You may have noticed, as I have, that there is a lot of traditionalist type stuff going around on Tumblr lately, and I would just like to share a few thoughts.
First of all, whether you are self-taught, self-initiated, or you grew up in a particular tradition, were initiated in a particular tradition, or really whatever type of witch you are, know that your magick is no less powerful because of these facts. However, it does seem to me that the current landscape in our Witchcraft community has many member of the self-taught and self-initiated category of Witch living in fear that they may offend their brothers and sister of the craft who are initiated into particular traditions. Because of this, some of us may have halted our practice altogether.
Normally, I’m not one to involve myself in more controversial subjects within the Witchcraft community, but this particular subject gets to me on a personal level because I have, at times, felt the same.
I am a self-initiated and self-taught witch. Many traditions frown on that, but that does not change my validity as a witch. As such, a lot of what I have learned (particularly as a Wiccan) has a heavy Celtic and Norse leaning to it. But, I also consider myself Eclectic, pulling from many traditions to create my own craft. I have read many books, been taught by many who are older in the craft than I am, and have worked many of their ideals into my own craft.
Magick, we know, has existed for thousands of years in thousands of different cultures. Witchcraft, the term Witch, existed primarily in European practices until the Witchcraft Renaissance in the 50s. This was due, in large part, to the publication of the book “Witchcraft Today” by Gerald Gardner (published in 1954), which offered a fresh look at what witchcraft was and what it had become. Of course, there were still pockets of practicing witches that generally passed their knowledge down within their own family from generation to generation. In his day, Gardner received a lot of flack for “exposing” witches (though many were glad that Gardner finally attempted to clear the air on some misconceptions). Thus began the divide between “heretical” witches, and “new” witches. Some heretical witches, to this day, believe that the only way to truly be a witch is to be initiated in to a heretical practice.
And then, as new witches picked up on Gardner’s teachings, forming new pockets of witchcraft called “Wiccans” (and, more specifically, “Gardnarian Wiccans”, which was then further divided into Alexandrian, Seax-Wica, Dianic, etc.), who then felt that the only way to be initiated into the craft was by being initiated into a coven following Gardnarian, Alexandrian, Seax-Wicca, Dianic, etc. Wicca, and furthering the divide.
Witches, because of where we have come from and what has happened in our history, have always felt the need to be secretive with their craft. Now, this 21st century has seen an increase in the witchcraft community that is astounding, and exciting! Personally, I feel that we are making a very important shift in our society! But, there are some within the community that are holding fast to this idea of secrecy, preventing new witches from learning what they need to learn in order to grow to their fullest potential. This is called “Gate-keeping”.
While some gate-keeping isn’t bad, gate-keeping for the sake of preventing others from learning should be frowned upon, in my honest opinion. It is the witch’s goal to learn, not disrespect. If you feel that there is a reason certain witches should not practice a certain thing, I believe it is fully within their right to question why!
The things that I do not share here on the blog, and even on my Patreon, are kept from new witches because the type of magick that I have knowledge of is advanced, and dangerous. I want to make sure that those who I am teaching are fully prepared before sharing with them some aspects of my craft. This is an example of good gate-keeping.
Getting up in arms about a witch’s use of “witch bottles” because they’re “POC and not for you white witches” is an example of bad gate-keeping. First of all, because witch bottles are traditionally European, and second, because this is not a valid excuse to gate-keep.
I have a friend that explained some of the New Orleans Voodoo and Hoodoo magick to me, and why it is that I should not mess with that stuff. She is an example of a good gate-keeper: Voodoo and Hoodoo uses ancestral magick to perform their spells. Things like gris gris, mojo, and Voodoo poppets rely on calling upon their ancestors (who are usually African-American practitioners who came before them) to perform the spells that create these items. Hoodoo and Voodoo also dietize their ancestors, creating an immense respect for them and holding them to higher power. This is the primary reason why us white witches of European decent should stick with Celtic, Norse, Spanish, Italian, etc. magick rather than try and “work” with the same ancestors as our POC brothers and sisters.
The same can be said of Native-American, and Mexican (to the best of my knowledge) magick.
Also, there is something to be said of working with magick that is within your ancestral bloodline. If you’re from German decent, you’ll likely find that your magick just works better if you use Germanic practices.
My goal, as always, is to encourage teaching our new witches instead of scaring them away or making them afraid of learning about certain things. And so I urge each and every one of us to please keep this in mind when you feel like going off on someone for saying or doing a certain thing. Instead of “You can’t say/do that because that’s POC!” try “Just so you are aware, using that type of a spell requires calling upon ancestors that you probably do not have. Try this instead!”
One last note: There are usually similar spells and practices in every major tradition. Instead of “mojo bags” try a sachet or witch bag. Instead of a Voodoo Doll, try just using a poppet that does not require calling upon ancestors or deities to fill the purpose or intent of the poppet. Also on this note, please keep in mind that most of these magical objects (such as poppets, witch bags, witch bottles, etc.) do not belong to any one particular tradition. Poppets were used in European Magick to be made into the effigy of a particular person to be used in spells as well as in African-American Voodoo, though it is now more widely associated with the latter.
I am aware that this may cause some controversy, but I felt that this was incredibly important to share. I have spoken at length with some of my coven-mates on this subject, and, after some re-wording, editing, and a lot of thought, I have decided to post this. Please keep the notes and comments civil, as I have done my best to keep this post civil.
Blessed Be, Mi Maripositas
