Author: Old Ways Witchery

Blood, Saliva and Semen: Using Bodily Fluids in Witchcraft

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It has been said that if today’s so-called “modern” witches knew how witchcraft was practiced in the old days, they would probably be shocked. Many witches today would never consider using bodily fluids as a component in their magical workings. They likely view such practices as “dark” or “baneful” magic, which, of course they can be. One might even say there are times when such magic would be necessary, but that is a different article altogether.

When used in an ethical and responsible manner, introducing body fluids into your spellwork adds a massive boost of power to your magic. It is nothing to be fearful of as long as your intentions are benevolent ones. Bodily fluids have been used in witchcraft for centuries. It is not a new concept, but it is not widely embraced in the modern pagan and witch communities. In this article, we will look at the three primary fluids: blood, saliva and semen.

Blood

Blood is believed to carry our life force. Blood can be used to consecrate ritual tools or magical objects. It can be used to forge a magical bond between people, or between people and familiar spirits. In our tradition of Old Ways Witchery, three drops of blood are placed into the wooden wands we make for ourselves every Spring. I know of another tradition in which a few drops of blood are mixed with chlorophyll, and then poured around the base of a plant. This forges a connection between the witch and the plant. Chlorophyll (not to be confused with chloroform) is basically “plant blood” and is widely available. Blood is symbolic of life and the connection to one’s ancestors, and to humanity. Using blood in a magical working calls upon these symbolic meanings. Blood can be used to evoke the spirits of the departed dead, to seek their wisdom, guidance and presence. Presenting a few drops of your blood as an offering to deity is viewed as a form of sacrifice, and a way to gain favor and protection.

Saliva

Saliva is used in some forms of protection magic, as well as for healing and cleansing. Like blood, it is believed to carry your personal essence or energy. It can be used to establish authority and to magically “mark one’s territory”. Saliva can be used to seal your energy into divination tools such as tarot cards, runes or ogham staves. It is viewed as the “lubricant of life”, and can be used when making sacred agreements, or when acknowledging rites of passage. Saliva is also often used in spells to invoke love or lust, as well as in some forms of candle magic. It is a powerful ingredient in healing spells, particularly those involving the use of poppets. When constructing a healing poppet, simply include some of your saliva along with other healing ingredients on the inside of the poppet before it is sealed shut.

Semen

Semen is a versatile ingredient that can be used in various forms of magic. Energetically it can be used as part of a binding spell to influence someone’s actions or emotions. It is often used in sex magic, to enhance sexual attraction. Mixing semen with blood is a powerful blend that helps to “seal” a spell and sort of expedite the results more quickly. As with saliva, ritual candles can be dressed with semen to increase their power and effectiveness. Semen can be placed in magical talismans, particularly those made with clay, which will increase their potency. For those who make their own candles, semen can be added to the wax before it is poured, which will make them much more powerful. Semen is viewed as a creative force, which makes it’s use in spells and magical workings undeniably strong. Gay men in particular will find the use of semen to greatly enhance their spells and rituals.

Using bodily fluids in witchcraft is not a universally accepted practice in all magical traditions. It involves ethical considerations related to consent and manipulation. Each witch must decide for him or herself how they will use these ingredients. Additionally, each witch must be willing to take responsibility according to his or her own personal ethics and moral standards.

