Witchcraft is a term used to describe a variety of different practices, beliefs, and rituals. Throughout history, witchcraft has been associated with both positive and negative connotations, often being seen as a means of tapping into supernatural powers. The tenets of witches can vary depending on cultural beliefs and individual practices, but there are some general ideas that tend to unify different witchcraft traditions. **1. Connection to nature:** Witches often hold a deep reverence and respect for nature. They believe in the interconnectedness of all living things and seek to live in harmony with the natural world.
But there may be an even more blatant sign that Angeli is no friend to antifascists: his much-photographed bare torso is covered in symbols that have long been used by the white supremacist movement. Given his penchant for showing up to protests shirtless, face-painted, and sporting a horned helmet like some kind of racist Party City Viking who took a wrong turn and ended up at Burning Man, Angeli’s many tattoos are often on full display, including his large trio of Odinist symbols. He has a mjolnir , or Thor’s Hammer, on his stomach, an image of Yggdrasil , or Tree of Life, etched around his nipple, and most significantly, placed right above his heart, a valknut , or “ knot of the slain, ” an old Norse runic symbol turned recognized hate symbol that is popular among white supremacists. In addition, the mjolnir has become a symbol of identity among modern heathens, and is particularly popular among those aligned with the explicitly white supremacist neo-Völkisch” or “folkish” movement.
While it s used in some European corporate logos, Heathens now use it to signify that one is ready to be taken into the ranks of Odin s chosen warriors essentially, to die a warrior s death for the cause. There is even a growing movement to wrest these symbols and modern heathenism more generally away from white supremacists, with groups like Heathens Against Hate and Heathens United Against Racism offering an antiracist alternative.
They believe in the interconnectedness of all living things and seek to live in harmony with the natural world. **2. Power within:** Witches believe in harnessing and using their own personal power.
Is the ‘QAnon Shaman’ From the MAGA Capitol Riot Covered in Neo-Nazi Imagery?
Supporters of US President Donald Trump, including Jake Angeli, a QAnon supporter known for his painted face and horned hat, protest in the US Capitol on January 6, 2021, in Washington, DC. Saul Loeb/AFP/Getty Images
Mere hours after a mob of Trump supporters stormed the Capitol building in Washington, D.C., forcing Congress to evacuate and giving every impression of staging an attempted coup, the right-wing propaganda machine whirred to life. Republican mouthpiece Sarah Palin, Pro-Trump lawyer Lin Wood (who has since been banned from Twitter for inciting violence), far-right Florida Representative Matt Gaetz, and innumerable pro-Trump social media accounts all began spreading an unfounded and utterly bizarre false-flag theory that antifascists, or “antifa,” had somehow infiltrated the crowd and were actually behind all the violence and destruction. Among their major pieces of “evidence” were photos of Arizona QAnon supporter Jake Angeli, who is well-known for his outsized, costumed presence at pro-Trump rallies and far-right anti-lockdown protests. Angeli himself was mortified at being mistaken for antifa, tweeting plaintively, “I’m a Qanon & digital soldier. My name is Jake & I marched with the police & fought against BLM & ANTIFA in PHX.”
But there may be an even more blatant sign that Angeli is no friend to antifascists: his much-photographed bare torso is covered in symbols that have long been used by the white supremacist movement. Given his penchant for showing up to protests shirtless, face-painted, and sporting a horned helmet like some kind of racist Party City Viking who took a wrong turn and ended up at Burning Man, Angeli’s many tattoos are often on full display, including his large trio of Odinist symbols. He has a mjolnir , or Thor’s Hammer, on his stomach, an image of Yggdrasil , or Tree of Life, etched around his nipple, and most significantly, placed right above his heart, a valknut , or “ knot of the slain, ” an old Norse runic symbol turned recognized hate symbol that is popular among white supremacists. In addition, the mjolnir has become a symbol of identity among modern heathens, and is particularly popular among those aligned with the explicitly white supremacist neo-Völkisch” or “folkish” movement.
