Witchcraft is a practice that has fascinated humans for centuries. It is a craft that involves the use of magic and spells to bring about desired outcomes. Traditionally, learning witchcraft required finding a mentor or joining a coven to receive guidance and knowledge. However, with the advent of the internet, learning witchcraft has become more accessible than ever before. Online platforms and websites dedicated to witchcraft offer a plethora of resources for aspiring witches. These platforms provide information on various aspects of witchcraft, such as spellcasting, divination, herbalism, and astrology.
Where do witches come from?
Images of alluring young witches and hideous hags have been around for centuries – but what do they mean? Alastair Sooke investigates.
Ask any Western child to draw a witch, and the chances are that he or she will come up with something familiar: most likely a hook-nosed hag wearing a pointy hat, riding a broomstick or stirring a cauldron. But where did this image come from? The answer is more arresting and complex than you might think, as I discovered last week when I visited Witches and Wicked Bodies, a new exhibition at the British Museum in London that explores the iconography of witchcraft.
Witches have a long and elaborate history. Their forerunners appear in the Bible, in the story of King Saul consulting the so-called Witch of Endor. They also crop up in the classical era in the form of winged harpies and screech-owl-like “strixes” – frightening flying creatures that fed on the flesh of babies.
Circe, the enchantress from Greek mythology, was a sort of witch, able to transform her enemies into swine. So was her niece Medea. The ancient world, then, was responsible for establishing a number of tropes that later centuries would come to associate with witches.
The Three Weird Sisters from Macbeth, 1785 (The Trustees of the British Museum)
Yet it wasn’t until the early Renaissance that our modern perception of the witch was truly formed. And one man of the period arguably did more than any other to define the way that we still imagine witches today: the German painter and printmaker Albrecht Dürer.
Double trouble
In a pair of hugely influential engravings, Dürer determined what would become the dual stereotype of a witch’s appearance. On the one hand, as in The Four Witches (1497), she could be young, nubile and lissom – her physical charms capable of enthralling men. On the other, as in Witch Riding Backwards on a Goat (c 1500), she could be old and hideous.
Durer's influential etchings portrayed witches as young and nubile or old crones (Albrecht Dürer)
The latter print presents a naked crone sitting on top of a horned goat, a symbol of the devil. She has withered, drooping dugs for breasts, her mouth is open as she shrieks spells and imprecations, and her wild, wind-blasted hair streams unnaturally in the direction of her travel (a sign of her magical powers). She is even clutching a broomstick. Here is the matriarch of the witches that we find in popular culture today.
For art historians, though, the interesting question is what provided Renaissance artists with the model for this appalling vision. One theory is that Dürer and his contemporaries were inspired by the personification of Envy as conceived by the Italian artist Andrea Mantegna (c 1431-1506) in his engraving Battle of the Sea Gods.
“Mantegna’s figure of Envy formed a kind of call for the Renaissance of the witch as a hideous old hag,” explains the artist and writer Deanna Petherbridge, who has co-curated the exhibition at the British Museum. “Envy was emaciated, her breasts were no longer good, which is why she was jealous of women, and she attacked babies and ate them. She often had snakes for hair.”
Another of Durer's etchings shows a witch riding backwards on a goat, with four putti (The Trustees of the British Museum)
A good example of this Envy-type of witch can be seen in an extraordinarily intense Italian print known as Lo Stregozzo (The Witch’s Procession) (c 1520). Here, a malevolent witch with open mouth, hair in turmoil and desiccated dugs clutches a steaming pot (or cauldron), and rides a fantastical, monstrous skeleton. Her right hand reaches for the head of a baby from the heap of infants at her feet.
This print was produced during the ‘golden age’ of witchcraft imagery: the tumultuous 16th and 17th centuries, when vicious witch trials convulsed Europe (the peak of the witch-hunts lasted from 1550 to 1630). “Across Europe, there was the Reformation and Counter-Reformation, the Thirty Years’ War, fantastic poverty and social change,” says Petherbridge. “Even King James in his text Daemonologie [1597] was asking: why was there such a proliferation of witches? Everybody assumed it was because the world had got so foul that it was coming to an end.”
As a result there was an outpouring of brutally misogynistic witchcraft imagery, with artists taking advantage of the invention of the printing press to disseminate material rapidly and widely. “Witchcraft is closely allied to the print revolution,” Petherbridge explains. Many of these prints, such as the powerful colour woodcut Witches’ Sabbath (1510) by Dürer’s pupil Hans Baldung Grien, can be seen in the British Museum’s exhibition.
By the 18th Century, though, witches were no longer considered a threat. Instead they were understood as the superstitious imaginings of peasants. Still, that didn’t stop great artists such as Goya from depicting them.
