Understanding Witchcraft: The Craft in Religions

Okay so this will be a controversial post because a lot of religions do not accept witchcraft as anything but "the devils work". And honestly before I really understood the mechanics around the craft I could kind of sort of understand that somewhat closeminded bias the surrounds the word & practice of witchcraft, especially for my folks the come from very religious backgrounds. But after dedicating the last 3 years to understanding, learning and then putting it all to use, I can say that every religion out there has some sort of witchcraft in it, they just don't realize it. Spirituality is something that everyone needs to understand, and honestly understanding it could end up being the thing that really save you from yourself.

Now let me first start off by clarifying that witchcraft, working with the elements, the stars, the planets, nature, and your own personal energy is not a religion. It is a tool, a practice, an art. It is examining what the universe, God, or whomever supplied to us, being grateful for it and then being able to use said items to help us in the task at hand. There are references in even the bible that would be considered witchcraft to any practitioner of the craft, but if you pointed it out it would lead to an argument. The Earth has outdated ever single religion. To believe that your day to day cannot be influenced by understanding what you are around and then by utilizing that information is just letting yourself stay at a disadvantage. Witchcraft is the tool that helps you do that. Take everything you love about your religious practice and then open it up to more! I am not saying worship anything that would go against your values, I am not saying doing anything you wouldn't feel right doing. I am saying, keep doing what you are doing and realize the power behind it and then let yourself kick it up a notch. Spiritual welfare and warfare can come in to play at the drop of a hat if you can see the signs and know where to look. Not convinced yet? Let's take a peek at some similarities between Christianity and witchcraft practices.

Examples of similarities between Christianity and Witchcraft:

1. Both witchcraft and Christianity believe in supernatural forces: While the specific beliefs about these forces may differ, both witchcraft and Christianity recognize the existence of spiritual or supernatural powers. Including but not limited to angels, demons, Saints, etc.

2. Both involve ritual practices: Both witchcraft and Christianity have specific rituals or practices that are considered important for spiritual or religious purposes. For example, Christians may participate in baptism, communion, or prayer, while witches may cast spells, perform divination, or hold ceremonies to honor specific deities.

3. Both believe in the power of prayer or intention: Christians believe that prayer can bring about miracles or change the course of events, while witches may use spells or intention-setting to manifest their desires or influence the world around them.

4. Both have a concept of good and evil: While the specifics of what constitutes good and evil may differ, both witchcraft and Christianity have a moral code that guides behavior and decision-making.

5. Both use herbs, oils and essences: The holy anointing oil using a specific recipe of myrrh, cinnamon, using incense to smudge/cleanse a space during churches are some of the few examples of where these come into play for Christianity. Witchcraft uses herbs and oils for potions, poultices and more.

Since a lot of religions predate Christianity, there are even some holidays influences that you could catch that matchup with some of our most celebrated festive events! Particularly in the Western world where many Christian holidays have been influenced by pre-Christian pagan traditions. Here are some examples:

1. Winter solstice: The winter solstice, which falls on or around December 21st, was an important holiday in many pre-Christian pagan cultures. In many of these cultures, it was a time to celebrate the rebirth of the sun and the return of longer days. Christians celebrate Christmas on December 25th, which is thought to have been chosen in part because it was close to the winter solstice and allowed for Christian celebrations to overlap with existing pagan ones.

2. Spring equinox: The spring equinox, which falls on or around March 21st, was another important holiday in many pre-Christian pagan cultures. It marked the beginning of spring and was often associated with fertility and new life. Christians celebrate Easter around this time, which is thought to have been influenced by pre-Christian spring festivals.

3. Harvest festivals: Many pre-Christian pagan cultures had harvest festivals in the fall to celebrate the end of the growing season and give thanks for the bounty of the earth. Christians celebrate Thanksgiving in the United States and Canada, which is a harvest festival that has roots in both Christian and pagan traditions.

