Category: Articles

(One Person’s View Point) Various Types of Witchcraft – Hereditary Witchcraft

 

Hereditary Witchcraft

As you meet more and more people in the Pagan community, you’ll occasionally encounter someone who claims to be a “hereditary witch.” They may even tell you they’ve been “Wiccan since birth,” but what does that really mean?

Well, it could mean a variety of things, but for a lot of us, it generally sends up a red flag when someone uses the phrase “born witch” or “Wiccan from birth.” Let’s look at why that may be the case.

Is There Witch DNA?
You’re not born Christian or Muslim or Hindu. There’s no “Wiccan DNA” that makes any one person more genetically witchy than someone who begins practicing in their fifties. You simply cannot be a Wiccan since birth because Wicca is an orthopraxic religious system that generally involves you doing and believing certain things that make you Wiccan. You can be raised by Wiccans–and many children are–but that doesn’t make you Wiccan from the moment you pop out of the womb, it simply means you were born to Wiccan parents.

That said, certainly, there seem to some people who may be more adept at Witchy Things at some point in their life, but there’s no chromosomal or biological difference in these folks as compared to the general population. You’ll obviously meet people that are psychically gifted, and whose parent or grandparent or child also displays these same traits. But if you operate on the assumption that everyone has some latent psychic ability anyway, it may be that these individuals were encouraged to use their talents while growing up, rather than repressing them like the majority of other people.

You may also encounter people in the Pagan community who claim “born witch” status because of some ancestral link to an individual in the past who was accused of witchcraft. You’ll bump into plenty of people who think Salem ancestry makes them special. It doesn’t, for a variety of reasons.

Familial Traditions of Magic
Also, there are certainly hereditary traditions of witchcraft, but by “hereditary” we don’t mean that the practices are biologically inherited.

These are typically small, familial traditions, or Fam Trads, in which beliefs and practices are handed down from one generation to the next, and outsiders are rarely included. PolyAna identifies as a hereditary witch, and her family hails from Appalachia. She says,

“In our family, what we do is more of a folk magic tradition. My son and I and my granddaughter, who is adopted, practice the same folk magic as my mother and grandmother did. We’ve done it as far back as anyone can remember. We follow the Celtic gods, and my Granny was nominally Catholic but brought a belief in the old gods with her from Ireland. She found a way to make it work, and we’ve carried on those traditions.”

PolyAna’s family practices aren’t typical, but there are certainly other hereditary traditions like hers out there. However, it’s hard to even estimate how many there are, because the information is generally kept within the family and not shared with the general public. Again, this is a family tradition based on practices and beliefs, rather than any documentable genetic link. For families with an Italian background, Stregheria is sometimes practiced in the United States and other countries.

Author Sarah Anne Lawless writes,

“The passing on of traditions through the family is a global concept, and is not restricted to culture or continent. There are many family traditions existing in the United States… who all bear a striking resemblance to the fairy doctors and cunning folk of Northern Europe, many of whom were hereditary themselves. The traditions… were strict and binding; they could only teach one student from the next generation of the family of the opposite sex. In many older witchcraft families in the UK, the traditions of transferring knowledge are thought to follow similar rules.”

For many modern Pagans, including those in hereditary family traditions, witchcraft is either a skill set that is developed and honed over years of practice, or it’s a belief system that is seen as a religion that one spends a lifetime working towards.

For some people, it’s a combination of the two.

So, after all that, could someone be part of a hereditary familial tradition? Absolutely, he or she certainly could. But if what they’re claiming is some sort of biological superiority that makes them witchier than everyone else, you should consider it suspect at best.
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Hereditary Witchcraft

Are You:

psychic?

drawn to dark, mysterious things?

not just interested in Vampires and Faeries, you want to be one?

unable to stay away from books about witchcraft and sorcery?

able to see or sense ghosts, and the past lives of places?

excited about going to places like Salem, or Whitby?

into dark glamor and wish to convey a powerful presence?

compelled by the Mysteries?

having trouble staying in your body? Are out of body experiences a away of life?

Since childhood you have practiced rituals to either placate the Gods, or communicate with spirits.

in a natural deep communion with nature and the spirits in trees, plants, animals, and landscapes.

passionate that sacred things and places must be protected.

more perceptive than most other people you know?

convinced that you have to keep these qualities to yourself.

These are just some of the possible traits that can indicate that you may be a hereditary witch — that you are a carrier of the Witch Blood

How it Used to Be
I grew up in the 1960’s and 1970’s, in a small town of Irish and French Catholics in Massachusetts. Witches were believed to be either fairy tale characters or evil old women who were burned at the stake in the Middle Ages.

England had serious laws against witchcraft until 1951. After these laws were repealed, Gerald Gardner went public with Wicca, a religion he developed by cobbling together folk lore, the ideas of Margaret Murray, some involvement with British magical traditions, and perhaps with a mix of the tribal ritual he may have seen in his years as a civil servant in Indonesia.

Robert Cochran came along later claiming to come from a long line of witches, as did Sibyl Leek. Still, the idea of a family carrying on an unbroken heritage of witchcraft or magical practices was considered a very wild claim. Yet some people seemed to be born with psychic and magical powers, were clearly drawn to tales of witchery and magic, and had the imagination to create communities of like minded souls who came together to be witches.

Those desires had to come from some place! This is where the idea of the Witch Blood was born. It may have been Robert Cochran who coined the term to describe people who for some inexplicable reason were willing to risk everything — jobs, houses, partners, families, etc. in order to pursue the path of witchcraft. Witch Queen Maxine Sanders was driven out of her home by frightened neighbors and had another house torched when they found out she was a Witch, even though she had done them no harm.

The conclusion was that, just as in fairy tales in which the Beggar Maid is discovered to be a Princess by virtue of her uncharacteristic beauty and refinement, someone with witch blood in their veins can be spotted by other witches. Perhaps there are people who come from families where the Craft was practiced long ago. These practices went underground, or were replaced with Christianity, but something remains in the genes that is passed down to one or members of the family unrecognized, or misunderstood.

Dormant Witch Blood can also be ignited by Initiation into Wicca, Faery Witchcraft practices, and the creation of a magical way of life.

Now
Today, many people have been born into witch families, and raised in the Craft. There is no doubt that they are hereditary witches and carry the Witch Blood. There is no mystery surrounding it as there when I was a young person just finding this stuff out about myself.

Still, I am sure that there are some in the current generation who feel these things and have no role models in their families. Their families may even be fundamentalist Christians — I have known a few people like that. Some Christians doth protest too much, and some ex-witches have gone into Christianity because of bad experiences in covens, or after frightening themselves when the magic actually works! They can be the most virulent antagonists against witchcraft.

Of course films and now television are currently having a field day with witches. Teenagers can take them on as role models, and in many cases, not be stigmatized as weirdos. In general, I have found witches to be a pretty happy lot, optimistic and creative, imaginative and fun loving. If sinister overtones are there, it is because of the dark cycle we all must go through, and the way some us walk between the worlds. Some witches are also sociopaths, but that isn’t just because they are witches, nor is sociopathology exclusive to witches and magicians.

If you have found yourself wandering in the woods, or walking the hills like a lost soul, hoping somewhere deep inside, where even you cannot verbalize it, that you will find them, then you might be blessed with the witch blood. If you leave offerings for the spirits, try to engage others to sit in a circle and call the spirits, if you feel you have a secret name, you might have the witch blood. If you are more drawn to these things than “normal” activities, are more comfortable in nature than in a church, if you can’t get your nose out of certain types of books….then I may have news for you….you maybe a Hereditary Witch,

Source: Patti Wigington, ThoughtCo  
Winterspells 

Hereditary Witchcraft

Hereditary Witchcraft

A reader says, “I met a woman who tells me she’s a hereditary born witch who has been Wiccan from birth. What in the world does that actually mean?”

Well, it could mean a variety of things, but for me personally, it generally sends up a red flag when someone uses the phrase “born witch” or “Wiccan from birth.” I realize I’ll get some hatey emails over this, but let me explain why I say that.

You’re not born Christian or Muslim or Hindu.

There’s no “Wiccan DNA” that makes any one person more genetically witchy than someone who begins practicing in their fifties. You simply cannot be a Wiccan since birth because Wicca is an orthopraxic religious system that generally involves you doing and believing certain things that make you Wiccan. You can be raised by Wiccans – and many children are – but that doesn’t make you Wiccan from the moment you pop out of the womb, it simply means you were born to Wiccan parents.

