Wiccan Rituals and Modern Spirituality: Bridging the Gap

Are you fascinated by the world of Wiccan rituals? Do you find yourself drawn to the practices, beliefs, and symbolism associated with this ancient spiritual tradition? If so, you may be besotted with Wiccan rituals. Wicca is a modern pagan witchcraft practice that draws on various ancient traditions and beliefs. It emphasizes the worship of nature, the cycles of the moon, and the honoring of the divine feminine. Wiccans believe in the existence of a supernatural force or energy that permeates the universe, known as "the Great Goddess." They also acknowledge the presence of various deities and celestial beings. One of the key aspects of Wiccan rituals is the celebration of the seasons and the cycles of nature.

Formal Inquisitions were headed by the Catholic Church to root out “heresy” in many forms, not just witchcraft. This bull, however, was in response to a German inquisitor who was particularly obsessed with punishing witches. This inquisitor, Heinrich Kramer, included a copy of the bull in the front of his treatise on witches and witchcraft, the Malleus malefucarum, published in 1486. Known as “The Hammer of Witches”, this book proved to be devastatingly influential and cost many innocent people their lives throughout Europe during the Renaissance. Accused witches were not just painfully executed, they were first subject to torture and interrogation as outlined by Kramer. There was no reprieve for the accused; most gave in under the horrendous pain of torture and falsely confessed to ludicrous deeds suggested by the inquisitors. Having “proven” their case, the inquisitors sent their prisoner to be executed (typically in the way of most heretics at the time, burning at the stake, though some were hung or crushed by rocks, etc.). If the accused party held out and insisted on their innocence, they were considered unrepentant and executed anyway (or they died from the extended torture and imprisonment). It truly was a dark and troubling time in history.

Kristen Sollee, who teaches a course at The New School in New York City on the intersections between witches and feminism yes, please , and who is the editor at Slutist, agrees. This imagery evokes another common patron deity, Hecate, the ancient Greek goddess of magic and witchcraft who is depicted with three faces, three connected bodies, or three female figures.

One of the key aspects of Wiccan rituals is the celebration of the seasons and the cycles of nature. Wiccans observe eight major festivals, known as Sabbats, throughout the year. These Sabbats mark important points in the solar calendar, such as the solstices and equinoxes, as well as agricultural and harvest events.

Witchcraft's New Branding — As Self-Care For Dark Times

In the mid-15th century, Europe was a panicking, volatile witch-hunt hotspot. Thousands of supposed witches (mostly women, of course), thought to have been practicing magic or making pacts with Satan, were being persecuted, trialed, tortured — many times into false confessions — and some were even executed. Of course, witch hunting has less to do with fear around the craft itself and more to do with power, oppression and scapegoating. AKA the patriarchy’s little obsession since, well, forever.

Since those days, and from the time the infamous Salem witch trials took place, times have mostly changed (although witchcraft is still considered a real danger in some countries, like Nigeria, to sometimes disastrous consequences). Over time, witchcraft has spawned many groups, incarnations, beliefs and half-beliefs, but it’s really the symbol of the witch herself — a woman othered, yet immortal, rebellious, in tune with the natural world and ever-powerful — that resonates. And that’s what we, especially women, hold to — she gives us the power to assert ourselves, take back our autonomy and focus our energy into rituals of change and healing in times of chaos.

Modern-day interest in witchcraft is no new trend. In the ‘90s, the lore blossomed in a big way. Just about every teen girl I knew devoured Silver Ravenwolf’s controversial books, especially Teen Witch: Wicca for a New Generation (which I literally bought at a Mandee’s clothing store), and shows and movies like Charmed and The Craft (it opened at number 1, pulling more than $6 million dollars) were not considered weird at all. And just look at the money the town of Salem has brought in thanks to tourism.

Sure, it was all distilled and simplified for mass consumption, but it was still intriguing and powerful; in fact, it was this very liminality that was so alluring. Simultaneously sitting at the crossroads of alt and mainstream, the witch caught on — even for people who’d never considered her magic before. And it’s led us to where we are today.

