The World of a Witch: A Peek inside Craft Traditions

Since Neolithic times religion has existed. Often times religious practices included magic in fact some scholars believe that magic actually evolved into religion. Cave paintings have been found of men dressed in animal skins and invoking the spirit of the animal that they were hunting to aid them in their search. Eventually the animal involved into a deity that the humans prayed to for a bountiful hunt. The concept of human shaped gods didn’t really develop until the Mesopotamian culture refined their religious beliefs, and predating these “human” deities were sub-animal deities whom we see in the Egyptian pantheon. Some people believe that Witchcraft is an ancient practice which dates back to the beginning of humanity. Although the debate is heated, we may never know for sure. No matter the history of Witchcraft there are still modern traditions that are thriving. These traditions include:

1. Wiccan Witchcraft
2. Eclectic Witchcraft
3. Stregheria
4. Hedge Witchery
5. Kitchen Witchcraft

These make up a small sample of all traditions out there, but are the ones I am most familiar with. It is better to pass on a little true information than an ocean of incorrect information.
The first topic I would like to discuss is the witchcraft that Wiccans employ. In this essay I will try to define as much jargon as I can to make the information easier to digest for the un-researched reader.


Wiccan Witchcraft

This type of witchcraft is specific to initiated Wiccans or someone training to become an initiate. Most of the information on this type of craft is mostly from outer-court sources, which means that they are not oath-bound. The craft performed by Wiccans involves various methods of energy raising and focusing such as dancing and chanting. It also involves altered states of consciousness induced by light scourging, fasting, intoxication, exhaustion, or the assumption of Deity. Once the desired state is achieved or the sufficient amount of energy is raised the magic can begin. The difference between Wiccan Craft and most other paths is the profound use of personal and deity power. It hardly uses herbal, stone, or other folk magic at all. Among witchcraft traditions Wicca is considered to be one of the “higher” traditions due to its use of ritual over simplistic spells. The next topic is often called Wicca because it has been sold to the public as such; however it is a crude bastardization of the beautiful religion of Wicca.

Eclectic Witchcraft

Eclectic Witchcraft is just as it sounds. It draws from various paths and blends them into a coherent system. Many authors on “Wicca” have claimed this type of witchcraft as the afore mentioned religion, yet as I stated before this is a horrible untruth. Wicca has a set way of practicing and laws one must follow to be a Wiccan. In Eclectic Witchcraft however one must only follow the rules the practitioner sets forth for themselves. The third topic in this essay is a religion called Stregheria.

Stregheria

Stregheria is the religion and practices of the Strega, who are Italian Witches who have inherited the craft from their family. Those who marry into a Strega family may also learn the craft. Allover Italy there are strega hidden in the shadows using the magics which have existed since classical times. In this tradition there is a harmonious blend of folk practice and ritual working. They even have a “messiah” if you will. Her name is Aradia. She was born in a small town on August 13, 1313 and soon grew into a rebel who traveled Italy teaching the Ancient Ways (Grimassi 1999, pg 191). She was called the Holy Strega for it was rumored she was the daughter of Diana and Lucifer, who are two of the gods the strega honor. Aside from Stregheria another seemingly ancient tradition is still practiced today by many.

Hedge Witchery

“The word hedgewitch comes from the Saxon word haegtessa meaning 'hedge-rider'. The hedge in hedge witchery is not a fence of shrubs and wildlife, but instead represents the border between our material world and the otherworld - the unknown.”(Lolair, para.1) Hedge Witchery is basically a blend of Wichcraft and Shamanism which came to exist in central and eastern Europe. It is mostly folk tradition and shamanistic practices such as spirit journeys through use of altered states and astral projection. The final topic I will be covering has been developing since man first discovered fire.

Kitchen (Hearth) Witchcraft

Man has always sought protection and warmth around a blazing fire. Fire was so important that in some regions it was deified. Eventually even the process of cooking became magical. This is what kitchen Witchcraft focuses on, simple practical magic which can be performed from common household items (Talesco 1994, pg. ix). A dash of basil could be the final touch to a dinner meant to encourage love among a family. It is very simplistic yet very effective. Most kitchen witches also honor a hearth god or goddess such as Hestia whom they pray to for protection of their homes, and warmth in their hearts.

Although the information in this essay is brief and much abbreviated, –the heavens know how many books could be filled just talking about one tradition- it can still be helpful in helping one find her way on a wonderful journey down the well worn path of the wise.

References


Grimassi, R. (1999). Hereditary witchcraft: secrets of the old religion (chap. 12) St. Paul: Llewellyn Publications.

Lolair. Hedgewitchery. Message posted to http://mysticwicks.com/showthread.php?t=160455

Talesco, P. (1994) A Kitchen witch’s cookbook (pg. ix) St. Paul: Llewellyn Publications.

By ~SilverThorn