That said, certainly, there seem to some people who may be more adept at Witchy Things at some point in their life, but there’s no chromosomal or biological difference in these folks as compared to the general population. You’ll obviously meet people that are psychically gifted, and whose parent or grandparent or child also displays these same traits. But if you operate on the assumption that everyone has some latent psychic ability anyway, it may be that these individuals were encouraged to use their talents while growing up, rather than repressing them like the majority of other people.

You may also encounter people in the Pagan community who claim “born witch” status because of some ancestral link to an individual in the past who was accused of witchcraft. We get regular emails here from people who want to know if Salem ancestry makes them special. It doesn’t (for a variety of reasons).

Also, there are certainly hereditary traditions of witchcraft, but by “hereditary” we don’t mean that the practices are biologically inherited. These are typically small, familial traditions in which beliefs and practices are handed down from one generation to the next, and outsiders are rarely included. PolyAna identifies as a hereditary witch, and her family hails from Appalachia.

She says, “In our family, what we do is more of a folk magic tradition. My son and I and my granddaughter – who is adopted – practice the same folk magic as my mother and grandmother did. We’ve done it as far back as anyone can remember. We follow the Celtic gods, and my Granny was nominally Catholic but brought a belief in the old gods with her from Ireland. She found a way to make it work, and we’ve carried on those traditions.”

PolyAna’s family practices aren’t typical, but there are certainly other hereditary traditions like hers out there – and it’s hard to even estimate how many there are, because the information is generally kept within the family and not shared with the general public. Again, this is a family tradition based on practices and beliefs, rather than any documentable genetic link. For families with an Italian background, Stregheria is sometimes practiced in the United States and other countries.

For many modern Pagans – including those in hereditary family traditions – witchcraft is either a skill set that is developed and honed over years of practice, or it’s a belief system that is seen as a religion that one spends a lifetime working towards. For some people, it’s a combination of the two.

So, after all that – could this person be part of a hereditary familial tradition? Absolutely, she certainly could. But if what she’s claiming is some sort of biological superiority that makes her witchier than everyone else, I’d consider it suspect at best.

Source: Patti Wigington,Paganism/Wicca Expert Article found on & owned by About.com

(One Person’s View Point) Hereditary Witchcraft: Fact or Fiction?

Hereditary Witchcraft: Fact or FHereditary Witchcraft: Fact or Fiction?iction?

Author: chimerical18



“Hello, my name is Megan, and I am a hereditary* witch.” That’s what I should have said. Admittedly, this is what I should say in order to be true to my path and myself. However, instead what came out of my mouth were a few confident rumblings about me and why I’m here. I wasn’t prepared with a stunningly beautiful and completely superficial answer to give my fellow students in the Magick 101 class. I felt like a deer in the headlights, and I truly wished I could have run like one in that moment.

Some time between fear and acceptance, I realized: I can’t be the only person to ever feel this way about their own hereditary craft. In fact, I believe the reason so many are afraid to confidently own up to their own magickal heredity is because they have at some point been unnecessarily judged, and not by the ‘muggles’ who have not the knowledge nor experience to understand it. Instead, we are often judged by other members of the magickal community that our mothers, grandmothers, fathers, and grandfathers helped pave the way for.

I hope in this article to explain and address the controversy of Hereditary Witchcraft, as well as establish some guidelines for up and coming witches to utilize and consider before casting judgment (better known as misguided assumptions) against a fellow witch.

Part One: Why is this a controversy?

So, what in fact makes a hereditary witch- a witch? If someone walks up to you and says, “Hi, my name is Moon Beam, and I am a hereditary witch.” do you ultimately have any reason to believe them? You could of course if it is your way of things accept everything that everybody says in regards to paganism as ultimately true, and right. Ask yourself this question: if Mary Moon Beam said she was a hedge witch, druid, budding pagan polyamorist, Crowley worshiper, or any other path- would you have then believed her? Keeping your first answers to these questions in mind, lets move forward and examine this together.

In most circumstances there is no documented way to determine whether or not a person is hereditary in their craft. There are also many variations of hereditary witchcraft, which have developed and spread throughout the world. Then there’s the fact that hereditary witchcraft in fact isn’t passed down in all cases to a biological relation. Ultimately, there are many founded reasons why a witch of the old ways may choose to pass their knowledge to a non-biological family member. Therefore, there are plenty of witches out there that were not born of another witch but were passed the necessary knowledge with the specific intent of continuing a hereditary tradition. Alright so now we know- there are two basic kinds of hereditary craft: born of, and ‘not so born of’.

To cite a specific example, what if a cousin or nephew was passed the tradition willingly? They then are given (and make a choice to accept) the same responsibility of continuing the tradition that any biological member of the family would have. All right, so, a ‘Hereditary’ witch is generally considered a person who is born of or (not so born of) a hereditary witch and chooses to accept, follow, and continue growing a pre-established tradition of witchcraft. Right? Well, sort of!

Here is even more to consider respectably: what if the act of passing on the family’s specific tradition of witchcraft skipped a generation? How about if the family tradition skipped five generations and then later re-emerged? The reality of modern hereditary witchcraft is that we all have broken branches on our family trees that we can and sometimes can’t account for, justify, or prove. Realistically, this means that many hereditary practitioners have to reforge or reform their traditions in order to fill in the missing gaps of knowledge that were not passed on.

A family tradition is typically an eclectic mix of pantheons, practices, cultures, ancestry, and of course: family. This type of tradition is constantly forming and forging, and is also often referred to specifically as a ‘family tradition’ or ‘fam-trad’ (for short) . If you hear someone referring to a family tradition, remember that they may not be hereditary- but instead could be forming a tradition to be passed on (there by establishing a new hereditary line) . Again, in order to preserve the traditions and practices that have survived the ages, many choose to pass their knowledge on to someone who is not biologically related. Therefore a family tradition can include mothers, brothers, cousins, nephews, fathers, grandfathers, and any other person considered adopted family by all members.

There are some grey areas that are tough to approach regarding both Family Traditions and Hereditary Witchcraft. I am referring to these concepts separately because they are not one in the same. Instead of backing down from explaining this portion of the great controversies surrounding hereditary witchcraft, I would like to address it by issuing a challenge to you (the reader) . Here is your job: ask your teacher, mentor, mother, grandmother, or a leader in community the following question-“Who did you learn from, and who did that person learn from?”

If you have ever done this you will find eventually one teacher, leader, elder, or great-grandmother who learned directly from someone who practiced what once was an exclusively hereditary tradition. In order to understand why some people claim or believe they are hereditary practitioners, you have to wrap your mind around the idea that during the ‘burning times’ witchcraft receded into small groups sometimes (but not always) called covens- which were considered within many traditions the equivalent of family.

We are now of course back to the idea of non-biological heredity within witchcraft. In this case scenario, a lot of practitioners were, and still in modern times, are not biologically related to the craft- but regard themselves as hereditary because they are passing on a tradition that would not survive otherwise. The biggest question in most people’s minds at this point is probably the best test of personal truth: is this still hereditary witchcraft?

Well, actually yes it is. But are the practitioners now still considered hereditary if they are receiving knowledge from a non-biological relation of a witch (a witch who has passed) who was part of a hereditary tradition? Well, no, not really- at least not in my opinion. (Though there are plenty that would probably disagree with me)

In fact, this is the very reason most people believe that hereditary witchcraft is just a big ‘myth’ and that in the modern craft it doesn’t really exist anymore. Many modern practitioners of Wicca and witchcraft seem to believe for some god-awful reason that the old hereditary traditions don’t exist, or that they shouldn’t be exclusive if they do. Worse, there seem to be a lot of preconceived notions floating about our magickal communities regarding what makes the claim of hereditary witchcraft valid or invalid.

Therefore, I have to say it: should we as witches disregard our hereditary lineages, our family lines, our traditions and the knowledge gained thereof because so many other practitioners have actually abandoned the idea that it’s valid? Or worse, because our high priestesses, friends, and fellow practitioners have told us that we are not what we claim?

Part Two: To Be A Witch is first and foremost to know yourself.

I say no, because it’s not their job to tell me who I am. It’s my job, and nobody else’s. To be a witch, means that you already know who you are, and you choose to be true to yourself in actions, words, and energy regardless of what anybody else says. To be a hereditary witch is just as great of a responsibility. There is no more and no less to learn if you are a hereditary witch. There is no more or less power and knowledge available to you if you are a hereditary practitioner.