The Old Ways Witch

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There are many different types of witches in today’s modern world, from traditional to eclectic, to hedge and Wiccan witches. None of these are better or worse than another, just different. We don’t all do things the same way, but there are some common practices and beliefs held by all. The practice of witchcraft has always been referred to as “The Old Ways” and even as “The Old Religion”, although many have an aversion to that word due to it’s Christian associations. Be that as it may, witchcraft often does have a religious aspect, such as with the veneration of deity figures and the devotion that is given to them. Still, not all witches connect with deity figures, gods or goddesses. Today, witchcraft has become trendy, with everyone and their uncle claiming to be a witch (and who is to say they’re not), but the fact remains that witchcraft is not merely a hobby or something fun to do on the weekend. Add to this the fact that many are trying to oversimplify witchcraft and calling some things “witchcraft” that really are not. It is a noble idea to try and make witchcraft more appealing to modern people, but I am not convinced that it should be. Historically, witches were always on the fringe, on the outside. They weren’t celebrities or “influencers”. They kept to themselves and were both respected and feared in equal measure. I believe it is important that we return to this ideal. In today’s social media world, you do kind of have to put yourself out there, otherwise how will people know about you and the services you offer, but I try to do this in a minimal way. I have a Facebook, an Instagram and this website. I am a witch of the Old Ways, meaning that I hold to beliefs and practices that pre-date modern Wicca and other modern magical systems. Some people scoff at the expression “Old Ways”, particularly the younger witches who feel that older beliefs are irrelevant and outdated. The wisdom of the craft elders is pushed aside in favor of new and so-called “modern” ideas. While the Old Ways are not linked to any particular cultural or religious aspect, my own practice does incorporate some religious and cultural overtones. Aside from these, there are things that identify the Old Ways Witch.

  • The Plant Realm: Old Ways witches work closely with flowers, herbs and plants, forging a bond with the spirits of the plant realm. A relationship is developed between plant and witch, where the communication of magical wisdom is shared. The plants lend their energies to the witch’s spells and enchantments, and in return the witch maintains a connection with the spirit of the plant.
  • The Night: The Old Ways witch is intimately attuned to the powers of the night. All ceremonies and rituals are conducted during the night-time hours, long after the sun has set and the moon takes rulership of the sky.
  • The Moon: The Old Ways witch works predominantly with the phases of the moon rather than the sun, to attract and draw in, or to banish and repel. The hours between 3am-5am are the most auspicious times for spells and magical workings.
  • The Forest: The Old Ways witch has a strong connection to the forest and the spirits who dwell there. This includes the trees, plants and animals who inhabit the forest.
  • Sovereignty: The Old Ways witch is sovereign, meaning that he or she is not bound by the rules and laws of others, but practices by his or her own personal ethics and moral standards. Old Ways witches do not adhere to such ideas as the Wiccan Rede or the Threefold Law.
  • Magic: The Old Ways witch is a practitioner of magic, with the use of spells and enchantments, within the boundary of the magic circle. This often includes practices of folk magic that have been passed down through the ages, as well as magical systems that existed long before Wicca, such as the use of sigils and planetary forces.
  • Ancient Lore: The Old Ways witch preserves the wisdom contained within the old stories. Some Old Ways witches may be devoted to a particular deity.
  • Familiars: The Old Ways witch works closely with the spirits of animals, stones and plants.
  • Divination: The Old Ways witch is skilled in various forms of divination, which may include tarot, runes, pendulum, ogham or crystal ball. These skills are offered to those who seek guidance, or when the witch seeks insight into current events.
  • Healing: The Old Ways witch is skilled in various forms of alternative healing, which may include Reiki, crystal therapy, herbal applications or certain unconventional forms of energy healing.
  • Nature: The practices of the Old Ways witch are rooted in the mysticism of nature, the wind in the trees, the light of the moon, the majestic stag, the jumping salmon and the hoot of the owl. Nature is alive and sentient, sharing it’s wisdom only with those who have the ears to hear.
  • Spirits: The Old Ways witch communicates not only with the spirits of nature, plants, animals and stone, but also with the departed dead. Ancestors (both spiritual and familial) play a large role in the life of the Old Ways witch, sharing their wisdom and assisting with magical workings.

These are some of the things that differentiate an Old Ways witch from other types of witches. This is my practice, though I have not shared everything here. I do not suggest that Old Ways witches are “better” than other witches, but I do maintain that older practices are still just as relevant in today’s world.

The Three Realms

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Unlike many witchcraft traditions that call the Four Directions (North, East, South, West) when casting the circle, in our practice of Old Ways Witchery, it is the Three Realms (Land, Sea and Sky) that are called forth. Each of the three realms are associated with an animal that lends it’s energy to that realm for the duration of the circle. Land is associated with the Stag, Sea is linked to the Salmon, and Sky is associated with the Owl. The realms of land, sea and sky, along with these animals, are frequently represented throughout Celtic lore. In this article, we will explore each of these and why they are important to our practice.

