, some dress in everyday casual clothes, and some dress in white to represent purity. It all depends on the individual witch’s personal taste.
Different types of witchcraft
While most people think of witches as people who cast spells to cause harm, that is largely due to Hollywood. In reality, witches come from many different spiritual backgrounds and practice their craft in many different ways.
Some witches follow a pagan religion such as Wicca. Others do not believe in any sort of deity or higher power, instead believing that the natural world around us has its own kind of energy that can be harnessed.
There are also shamanic witches, who get their powers from interacting with spirits. There are even vampire witches, who get their powers from the consumption of blood!
If you are interested in learning more about these different types of witchcraft, check out some books or websites about it. It will help you understand how everyone defines and uses the term “witch” a little differently.
Choosing a coven
If you are looking to join a coven, the first and most important thing to do is ask questions. Are there interviews with the leaders of the coven? Do they have requirements for joining?
You should also learn about their history, practices, ethics, and how they accept new members.
Covens can be found in several places, including in person and online. Finding one in person can be helpful, as you can see how people interact with each other and what kinds of rituals they perform.
Online covens can be valid sources of spiritual guidance just as easily as any other group. However, you may need to do some research to confirm that it is a legitimate group.
You should never feel like you have to join a certain group in order to become a witch.
What is a coven?
Covens are groups of witches that work together. Some of these groups are strictly training facilities, while others are dedicated to certain types of magic, like healing or curse-work.
Most covens have a degree system, similar to a college degree. These degrees show the progress a member has made in their craft and knowledge. A new member will start with no degree and must work hard to gain the first one.
Covens can be local, national, or international, depending on the group. Finding a coven is usually done through word of mouth or social media, since most have some sort of publicity about them.
There is no universal authority that controls all covens, however. Each coven is independent and may practice different rituals and spells. Members often share tips on how to be successful in their craft and outreach, however.
Finding a spell
Once you have decided that you want to do a spell, the next step is to find one. You can either look for a spell in a book, online, or have someone teach you a spell.
Online searches can be tricky as there are many fake spells and curse websites out there. It is best to search reputable witch websites such as Witchcraft Online or Blueribbonwitchcraft which have spells that are not harmful.
Having someone teach you a spell is also very powerful. A witch may have a specific ritual they use for it, and may add in extra ingredients or changes to make it more powerful.
Either way, check with your witch doctor before having them cast the spell for you! Some require payment, while others do it for the glory of the spell itself.
Basic principles of witchcraft
While there are no formal rules or regulations in witchcraft, there are some basic principles most witches follow. These are also known as the three levels of change.
The first level of change is personal change. This is your own personal growth and development as a person. This is your own self-examination and understanding of who you are and who you want to be.
The second level of change is social change. This refers to helping other people gain a better understanding of themselves and others through witchcraft. You can do this through spells that bring about awareness or changes in people or places, or by teaching other people witchcraft.
The third level of change is planetary change. This means working with the energies of the planets to bring about global changes, such as bringing about global awareness or healing the earth.
The circle
A circle is the most important part of any witch’s craft. Circles are used for a number of things, but most often for protection, seclusion, and focus.
Protection circles are used to keep things out or away. Most commonly, protection circles are constructed to keep negative or unwanted energy away. By drawing a circle and connecting it with lines, you are creating a barrier that stuff cannot get through.
Seclusion circles are used to separate something or someone from the outside world. Just like in a seance when the witch separates themselves from the room to work their magic, they do so by drawing a circle.
Focus circles are perhaps the most obvious use for circles. When witches cast spells or work their craft, they do so with concentration and focus. A circle can be used to create a clear line of focus.
The pentagram
The most well-known symbol associated with witchcraft is the pentagram. Many people believe that witches use the pentagram to worship the devil, but this is not the case.
Like many other spiritual paths, witches view the world in two ways: as a natural world of nature and beings, and as a human-created world of human systems and structures.
The pentagram represents these two worlds. The upper point of the star connects to a circle, which represents nature and the Natural Law that all beings abide by. The lower points of the star connect to lines, which represent human-made systems and structures.
So how did this symbol come about? Some trace its origin back to Egyptian mythology, where it represented protective symbols used in ancient sacred geometry. Others point to ancient Greek myths, where it was used to protect homes and people from evil spirits.