Hereditary witches are not better, more ‘right’, greater, or even necessarily more powerful than any other witch. Hereditary witches, and practitioners of hereditary traditions should be working together to pass our knowledge on to others who are willing to know themselves and to learn the craft. Instead, too often we are battling against each other over broken lineages, huge gaps in knowledge that we are all trying to fill, and what are occasionally liars claiming heredity. Shall we walk on believing only those who have a firm pedigree should and can claim heredity within the craft?

I believe that each person who claims to be a witch should not only already know their personal sense of truth well, but also is continually reforming it through self discovery. I believe that to be a witch means that you are studying a tradition of some sort whether it is by learning the traditions of others or by birthing your own tradition from what you have learned. It is inescapable that in studying Wicca, witchcraft, or even general paganism that you will have to study someone else’s tradition- and those traditions were preserved by heredity practice to begin with. I believe that heredity is not invisible; it is what makes us who we are regardless of what that heredity is. Whether or not we like what we were taught, or from whom we came- heredity is what shapes us as human beings.

I made a choice a long time ago to honor myself as a witch because I was ready to face and embrace who I am, who I was meant to be, and who I have been. I was not handed my tradition of hereditary witchcraft on a silver platter and told to follow my mother in all that she decided was true and right. (No true witch worth her weight in wax would require their children to follow the craft as their way, because that ideal infringes upon free will.)

My decision to practice witchcraft was completely of my own volition, and of my own making. In order to learn the ways of the old witches, I had to earn it. In fact if there is one clear difference in being raised by a witch, I have to say it’s that there was always more expected of me than of the others around me. It doesn’t make me a better witch, but it does make me a better person.

In all that my mother passed to me of what she does know the most important lesson has been that with great freedom comes great knowledge, and therefore also comes great responsibility. I respect this responsibility, and I use it wisely because it’s my karma that I damage if I choose to disregard the laws of power. I know that I have a greater responsibility than some, and that what I carry is not a burden but instead a blessing.

I refuse to reject the lessons I have earned from my family as a ‘myth’ or ‘excuse’. To disregard the honor it is to be who I am, would be disregarding a deeply felt piece of my heart and spirit. I wish nothing but to further and forward the knowledge we all can gain, and yet some others have disregarded me because I claim my own heredity. I think judgments of this nature are not only astounding, but also disrespectful to the craft itself.

I have spent a great deal of time, effort, and study dedicated to the practice of witchcraft. This being said, I want it to be clear that knowledge is free but wisdom is earned. Just because you can claim a hereditary line does not mean that you ultimately are meant to do so, or even that it would be right for you to do so. Possessing a hereditary line is a tricky thing, and it doesn’t give you a free pass to skip the lessons that we all must learn. Hereditary lineage in fact for most has little bearing on what they learn, as well it should be.

Sometimes a person can be as hereditary as they come, but if it skipped a few generations they may have missed out on the teachings of their great grandmother. That doesn’t make their heritage invalid, or even their knowledge flawed- unless they have chosen to instead base their knowledge on movies and pop culture. Being a hereditary witch has actually nothing to do with making the same choices, and believing the same thing your mother, grandmother, or even great-great grandmother did.

The fundamental myth that we hereditary witches only choose to act as our predecessors did is completely void of truth. How could we be true to ourselves if we did? I am 25 years old, and I still fight and rebel against my mother! I intend to continue doing this for as long as it fits who I am. She and I luckily have a close, and accepting relationship where I am supposed to own up to who I am not reject it.

Another myth of hereditary witchcraft of course is that I somehow learned at birth how to cast a spell, read tarot cards, and astral travel. Ok, so I already knew how to astral travel. But the rest of it certainly isn’t true, and doesn’t mean that I am trained enough to teach another how to practice magic.

You probably wouldn’t even want me to teach you anyway, because what I do is not made of stars and light alone. What I do and practice is what works for me, and yes a lot of it happens to be something I learned from my mother. However, my mother helped form whom I am does not decide or determine whom I choose to be. Therefore if there is something that she believes that I disagree with, I tell her and I include exactly why I disagree. If my mother disagrees with me, she does the same and it is yes usually a long conversation. However, we both do what works for each of us individually because it works and it is who we are to do so.

Of course yet another myth of hereditary tradition and witchcraft is that somehow I think I’m better than other people because of how much I know. This is ironically the biggest complaint I have received from many people, and it is the reason I tell few people that I am a hereditary witch. I don’t know everything, plain and simple. I have always referred others to texts, teachers, and other resources if I feel I do not have a sound explanation for their questions. This of course, may not always even answer the question that was put to me to begin with. I can’t change that, and I hope that nobody whom I love and keep close would see this as insecurity.

Part Three: To Honor our Ancestors, and each other.

Hereditary witchcraft is how we preserved our traditions for centuries. If it had not have been for my mother, or my grandmother- I would not have the right to practice as I believe. I believe if it had not been for all of our elders, leaders, and community pioneers- we wouldn’t be recognized as having a religion within the United States of America. I give honor to all of them, because they are how we got here regardless of who their great, great, grandmothers were.

I also believe that we are a part of the future of witchcraft and paganism because in all that we do we are ever forming it. Like it or not, we are the legacy of modern witchcraft- and what we do will be written on the pages of history. I say, let’s document it better for ourselves this time.

To conclude this exposition in addressing the concept of modern hereditary witchcraft, here is the one thing you need to know to sort the fluffy self-deluded liars from the real witches that might actually want to know. Hereditary witches, to put it bluntly, are not people who have to do less work, or who are handed everything they need to know in a book of shadows from their grandmother. A hereditary witch that you would want to know, respect, and possibly utilize as a resource is someone who a) tells you and if necessary proves to you upon request where their lineage comes from even if it is broken in places b) knows themselves, and is true to themselves even if you don’t like them c) and who is astoundingly honest and expects the same from you.

If this is not what you discover from Mary Moon Beam, who claims hereditary practice is her middle name, then ask her why she believes this about herself. Then, would you please tell, Mary hereditary witch Moon Beam, that she is degrading the practice of other hereditary witches by lying to herself and others. Or alternatively, if you aren’t all that confrontational- walk the other way reminding yourself that you’re glad you are not that self-deluded.

The bottom line when meeting new people in the magical community is that if you don’t ask, you won’t know. Furthermore, if this person (aka Mary hereditary witch moon beam) is self deluded and following a path that isn’t right for them- do you really want to further the grand delusions they may have by feeding them attention for their claims? Generally those witches who lie or exaggerate about the nature of their practices are not the kind you want around, or the type you would want to look to for teaching and guidance.

Hereditary practitioners of magic are bound to the same laws of power everybody else is. We do not ‘skip go’ or collect 200 dollars for being who we are. We instead share the rewarding work of furthering the knowledge and raising the awareness of witchcraft in the modern world from a different vantage point. (Notice that in this sense ‘different’ doesn’t mean better or worse) Hereditary witchcraft is highly unique, relatively rare to find, and deeply rooted once you get to know their traditions. It is just as honorable to be a hereditary witch as it is to be of any other path, creed, ethos, or tradition.

It’s also just as challenging, if not more challenging than learning what have become mainstream traditions. So, don’t forget: they deserve the same respect and honor you give others of the craft- and no less. (Especially if the lack of respect comes from a place of assumption, and envy or jealousy)

It never hurts to remember and continually be reminded of this one fact in regards to dealing with other practitioners of multi-faceted traditions:

Purposefully disrespecting another member of the craft, in order to ‘justify’ the hierarchy, ethos, system of ethics, etc. that you believe in is never appreciated by anybody. Worse, it makes you look like a person who does not have the ability to discern fact from fiction!

From your favorite hereditarily fused and forged witch!

Eorthan Madame
Indianapolis, IN

(One Person’s View Point) The Dark Side of the Water Witch c 2012

The Dark Side of the Water Witch

Water rules the emotions, and the Water Witch has a predisposition to think with the heart and not the head. As she is devoted to water, she believes wholeheartedly that a tiger can change its strips by virtue of cleansing away the negative. She will give a second chance in the case of an innocent mistake. However, if crossed intentionally, the Water Witch will hold a grudge until the end of time. She is a wall builder and will not hesitate to block out anyone who deserves it. Her code of justice is so strict that she often entertain notions of revenge. She is known to overdo it in these matters.

In personal matters, the Water Witch’s intuition does not function at its fullest capacity. She can be quick to assume a slight was intended by an innocent remark and operate strictly on that notion, regardless of its truthfulness. Unfortunately, once this happens the Water Witch can muddy her own waters.

