What is Witchcraft?

Witchcraft is a very broad term – it has been used to refer to everything from the ritualized and systematic practices of Wiccan Covens to single-practitioner traditional folk magic. Similarly, the methods and goals of witchcraft may take many forms. From the Voodoo ‘Bokur’, a version of a dark sorcerer, to the traditional ‘Witch Doctor,’ Witchcraft extends into every reach of life.

One of the most common things associated with Witchcraft is the casting of spells. This casting of spells may be done in a number of ways. Take, for example, Witchcraft in the scope of folk magic. In this case, spells are cast by the combined use of ritual items, typically minerals or plants, and the focusing of the will. The folk Witch might gather the appropriate ingredients, mix them together, recite a spell to focus the Will, and viola – a spell is cast, Witchcraft is done! This is extremely common in households even today, and is often referred to teasingly as “Kitchen Witchery.” Despite the teasing name, it is nonetheless effective.

Let us examine another form of Witchcraft, the ‘Witch Doctor,’ or Shaman. Witch Doctors are stereotyped in Hollywood and I believe we are all familiar with that. However, the Witch Doctor, who may go by any variety of cultural idioms, exists all throughout indigenous tribes around the world. The Witch Doctor or Shaman typically provides a multitude of services for his or her community. They adopt the role not only of a spell caster, but a political advisor, a medical doctor, and even a psychologist. Every ailment, social disruption, and magical trauma that people undergo is taken to the Witch Doctor for treatment. This is why the local Shaman or Witch Doctor is often revered as one of the most important individuals in his or her community.

Witchcraft may also be used to refer to the practice of Witches within their given Coven. For example, the rituals and spells associated with any given Coven are typically referred to as Witchcraft. These can be rituals that involve anything from standard spell casting, such as a protection or healing spell, to the development of research and knowledge regarding the magical and spiritual world. In this sense, Witchcraft is not only spell casting but is also magical scholarship, the quest for knowledge and insight into the spiritual world.

The term Witchcraft is also used to describe other forms of magic that are rightfully genres in their own. For example, the term has been applied to the summoning of beings – which might more rightfully be called demonology (despite that no “demons” are actually involved. Similarly, the casting of spells in ceremonial or ritual magic has made itself distinct from Witchcraft in a number of ways. All in all, these are just ways to distinguish between the goals and methodology of the castings. I employ a multitude of techniques in my castings, many of which would fall under Witchcraft proper and many of which could be called something entirely different! The key is to finding a Craft that is true to you, that truly helps others, and that really works!