witchcraft
Witchcraft is typically known as the use of magic to accomplish desires or thoughts, but it is more than that. Witchcraft is not just magic released through spells, enchantments, potions, and the healing arts. It is a way of life. It is understood that the natural world has a balance and must be maintained; in other words, every magic act has a cost, allowing the scales to right the balance. Often, the act of restoring balance is energy being taken or given, but sometimes, it extends beyond that and can result in death.
The craft can take many forms but is usually known as a precise set of skills that witches master: charms, enchantments, spells, herbalism, potion brewing, midwifery, alchemy, fortune-telling, and defensive magic. At the same time, many skills are combined, like herbalism and potion making, because they complement each other and go hand in hand. However, witches only master one singular form. A witch is unable to master both fortune-telling and herbalism. These skills serve as the foundation of the craft, although over the years, the craft has evolved and branched out into different fields and forms that are generally frowned upon by the order and the witch community. Those skills are often referred to as higher magics or dark magics.
Higher magics are skills and powers considered unacceptable because they compromise the natural balance and have severe costs that the witches are rarely willing to pay. The higher magics that are forbidden by the order and most covens are necromancy, voodoo, and sacrificial magic, summoning and trapping spirits, communicating with the dead, scrying, death magic, possession, and hemomancy. Higher magics are often regarded as disruptive, harmful, and even evil. Before the establishment of the order and the subsequent edict, higher magics ran rampant, and they were among the leading causes of witches being discovered by humans in early history. As a result, those discovered using higher magics are typically either sentenced to death or have their magic bound to prevent them from using it again and are imprisoned.
The most common type of craft is spell casting, which, to an extent, every witch can cast spells. Some witches have a keener interest and talent and can create their spells, while others rely on family grimoires to use spells. Spells can be short, straightforward, or long and complicated. It lies in the preference of the witch and how their mind works. Some spells require potions and ingredients, while others only require words and intent. Most witches who create their spells will either add them to their family grimoire or start their own grimoire that can be added to the family grimoire later in life.
As with anything, witches are not born knowing and understanding the craft. While their aptitude and magic are inherited, the knowledge of harnessing and using the craft is not. They have to be taught. Usually, their parents and coven elders teach a witch, guiding them to identify and master their powers, select and hone their skills, and, if they choose, acquire, tame, and bond with a familiar. It can take years for some to learn and master their abilities, while others can learn and master their abilities in shorter periods. It usually depends on the witch, their focus, talent, aptitude, and desire.
The Craft
Divination
Herbalism
Potions Brewing
Midwifery
Medium Ship
Charms & Enchantments
Alchemy
Spell Casting