(One Person’s View Point) Balancing the Elements: a Water and Sea Witch guide to finding balance with the elements

Balancing the Elements: a Water and Sea Witch guide to finding balance with the elements

It would be silly to think that someone who calls themselves a water witch works ONLY with the water element. This would make for a very unbalanced practice! Rather Water or Sea Witches work with all the elements through their particular path which is deeply connected to water. A Water Witch may call themselves Water or Sea witch because they derive their power from the Waters or the Spirits that dwell with in it.

Working with Air
Water Witches can work with air in conjunction with water. While I personally don’t resonate with Air as well as I do the other elements, it can still be worked with and incorporated into a balanced practice. There are many stories of Witches having the power to control the wind and weather; many times these stories are about Sea Witches or witches that could be classified as Sea Witches based on where they live. An old folk spell Sea Witches have been recorded as being responsible for, is selling knots to Sailors. Each knot holding the power to release different strengths of wind.

“For the right price, witches supplied sailors with a cord having three knots. When becalmed, untying the first knot was thought to produce a light breeze, undoing the second produced a moderate wind, and the third a strong breeze. Scottish fishermen were known to buy knotted handkerchiefs of wind sorceress, the desired strength of the wind could be obtained by slowly undoing the knot. Once loosened, the knot was useless and for additional winds another purchase was required. If a sailor found a knot in a painter, he could expect a long voyage. When a sailor referred to “tying a knot in the devil’s tail,” he was relating to the “well done” completion of a difficult task.”

Another good example of Water Witches having the power to control the weather and raise up storms is the Gallicanae from the Island of Sena. Here we have a group of 9 priestess with magical powers who are clearly connected to the sea but also have the power to change the winds and work with water in conjunction with air.

“Sena in the British sea, opposite the Ofismician coast, is remarkable for an oracle of the Gallic God. Its priestesses, holy in perpetual virginity, are said to be nine in number. They are called Gallicenae, and are thought to be endowed with singular powers, so as to raise by their charms the winds and seas, to turn themselves into what animals they will, to cure wounds and diseases incurable by others, to know and predict the future; but this they do only to navigators who go thither purposely to consult them.”

In a modern practice, one can look to wisdom from water birds, work with knots as above, charge water in a singing bowls using voice and vibration to charge waters, and can engage in spirit flight using water as a portal to the other world.

Working with Fire

Working with Fire is actually quite fun when working water magic. Fire can heat our cauldrons, and be the catalyst for change, a flame can be lit at a sacred well or near a river. Floating candles can be used to merge the powers of water and fire and holy water can be used to anoint candles. Additionally, there are several European Goddesses that are associated with Fire and Water; Bride, Sulis and Nantosuelta are a few. Grannus is a masculine deity that is also associated with Fire and Natural Springs. Many cultures across the world combine water and fire together by lighting candles and setting them afloat on small rafts of herbs or wreaths. A Water Witch that is particularly connected to springs and wells will find many ways to honor and work with water and fire together. A popular tradition is well dressings, and candles as well as flowers and other offerings are used to decorate the sacred space on holy days.

In a modern practice candles can be anointed with holy water or used to light a ritual bath. Floating candles can be used in a bowl or one can Scry by candle light. Candles are a staple in every witches tool bag, and Water Witches use them as well, though our collection might be heavy on the blue and green side!

Working with Earth

Earth and Water are very compatible and often are used together. Floral essences, Herbal Teas, and Gem elixirs are quick and easy ways to combine earth and water magic together.

The earth is the vessel in which the water is held, both symbolically in the alchemical symbol and actually in the physical world. Our physical bodies which represent earth are filled with water and in a way is a vessel. The earth contains water and while it does not necessarily control it, it holds it, and houses it giving it a structure in which to rest or rage.

For the Sea Witch shells, sand, and drift wood would be earth representations and a beautiful way to combine water and earth. There is nothing more beautiful than a piece of smooth driftwood that washes up at your feet. Water and Earth work together to transform the environment around it; river rocks and beach agates smoothed and tumbled by nature are other good examples of water and earth together.

Witches that work with rivers can connect to the earth with river rock, hag stones and the muddy parts of the shore. Bath salts can also be considered an earth element and are a wonderful edition to any bath!

Dew has much folklore and recorded magical uses, a popular one being collecting dew on May Day from the Hawthorn tree. For the most part Dew relies on plants and grasses to hold its delicate watery form. Again a perfect example of combining the elements.

Working with all the elements is important in any magical practice, and for those of us that are watery it is always good to reach towards a more grounding element in tough times. When our waters need to be stirred up reach towards air and when you need to heat up or become passionate about something working with Fire can be beneficial. Finding balance is important, and so is honoring all the elements even if our home is in the waters!

Source: Published on Patheos by ANNWYN AVALON

(One Person’s View Point) The Path Of The Water Witch

The Path Of The Water Witch

 

Water Witches are sometimes called Sea Witches, but many of them find a calling with inland creeks, rivers, and lakes. It is rare for them to limit themselves to any one type of body of water. They generally align with all forms, including rain.

In most mythologies, human sprang from the Earth, but the gods themselves came from water. Egyptian theory states that the sun god Re was born from the primordial waters. Today, scientists can back that theory, NASA scientists theorize that water exists in heavy quantities in the universe. It works as a coolant. The water vapors in outer space for the condensing of clouds. Once a cloud condenses enough, it becomes a star.

Water reflects, the Water Witch does the same. If you yell at her, she will yell back at you. If you are kind to her well, she will be kind and treat you well in return. She is very fair. She shares many qualities with her sister Earth Witch, as the Earth is 90 percent water. Among those qualities is the core belief of taking complete responsibility for her actions. The Water Witch accepts that every move she makes can cause ripples across the surface of the water and moves accordingly.

Water is considered a feminine force, and the Water Witch may prefer an alliance with the Goddess, all the while recognizing and maintaining that the God is within the Goddess. She cans sometimes relate closely to Dianic Witches in this preference.

The Water Witch can see things that those on other paths cannot. In fact, the human sense of sight belongs in her realm. Just as the seas teem with life that we have yet to discover and understand, the Water Witch know s that there is much more to our world than what is within our eyesight! While she can be highly superstitious, for the most part she simply knows that there is more just waiting to be discovered, as well as some things that humanity has known about and forgotten over the ages. The old phrase “out of the blue” speaks volumes about the ability of the Water Witch to tune in to her intuition. She is often very gifted in divination practices. Tarot is usually her divinatory tool of choice, but she also has a talent for dowsing.

The Water Witch sees little that she considers an obstacle. She understands that her fate is in her hands, and if she cannot flow through something, she will flow around it. Once her mind is made up, very little can stop her from obtaining what she wants. Because water exists in three forms on Earth, The Water Witch can be considered a formidable force. She will not admit to any weaknesses.

The Water Witch has a close link to the feminine side of nature. She understands reproduction and is akin to her sister Earth Witch in this manner as well. Menstruation falls in the realm of the Water Witch. Because of this, she is instrumental in moon-lodge practices and coming-of-age rites. Her sister Earth Witch may focus more on the rebirth cycle, while the Water Witch is more in touch with creation.

The Water Witch specializes in healing, cleansing, beauty, emotions, intuition and energy. Her magickal style is usually based on instinct. If the feeling hits her to perform a cleansing, she will. She does not necessarily worry about correspondences and timing. Her timing is completely her own–she will not be rushed by others into decisions or action. Schooled in water magick, ice magick and snow magick, the Water Witch can tell you all about the role of water in the metaphysical and physical realms.

Winter is the season when the Water Witch’s power is at its peak. She holds within herself the ability to transform fluidity to solid form during the winter, the same way that water turns to ice. It is during this season that the Water Witch should turn her view inward and evaluate her goals. She often redefines herself through the process. Because of this, a Water Witch grows stronger every year. She understands that just as dry ice is sticky, it is her role to hold thing together.

Throughout the winter months, the Water Witch is abnormally busy, even for her active lifestyle. Because she is at her highest power and incarnated in all three of her forms during these months, she may be short of temper. When you add to that the fact that artificial heat (fire, an evaporating influence on water) is usually pumped into the home during this time and families tend to be cooped up in the same space, you may have one cranky, stressed-out Water Witch on your hands. She longs for room to spread out and flow. A simple snowfall can ease her mind and soothe her spirit; she draws strength from it. If that is not an option, a long bath or a cup of hot tea usually helps. Rest assured that if you visit her in the winter months, she will be a very gracious hostess, regardless of the timing. The Water Witch is known for her generous hospitality.

