Native American Witchcraft, also referred to as Indigenous Witchcraft, has a long history deeply rooted in the traditions, beliefs, and practices of the Native American tribes. It is a complex and diverse system of spiritual and magical practices that vary greatly among different tribes and communities. Traditionally, Native American Witchcraft is seen as a sacred and holistic approach to life, where spirituality is intertwined with everyday activities. It encompasses a deep connection to nature, belief in spirits, and the use of various rituals, ceremonies, and herbal remedies. One of the key principles of Native American Witchcraft is the balance and harmony between humans and nature. Many tribes believe that everything in the natural world has a spiritual essence and deserves respect and honor.
Shamanic functions include:
Pueblo Indians, Plains Indians, Northeast Woodland Tribes, etc , all share a core belief in The Great Spirit, animism, and the natural force in everything. The Blackfeet believed that humans, or Niitsitapi , and Earth beings, or Ksahkomitapi , lived in one realm; sky beings, or Spomitapi , lived in another realm; and underwater beings, or Soyiitapi , lived in yet another realm.
Many tribes believe that everything in the natural world has a spiritual essence and deserves respect and honor. The rituals and ceremonies performed in Native American Witchcraft often focus on gaining insight, guidance, and protection from the spirit world. Another important aspect of Native American Witchcraft is the use of herbs, plants, and natural elements for healing and magical purposes.
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).
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.
Tribal healers, often known as medicine men or women, have extensive knowledge of the healing properties of various plants and their ability to connect individuals with the spiritual realm. These healers may also use crystals, animal parts, feathers, and other sacred objects in their rituals. Dreams and visions play a significant role in Native American Witchcraft. Many tribes believe that dreams are a way of communication with the spirit world and provide guidance and insights. Some individuals may also experience visions during rituals or ceremonies, which are seen as messages from the ancestors or spiritual beings. Native American Witchcraft is deeply rooted in oral tradition, passed down from one generation to another. The knowledge, rituals, and practices are shared within the community and are not usually openly discussed outside the tribe. However, in recent times, there has been a growing interest in understanding and preserving Native American Witchcraft among outsiders. It is important to note that Native American Witchcraft is a deeply spiritual practice that should be approached with respect and cultural sensitivity. It is not a mere attraction or trend for outsiders but a sacred tradition deeply intertwined with the cultural, historical, and spiritual identity of Native American tribes..
Reviews for "Spirituality and Self-Discovery through Native American Witchcraft"
1. Sarah - 2 stars - As someone interested in Native American spirituality and witchcraft, I was excited to dive into this book. However, I was disappointed in the lack of depth and authenticity. The author seemed to skim over important cultural aspects and presented a watered-down version of Native American practices. It felt more like a vague overview rather than an in-depth exploration. I was left with more questions than answers, and I would not recommend this book for anyone looking for a comprehensive understanding of Native American witchcraft.
2. Michael - 1 star - "Native American Witchcraft" was a huge letdown for me. It felt like a superficial and misinformed attempt at capturing Native American spirituality. The author's lack of research and respect for the traditions was evident throughout the book. There was a disregard for cultural appropriation and an oversimplification of complex rituals and beliefs. As someone seeking a genuine understanding of Native American witchcraft, I found this book to be misleading and inaccurate. I would not recommend it to anyone serious about exploring these spiritual practices.
3. Emily - 2 stars - I was hoping to learn more about Native American witchcraft from this book, but it fell short of my expectations. The information presented was too general and lacked depth. It barely scratched the surface of the rich and diverse practices within Native American cultures. It felt like the author was more interested in capitalizing on the trend of witchcraft rather than providing accurate and comprehensive information. If you're looking for an introductory book on Native American witchcraft, look elsewhere.
4. John - 1 star - I found "Native American Witchcraft" to be disrespectful and culturally insensitive. The author appropriated Native American traditions without fully understanding or respecting their sacred and spiritual significance. It brushed over complex rituals and beliefs, leaving readers with a superficial understanding of these practices. I would strongly advise against reading this book, as it perpetuates harmful stereotypes and fails to authentically represent Native American culture and spirituality.