4. Halloween: Halloween, also known as All Hallows' Eve, is a holiday with both Christian and pagan roots. It originated as a pre-Christian pagan holiday called Samhain, which marked the end of the harvest season and the beginning of winter. Later, it became associated with the Christian holiday of All Saints' Day, which falls on November 1st.

Now Margaux, why are you picking on Christians? There are plenty of other religions that have the same viewpoints. Well thank you so much for bringing that up! You are correct, and that is why I also grabbed examples of witchcraft & magic from some of the most followed major religions. Take a peek!

Catholicism, a well-known and popular branch of Christianity, generally does not endorse the practice of witchcraft or other forms of magic. In fact, the Catholic Church has historically been critical of witchcraft and has actively worked to suppress it. However, there are some references to magic and sorcery in Catholic literature, such as:

1. The use of relics and sacramentals: Catholicism includes a number of practices that involve the use of objects such as relics, holy water, and blessed candles. These objects are believed to have spiritual power and can be used to protect against evil or promote healing.

2. The practice of exorcism: Catholicism includes the practice of exorcism, which involves the expulsion of evil spirits or demons from a person or place. This practice is performed by trained priests and is considered to be a form of spiritual warfare against the forces of evil.

3. Catholic Mysticism: Catholic mysticism is a form of spirituality that emphasizes the personal experience of God through prayer, meditation, and contemplation. It often involves a deep devotion to the Eucharist, the sacraments, and the Virgin Mary. Some well-known Catholic mystics include St. Teresa of Avila, St. John of the Cross, and St. Julian of Norwich.

Judaism generally does not endorse the practice of witchcraft or other forms of magic. However, we can find examples of magic and sorcery in Jewish literature, including:

1. The story of Moses and the Egyptian magicians: In the book of Exodus, Moses and his brother Aaron confront the Egyptian pharaoh and perform various miracles to demonstrate God's power. However, the pharaoh's magicians are also able to perform some of the same miracles, leading to a confrontation between the two sides. Here we see how magic could be used to deceive but also can reflect that Moses & Aaron put their intention and power behind God thus giving more power to the cause later in the book. The power of many united behind one cause shifted the energy, the magic, in their favor. Intention setting = witchcraft practice.

2. The use of amulets and talismans: Some Jewish traditions include the use of amulets and talismans as a way to ward off evil spirits and protect oneself from harm. These objects may be inscribed with various symbols or prayers and worn on the body or placed in the home. Witchcraft uses amulets and talismans to do the same thing.

3. The practice of Kabbalah: Kabbalah is a mystical tradition within Judaism that dates back to the Middle Ages. It includes various practices such as meditation, visualization, and the use of numerology as a way to connect with God and achieve spiritual insights. All similar in the practice of witchcraft.

Witchcraft is generally viewed as forbidden in Islam, and those who practice it are considered to be committing a major sin. However, there are some examples of witchcraft mentioned in Islamic literature, as well! The most notable I could find:

1. The story of Prophet Solomon and the queen of Sheba: According to Islamic tradition, the queen of Sheba was a powerful sorceress who used her magic to control her kingdom. Prophet Solomon, who was granted the ability to communicate with animals and control the jinn, used his powers to defeat her and convince her to convert to Islam. Being able to use his own magical powers, and communing with the Earth allowed him to defeat his biggest foe, just as a practitioner of the arts would use their powers and the Earth's wisdom to fulfil their intentions.

2. The practice of black magic: Unfortunately, there are some who use magic for malicious purposes in Muslim-majority countries, including the practice of black magic, which is believed to cause harm to others. While this is viewed as a major sin in Islam, it still occurs in some places. As with any power, there are some who wield it to bring light and love into the world and others to bring more despair.

3. Sufism: Sufism is a form of Islamic mysticism that emphasizes the personal experience of God through prayer, meditation, and devotion. It often involves the use of music, dance, and poetry as a means of reaching a state of spiritual ecstasy. Some well-known Sufi mystics include Rumi, Al-Ghazali, and Ibn Arabi.