Land and the Stag

The realm of land is the realm of the material world. It is the realm of living and working. It is the realm of finances and food, of existing on the earthly plane. It is the realm of flowers and plants, of trees, mountains and forests. The land is represented by the stag. When we cast the circle, we stand facing the north and say, “We call upon the Spirit of the Great Stag who dwells in the forest, and we ask for the blessing of the Land”. The Great Stag is the guardian of the forest and all that dwell within it. Associated with the Celtic antlered god Cernunnos, he is pictured as a man with large antlers on his head as he roams among the trees. The antlers of the stag are compared to tree branches. When the moon is viewed between the antlers of a stag, it is a blending of active and receptive energies. Celtic lore tells us that the stag is a creature that walks between the worlds.

Sea and the Salmon

The realm of sea is the realm of emotion. It is the realm of adaptability and change. It can be calm one moment and rough the next. It can be boiling hot or freezing cold. It can both sustain life, or drown it. It is a powerful force, difficult to control. The sea is represented by the salmon. When we cast the circle, we stand facing the west and say, “We call upon the Salmon of Wisdom who dwells in the sacred waters, and we ask for the blessing of the Sea”. Salmon live in both freshwater and saltwater. They swim upstream, following a familiar scent that leads them back to the location of their birth, where they reproduce. For this reason, they are associated with persistence, strength and determination.In an ancient Welsh tale, the salmon assists Arthur in finding the lost child Mabon and returning him to his mother.

Sky and the Owl

The realm of sky is the realm of thought. It is the realm of intuition and psychic ability. It is the realm of creativity and wisdom. The sky is represented by the owl. The owl has long been associated with witches and witchcraft. Because it is a nocturnal animal with keen eyesight, magical lore tell us it has the ability to “see the unseen”. It can observe without being observed and it’s flight is completely silent. The owl is primarily a creature of the night, and can be called upon to reveal that which is hidden or kept secret. There are over 200 species of owls, and they can be found on every continent except Antarctica. A Gaelic name for owl is “Cailleach-oidhche”, meaning “crone of the night”. When we cast the circle, we stand facing the east and say, “We call upon the Spirit of the Owl who dwells in the hidden realms and sees the unseen, and we ask for the blessing of the Sky”.

In our practice of Old Ways Witchery, the Stag, the Salmon and the Owl are called upon at the beginning and end of every ritual, to evoke and give thanks for the blessings of the Land, the Sea and the Sky. These are perfectly illustrated in the Celtic triskele symbol.

Some may notice the absence of fire in these evocations, and there is a reason. We carry the fire within us. We bring our own passion, our own life force, our own inner flame to the ritual. There is an old Welsh word, NWYFRE, that means “Life Force Energy”, and this energy is represented by the Dragon. This ‘dragon energy’ exists within all of us.

The Void-Of-Course Moon

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It is well known that witches work with the phases of the moon when doing magic and spellwork, to attract beneficial things or to drive away what is harmful. There are books (and phone apps) that can tell us the current and future moon phases, and when the moon will inhabit a particular sign.

But what about those times when the moon doesn’t inhabit any sign?

This is when the moon is considered “void-of-course”. During these times, which can last for a few hours up to a large portion of the day, the moon is shifting between signs and is not firmly placed in any sign at that time. During void-of-course, the moon is not making any aspects with other planets or signs, and is not actively influencing events. I would be interested to know if there are any commonalities among those who were born when the moon was void-of-course. Ephemerides (charts which show the positions of celestial bodies) do not always display void-of-course times, so it would be beneficial for the witch to find one that does.

In regards to magical workings, spells that are cast during these times may lack the needed energy, may be delayed or have an unexpected outcome. Any spells that are high priority should be delayed until the moon is firmly fixed in a specific sign.

Below I have included ephemerides for the void-of-course moon from April thru December 2025.

Plan your spells accordingly.

