Witchcraft

Witchcraft is the term for the collection of skills and philosophy that witches use to create magic. Sometimes called The Craft of the Wise, it includes aspects of herbalism, crystal magic and handcrafts. Most witches will have a particular set of tools and spells that they are particularly adept with, but most will also learn as much as they can about every type of magic that they can. Most witches will have a dedicated set of tools that they use in magic and ritual, and for no other purpose.

Unlike many other forms of magic, Witchcraft incorporates creative thinking, crafting of tools, and specific ethical philosophy. Most witches believe in Karma (or an equivalent system), so a witch's spells will be used only "for the highest and greatest good".

Learning Witchcraft

The best way to learn witchcraft is to practice under someone who already knows it. Failing that, you should learn everything you can and practice on your own before attempting anything major. The first things you should study are Meditation and Visualization. Witchcraft is most often associated with Wicca, so it would probably be helpful to learn about that as well.

Before performing any kind of magic, you should learn how to Ground and Shield yourself. This is sometimes thought of as a spell, sometimes as part of a larger spell. You should also create a set of magical tools for yourself. Part of learning witchcraft is learning how to create these tools.

After you have your tools, begin practicing spells. Start with simple things. Remember that when casting spells, you should focus on the true end goal (see the Using Magic page) . Always remember that magic always works, just not always the way you want it to. Keep in mind that your spells should, above all, be for the greatest good for everyone and everything.

The Tools of Witchcraft

The only thing you truly need to cast a spell is yourself. A small collection of tools, however, will make casting spells easier. The most common tools of witchcraft are the Athame, the Wand, and Cauldron. Many witches also like to have symbols of the four elements and/or their personal God/desses. Other tools that I find very helpful are White Sage, Salt, Candles, Crystals, Incense and Herbs. Every witch should also have a specific place where they work. This is their Sacred Space, and often holds their Altar. The altar is simply the place where the tools are used during rituals and spells. Every witches altar is different.

The Athame is a magical knife. If you intend for this to be a tool used only for magic, it should never have been used by any other person or for any other purpose. If it has it can be cleansed of the energies by either:

• Burying the blade in purified earth for a period of time (anywhere from overnight to a month, depending on how strong the other energies are). Note that this will likely damage the blade of most knives.
• Cleaning the blade under naturally running water (a river or stream) while visualizing the unwanted energies flowing away, or
• Smudging the blade several times

After the blade has been cleansed, you should personalize the Athame in some way to make it your own.

The wand is a long, narrow piece of wood used to direct magical energies. Is is often the branch of a willow or oak tree. Wands should be cleansed like as described above Athame. Like Athames, you should decorate your Wand to make it personal.

The Cauldron is used for burning incense, mixing potions and (in some rituals) as a symbol of Woman's power. It should be metal (cast iron is preferred). Again, the cauldron should only be used for magical purposes.

I always like to keep both white sage and salt around in plentiful supply. Both are very useful for cleansing and for protective spells. Candles, crystals, incense and herbs are all used in various magical spells. All are useful as focusing tools and various types have magical associations of their own (this will be discussed in more detail on other pages).

In addition to all of this, Witchcraft makes use of Poppets, Amulets, and Charms. These are generally made by a witch by sewing various materials into fabric. As a result, most witches know (or learn) how to sew. Many also learn jewelry making for crystal work. Any craft that can incorporate herbs, crystals, candles, or fabric can become a part of witchcraft. As a result, witches tend to be (pardon the pun) "crafty" people.

Types of Witchcraft

Witches sometimes categorize themselves based on how the they perform magic. The most common of these are Traditional Witches, Modern Witches and Kitchen Witches. Bear in mind that there is no one, right way of performing magic. What is most important is that the way you choose is right for you.

Traditional Witches follow the old ways that they are taught as closely as possible, no matter how difficult these are in modern times. Traditional witches are the types that will grow and harvest their own herbs by hand, rather than trust that someone else has raised them the "right" way. To the Traditional Witch, the old ways, proven by time, will always be the best ways. Note that although there is some overlap, this is not the same a Reconstructionism, which deal with religions rather than witchcraft.

Modern Witches have worked hard on adapting the old ways to modern materials. They will use materials that didn't exist in the old days to accomplish their magic. These are the type of witches who will use a computer circuit board or old cell phone in communication spells. To the Modern Witch, the old ways are good, but should be supplemented by new ideas and new materials whenever possible.

Kitchen Witches are unusual in that they tend not to have dedicated magical tools. They will use whatever comes to hand for magic. They will also make most daily task into magical rituals. To the Kitchen Witch, the simple act of living is magical. Both old and new ideas are good things, but intuition plays a far greater role. I, personally, think of myself as a Kitchen Witch.

Final Note

Witchcraft is not just one skill. It is a huge collection of skills that must be developed over time. I hope that this page has been a step in the right direction … let the journey begin!

Return from Witchcraft to Using Magic

Return to The Urban Pagan Homepage