Sikhism is a monotheistic religion that originated in Punjab, India, in the 15th century. It does not endorse the practice of witchcraft or other forms of magic. However, there are some references to magic and sorcery in Sikh literature, including:

1. The story of Guru Nanak and the Siddhas: According to Sikh tradition, Guru Nanak, the founder of Sikhism, once encountered a group of Siddhas (Hindu ascetics) who were practicing various forms of magic and witchcraft. The Guru engaged them in a debate and ultimately convinced them to abandon their sorcery and focus on spiritual practices that aligned with the teachings of Sikhism.

2. The use of mantras: In Sikhism, mantras are sometimes used as a way to focus the mind and connect with the divine. The most commonly used mantra in Sikhism is the "Waheguru" mantra, which means "Wonderful Teacher" and is used to invoke the divine presence.

3. The practice of healing: Sikhism emphasizes the importance of helping others and practicing seva, or selfless service. Some Sikhs may engage in healing practices, such as the use of herbal remedies or other forms of alternative medicine, to help others in need. However, these practices are not considered to be witchcraft or magic.

Now not all religions are against the use of magic within them! Infact some of the most popular ones embrace the unknown and the potential of harnessing one energy.

Hinduism has a rich and complex religious and cultural tradition, and various forms of magic and witchcraft have been practiced within Hinduism throughout its history. Here are a few examples:

1. Tantra: Tantra is a set of esoteric practices and rituals that originated in ancient India and are associated with various Hindu and Buddhist traditions. Some forms of Tantra involve the use of mantras, yantras (sacred diagrams), and mudras (hand gestures) to achieve various spiritual and worldly goals. Tantra has been associated with both white and black magic practices.

2. Black magic: In Hinduism, there are various forms of black magic that are practiced by some individuals, such as the use of curses, spells, and charms to harm or control others. This is generally viewed as a negative practice and is considered to be a sin.

3. Folk magic: There are many forms of folk magic that are practiced by people in different regions of India, such as the use of amulets, talismans, and charms to ward off evil spirits and protect against harm. These practices are often associated with local deities and spirits.

4. Ayurveda: Ayurveda is an ancient system of medicine and healing that originated in India and is still practiced today. It incorporates various forms of herbal medicine, massage, and other therapies, and is sometimes associated with spiritual practices and rituals.

5. Vedic astrology: Vedic astrology, also known as Jyotish, is an ancient system of astrology that is still widely practiced in India today. It involves the use of complex calculations and astrological charts to predict future events and provide guidance to individuals.

Buddhism is a non-theistic religion that emphasizes the practice of mindfulness, compassion, and the attainment of enlightenment. It generally does not endorse the practice of witchcraft or other forms of magic. However, there are some references to magic and sorcery in Buddhist literature, including:

1. The story of the Buddha and the sorcerer: According to one Buddhist tale, a sorcerer named Angulimala attempted to use his magic to kill the Buddha. However, the Buddha was able to use his spiritual powers to disarm the sorcerer and teach him about the dangers of violence and the importance of compassion.

2. The use of mantras: In some forms of Buddhist practice, mantras are used as a way to focus the mind and achieve spiritual goals. Mantras may be chanted, repeated silently, or written down and used as a visual aid.

3. The practice of divination: Some forms of Buddhism, particularly in East Asia, incorporate divination practices such as reading the I Ching or consulting with fortune-tellers. However, these practices are not central to Buddhist teachings and may be viewed as more of a cultural tradition.

See? There is room at the table to add the craft to your arsenal. It is not bad, it is not dangerous, it is simply as big or a small as you make it. Like I said earlier, take what you love and then add a little spice to it. Grab practices you are interested in and then add your power behind it. We are all capable of listening and being guided by our own intuition & spirit, we must first relearn that it is not bad, and stop listening to those who tell us a book has more to say than what our body does.

Until next time,

xoxo

Margaux