Los Caprichos is Goya’s collection of 80 etchings from 1799 that use witches as vehicles for satire (Goya)
Los Caprichos, Goya’s collection of 80 capricious (or whimsical) etchings from 1799, uses witches as well as goblins, demons and monsters as vehicles for satire. “Goya uses witchcraft metaphorically to point out the evils of society,” says Petherbridge. “His prints are actually about social things: greed, war, the corruption of the clergy.”
Broom with a view
Goya did not believe in the literal reality of witches, but his prints are still among the most potent images of witchcraft ever made. Plate 68 of Los Caprichos is especially memorable: a wizened hag teaches an attractive younger witch how to fly a broomstick. Both are naked, and the print was surely meant to be salacious: the Spanish ‘volar’ (to fly) is slang for having an orgasm.
Around the same time, there was a vogue among artists working in England for depicting theatrical scenes of witchcraft. The Swiss-born artist Henry Fuseli, for instance, made several versions of the famous moment when Macbeth meets the three witches for the first time on the heath.
By now, though, the art of witchcraft was in decline. It lacked the strange imaginative force that had animated the genre in earlier centuries. In the 19th Century, the Pre-Raphaelites and the Symbolists were both drawn to the figure of the witch, whom they recast as a femme fatale. But their sinister seductresses arguably belong more to the realm of sexual fantasy than high art.
The one constant throughout the history of the art of witchcraft is misogyny. As a woman, how does this make Petherbridge feel? “At the beginning when I was looking at these images, I was quite distressed because they are so ageist,” she says. “Of course, now I’ve stopped being shocked by them, and I think that they are saved by their excess, satire and invention. Artists were often drawn to these scenes because they offered drama. They were free to spread their wings and come up with all kinds of bizarre imagery. Yes, these scenes represent the demonisation of women. But often they are keenly linked to social critique. Witches are the scapegoats on which the evil of society is projected.”
Alastair Sooke is art critic of The Daily Telegraph
If you would like to comment on this story or anything else you have seen on BBC Culture, head over to our Facebook page or message us on Twitter.
Witchcraft Courses
Imagine having your very own Witchcraft or Tarot teacher and coach.
How would that change the way you learn, and ultimately, practice your Craft?
Learning happens best when it's an up-close and personal experience with a teacher who is invested in your success.
That is why you will always have personal access to your teachers with any course you take at The Magickal Path, whether it's through a 1-1 Coaching Program, or if you prefer to work solo, through a Supported Independent Study/Email Correspondence Course.
Virtual, One-On-One, and Supported Independent Study Witchcraft Classes
Create a bespoke Eclectic Witchcraft or Tarot practice that actually works, resonates with you on a soul level, and supports your life and goals.
ALL COURSES ARE:
~ Open Enrollment: sign up for a course anytime!
~ Academically structured and loaded with information, practices and projects
~ Conversational in tone and beautifully laid out like a magazine with images and places to write
~ Located in The Magickal Path's state of the art online classroom portal
~ And most importantly, include support and interaction with your teacher via Email, Google Meet, FaceTime, Facebook or Text
ALL COURSES ARE:
~ Open Enrollment: sign up for a course anytime!
~ Academically structured and loaded with information, practices and projects
~ Conversational in tone and beautifully laid out like a magazine with images and places to write
~ Located in The Magickal Path's state of the art online classroom portal
~ And most importantly, include support and interaction with your teacher via Email, Google Meet, FaceTime, Facebook or Text
The Eclectic Witch:
WITCHCRAFT COURSES & COACHING PROGRAMS
Eclectic Witchcraft is a carefully curated compilation of time-honored, globally-referenced magickal, spiritual and occult practices that have great meaning and resonance to the individual Witch.
Freedom is the operative word in Eclectic Witchcraft. There are no rules in the way you practice this Craft, only guidelines. That is because there is always more than one way to do things. Sure, energetic principles do apply, although how you choose to work with them is up to you, including whether your practice will be fluid and intuitive, or highly structured. Note that Eclectic Witchcraft is by no means a hodgepodge of practices. That is because the practices you choose to include deeply interest you and have great meaning to you. Making your Witchcraft practice unique and singularly your own is the hallmark of this path.
There is also no hierarchy or need for a ‘middleman’ to tell you how to do things, or what to believe in or work with. You are your own 'High Priest' or 'Priestess', if that terminology appeals to you. You do not need to be 'initiated' or earn 'degrees' to be a Witch. If you have chosen this path and truly love it, you ARE a Witch and do not need anyone else to validate this fact.
