Indigenous American witchcraft refers to the spiritual practices and beliefs of the indigenous peoples of the Americas that are associated with witchcraft. Indigenous American witchcraft is a diverse and complex subject that varies greatly among different tribes and nations. It encompasses a range of practices, including healing ceremonies, divination, and rituals for communicating with spirits and ancestors. One of the main ideas in Indigenous American witchcraft is the belief in the interconnectedness of all living beings and the natural world. Indigenous cultures view the earth as a living entity and believe that everything in the universe is interconnected and interdependent. This belief forms the foundation for their practice of witchcraft, as they seek to establish a harmony with nature and the spiritual realm.
Native American spirituality is interwoven through every aspect of life, and despite diversity between ritual, ceremony, and details of beliefs between the different groups (e.g. Pueblo Indians, Plains Indians, Northeast Woodland Tribes, etc), all share a core belief in The Great Spirit, animism, and the natural force in everything. For the North American Indians, spirituality is based on nature, ethics, morals, and the intrinsic interrelation between all things. These beliefs are often depicted or honored in Native American jewelry, art, and blanket design.
As much as English settlers, Native New Englanders and Native Americans generally inhabited worlds of wonder, milieus peopled with extraordinary beings and marked by supernatural phenomena. Witchcraft, among other remarkable beliefs and practices, was an integral part of their worldview, as common among Natives as among European newcomers.
This belief forms the foundation for their practice of witchcraft, as they seek to establish a harmony with nature and the spiritual realm. Another important concept in Indigenous American witchcraft is the belief in spirits and the ability to communicate with them. Practitioners often engage in rituals and ceremonies to establish a connection with spirits and seek their guidance and assistance.
American Indians, Witchcraft, and Witch-hunting
To paraphrase historian David D. Hall, “the people[s] of seventeenth-century New England lived in an enchanted universe. Theirs was a world of wonders” ( 1). As much as English settlers, Native New Englanders (and Native Americans generally) inhabited worlds of wonder, milieus peopled with extraordinary beings and marked by supernatural phenomena. Witchcraft, among other remarkable beliefs and practices, was an integral part of their worldview, as common among Natives as among European newcomers.
Since the advent of American colonization itself, European commentators have emphasized the cultural differences between American Natives and European colonists, often equating Indian difference with inferiority. Yet, at least in retrospect, the similarities among these contending peoples are striking. A few recent scholars have even argued persuasively that such similarities— not differences, certainly not any “racial” distinction—set European colonists and Native Americans at odds as they competed for the same thing: American land and resources. Yet a shared belief in witchcraft— no more than a similar ambition to live abundant lives in the North American landscape— hardly brought the two peoples together. At least in one important respect, Indian supernaturalism, particularly claims of direct, personal revelation, made Natives suspect in the eyes of colonists and helped persuade English settlers that Indians liberally practiced the dark arts. Hostile colonists characterized the Natives' homeland as “wilderness,” a “devil's den.” They saw the Indians' natural religion as diabolical, understood Native shamans as witches, and demeaned Native practitioners as slaves of Satan. Consider, for example, the descriptions of the missionary Thomas Mayhew Jr. regarding the Wampanoags of Martha's Vineyard in 1652:
When the Lord first brought me to these poor Indians on the Vinyard, they were mighty zealous and earnest in the Worship of False gods and Devils; … The Devil also with his Angels had his Kingdom among them; … by him they were often hurt in their Bodies, distracted in their Minds, wherefore they had many meetings with their Pawwaws [shaman or chief religious practitioner], (who usually had a hand in their hurt) to pacifie the Devil by their sacrifice, … . The Pawwaws counted their Imps their Preservers, had them treasured up in their friends ( 2).
Shamanic trance is induced in an array of ways, including via:
This can take the form of honoring ancestors, performing rituals to appease nature spirits, or conducting divination to receive messages from the spiritual realm. Healing is an integral part of Indigenous American witchcraft, with practitioners often using various herbs, plants, and rituals to facilitate physical, emotional, and spiritual healing. Indigenous healers, often referred to as shamans, play a crucial role in their communities by using their knowledge and spiritual abilities to restore balance and well-being. It is important to note that Indigenous American witchcraft is not synonymous with the negative stereotype of witchcraft found in Western cultures. Indigenous witchcraft is deeply rooted in their cultural traditions and is often seen as a positive force for healing, protection, and spiritual growth. Indigenous American witchcraft is an important part of the cultural heritage of many indigenous peoples. It reflects their strong connections to the land, their spiritual beliefs, and their deep respect for all living beings. It continues to be practiced and passed down through generations, contributing to the preservation and celebration of indigenous cultures in the Americas..
Reviews for "Connecting with Animal Spirit Guides in Indigenous American Witchcraft"
1. Jane - 2/5 stars - I was really excited to dive into the world of indigenous American witchcraft, but I was disappointed by this book. While it did provide some basic information, it lacked depth and failed to truly capture the complexity of the subject matter. I also felt that the book didn't do justice to the cultural significance of indigenous American practices and instead trivialized them. Overall, I would not recommend this book to those seeking an authentic and comprehensive understanding of indigenous American witchcraft.
2. Mark - 1/5 stars - As someone who has a genuine interest in indigenous cultures and witchcraft, I found this book to be a complete letdown. The author seemed to have a shallow understanding of the subject matter and relied heavily on stereotypes and misconceptions. The lack of proper research was evident throughout the book, which made it difficult to take any of the information seriously. I expected a more nuanced and respectful approach, but unfortunately, this book fell short on every level.
3. Emily - 2/5 stars - I had high hopes for "Indigenous American Witchcraft," but unfortunately, it didn't live up to my expectations. The information provided was superficial and lacked the depth I was looking for. Additionally, the book seemed more focused on romanticizing indigenous cultures rather than providing accurate and respectful insights. It's important to approach such topics with sensitivity and knowledge, and unfortunately, this book failed to do so. I would advise readers to seek alternative sources for a more reliable and authentic understanding of indigenous American witchcraft.
4. Michael - 1/5 stars - This book was a complete disappointment. It felt like a compilation of vague and generic information that could be found with a simple internet search. There was no real depth or insight into indigenous American witchcraft, and I found myself feeling more confused after reading it than when I started. The lack of cultural sensitivity and proper research was evident throughout the book, which made it difficult to engage with the material. I would not recommend wasting your time with this book if you're genuinely interested in indigenous American witchcraft.