Her home décor is usually unthemed, with whimsy being the main rule. The Water Witch may have a quirky collection of glass objects, prisms (she tends to like sparkly things), tons of throw pillows and an aquarium. Cool blues and greens are often primary colors in both her wardrobe and her home.

Due to her busy lifestyle, the Water Witch frequently has to let the housework slide somewhat. Although she prefers all things to be clean, she also understands that there must be “salt in the sea.” In other words, a small amount of dirt is inevitable, and she is able to live with that comfortably. She absolutely cannot stand clutter, though. It drives her to distraction.

Another common trait of the Water Witch is a quirky sense of humor. It simply cannot be defined. Some of the things she says seem to come from outer space in their relation to the topic, yet they can make you laugh as nothing else will. This is intentional–the Water Witch is lighthearted. But just when you begin to think she has never had a deep thought in her life, she will prove you wrong. When it comes to serious conversation, the Water Witch can often put her finger on an aspect of the situation that the other Elemental Witches do not see. The Water Witch is very wise.

Like her mythical brethren the mermaids and water nymphs, the Water Wise tends to love long hair. She may keep it pulled back in a ponytail due to a lack of time, but she lets it grow nonetheless. The effects that water has on the body are directly in line with the metaphysical attributes of the Water Witch. Usually beautiful, she is often younger looking in appearance than in age and has a long memory and attention span and bright, shining eyes.

Because the Water Witch always considers every side of an argument before making up her mind, she may be slow to assume a position. Rest assured that when a Water Witch states her opinion., it has been well thought out. She open-minded and fair. Her strength lies in her dual nature an a ability to see the points or view of others. And like water, she will find her way into all of the small nooks and crannies of a situation. She may initially choose an answer based on instinct but if new facts come to light, she will often change her mind. She is flexible.

Those on the water path often find a calling in helping others. They make wonderful therapists, psychiatrists, obstetricians, pediatricians or service personnel. Often people are attracted to their soothing nature and come to them for advice. Like a waterbed, a reflecting pool , or a relaxing bath, Water Witches project an aura of serenity and comfort.

The Water Witch may be seen as moody, but like the sea herself, she is often in motion. She rarely slows down She is full of energy and always on the go. And like the sea, her moods swing with the tides. The moon holds sway over the tides, and one can easily draw a parallel between the moon and the Water Witch’s emotional patterns.

 

Source: Elemental Witch by Tammy Sullivan

(One Person’s View Point) Water Witches

 

Water Witches

Most people are familiar with sea witches and sea witchcraft. It seems as if, like the village witch, the sea witch has been recognized as a solitary powerful path by the general community. Of course sea witchcraft is not limited to solitary practitioners, as I know of a few sea witch covens around the globe, but often times sea witches are inclined to carve their own path, similar to the way a river might carve it’s own path through stones. Water witches, like the Sea Witch, are drawn to the water. Water witches are drawn not only to the ocean, but they feel and must answer the call of river water, lake water, canals and even the rain. Like the sea, these bodies of water are seductresses. They pull at our heart strings and torture our spirit; pining and raging like an ocean in a storm. I have heard whispers of those that say they have Mermaid or Selkie blood and also of those that have had past lives as such creatures; perhaps they are true and perhaps it is just the seduction of the mysterious waters. What is known, is that the water calls to us, it pulls us in and we feel empty and lost with out it.

A water witch is simply one that works witchcraft with water. Over the years I have found some that are skeptical, and others that deeply understand my words. It is very interesting that Sea Witches seem to be accepted by the pagan world, but Water Witches are not. However, with the recent publishing of Whist Waters by Gemma Gary, it seems as if the Witchcraft community is finally interested in accepting Water Witchcraft as well. It makes sense; water is everywhere. It is not just the ocean or large lakes, it is the rain, the swamps, large rivers and seasonal streams etc. Water is essential to our life; we cannot go without water for longer than a few days without death. Our bodies are made up of a considerable portion of water. We know from Dr Masaru Emoto’s work with water (which I will discuss below) that even the slightest word can create a change in water, and how that word is spoken influences the outcome of that change. When we put these thoughts about water and change together with the definition of magic…

Magic is…

“the science and art of causing Change to occur in conformity with will”
~Aleister Crowley~

“the art of changing consciousness in accordance with will”
~Doreen Valiente~

We end up with a very clear picture of how powerful water magic can be. In short, since we know that words and intent influence the structure of a water molecule and that magic is change according to will and will and intent are almost synonymous then we have a basic formula for Water magic. Intent + water = a visual change. In a way, we can even see the magic take place!

When we look at Water Magic as a practice, utilizing it in either small (rain, wells, etc) or large quantities (lakes, ocean etc), it is very clear that chanting, spells, incantations, sigils, and many more magical practices can be incorporated and the result is incredibly powerful. For hundreds of years Holy Wells have been revered for their powers of both cursing and healing. Such bodies of water include the famous hot springs at Bath. The hot baths, shrines and a temple dedicated to Sulis, the Goddess that presides over the hot springs, are known to heal, but are also known for its curse tablets, where over 300 were found. Many bodies of water like the Glastonbury red and white wells contain their own properties which are enhanced by the calcium and iron deposits. For hundreds of years Clootie have been hung over sacred wells in the UK. This was practiced widely from Wales to Scottland and still is today. The famous Mother Shipton, witch and oracle, lived by a sacred spring and can still be visited today. Not suprisingly her name is Ursula Southeil (interesting connection to Disney’s little mermaid!) As you can see both Folklore and Science support the idea of water magic.

Water Witchcraft, as I stated before, is very similar to Sea Magic and Sea Witchcraft. Sea Witches usually stick to the sea shore, however water witches will be found just about everywhere. Near lakes, rivers, holy wells etc. Tools are usually gathered from the shoreline and oftentimes shells, driftwood, and plants are their tools of choice. Water Witches will most often blend Sea magic with their craft. Focusing on tides, moon cycles, and so much more. Since there is no specific Water Tradition (with one exception) you will find that most sea/water witches practice very differently. Some incorporate water and sea spirits, fae or deity into their practice, while others believe that there is no religion associated with their practice at all. These topics are very popular in the pagan community and chat boards, and though they do influence water/sea magic, they are not a topic I am going to discuss here and for one very simple reason; No one will ever agree! Water witches will also find that they differ in their beliefs, the one thing that binds us together is Water in her many forms. For me, a Water witch’s practice can be defined by Magic that is focused around water, water creatures living and dead, spirits that are associated with water, and if one wishes Goddess and Gods associated with Water.

** The one exception in tradition I mention above is The Water Witches in the UK. There is very limited information on them however. They are part of a group of people that were very much like gypsies, but their homes were floating barges. There is no particular tradition and with limited information it is hard to say how they practiced. However what we do know is they were wandering people of the industrial revolution that lived on the water canals in the UK. Many people still live this way today, but I am not sure if they exist in the same manner. I call this a tradition because it was a group of people that practiced for years in a similar way, and many were family. You can read about my own adventures on these mysterious canals here.

There are many different types of water; fresh water lakes and the ocean are not the only types and many hold as much power and mystery such as the muddy waters of the Uk Canals, sacred wells, and swamps. Many sea witches work with brackish water and so do water witches. There is so much magic in the brackish waters of the Calvert cliffs. Large Megolodon teeth can be found on the shores, and stingrays swim circles in the early morning on the calm glassy surface of the pale blue and gold water with the sun rising in the east. The shores are full of healing and death, with yarrow growing among the poison hemlock on the banks of the shore speaking of balance and bane. Large predators once roamed the waters and the stings of the jellyfish are fierce. Oh how glorious to watch the storm come across the waters…

Swamp water is also full of mystery and poison. Toads, snakes and spiders lurk with in the grooves of a hollowed cypress tree, tall nubs of the cypress trees roots peek above the surface of the waters. Swamp waters can be found all over the world. Most commonly known would be the Florida Everglades and the Bayou of Louisiana. Any type of magic you can imagine can be practiced in this type of water, from natural magic to voodoo. However I will say, I do not think that ceremonial magic would be suited for this type of environment

Lakes and Fountains hold so much mystery and mythology. The Lady of the lake has to be the most famous account of water magic taking place in a lake. There are several tales of Ladies of the Fountain and Lake Ladies and their magical gardens, healing powers, and bargains.