What Pagans Will Not Do

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Pagans will not show up at your door unannounced, with pamphlets about paganism for you to read. Pagans do not proselytize. They will not coerce, intimidate or threaten you with eternal torment if you choose not to become pagan. However, if you try to force your own beliefs on a pagan, that conversation will likely not end well for you.

True pagans will not reject you because of your race, sexual orientation, gender expression or gender identity. You are welcomed as part of the community. Paganism embraces all those of like mind. Some fringe groups exist who engage in discriminatory practices, but these are frowned upon by the wider pagan community. Bigotry, homophobia, transphobia and racism are not welcome in our midst. Those who are found to engage in such practices are exposed and rooted out.

Pagans will not sit quietly by while corrupt leaders take away civil rights and environmental protections. Many pagans are also activists, speaking out against injustice and inequality. It is our duty to defend those whose rights are being stripped away, and to be a voice for the earth, for nature, and for endangered species. Many pagans actively engage in protest and resistance against dictators, unethical organizations and oligarchs, who seek to control and dominate others in order to benefit themselves.

Pagans will not demand that you believe in the same things they do, because they support the freedom of choice. The choice to believe what you want, practice the religion you want, live your life the way you want. However, if your beliefs, your religion, or the way you live your life is actively causing harm to other people, then you will be treated accordingly.

Growing, Changing, Evolving

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We are meant to grow and evolve, and as our practice deepens, it often brings change. When my spiritual practice became a formalized magical tradition, I struggled to find a name for it. For a few years it was the House of Blackthorn, which morphed into Blackthorn Druid Witchcraft, and then the Blackthorn Druid Order. As my practice deepened further, this still did not seem to accurately describe my path. We were not just druids, we were witches as well, and it was important for that aspect to also be reflected in our name. I didn’t want people to assume that it was all just about druidry. Our symbol up to this point had been a crudely designed triquetra in the colors of green, black and silver. Green represented our connection to nature, black for our dedication to occult wisdom, and silver for our devotion to healing and service. Over time, this symbol began to lose some of it’s meaning, at least for me. Celtic paganism is a huge part of my practice, but I felt the need to revisit it’s name and symbol. After some meditation and reflection, I felt guided to bring the focus back to the pentacle. I still love the triquetra, but it is a symbol that even non-pagans use, and I wanted something that was decidedly pagan and Celtic at the same time. Our new symbol became what it is today, a red pentacle on a black background, surrounded by a white Celtic knot circle. As attached as I was to the Green/Black/Silver combination, my studies in Old Ways Witchery led me to a different color scheme, one that was more rooted in witchcraft tradition: red, white and black. These colors are represented in many traditions of witchcraft, particularly in their ritual robes and cords. Red represents Blood, our connection to witches throughout history, our magical DNA. White represents Bone, our connection to ancestors and each other. Black represents Shadow, the memory of the earth and hidden knowledge. Old Ways Witchery is a path of blood, bone and shadow, and still retains it’s connection to nature, wisdom and service. The Celtic knot circle around the pentacle emphasizes that this path also embraces Celtic lore and mythology, including the acknowledgement of several Celtic deities. This path of Old Ways Witchery blends Druidry and Witchcraft into one cohesive tradition. It is my hope that you may one day decide to learn this rewarding path with me in person, or take my home study course.



The Magic of Singing Bowls

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While my magical and spiritual practice is primarily Celtic in nature, in my meditations I do like to incorporate practices from other cultures in my meditative exercises. Many years ago, meditation was what helped awaken my psychic and intuitive abilities, which ultimately led me to the realization that I am a witch. My earliest meditative practices included Buddhist chants, creative visualization and controlled-breathing exercises. I had used singing bowls from time to time, but only recently have I made it a regular practice. You do not have to a Buddhist or Tibetan monk to work with a singing bowl. Ignore the gatekeepers who say otherwise. It is problematic for Western people to pick and choose the elements of Eastern culture that may appeal to them, while often continuing to act from a place of prejudice and internalized racism toward those same cultures. However, if you truly appreciate the people and cultures that singing bowls come from, and have an understanding of how they work, then you can use them with a clear conscience.