Eclectic Witchcraft is a beautiful path to personal empowerment and self-mastery. Through its empowering, nature-based, and life-affirming practices, you can finally create the life of your dreams, and live it joyfully and intentionally.
eclectic WITCHCRAFT & tHE ECLECTIC WITCH
Eclectic Witchcraft and the Eclectic Witch
Welcome to my school, THE MAGICKAL PATH!
I am devoted to it, and to you, and will do everything in my power to make sure you have a positive experience here, learn what you signed up to learn, and that The Magickal Path exceeds your expectations in every way. Ensuring you get a top-notch learning experience and are treated like a human, and never a 'number', is my mission. And the way I support this mission is through being available to you for 'real'. No matter which program you enroll in, whether it's a live online, 1-1 coaching, or an independent study course, as the program admin for every course that is offered, I am here for you, and am always just an email away.
Work with me or one of my other extraordinary teachers! We are your guides as you transform into a skilled witch, magician, or tarot reader through our comprehensive witchcraft, magick, and tarot courses.
Directly below are my programs and courses. Further down are faculty course descriptions. Click the links to visit each dedicated course description page for details and to enroll.
Email me anytime if you have questions.
I'M FIONA DUNCAN,
Sign Up for My Newsletter!
Click here to sign up now
THE MAGICKAL PATH Newsletter is a beautifully written and designed newsletter that features:
~A monthly 'witchy lifestyle calendar' that highlights important dates and what to do on them
~Educational content about witchcraft, magick and tarot
~Updates about new and current course programs & sales
~And sometimes, my personal musings about life, magick, and matters of Spirit
You can expect to receive anywhere from 1-4 newsletters per month.
THE MAGICKAL PATH Newsletter is a beautifully written and designed newsletter that features:
~A monthly 'witchy lifestyle calendar' that highlights important dates and what to do on them
~Educational content about witchcraft, magick and tarot
~Updates about new and current course programs and sales
~And sometimes, my personal musings about life, magick, and matters of Spirit
You can expect to receive anywhere from 1-4 newsletters per month.
Your email address is safe with me. I'd never dream of sharing it with anyone or selling it.
end of year holiday sale!
SAVE 10-15% Sitewide
see Each Course for details
A Comprehensive 'Year and a Day' Course and Coaching Program in the Spiritual, Magickal and Esoteric Practices of Eclectic Witchcraft
Level Up Your Magick & Manifest Like a Mage in this Intensive Online Magick Course!
Bring Your Magick to New Heights with this Advanced Coaching Program Designed Especially for the 'WAY OF THE WITCH: Witchcraft 101' & 'STELLAR: Practical Planetary Magick for the Modern Witch' Graduate
What would take years to curate, organize and learn on your own is yours in 12 comprehensive lessons! Follow the timed monthly format, or work at your own pace in either the 1-1 coaching or the independent study course options.
Create a Highly Effective, Cosmically-Charged, Practical Planetary Magick Practice with the 7 Classical Planets. Aside from the power within you, there is no stronger magickal energy in Nature than planetary energies.
Use Your Advanced Skills in this Unique Magickal Journey I Custom Design Just for You
CLICK HERE to learn more & to Sign Up
CLICK HERE to learn more & to Sign Up
CLICK HERE to learn more & to Sign Up
CLICK HERE to learn more & to Sign Up
Embark Upon a Magickal Journey
Into the World of the Witch
Do Powerful Magick and Live Deliciously in Sync With the Rhythms of Nature
Discover Each of the 8 Sabbats and Craft Your Very Own Powerful, Meaningful, and Fun Sabbat Year
Embark Upon a Magickal Journey Into the World of the Witch
Do Powerful Magick and Live Deliciously in Sync With the Rhythms of Nature
Discover Each of the 8 Sabbats and Craft Your Very Own Powerful, Meaningful, and Fun Sabbat Year
2 OPTIONS TO CHOOSE FROM: 1-1 Coaching or Supported Independent Study; Suitable for both the Northern & Southern Hemispheres
Ready to REALLY level-up your magick and cast like a mage?
MAGE: Strategic Spellcasting for the Advanced Practitioner is a comprehensive three month 1-1 practical magick course and coaching program in which you will cast a symphony of spells through my 'Strategic Spellcasting Technique', utilizing various modes and methods of magick such as Planetary Magick, my own Astrological & Zodiacal Timing method, and various forms of Practical Magick (candle magick, sigils, mojo bags, etc).
You will cast and track a complex, multi-part spell that takes place and manifests over time for one substantial desire.
MAGE features content that is custom-tailored to your specific magickal goal. With my guidance, MAGE challenges the advanced student to work their magickal knowledge and skills through a complex series of of strategically planned spells.
