Walking through the forest, the wind blows through the trees and the leaves whisper secrets of things to come. Reaching into a velvet pouch, you remove small bits of wood with strange symbols that offer guidance and insight. As you place your hands around a plant, it’s spirit enters your consciousness and imparts it’s wisdom. When you raise your hands to the moon, the forces of nature take notice and lend their energies to your spell.

These are the Old Ways.

I practice a form of Old Ways Witchery that I sometimes share with private students. It is a blend of Celtic Paganism, Witchcraft, Druidry, Folk Magic, Occult Philosophy and other esoteric wisdom that has been passed down through the years.

What are the “Old Ways”? Some modern witches scoff at this expression, but it simply refers to traditional forms of witchcraft and folk magic practices that pre-date modern magical systems. It emphasizes a connection to nature, ancestral wisdom and practical magic like herbology and spellcraft. It focuses on historical or natural practices rather than newer, eclectic forms like modern Wicca. A core element is working with local surroundings, including the use of herbs, stones and the cycles of nature. Old Ways Witchery often involves practical spellwork, herbal charms, and divination, aimed at influencing reality and creating tangible changes. While not belonging to any one tradition, Old Ways practices often involve reconnecting and preserving the folk traditions of a specific cultural background, such as Celtic, Greek or Italian. The Old Ways are rooted in nature and magic, and are more practical than ceremonial.

The Old Ways teach that the realm of nature is alive and sentient. Plants and stones have an indwelling spirit. The universe and elemental forces of Earth, Air, Fire and Water can be harnessed to bring change. Old Ways Witchery is a path of blood, bone and shadow, with strong connections to nature, magic and service.

The myths and stories of the Old Ones provide wisdom and guidance. Within these tales are many hidden lessons. They still speak to those whose hearts and minds are opened to them.

Magic has the power to bring change and transformation. Witches of the Old Ways seek to preserve the arcane wisdom that has been passed down through the ages, from those who are now with us only in spirit.

The Old Ways are Alive.