Native American witchcraft refers to the complex spiritual practices and beliefs of the indigenous peoples of North America. **Centuries before the arrival of Europeans, Native American tribes had well-established systems of witchcraft and sorcery**. These practices varied widely among the different tribes, reflecting their unique cultural traditions and regional landscapes. **Contrary to popular misconception, Native American witchcraft was not primarily concerned with evil or harmful magic, but rather with the balance of natural and supernatural forces**. **In Native American cultures, witches played multifaceted roles within their communities**. They were often seen as spiritual healers, medicine men or women, and protectors of their tribes.
They were often seen as spiritual healers, medicine men or women, and protectors of their tribes. **Their use of sacred herbs, animal ceremonialism, and divination methods set them apart**. Witches were believed to have the ability to communicate with spirits, call upon powerful deities, and harness the energy of the natural world through their rituals and spells.
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).
If you’re looking for something that is less daunting in its heft but just as provocative, it’s James Axtell’s The Invasion Within: The Contest of Cultures in Colonial North America (New York: Oxford University Press, 1985). Few historians understand better than Axtell the importance of religion in shaping early American history, and here he argues that the superiority of French Jesuits as missionaries and the “limber paganism” of the Indians sustained the efforts of both to keep the British from winning the three-way struggle for the North American continent, a contest that culminated in the Seven Years’ War (1755–1762). The book sparkles with learning and wit, and its pages are filled with anecdotes that will delight your students. In addition, Axtell has edited a book of primary sources, The Indian Peoples of Eastern America: A Documentary History of the Sexes (New York: Oxford University Press, 1981), which offers a rich array of selections exploring every facet of life, including religion, among the eastern Woodland tribes, as well as much helpful commentary in the introduction and prefaces to each selection.
**One significant aspect of Native American witchcraft was the belief in interconnectedness and the importance of harmony**. Tribes recognized the presence of various spirits, gods, and animal totems, whom they invited into their ceremonies and daily lives. **Witches acted as intermediaries between these spiritual forces and the human realm, seeking to maintain balance and harmony**. Through their sacred rituals, they aimed to ensure the wellbeing of their community, restore health, provide protection, and offer guidance. **Dreams and visions played a crucial role in Native American witchcraft**. Witches believed that these phenomena were messages from the spirit realm and often relied on them for guidance and inspiration. **Using their spiritual powers, witches were able to interpret dreams and visions and provide insights into various aspects of tribal life**. **Colonization and the spread of Christianity had a significant impact on Native American witchcraft**. As European settlers arrived, they often demonized native spiritual practices, including witchcraft, branding them as pagan or satanic. Consequently, Native American witches faced persecution and suppression of their traditions, forcing many to practice their craft in secret or adapt to the new cultural and religious norms. Nonetheless, some aspects of Native American witchcraft have managed to survive, adapt, and merge with other spiritual practices. **In recent years, there has been an increasing interest and revival of Native American witchcraft**. With the growing appreciation for indigenous cultures and spirituality, many are seeking to reconnect with the ancient wisdom and practices of Native American witchcraft. This revival is often marked by a deep respect for traditional teachings, honoring indigenous ancestors, and an emphasis on sustainability and the preservation of nature. In conclusion, Native American witchcraft encompasses a rich tapestry of spiritual practices and beliefs, deeply rooted in the indigenous cultures of North America. **Witches played vital roles in their communities, acting as healers, protectors, and intermediaries between humans and spirits**. The interconnectedness of all things and the importance of harmony were central tenets of this practice. While facing persecution and suppression, some aspects of Native American witchcraft have managed to endure and experience a recent revival..
Reviews for "The Ritual Tools Used in Native American Witchcraft"
1. John - 2 stars - I was quite disappointed with "Native American Witchcraft". I was looking forward to learning about the rich and historically significant practices of Native American tribes, but instead, I found the book to be full of inaccuracies and cultural appropriation. The author lacked the necessary knowledge and respect for the subject matter, and it showed throughout the book. I would not recommend it to anyone seeking an authentic and respectful understanding of Native American witchcraft.
2. Sarah - 1 star - As someone who has a deep respect for Native American culture, I found "Native American Witchcraft" to be highly offensive and disrespectful. The author seemed to have no regard for the cultural traditions and practices she wrote about, and it felt like a gross misuse of Native American spirituality for personal gain. The book was full of stereotypes and generalizations, and I was left feeling disgusted by the author's lack of understanding and sensitivity. I would strongly advise against reading this book if you are looking for an accurate and respectful portrayal of Native American witchcraft.
3. Christopher - 2 stars - "Native American Witchcraft" fell short of my expectations. The book lacked depth and did not provide the scholarly approach I was hoping for. The author relied heavily on clichés and superficial descriptions of Native American practices, which left me feeling unsatisfied and wanting more. I would have liked to see a more nuanced and informed exploration of the topic. Overall, I found the book to be a missed opportunity to shed light on a fascinating aspect of Native American culture.