Ready to REALLY level-up your magick and cast like a mage? MAGE: Strategic Spellcasting for the Advanced Practitioner is a comprehensive three month 1-1 practical magick course and coaching program in which you will cast a symphony of spells through my 'Strategic Spellcasting Technique', utilizing various modes and methods of magick such as Planetary Magick, my own Astrological & Zodiacal Timing method, and various forms of Practical Magick (candle magick, sigils, mojo bags, etc). You will cast and track a complex, multi-part spell that takes place and manifests over time for one substantial desire. MAGE features content that is custom-tailored to your specific magickal goal. With my guidance, MAGE challenges the advanced student to work their magickal knowledge and skills through a complex series of of strategically planned and timed spells.
BECOME THE WITCH YOU'VE ALWAYS WANTED TO BE!
~Craft a REAL, bespoke, and highly effective witchcraft practice that supports your life and goals
~Harness your own energy, the key to your magickal and personal power
~Work with the energies of the Earth and Cosmos, which add massive layers of power to your own
~Release uncertainty and become a confident, masterful magician and creator of original spells
~Clear blocks to your magick, happiness and success in life
~Discover a divination practice that will help you to navigate your life and Witchcraft practice
~Live in sync with the rhythms and energies of nature
~Practice your own personalized year of Sabbat celebrations (holidays!)
-Live harmoniously with the Moon and 'her moods', and create your own soulful esbat (full moon) practice
~Connect with spirit and understand your path and your purpose
~Learn SO much about magick, what it really is, and more importantly. DO IT. and experience life-changing manifestations!
BECOME THE WITCH YOU'VE ALWAYS WANTED TO BE! ~Craft a REAL, bespoke, and highly effective witchcraft practice that supports your life and goals ~Harness your own energy, the key to your magickal and personal power ~Work with the energies of the Earth and Cosmos, which add massive layers of power to your own ~Release uncertainty and become a confident, masterful magician and creator of original spells ~Clear blocks to your magick, happiness and success in life ~Discover a divination practice that will help you to navigate your life and Witchcraft practice ~Live in sync with the rhythms and energies of nature ~Practice your own personalized year of Sabbat celebrations (holidays!) -Live harmoniously with the Moon and 'her moods', and create your own soulful esbat (full moon) practice ~Connect with spirit and understand your path and your purpose ~Learn SO much about magick, what it really is, and more importantly. DO IT. and experience life-changing manifestations!
(Perfect for beginner to intermediate level students)
(Perfect for beginner to intermediate level students)
(Best for intermediate level students and/or WAY OF THE WITCH graduates)
(For graduates of both WAY OF THE WITCH & STELLAR only)
The Sabbats are the Witch's holidays--they are our 'holy-days', and are among the most quintessential of all practices in the Craft.
They are a time for celebration, gratitude, ritual and magick, and can be shared with others, or practiced solitary.
Sabbats are ruled by the Sun: capitalize on the powerful astronomical events they are, doing potent magickal, energy and healing work, while enjoying fun seasonal activities and celebrations!
The Sabbats are the Witch's holidays--they are our 'holy-days', and are among the most quintessential of all practices in the Craft. They are a time for celebration, gratitude, ritual and magick, and can be shared with others, or practiced solitary. Sabbats are ruled by the Sun: capitalize on the powerful astronomical events they are, doing potent magickal, energy and healing work, while enjoying fun seasonal activities and celebrations! Perfect for beginner to intermediate level students.
~ Understand and harness cosmic and planetary energies to empower your life and magickal practice
~ Become a confident, powerful magician and creator of original spells
~ Create your own original spells for success and happiness
~ Immerse yourself in the power of each planet and draw their benefic energies into your magickal practice, and into your life!
~ Learn SO much about magick, what it really is, and more importantly, DO IT to experience profound results
~ Work with each planet purely as energy, as the ancient deities they are named for, with the archangels that rule them, or a combination of any
~ Cast an original, bespoke magick spell for something you wish to attract or release with each monthly planetary immersion
~ Become an adept magician and an expert with candle magick and creating magickal oils
~ Understand and harness cosmic and planetary energies to empower your life and magickal practice
~ Become a confident, powerful magician and creator of original spells
~ Create your own original spells for success and happiness
~ Immerse yourself in the power of each planet and draw their benefic energies into your magickal practice, and into your life!
~ Learn SO much about magick, what it really is, and more importantly, DO IT to experience profound results
~ Work with each planet purely as energy, as the ancient deities they are named for, with the archangels that rule them, or a combination of any
~ Cast an original, bespoke magick spell for something you wish to attract or release with each monthly planetary immersion.