Singing bowls are examples of Idiophones. These are musical instruments that produce sounds through vibration, when they are struck, shaken, or scraped. The singing bowl is made of metal, or a combination of metals, and is most often used used in spiritual settings. When struck with a mallet, it produces sounds that aid in meditation. Singing bowls are often used in Sound Therapy to induce healing and treat various illnesses. The sounds of the bowl create energy waves that help to realign the aura and the Chakras. It is believed that the tones from the singing bowl cause the left and right sides of the brain to synchronize together, and bring the brain into a relaxed, Alpha state. Taking deep breaths while using the bowl and concentrating on the tone helps this process. There are some studies that suggest how using a singing bowl interacts with the water in our bodies. The singing bowl is linked to the elements of Air and Water. Air, because of the sound it produces reaching the ear, and Water, because of the bowl being a sort of container, not only of water but of energy that affects the water in our bodies.

Singing bowls originated in Mesopotamia over 5,000 years ago, and made their way to the regions of Tibet, Nepal and India which all have singing bowls in their history and culture dating back some 2,000 years. Today, singing bowls are still produced in these areas of the world, and both the craftsmanship and the spiritual components are closely tied to culture and tradition. Originally made of pure copper, they are now made mostly of bronze (a combination of copper, tin and zinc) or a seven-metal medley of copper, tin, zinc, iron, lead, gold and silver—seven earth metals for the seven Chakras.

To use a singing bowl, hold it gently in the open palm of your hand. Do not place your fingers around the sides of the bowl or it will affect the sounds created. Some bowls come with a small “pillow” to place the bowl on. Use the mallet to strike the bowl on the outside, and/or to gently trace the outer edge of the bowl, which will create a singing-like effect. It will take a little practice, but with a few tries it becomes easier. An important aspect of this practice is the mindset of the practitioner. While using the bowl, it is advisable to take several deep breaths and allow the sounds of the bowl to take you into a deeper meditative state.

This is my own singing bowl, one of my favorite magical tools.

The Cailleach, Crone of Winter

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The Cailleach, a Scottish deity, is depicted as an old woman dressed in heavy grey plaid and carrying a blackthorn staff. She has blue skin and long white hair, and is sometimes described as having only one eye. She is the personification of Winter. In her legends, she herds deer, she fights the coming of Spring, and her blackthorn staff freezes the ground. She also has a few connections to the Irish goddess Brigid. Some interpretations say that the Cailleach turns to stone on Beltane and then reverts back to human form at Samhain. Similar to the Oak King and Holly King lore, the Cailleach is believed to rule the dark half of the year between Samhain and Beltane. Brigid takes possession of the blackthorn staff at Beltane and rules the light half of the year until Samhain, at which time the staff is returned to the Cailleach. The Festival of Brigid is also the day the Cailleach gathers her firewood for the rest of the winter. Legend has it that if she intends to make the winter last longer, she will make sure the weather on February 1st is sunny and warm, so she can gather plenty of firewood to keep herself warm in the coming months. As a result, people are generally relieved if the Festival of Brigid is a day of foul weather, as it means the Cailleach is asleep, will soon run out of firewood, and therefore winter is almost over. Early writings indicate that there may have existed a priest/esshood of the Cailleach, with followers who were solely dedicated to her. The Cailleach is known as the Crone of Winter, Lady of the Beasts, and the Seer and Foreteller of Doom. The word Cailleach also means “Witch” and “Screech Owl”.

In the tales of the Cailleach, there are some common themes:

  • She shapes the land.
  • She is associated with water, particularly wells, lakes and rivers.
  • She is the personification of Winter.
  • She manifests her presence in blizzards and winter storms.
  • She is ancient.
  • She is a guardian of animals, especially deer.
  • She can shape-shift into various forms, including maiden, heron and rock.
  • She can control the elements.
  • She can charm animals with her songs.

During the winter months, and particularly before the approach of snowstorm, offerings can be left out for the Cailleach. These can be stones such as clear quartz and amethyst, feathers, sweets, nuts and fruit.