Witchcraft may not be totally understood by the masses — and, in fact, its popularity hasn’t always taken shape in ways real, practicing witches approve of — but it’s gotten the positive facelift it deserves (albeit a bit watered-down and misunderstood when it comes to details, like, you know, witches generally aren’t Satanic). In fact, all things witchy seem to have been rebranded: No longer the domain of the goth kids who got mocked in high school (raise your hand if you sat at my lunch table!), witchcraft is now seen a tool for self-care, especially when times are difficult — which, in a way, is what it was meant to be all along.

According to Haleigh Schiafo, who co-founded Babe Coven and teaches makeup witchcraft (yes, you read that correctly) at Catland Books, Fashion and Esoterica in Brooklyn, “Magic and witchcraft are first and foremost about honoring your own power, divinity, and strength. Women turn to it because we live in a world where there are so many forces at work telling us we're not enough and not worthy, but when we sit down at our altar we can worship ourselves and practice in whatever way feels most powerful to us, whether that's setting an intention with a certain shade of lipstick, drawing a daily tarot card for guidance, or carrying out self care rituals for each full moon,” Schiafo says.” Those who turn to witchcraft are tired of a patriarchal system, and in magic they find a place that welcomes self love, female empowerment, support, and growth."

And it can be found pretty much anywhere, even Urban Outfitters stores — where shoppers can indulge in goodies like Species By The Thousands’ White Sage Spray or Aquarian Soul’s Incense Kit. According to author David Nash, this makes total sense. In his book Witches and Witchcraft, he writes, “Alternatives to systems of Western medicine have made the herbalists and their work — often associated with witchcraft — of greater importance in the contemporary world.”

People are hungry for something that provides a sense of goodness when times are hard, something that ritualizes “me time,” especially if effective self-care tools, like expensive mental health care or a supportive community, are hard to come by.

Kristen Sollee, who teaches a course at The New School in New York City on the intersections between witches and feminism (yes, please), and who is the editor at Slutist, agrees. “The alternative practices [Urban Outfitters] capitalize on might once have gotten you killed were you caught observing them openly, and might still be cause for ostracism, losing a job, or losing custody of your children in certain communities today,” she tells me via email. “I think the trend of witchy herbs and potions being sold at corporate retailers is in part an answer to this primal need to reconnect with our wild natures and heal ourselves,” Solee says. And it’s true: Not everything that was once “alternative” and is now “trendy” should be chalked up to a sense of buyable rebellion. Put simply, sometimes a little ritual, nature and intention goes a long way.

Maybe witchcraft culture really does shine light through the bleak, oppressive, lonely challenges we deal with on the day to day.

So do you need to be a “real witch” to buy, say, Etsy seller BethKaya’s Spa Smudge Set? Not at all. BethKaya says she herself doesn’t identify as a witch, but that her products naturally make a space for it. Regardless of beliefs, her products are all about self-care. Because they require you to “reaffirm your intentions….once you do something like this, you realize ‘Wow, this ritual calmed me and centered me.’ It's a natural progression to want to do more of it. That's what self care is all about,” she says.

Of course, a criticism about the idea of witchcraft as self-care is that it can come off as commodifying, culturally appropriative, and just plain reductive. This can’t be denied, especially considering that thousands of people are labeling their outfits as “witchy” on Instagram while people who see witchcraft as their religion are left feeling disrespected. Hopefully, with more and more witch-focused perspectives being disseminated into the masses, people who are attracted to the witch aesthetic (but who fail to really understand that it is more than a trend) will become more informed. At the end of the day, there’s no denying that the incorporation of witchy practices is helping people find peace and comfort. Which, in a way, is a step in the right direction — because people are happier, and the witch (along with all that she symbolizes) is not seen as a wart on the face of society.

So, maybe it’s not just the pretty packaging (although that’s a definite selling point) or rebellion-as-commodity. Maybe witchcraft culture really does shine light through the bleak, oppressive, lonely challenges we deal with on the day to day. And it takes plenty of forms — it’s not just product-based.

For some, it’s protection against dark forces, like President Elect Donald Trump. Last Halloween, Vermont’s Feminists Against Trump held a “witch-in,” where a mass hex was cast against “The Great Orange One [Trump] and the racism, xenophobia and sexism he feeds on.” The idea, the group’s organized Laurie Essig said, wasn’t just to cast a spell on Trump, but to “make some good feminist magic to surround ourselves with.” And on February 24, witches across the globe came together to cast a spell to prevent Trump from doing harm.