Rain, Snow, Hail and storm energy in general is very interesting to work with as well. I personally collect water everywhere I go. Often times I label and date it with what type of storm it was. As you can imagine, a summer sun shower would be beautiful warm energy, and hail and a lightning storm pack a VERY powerful punch and can be incorporated into magical workings that need the extra push or used to curse. There is nothing like sitting on the banks of a large body of water, watching a terrible storm roll in. Many water witches enjoy this type of weather, and pull energy from the storm as well as send spells out and let the roaring winds and waters weave the magic.

Types of water you can work with include, sea, brackish, lakes, rivers, distilled, hydrosol, swamps, snow, hail, rain, ponds, canals, seasonal creeks, sacred wells and other bodies of water. Really there is no limit to how you can use water magic! I find that Water Witches are attracted to bottles, bowls, and other vessels. They are often found beach combing or searching the banks of rivers and lakes. Many I have spoken with are drawn to some sort of mythological water spirit or creature such as Mermaids, Selkie, and Lake Ladies. Many love to swim, boat, and are often found in the bath. Interestingly, astrological charts seem to indicate a strong lean towards water, often times having a Water rising sign as well as a Watery moon. However this is not a hard fast rule and it does vary. Often times, Water witches are very good at water scrying, divination with shells or bones found along the shoreline. Almost every Sea/Water witch I have met is a bit of a magpie and will collect shells, wood, glass etc from the water and create shrines or water based altars. Many work with tea, sacred baths, healing waters, holy wells, hydrosols, and water based sprays. I will blog more about how to work with different bodies of water and how to work with them in the future.

Source: Annwyn Avalon, Author Published on The Water Witch

(One Person’s View Point) The Dark Side of the Earth Witch

The Dark Side of the Earth Witch

All beings have their strengths and weaknesses. In the case of an Earth Witch, there is one main magical problem: she has a hard time defending herself against things that are “unearthly.” Spiritual entities or adverse astral conditions are rare occurrences, but since they force the Earth Witch out of her natural realm, they can cause quite a bit of stress and wreak havoc. Because these entities have an easier time attacking the Earth Witch, they tend to do so more often than they do the other Elemental Witches. Because of this problem, the Earth Witch is usually very practiced in warding and protection. This is also a prime argument for maintaining balance in one’s magical practice. Each element has its own set of strengths and weaknesses. Where one element may have a hole, another may fill it with energy.

However, the enterprising Earth Witch has (and has had for centuries) the perfect tool to remedy this problem: the bridge. Crossing running water serves to release her from any hounding spirits. In order for an Earth Witch to fight unearthly forces effectively, she must call upon her sister elements. It is in this capacity that her role of being the foundation of life is of the greatest importance. Her ability to draw from her sister elements and seek their aid becomes more pronounced each time shed does it. Practice makes perfect for an Earth Witch.

It is important to note than an Earth Witch can have a hard time understanding her sister elements. In truth, all practitioners of specialty paths have to find their own unique ways of relating to those who follow a different elemental path. The Earth Witch is both battered and pampered by the other elements. For example, a hurricane force wind may change the surface of the Earth, but it cannot change the core of it. The Earth Witch is the same. She can adapt to the wind on the surface, but it does not change who she is or her role in the world.

(one Person’s View Point) Home of the Earth Witch

Home of the Earth Witch

The home of an Earth Witch is lived-in, comfortable, happy, and usually well organized–she runs a tight ship. At the same time, the Earth Witch is the first to let housework slide a bit. Her view is that as long as everything is in its place, a little dust is okay. She recognizes that many times there are more important things to do than mindless scrubbing. It is not unusual for an Earth Witch to incorporate magical correspondences into her décor. She usually has an abundance of house plants and tends to have a green thumb when it comes to the care of these plants.

The kitchen is by far the most popular room in the Earth Witch’s house. She considers it to be the heart of her home—and her home is her heart. The aromas drifting from the kitchen tend to make folks gravitate into the room. The Earth Witch appreciates good cooking. She is renowned for her ability to whip up a meal from scratch while visiting with others. Unfortunately, due to this love, she also may have issues with weight and carry a few extra pounds.

While taste is important to the Earth Witch, texture is even more important. The Earth Witch is sensual and loves touching and being touched. She may have a affinity to velvet, silk and more exotic fabrics, but you will most often find her dressed in comfortable cotton. She has a strong affinity to stones and crystals and often wears them as jewelry.

The Earth Witch understands the forces at work behind crystal energy. She know that crystals contain electrical charges and can be used as batteries, both personally and in electronic devices. She is usually well versed in magnetic magic as well.

The Earth’s Witch Book of Shadows is often painstakingly kept. Thorough and detailed, it can contain entire family histories with its pages. It is usually scrupulously organized and filled with any fact that could possibly be needed. The Earth Witch treasures family heirlooms and creates her personal Book of Shadows in such a way that it will stand the test of time. To her, it is not only a book of magic, it is a manual of life, and it is meant to be passed down through the family.

(One Person’s View Point) Characteristics of an Earth Witch

Characteristics of an Earth Witch

One of the best things about the Earth Witch is her ability to remain silent. She understand that sometimes it is best to say nothing rather than risk saying it wrong. She is very careful about what she says. Because she is not argumentative by nature, when the Earth Witch speaks her words hold weight. She also tends to be critical of others, even though she may not say it out loud. Too often, the Earth Witch represses her feelings and as a result may need to purge more often than those who follow other elemental paths. But since she holds earth so close to her, she is adept at purging anywhere and anytime.

Cautious and wary, the Earth Witch rarely takes unnecessary chances. Level-headed to the end, she helps others find suitable solutions to their problems. Her approach to life is slow and steady. She is conservative, patient, and practical.

The Earth Witch can most often be found working a job in which she can directly improve the world around her, or a job that may seem boring but is traditionally necessary within the boundaries of society. Social work, teaching, architecture, and banking are natural choices for the Earth Witch.

On the flip side, the gentle Earth Witch is not one you want to anger. She is capable of utter destruction, which she views as a natural part of the cycle of life. Rarely will she look back with regret. She may take a while before deciding that she is angry and will give you every chance to explain yourself. But once angered, she can be stubborn and hold a grudge. Because she will give you every chance in the beginning, if she decides that she doesn’t like you–well, you earned it. Most people only get to cross that line once with an Earth Witch. However, she is eternally forgiving toward those she loves and trusts.

Because the Earth Witch is so rooted in the home, she must be careful not to shut herself away from others entirely. However, she is rarely shy and can often be found at social gatherings.

The Earth Witch may have a talent for sculpting, even if she doesn’t know it yet. When holding chunks of clay in her hands, she can create some beautiful statuary.

The Earth Witch is a teacher and strives to set a good example for her students, children and friends. She practices what she preaches and believes that actions speaks louder than words. For thousands of years, the bones of the Earth (rocks) have been utilized as teaching implements. Pictographs (painted-on symbols) and petroglyphs (carved symbols) date back to the ancient Egyptians. Almost every culture has its own version of rock teachings.
Earth rules the season of spring. During the spring, the Earth and the Earth Witch come roaring back to life. As the flowers bloom, the grass grows, and the animals wake from their slumber, the Earth Witch becomes one with all of nature. She is directly influenced by the increasing life energy of all things. Her personal power is at its highest point during this season.

One of the most prevalent aspects of the path of the Earth Witch is sharing. Mother Earth shares all of herself with the other elements. She allows herself to be the foundation for all of life. She is battered by storms and ravaged by fire, but she remains unchanged yet ever evolving. The Earth Witch holds herself close to the archetype. She struggles to remain calm and steady during all of life’s storms. She has a unique talent for being able to keep her cool. She also has the minor quirk of being slow to movement. The Earth Witch knows that she has all the time in the world–she is not the sort to jump around and do things right away. “All in good time” is her motto. However, she must be extremely careful with this aspect of her personality, as it can cause her to stagnate and stop her growth. As a rule, the Earth Witch resists change.

When it comes to divination practices, the Earth Witch can read better by scrying into water or fire than by using the divination systems that fall under the rule of earth. This is because her role as the base for the other elements. The Earth as a whole contains water and fire and serves as a foundation for air. There is much more to the Earth than dirt and plant life.

Humanity belongs to the realm of earth. Any type of folk magic that utilizes footprints, hair or nail clippings, etc., is an Earth Witch’s specialty.

The Earth Witch is puzzle of Hoodoo, Voodoo, Native American beliefs, shamanistic behaviors. Wiccan ethics (or the Golden Rule), and/or ancestral lore. Yet she is a puzzle in which all of the pieces fall in place to create a beautiful picture.