The Ancient Art of Reading Candle Wax

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Reading the shapes in melted candle wax, also called Ceromancy, is a very old art, with connections going back to the ancient Celts and Romans. As with many forms of divination, this practice relies heavily on intuition and symbolism. As I have shared in other articles, the word Divination is derived from divine, suggesting that the wisdom obtained through these methods originates from a divine source.

One simple method is to place a pillar candle on a white heat-safe plate. A dinner plate is fine, although it should be plain white with no designs, as a plate with different colors and designs could make symbols harder to read. The candle itself can be any color and should be placed directly on the center of the plate, and not in a holder. As the candle wax melts, it can drip down the sides and run along the surface of the plate, forming shapes. As your candle melts, it may take on a different shape. You can read the shapes and symbols as they are formed, or wait until the candle has completely burned down and then do the reading. Here are a few things to look for:

  • Mountains: These represent obstacles and challenges.
  • Hooks: Achieving a goal after a period of struggle. It is a call to “hold on” and be patient.
  • Swirly patterns: A spiritual awakening or realization.
  • Bubbles: These can represent suppressed anger, anxiety or other hidden emotions.
  • Waterfalls: These can have many meanings, so intuition is key here. Waterfalls are symbols of cleansing, or a need for cleansing and removing all that is harmful, but also of prosperity and material gain.
  • Tears: Sadness, sorrow or pain.
  • Crown or cylinder: This occurs when the wax melts directly down the center of the candle and leaves only the outer edges. This is symbolic of protection and success. On the flip side, it can also represent a person or situation being not as it appears.

When doing a candle wax reading, it is important to notice letters and numbers formed in the wax, as these often represent people and situations one will soon encounter. Animal shapes may also be formed, so a study of the spiritual meanings of various animals can be helpful. Birds are usually good signs, while snakes typically represent malevolent energies at work. Keeping in mind, however, that animal spirituality can be subjective, since some find snakes and spiders to be positive symbols while others do not. What do the animal shapes you see mean to you?

Another method of reading candle wax is to drip the wax into a clear glass bowl. For this method, you will use a taper candle and hold it above the bowl, carefully allowing the wax to drip into the bowl. Be careful not to move the bowl or disturb the water. Allow the dripping wax to fall into the bowl and harden. Set a time limit for dripping the wax (three minutes is good). The symbols as described above will mean the same, however, there are additional things to look for.

  • Observe how the wax moves through the water. Clockwise movements indicate good and beneficial things, counter-clockwise indicates harm and conflict.
  • Look for recognizable shapes, letters or numbers.
  • Wax that gathers close to the center of the bowl refers to things that have already happened but are affecting your life now.
  • Wax that gathers around the edges of the bowl refers to situations that will soon be happening.

Before doing a candle wax reading, it is important to decide what kind of answers you are looking for. Perhaps you need a solution to a problem you are having, or you need insight into an important decision you have to make, or maybe you just want a glimpse into your future.

There are some who will move the taper candle slowly in a clockwise circular motion over the bowl as the wax drips. Others will hold the candle still and steady over the bowl. Choose what works best for you.

Candle wax reading will take some practice, but with time and patience you can become proficient at it.

Good luck!

Are You A Dabbler?

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I recently read a post in one of the Facebook witchcraft groups I belong to, in which the admin of the group asked the members about their practices and how they identify. The majority of them identified as “Eclectic”, while others were more nebulous with their answers.

“I follow my own path”.

“I do my own thing”.

“I don’t want to be labeled”.

“Whatever I’m called to do at any given time”.

“A little of this, a little of that”.

“Whatever feels right”.

“Everything”.

All of this translates as “I have no clue what I’m doing”. It was interesting to see how few of the members had any real structure or discipline to their practice. Most of them were just winging it, without any rhyme or reason for what they were doing. I also noticed that many had a strong aversion to any kind of formal training. It was simply “whatever I feel like today”. I would hesitate to call this a meaningful or even a real practice. I would go even further to say that most of them were not even witches at all. I am not an eclectic witch, but I imagine it is much easier to call yourself one than it is to actually be one. Many will use the word ‘eclectic’ because for them it represents a kind of freedom. The expression “fly by the seat of your pants” comes to mind. I know very few self-described eclectic witches who have an established meaningful practice.