This sort of act is so necessary, especially for women (who are literally being shown that an alleged sexual assailant can and should be president). But for other groups, like the LGBTQIA community, it may be more literal — in the face of daily discrimination, casting a sacred circle at the end of a shitty day can be a soothing thing.

“Being so divested from nature in a capitalist, patriarchal society that relies upon self-subjugation makes nature-based practices like witchcraft a vital avenue for self-care,” Sollee says. “You don't need money, you don't need years of expensive schooling, and you don't need anyone's permission to tap into the variety of witchcraft practices at our disposal.”

It all comes down to the use of ritual and the attention to nature. Using the tenets of witchcraft provides a framework with which to work on the self. There’s a sense that you are literally gaining energy and strength from the earth, whether it’s associated directly with witchcraft or not — like women in this psychiatric hospital in Rwanda who turn to gardening for rehabilitation or this woman who says magic helped her through trauma, ableism and chronic pain. It’s that you have something you can draw from anytime — for free, if you’d like.

Etymology

The rituals performed during these celebrations typically involve prayers, invocations, songs, dances, and the use of sacred tools and symbols. Besotted with Wiccan rituals, individuals often find solace and connection through these practices. The rituals serve as a means of communing with nature, exploring spirituality, and honoring the divine within themselves and the world around them. Wiccans often believe in the concept of karma and strive to live in harmony with the earth and all living creatures. While Wicca has gained popularity in recent years, it is important to approach it with respect and an open mind. It is not simply a trend or a fashion statement but a spiritual path that requires dedication, study, and personal growth. Being besotted with Wiccan rituals means embracing the belief system, engaging in self-reflection, and developing a deeper connection with the natural world. Whether you are interested in the rituals, spells, or traditions of Wicca, it is crucial to approach them with sincerity and a willingness to learn. Attending gatherings or joining a coven can provide a supportive community and guidance on the practices. Remember to always respect the beliefs and traditions of others and be open to different perspectives. In conclusion, being besotted with Wiccan rituals means being captivated by the practices, beliefs, and symbolism of Wicca. It involves a deep connection with nature, the worship of the divine feminine, and a willingness to explore spirituality. If this resonates with you, it may be worth delving deeper into the world of Wicca and discovering what it has to offer..

Reviews for "Moon Magic: Harnessing Lunar Energies in Wiccan Rituals"

1. John - 2/5 stars

I was really disappointed with "Besotted with Wiccan Rituals". The storyline was weak and the characters were poorly developed. The author seemed to have a limited understanding of Wiccan practices, which made the whole book feel inaccurate and fabricated. The writing style was also quite amateurish, with awkward sentence structures and repetitive phrases. Overall, I wouldn't recommend this book to anyone looking for a well-written and authentic portrayal of Wiccan rituals.

2. Emily - 1/5 stars

I really struggled to get through "Besotted with Wiccan Rituals". The plot was predictable and the dialogue was incredibly clunky. The character development was virtually non-existent, and I found it difficult to care about any of the characters or their stories. Additionally, there were numerous grammatical errors and typos throughout the book, which further detracted from the reading experience. It's a shame because I was hoping for an insightful and engaging exploration of Wiccan rituals, but this book fell far short of my expectations.

3. Sarah - 2/5 stars

I regret picking up "Besotted with Wiccan Rituals". The characters felt shallow and unrealistic, lacking depth and complexity. The author's portrayal of Wiccan rituals was a major disappointment - it felt more like a superficial and cliché depiction rather than an authentic exploration of the topic. The pacing was also off, with the story dragging in some parts and rushing through important moments in others. Overall, it left me feeling unsatisfied and wanting more substance from both the characters and the plot.

4. Michael - 1/5 stars

I couldn't even finish "Besotted with Wiccan Rituals" - it was that bad. The writing was clunky and filled with unnecessary descriptions that slowed down the already weak plot. The characters were flat and lacked any real depth, making it impossible to connect with them. The attempt to incorporate Wiccan rituals into the story felt forced and lacking in authenticity. I found myself skimming through pages, hoping to find some redeeming qualities, but alas, there were none. Do yourself a favor and avoid this book.

The Witch's Brew: Uncovering the Potions and Elixirs of Wiccan Rituals