(One Person’s View Point) The Path of the Earth Witch

The Path of the Earth Witch

The path of the Earth Witch most closely resembles that of a Kitchen Witch or a Green Witch. It is grounded in the home and family. Whether gardening, cooking or cleaning, the Earth Witch brings magic into her life at its simplest level. She becomes one with the Earth. The Earth Witch accepts that everything she does is a reflection of the cycle in nature, down to the cell multiplications in her body, and she considers all of it to be magical. She fully understands the mysteries of the Earth.

In almost all religions traditions and mythologies, humans sprang forth from the Earth. The Earth allows us to draw energy from it and to return that energy to it. It cleanses us by its very presence. We may purge into the Earth any negative vibrations that bother us, and we can depend on it to do a thorough job of cleansing them away.

The Witch who follows the element of earth is similar to the Kitchen Witch in her use of herbs and magic in the kitchen as well as her affinity for “home-grown” magic and simple folk magic. The Earth Witch incorporates magic into the spice additions and stirring patterns of the majority of meals she prepares in her home.

The Earth Witch relates to the path of the Green Witch in that they both often are gardeners. It is not unusual to find Earth Witches with statues and beautiful rock formations in their gardens. They decorate them in much the same manner as they do their homes. Often, they tend their edible gardens the closest, while courting the favor of the gnomes to watch over their more delicate plants.

The Earth Witch views her home as an extension of the Earth in every way; it is like her own personal slice of the Earth. The kitchen is a direct extensions of the garden and therefore of the Earth.

The Earth Witch specializes in protection magic, past-life discovery, prosperity and fertility. She trains to hold herself closely to the honors of the Earth by recycling and practicing eco-magic. She often is very frugal and prefers to make the things that she can rather than buy them. She can usually make her own cleaning products, candles, and all types of herbal remedies. From healing teas to lice treatments, the Earth Witch understand that the magic is within the Earth itself and within her. She knows exactly which herb to prescribe to cheer you up or relax you. Herbs are her special course of study.

The Earth Witch lives in a world where every knife is a potential athame and every glass a chalice. While she does perform more formal rituals, for the most part she keeps things informal and constant. She holds her path close to her heart and has no illusions about how grand magic can be. She knows that it takes work. She is grounded in reality.
The Earth Witch views spirit as a part of her and everything she does. She accepts that spirit lives within everything in existence. Because her view of spirit is so all-encompassing, she understands that not all things have rational explanations. However, she is the first to try to find a scientific explanation before chalking up an experience to something “supernatural.” While she easily accepts the existence of spiritual conjurations and the like, she does not do so blindly. She keeps her mind open.

Through the Earth Witch is often perceived as boring or a homebody, she stands on a foundation that is unshakable. If you are friends with an Earth Witch, you have a true friend. She has a very nurturing and protective quality and is loyal and dependable.

(One Person’s View Point) Fire Magic

 

Fire Magic

 

Fire has always sparked religious awe. Its ever-shifting form, varieties of colors, heat, and light, plus the actual physical changes it produces are the stuff magic is made of.

Before the knowledge of fire making, it must have been a dark world, indeed. With the use of friction and flints, humans captured this divine essence and it changed the world forever.

While so-called fire worship is generally nothing more than a polite euphemism for the mystical reverence of sex, there have been several religions that worshipped fire as a symbol of divinity.

Who hasn’t heard of the eternal flames that the vestal virgins of rome tended on their altars? Even today, Jewish synagogues keep an eternal flame, and some tombs, like John F. Kennedy’s, are similarly equipped.

Though the religious significance of fire has been forgotten by most of us today, it is still in evidence upon the altars of many of the world’s leading religions. What Catholic altar would be complete without flaming candles? A candle’s shining flame or a roaring bonfire on a lonely mountain peak are both objects of power that can be utilized in magic.

The fact that fire is a powerful element caused the ancients to worship it. The placement of burning candles on the altar during mass isn’t accidental those candles release their own energies into the proceedings, as does the smoking frankincense in the brightly shining censers and the prayers of the devout.

Candle magic is once again becoming enormously popular, perhaps because it is simple and effective. Though this may be the only form of fire magic readily available, it is far from the only one known today. It is these other forms that shall be investigated here.

Fire magic can be performed wherever a fire can be safely lit. An indoor or outdoor fireplace, a barbecue, a cleared section of ground, or a specially dug pit lined with bricks or rocks— anything will work, as long as the fire can be safely lit in an area in which you have privacy to perform your magic.

For some spells you will need no more than a few pieces of kindling. For others, whole blazes or series of fires will be required. Any sort of fuel is fine, as long as it is clean, dry, and not too sappy.

Owing to its fiery nature, this sort of magic is best performed in the desert, but anywhere will suffice.

 

Source: Earth Power: Techniques of Natural Magic by Scott Cunningham

 

(One Person’s View Point) The Dark Side of the Fire Witch

The Dark Side of the Fire Witch

The vibrant Fire With has her dark side too. She can be pushy and very sarcastic. Stubborn to the bone, she does not deal well with disagreements. She fully realize that no one can be right all the time, unless, of course, it’s her. When angered, she may have a tendency to make fun of others. She can be quite arrogant and, as a result, is very hard to teach. The Fire Witch learns best when left to do her own thing. There is no substitute for life experience. At times, her sarcasm can manifest as a biting sense of humor, but at other times, it is disparaging and hurtful. She may have a bad habit of talking down to others and, instead of listening, prefers to play the devil’s advocate. When doing so, signals can easily be crossed , and what she thinks is simply pointing out alternative options for others to consider, they may interpret as her telling them they are wrong, when that is often not the case at all.

Source: Elemental Witch Fire Air Water Earth Discover Your Natural Affinity by Tammy Sullivan

(One Person’s View Point) The Path of the Fire Witch

The Path of the Fire Witch

 

The path of the Fire Witch is not for the faint of heart. Strong and courageous, these Witches rarely take no for an answer. The Fire Witches are considered to be the rebels of the Elemental Witches. They possess a joy of life that is unequaled. They are extremely sociable creatures.

The Fire Witches are all about individuality. Each one is unique. For the most part, their lives are beautiful and poetic, yet there lurks an underlying current of tragedy. There is no typical personal style to the Fire Witch; it varies, as does each flame. The one thing you can be sure of is that she will shine. In blue jeans or diamonds, you know a Fire Witch by the confident aura that surrounds her.

The Fire Witch’s decorating style runs the gamut from sleek, modern, and sophisticated to all-out opulence and luxury. She has a flair for decorating, often incorporating candles and designer lighting to add a more dramatic touch. Frequently, Fire Witches love antiques and metal objects. Their house often feature warm, rich colors and dark woods.

The Fire Witch’s house is usually very neat and clean. She will spend whatever time is necessary to keep it that way. She will also destroy that cleanliness in an instant, when she is angered enough, by having a complete and total hissy fit, although that is rare. While the Fire Witch can be hotheaded and temperamental, her iron will usually allows her to maintain control.

The Fire Witch loves to dance and is very seductive, passionate, and lusty. She can be indulgent when it comes to her sexual nature. She often is very active and usually love to participate in sporting events. She is bold and daring and frequently pushes things to the absolute limit.

Because of her indulgent habits, the Fire Witch may unknowingly enable addictions or foster one of her own. Some Fire Witches may have addictive personalities. When a Fire Witch loves someone, she does so with a heart so pure that she can overlook any defects in the person for a long time.

This can place her in troublesome relationships until she has finally had enough and moves on. When a Fire Witch moves on, she has a compulsion to completely destroy the previous bond and is capable of being cruel in order to see to it that the situation is over for good. She is much more comfortable knowing that it cannot be repaired and can move herself forward more easily by not allowing herself to wonder about the past.

Philosophically, the Fire Witch has an open mind. She is the proverbial free thinker. Because of the placement of her element(both above and below the Earth), the Fire Witch has the ability to see all sides of any argument. She values honesty and courage above all else. There is nothing she detests as much as a liar. Fire Witches are usually quick-witted, think-on-their-feet types of folks. Their is a reason that smart people are called “bright.”

The fire brings the light, and with light there follows shadow. The Fire Witch is complex, passionate, and tumultuous. She is sizzling hot stuff. She has both a light and a dark side, and the two sides work together constantly.

The light side of the Fire Witch keeps her personal practices of spirit informal and fun. But when it come time for magickal work, the shadow side often takes over. The dark side of the Fire Witch holds a vast knowledge of the more complex magickal applications. Magickal equations and ceremonial practices are second nature to the Fire Witch. She may prefer the drama of a high magick ritual and a more ordered structure to things. However, she often utilizes a simpler style of Witchcraft, too. It depends on the situation.