I have said this many times before, but witchcraft is not “whatever you want it to be”. There are things that it is and things that it is not. There are lots of people who are attracted to the idea of witches and witchcraft, and the aesthetics that along with it, so they like to think of themselves as witches. It has become trendy and popular. They read the books, wear the crystals, light the candles and burn the incense, but they are not really witches. They are merely dabblers.

What is a dabbler? A dabbler is someone who participates in an activity only as a hobby or pastime. They may have a casual interest in the subject or only try the activity for a short time. Dabblers may pretend to have knowledge of the subject, but they don’t attain proficiency or professional status. There are many people who call themselves witches, who are really only dabblers. They see witchcraft as something fun to do every now and then, and have no real practice to speak of.

So, what makes a witch?

First off, you do not have to be initiated by another witch in order to be one. You do not have to be a woman, and you do not have to belong to a specific tradition in order to be a witch. These are all myths. In our quest to discover what makes a real witch, let us look at the writings of two well-respected witches and teachers in the magical community. The first comes from the late Raven Grimassi, whom I had the pleasure of meeting in person and taking classes with before he passed. In his book, Old World Witchcraft: Ancient Ways For Modern Days, he states a number of things that make someone a witch.

  • A “mystical alignment” and “enchanted worldview”, believing in “a consciousness that inhabits all things”.
  • A “rapport with spirits and other non-material beings”.
  • “The art of magic” which is “lunar in nature and is associated with the night”.
  • A connection to “the forest or woodlands”, which are the “primordial home of the witch”.

For a second look at what makes a witch, we delve into the works of Christopher Penczak, author of “The Inner Temple of Witchcraft: Magic, Meditation and Psychic Development”. In this definitive work, he gives us more insight into who witches are.

  • A witch is one who “lives the art, science and religion of witchcraft”.
  • Witchcraft as an Art:“Even though two witches can say the same exact words of a spell, each does it differently, each brings his or her own personal nuances, intentions and inflections”.
  • Witchcraft as a Science: Understanding “the theories behind spells and psychic powers”, “quantum physics” and the “corollaries between ancient philosophies and modern, cutting-edge science”.
  • Witchcraft as a Religion and Spirituality. “It is a nature-based spiritual practice…Divinity in all things is recognized…Witches are polytheistic”, communing with gods, goddesses, the forces of nature and the universe.
  • Healer: Witches are “involved in the healing arts, traditional or otherwise”.
  • A witch is a “walker between the worlds”, believing in “the physical and a multitude of spiritual dimensions”, and traversing among them.

What separates the serious practitioners from the dabblers? A structured and disciplined practice. Such a practice would include consistent ritual and spellcraft, divination, healing and spirit communication….at the very least. Real witches live as witches twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week. They are witches at the job, at home, at the supermarket and in the community. It is not a hobby or pastime. For the witch, it is their life and identity.

Here are a several ways to begin adding some structure and discipline to your practice:

  • As each Full Moon approaches, do a simple ritual to bring or attract something you desire into your life.
  • As each Dark Moon approaches, do a ritual to banish and remove something that is causing you harm.
  • Do rituals or have celebrations to honor the changing seasons, particularly the magical holidays of Samhain, Winter Solstice, Imbolc, Spring Equinox, Beltane, Summer Solstice, Lughnasadh and the Autumn Equinox.
  • Do weekly tarot readings for yourself to get insight for the coming days.
  • Meditate for fifteen minutes, three days a week.
  • Grow your own herbs and plants to use in spells.
  • Learn an alternative healing modality and use it regularly on yourself and others.
  • Learn and practice the art of spellcasting. The book, The Casting of Spells, by Christopher Penczak is a good place to start.
  • If you feel connected to certain gods, goddesses or spirit guides, make it a regular practice of honoring them with rituals and devotions at least once a week.
  • Read, study and put what you learn into practice.

A structured and disciplined practice is what separates serious witches from those who only dabble in witchcraft. The more you practice, the stronger you become and the more developed your skills will be. Consistency is paramount. If you take your practice seriously, then the natural and the spirit worlds will as well.