An Introduction to Witchcraft

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Magick is name for the occult power within each of us. 

The term Magick instead of Magic, differentiates between the true powers, and the hobby art of illusion.

Witchcraft is a term to describe the overall practices.

Spells or Rituals are the tools to harness Magick and put it to use.

Throughout the centuries, there have been those who have learned to harness the seemingly supernatural power of Magick. Using Rituals, Symbols, Candles, Chants, Wands, Cauldrons, etc. to do the impossible.

The truth though is that all of these are simply tools to help the mind trust in the process.

Real Magick is simply the power of intention. The more you believe in that power, the more you concentrate your energy into that intention, the more powerful the outcome.  Which rituals or tools used don't actually matter, except that they must feel right for you.

There is great power available to us in our daily lives, if we can bring our minds to be fully present in the moment and set our intentions clearly. 

Wish to Banish illness? you can perform and elaborate ritual, using a boiling cauldron of herbs and chants, or you can simply Sweep your home while setting your intention for not only household cleanliness but also for bodily cleanliness and health and protection of all who live there.

It may seem too simple a thing. But if we compare the Magick of Witchcraft to Christianity, you will find great similarities in the handling of the divine powers within us. 

Consider Fervent Prayer - Christianity teaches that if you ask fervently with sincerity, having faith, nothing doubting your prayer will be answered. The simple task of prayer (whether your fold your arms and bow your head, get on your knees, or simply still your thoughts and speak to the divine), is nothing more, than a form of mindful meditation to set the intentions of your will.

I have always found it fascinating that Christ taught that if we simply had enough faith we could move mountains. When he touched the fig tree and it withered, he did not pray openly or perform a ritual, he "commanded" and it was so. He understood his connection to the divine powers and tried to teach us how to harness them as well. He taught that everything he could do, we could do also. 

When asked how this happened, he tells his disciples "Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours." 

Herein is the key secret to all Magick:

Pray -set your intention

Believe - not that you will receive it, or that maybe God will grant it, but that it already is or has. 

If you know the story, the Fig tree did not wither before their eyes, but they came back by the way the next day and saw that it had died. Things take time to fully appear, so do not doubt that it has happened, the Figtree Died immediately, but it took a day for it to show up. 

Society has turned Magick into a fantasy, providing so much doubt in our mind, that it is hard for us to believe that we alone can wield such supernatural forces. 

If I said to use the Jedi Force you would likely know what I meant, but also this would immediately cause you to think I'm speaking of "make believe" and that you cannot learn to be a Jedi. Star Wars did an amazing job explaining the "Force" within each of us, but also shrouded it in a cloud of fantasy making it beyond our reach and understanding. Yet, becoming a true Witch is no different. 

Because of our doubts, and lack of understanding, we tend to create elaborate rituals, more than is necessary. There is also nothing wrong with this, especially in the beginning. There is intrinsic power of their own in symbols, elements like fire, herbs, crystals, plants and familiars.

Creating an altar space allows you to step away from the world and enter into your own sacred sanctuary. This space should represent you and the connections your feel pulled towards, whether it is crystals or incense or both. Books and diagrams or statues of your favorite divine entity. It does not matter, as the power is yours so also is the way that you use it.

In some cultures today and in the past it was the sewing itself, that set the intentions or created the spells, every stitch imbued with love or malevolence. A hand stitched quilt made by grandma, with love and intention even unconscious to keep warm and healthy her grandchildren, has performed witchcraft, casting a spell with every stitch. Often even accidentally adding a little blood magic on the way.

There is no doubt in my mind, nor should there be in anyone's mind, that there are powers and forces in the universe greater than our own. Finding your connection to the divine forces greater than your own can allow you to draw closer to your own powers through the guiding connection of the divine. 

However more importantly than seeking guidance, and divine boons, We must understand that all that we have is a gift, and we must show our gratitude, no matter how hard life may be, we have life, we have bodies and souls, and we must express our sincere gratitude to the divine.  This spirit of gratitude is a power of itself. (find the Occult section to learn more)