Magically, the Fire Witch specializes in bonding with divinity, regeneration, energy, truth, manifesting, sex magick, banishing, purification, destruction, negative magick and defensive magick.

Fire has been used to honor the God since its inception. Many shrines and altars are guarded by an eternal flame. the Fire Witch understands that her every movement is an honor to divine forces.

She is very generous with her time and money when it comes to charity. She always seeks to help and improve the world around her in this manner.

Fire is a creative element, especially when seen in its regenerative aspect. In the same manner that the phoenix rises from the ashes or the sun undergoes an eclipse, a Fire Witch puts herself through a constant process of growth by tearing herself down in order to build herself anew. It can be an agonizing process, but she emerges renewed and stronger than ever. She will often disappear from the world for a few day at a time due to this process. She can be instrumental in helping others move beyond their own heartbreaks and pains and begin their lives again.

 

Source: Elemental Witch Fire Air Water Earth Discover Your Natural Affinity by Tammy Sullivan

(One Person’s View Point) Introducing 37 Popular Different Types of Witches

There are possible as many different types of witches, as witches themselves. These various types mentioned below are great for understanding your craft and giving you a frame to research and learn more about magical ways of being.

I want to describe them as an inspiration for you to find the best practice that will suit your aesthetic and interests. It’s not intended to give you another label nor to show the only possible way to practice witchcraft.

Feel free to combine these practices and find your unique way of magic.

Contents:

1. GREEN WITCH
Book references for a Green Witch:
2. KITCHEN WITCH
Book references for a Kitchen Witch:
3. HEDGE WITCH
Book references for a Hedge Witch:
4. HEARTH WITCH
Book references for a Hearth Witch:
5. ECLECTIC WITCH
Book references for an Eclectic Witch:
6. CRYSTAL WITCH
Book references for a Crystal Witch:
7. MODERN WITCH
Book references for a Modern Witch:
8. SEA WITCH
Book references for a Sea Witch:
9. NATURAL WITCH
Book references for a Natural Witch:
10. ELEMENTAL WITCH
Book references for an Elemental Witch:
11. DIVINATION WITCH
Book references for a Divination Witch:
12. LUNAR WITCH
Book references for a Lunar Witch:
13. SOLAR WITCH
Book references for a Solar Witch:
14. FOREST WITCH
Book references for a Forest Witch:
15. COSMIC WITCH
Book references for a Cosmic Witch:
16. AUGURY WITCH
Book references for an Augury Witch:
17. FAERY WITCH
Book references for a Faery Witch:
18. DRAGON WITCH
Book references for a Dragon Witch:

19. ART WITCH

Book references for an Art Witch:

20. YOGA WITCH

Book references for a Yoga Witch:
21. WHITE WITCH
Book references for a White Witch:
22. BLACK/DARK WITCH
Book references for a Dark Witch:
23. GRAY WITCH
Book references for a Gray Witch:
24. TRADITIONAL WITCH
Book references for a Traditional Witch:
25. HEREDITARY WITCH
Book references for a Hereditary Witch:
26. SOLITARY WITCH
Book references for a Solitary Witch:
27. FOLK WITCH
Book references for a Folk Witch:
28. WICCAN WITCH
Book references for a Wiccan Witch:
29. DIANIC WITCH
Book references for a Dianic Witch:
30. CEREMONIAL WITCH
Book references for a Ceremonial Witch:
31. CHAOS WITCH
Book references for a Chaos Witch:
32. CELTIC WITCH
Book references for a Celtic Witch:
33. HELLENIC WITCH
Book references for a Hellenic Witch:
34. NORSE WITCH
Book references for a Norse Witch:
35. SLAVIC WITCH
Book references for a Slavic Witch:
36. PAGAN WITCH
Book references for a Pagan Witch:
37. SECULAR WITCH

Book references for a Secular Witch:

Source Last Updated on September 10, 2021 by Eva Maria

Herbs and Flowers Ruled by the Moon

(One Person’s View Point) Fertility Spells…What I’ve Learned

By 

Click here to read the rest of this article Source: witchsymbols.com

If you’re here, I’m guessing you’re like me—you’ve wondered if a fertility spell could actually work. Maybe you’ve tried everything science offers, or maybe you’re just drawn to the power of natural, spiritual energy. I think I’ve been in your shoes. I know what it feels like to yearn for that positive test, to hold onto hope, and to seek out any path that might help.

I want to share everything I’ve learned about fertility spells—from the ones you can do for yourself to those you can cast for someone else. Let’s get deep into it, with practical spells, ingredients, tips, and a touch of magick.

Contents:

Final Thoughts

Fertility spells weave together intentions, natural elements, and spiritual energy to encourage the blossoming of new life. While rituals vary, their underlying principles of harmony with nature and personal intention remain the same. By walking this ancient path with respect and mindfulness, practitioners can tap into the profound energies that foster creation.

In a world where science and magic often cross streams, it’s important to remember that fertility spells are a supportive and enriching practice, best accompanied by professional medical guidance and a nurturing environment. As with all magic, let your heart guide you with pure intentions as you tread lightly on this profoundly personal journey.

(One Person’s View Point) Fertility Goddesses and Gods From Different Cultures

Fertility Goddesses and Gods Source: symbolsage.com

Almost every culture has its own gods and goddesses of fertility, present in most mythologies. Rituals and offerings to these gods were the only known way to enhance fertility or seek cures for infertility.

People in ancient times associated the phases of the moon with women’s menstrual cycle, explaining why moon deities are commonly linked with fertility. In some cultures, female fertility was also believed to influence the fertility of the cultivated land. No wonder, some of the earliest deities related to fertility were also associated with agriculture and rain, and …

Table of Contents

1- Inanna goddess

2- Min god

3- Anat goddess

4- Telepinu god

5- Sauska goddess

6- Ahurani goddess

7- Astarte goddess

8- Aphrodite

9- Epona

10- Parvati goddess

11- Morrigan goddess

12- Fjorgyn

13- Freyr and Freyja

14- Cernunnos god

15- Brigit

16- Xochiquetzal

17- Estsanatlehi

Wrapping Up

Fertility gods and goddesses played important roles in many ancient cultures. In order to ensure offspring and successful harvests, our ancestors looked up to the patrons of childbirth, motherly deities, bringers of rain, and protectors of crops.

(One Person’s View Point) Folk Fertility Rituals

Fertility was never just about making babies. In folk magic and witchcraft, it’s the power to create—new life, new ideas, new beginnings. Whether working with the land, the body, or the spirit, witches and wise folk across cultures used rituals to tap into the sacred forces of generation.

Here are some of the most time-honored fertility rituals drawn from European, Slavic, and folk traditions—woven from soil, moonlight, and plant magic.

For a deeper look into how land, livestock, and lineage were bound into one cycle of creation, explore Fertility Rituals & Charms of the Old World — a broader ancestral map of how magic moved through soil, hearth, and body.

1. Moon Bathing for Womb Awakening…

2. Beltane Bonfire Rites…

3. Herb Bundles and Womb Charms…

4. Ancestral Spirit Offerings…

5. Womb Candle Spell…

6. Earth Fertility Rite…

7. Wildflower Bed Blessing…

8. Menstrual Blood Magic…

Slow Down to Create…

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main fertility rituals in European folk magic?

Rituals include moon bathing, Beltane fire ceremonies, herbal womb charms, ancestral offerings, wildflower blessings, and planting or earth-based rites. Each connects body, spirit, and nature.

Can fertility rituals guarantee conception?

No. These rituals do not guarantee pregnancy, but they align intention, body, and spirit and support fertility energetically.

Which herbs are traditionally used in fertility magic?

Herbs include rose, raspberry leaf, mugwort, nettle, red clover, lady’s mantle, and chasteberry. They are used in teas, charms, baths, or offerings to support womb and cycle health.

Are these rituals only for women?

While many rituals are womb-focused, fertility magic in folk traditions can support men, couples, and creative endeavors beyond physical conception.

Can I adapt these rituals for personal or modern use?

Yes. Rituals should be approached with respect for their origins. Adapt them to your timing, intentions, and ancestral or personal spiritual practice.

Click here to read the rest of this article Source: wildwitchherbs.com

(One Person’s View Point) New Fertility Spells and Other Ways to Increase Your Chances

Contents

Click on the hyperlinks to read the rest of this article Source: magickalspot.com