The presence of Yggdrasil or even mjolnir on their own isn’t necessarily cause for alarm, given their popularity among modern pagans and fans of Norse mythology, but there is far less ambiguity around the valknut . There is some debate about its original meaning, and its three interconnected triangles have appeared on a variety of archaeological objects from the Viking era; the name itself is a neologism, a modern combination of the Old Norse valr — the slain — and knut , “knot.” While it’s used in some European corporate logos, Heathens now use it to signify that one is ready to be taken into the ranks of Odin’s chosen warriors — essentially, to die a warrior’s death for the cause. When tattooed on a conservative activist who adheres to a blood libel-style conspiracy like QAnon, it wouldn’t even have to mean he was a white supremacist, but rather that conspiratorial world views have a historical context about which their believers should be slightly self-aware.
This power is often seen as coming from within, rather than being bestowed upon them by external forces. **3. Magickal practices:** Witches incorporate magickal practices into their daily lives. This can include spellwork, divination, herbalism, and energy manipulation. **4. Worship of deities or spirits:** Some witches believe in and worship specific deities or spirits. These can be from various mythologies or may be personal entities that hold personal significance to the witch. **5. Spirituality:** Witches often have a strong sense of spirituality, but this can vary greatly. Some may have religious beliefs, while others may have more eclectic or personal spiritual practices. **6. Honoring ancestors:** The importance of ancestors and ancestral traditions is often emphasized in witchcraft. Witches may seek guidance or assistance from their ancestors and may engage in rituals to honor and connect with them. **7. Ethics and responsibility:** Many witches adhere to a code of ethics that emphasizes personal responsibility, harm none, and respect for others and the natural world. This can vary depending on individual beliefs and ethical systems. **8. Moon and seasonal cycles:** Witches often work with the cycles of the moon and the seasons. These natural rhythms are believed to have their own energies and can be utilized in spellwork and other magickal practices. **9. Ritual and symbolism:** Ritual and symbolism play an important role in witchcraft. Witches often utilize specific tools, gestures, and symbols to enhance their magickal workings and connect with the spiritual realms. **10. Individuality and personal choice:** The tenets of witchcraft allow for individuality and personal choice. Each witch has the freedom to practice their craft in their own unique way, incorporating the elements and practices that resonate most with them. Overall, the tenets of witches encompass a deep connection to nature, personal empowerment, magickal practices, spirituality, and a sense of responsibility and ethical conduct. While there are many different variations and interpretations of witchcraft, these common themes help to define the foundational beliefs and practices of witches..
Reviews for "The Importance of Self-Reflection: Exploring the Tenets of Personal Growth in Witchcraft"
1. Sarah - 2 stars - I was really disappointed with "What are the tenets of witches". The book promised to provide a deep dive into the beliefs and principles of witches, but it fell short on that aspect. The information provided was very basic and didn't offer any real insight into the subject. I was hoping to gain a better understanding of witchcraft and its tenets, but this book didn't deliver on that front. Overall, it was a letdown and I wouldn't recommend it to those seeking an in-depth exploration of witchcraft.
2. John - 1 star - This book was a waste of time and money. The title and description seemed intriguing, but the content was severely lacking. It felt like a hastily put together compilation of surface-level information about witches without any real substance. The author failed to delve into the tenets of witchcraft and instead provided vague and generalized information that left me more confused than informed. I expected a comprehensive exploration and analysis of witchcraft beliefs, but "What are the tenets of witches" failed to meet those expectations.
3. Emma - 2 stars - I found "What are the tenets of witches" to be superficial and lacking depth. The author touched on various aspects of witchcraft but failed to provide a thorough understanding of the tenets that guide witches' practices. The book relied too much on generalizations and stereotypes, and I was left wanting more substantial information. If you're looking for a detailed exploration of witchcraft and its core principles, this book is not the one to turn to. I was left unsatisfied with the level of depth and knowledge presented in this book.