What is Witchcraft?

Crystals, sage, tarot, and incense. With the rise in popularity of spiritual practices, witchcraft has become a trendy and aesthetically pleasing hobby. However, with practicing the craft in the digital age, there's become a lot of misconceptions on witchcraft as a whole and what it really is. While often demonized and thought of as sacrilegious, let's dive deeper on witchcraft and what it means to be a witch. 

What is Witchcraft?

By literal definition, witchcraft is a broad term encompassing the ancient practices and techniques of honoring or working with the supernatural and nature to yield specific outcomes. While often mischaracterized as a religion, it is a spiritual practice that honors both the physical and the metaphysical world and works with the energies that both bring. There are several different types of witchcraft (green witchcraft, sea witchcraft, kitchen witchcraft, etc.), and a person's spiritual practice mostly depends on either familial teachings, or what someone feels most called to do. There are no bibles, churches, or even gods if you choose not to include them. Everything is up to the witch and their own journey. 

Another term often associated with witchcraft is paganism. Paganism is an umbrella term for pre-Christian religion that falls outside of the main religions we think of today (Christianity, Judaism, Hinduism, Buddhism, and Islam). Paganism often also incorporates nature and its existence dates back thousands of years. Secular paganism operates outside of organization, and while they are sometimes used interchangeably, it's important to note that witchcraft is a practice, meaning that it is an act while paganism encompasses different belief systems or religions. 

Since it is a practice, witchcraft has been seen being incorporated with many different religions. Hoodoo, an African American spiritual practice, combines teachings from both the Bible and ancestral African magic. Voodoo and Santeria, combine Catholicism with Haitian and Latin spiritual practices (respectively). You can be of any religion, faith, or ideology and practice witchcraft. 

 

Is it Black Magic?

While the specific origins of the term "black magic" vary in accounts, we first begin to see this concept and demonization of witchcraft during Western colonization and the widespread push of Christianity. Predating widespread Christianity, witchcraft and regional spiritual practices were the norm. Mediums and healers worked hand in hand with their communities and teachings were often passed down from generation to generation. However, during western expansionism, as colonizers set out to conquer and "break" the native populations, one way they sought to do that was by destroying their belief system. By breaking the Spirit, it was substantially easier to force their new ideals onto the general public. As a result, the demonization of witchcraft and spiritual practices was heavily campaigned to try to conform natives and whitewash history. Christianity was seen as "white" or pure and everything outside of it was "black" or temptation from the devil. Thus the term black magic or "nigromancy" (aka necromancy) was popularized. 

The term black magic refers to the practice of harmful or “dark” magic and actually has ties to racism and colonialism as it combats spiritual practices from primarily black and brown individuals. These practices, which often dealt with protection magic and the veneration of spirits, were called dark or “black” because since they were meant to protect those who practiced against the ones who were colonizing them. Outside of it's threat to the expansion of Christianity, it was also a threat for the retaliation and liberation it could bring. Slowly the indigenous practices of our ancestors became shameful and we eventually lost touch with centuries old teachings. 

 

 

Common Misconceptions & New Age Spirituality

Now to address the elephant in the room. Is it demonic? With a rampant rise in conservatism, we've teetered on the edge of a new satanic panic. Art and expression are harshly criticized and existing as anything other than straight or white is sometimes treated as a sin. Beliefs empowering marginalized individuals or falling outside modern religion is seen as evil, sacrilegious, demonic. With this, one of the most common misconceptions of witchcraft is that it inherently is evil or associated with the devil. 

Now, as I mentioned earlier anyone of any background, religion, or ideology can practice witchcraft (which is why it can be so accessible and empowering). And thus, you will get witches of all practices and faiths, including Satanism. However, it's important to remember that there is no "norm" for witchcraft because it is different for everyone. No two practices are the same and because of this, you cannot lump an entire spiritual system into one box. As a practice preceding Christianity, a lot of witches don't even believe in the devil. And when we begin to look at European, Asian, and African spirituality and religion, a lot of the deities that are worshipped are thought of to possess both "good" and "bad" qualities, being dual in nature. 

Since witchcraft is a spiritual practice that can be done secularly or in combination with any religion, anyone with any belief can partake. And with the empowerment and freedom to craft your own set of rules and moral standards, it is up to the witch to decide what their practice will look like. Much as there are those who do harm in any religion, group, or ideology, it is important to remember that everyone’s journey with witchcraft is different, and the practice of witchcraft does not automatically equate to being evil. 

Now you may be thinking, How can I start? With the change in sociopolitical climate and rising need for grounding, new age spirituality has become a popular and trendy option. Pinterest, Reddit, and TikTok have become hubs for practitioners to share information and new comers to dip their toes into the age old practices of their ancestors. With all of the information that is readily available to us, people are able to take what resonates with them, and leave behind what does not. But, with all of the new information and practices available to us it is important to remember to always be respectful. The history of witchcraft is a vast (and often heartbreaking) one and is so much more than just lighting incense or using crystals. Be inspired to do a deep dive of your own, research history, and learn the meanings of your favorite plants. And most importantly, understand what it is you are doing to combat cultural appropriation or harmful environmental practices. While new age spirituality has walked the fine line of lifestyle and trend, it is incredibly important to remember that these teachings have existed far before us and must be treated with understanding and respect. At the end of the day, witchcraft is a beautiful way to foster a deep connection with the universe and your journey can be whatever you want it to be!