~Become an adept magician and an expert with candle magick and creating magickal oils
WAY OF THE WITCH: Witchcraft 101
THE WITCH'S YEAR:
Days of Celebration, Power & Magick for the Eclectic Witch
STELLAR: Practical Planetary Magick
MAGE: Strategic Spellcasting for the Advanced Student
Click Link for Sale!
Click Link for Sale!
Click Link for Sale!
Magick course
With poet & author, writing instructor, and witch. Robin Gow, BA, MFA
CLICK HERE to learn more & to sign up
ENCHANTED INCANTATIONS: The Magick of Words in Ritual & Spellcasting
1-1 Coaching and Self-Paced Supported Independent Study Options; Recommended for Students with Basic Spellcasting Experience
Discover the Magickal World of Words and the Possibilities They Hold
Learn How to Weave this Ancient Magick into Your Spells, Rituals and Offerings in a Modern Way
Infuse the Power of Words Through Poetry Into Your Entire Witchcraft Practice
Discover the Magickal World of Words and the Possibilities They Hold
Learn How to Weave this Ancient Magick into Your Spells, Rituals and Offerings in a Modern Way
Infuse the Power of Words Through Poetry Into Your Entire Witchcraft Practice
These platforms provide information on various aspects of witchcraft, such as spellcasting, divination, herbalism, and astrology. They often include articles, tutorials, and forums where practitioners can share their experiences and seek guidance from more seasoned witches. One of the advantages of learning witchcraft online is the ability to learn at your own pace and in the comfort of your own home.
Learn how to transform your everyday, pedestrian spell intentions into power-infused enchanted poems and incantations that will not only bring your magickal skills and witchcraft practice to the next level, it will make casting spells the wildly exciting and mystical experience you always hoped it would be!
Enchanted Incantations is perfect for Witches, Magicians, Poets and Writers with any level of writing experience who want to infuse the power of words through poetry into their spell incantations, ritual practices or even everyday writing projects.
This is a real, academic, beginner's course in poetry and magick, taught to you by a published poet and author, writing instructor and witch. No poetry or writing experience required, only a desire to learn, plus basic skills in spellcasting, meaning you have cast a few spells in the past.
Online courses and workshops allow individuals to study specific aspects of witchcraft, such as tarot reading or candle magic, in a structured manner. These courses often provide comprehensive materials and assignments to ensure a thorough understanding of the subject matter. Moreover, online communities dedicated to witchcraft provide a sense of belonging and support. These groups allow individuals to connect with like-minded practitioners from around the world, share their experiences, and ask questions. This sense of community is especially valuable for those who may not have access to local covens or mentors. Despite the advantages of learning witchcraft online, it is important to approach the subject with a discerning mind. The internet can be a breeding ground for misinformation and scams, so it is crucial to critically evaluate the sources of information. Reliable resources often cite their references and provide evidence for their claims. In conclusion, learning witchcraft online has become increasingly popular and accessible. It offers aspiring witches a wealth of resources, courses, and communities to aid in their journey of spiritual exploration. However, it is crucial to approach online resources with a critical eye and ensure the reliability of the information..
Reviews for "Connect with spirits and guides through online witchcraft courses"
1. Samantha - 2 stars - I was really excited to learn witchcraft online, but this course was a huge disappointment. The videos were poorly made and the information provided was too basic. I was hoping for some advanced techniques and spells, but all I got was basic information that I could have found for free on the internet. Overall, I feel like I wasted my money on this course and would not recommend it to others looking to learn witchcraft.
2. John - 1 star - I had high hopes for this online witchcraft course, but it fell far short of my expectations. The instructor seemed very unqualified and lacked proper knowledge of the subject. The content was disorganized and the explanations were confusing. The exercises and assignments provided were also very repetitive and did not challenge me in any meaningful way. I would not recommend this course to anyone serious about learning witchcraft.
3. Emily - 2 stars - As someone who has been practicing witchcraft for several years, I was looking for an online course that would help me refine my skills and learn new techniques. Unfortunately, this course did not deliver. The content was very basic and did not provide any new insights or knowledge. The instructor seemed more focused on promoting their own products and services rather than providing valuable instruction. I was left feeling disappointed and frustrated with this course.
4. Mark - 1 star - Learn witchcraft online was a complete waste of time and money for me. The course material was outdated and lacked depth. I was hoping to learn about different traditions and practices within witchcraft, but the course only covered a narrow spectrum. The organization of the course was also lacking, making it difficult to follow along and retain any information. Overall, I would not recommend this course to anyone serious about learning witchcraft.