The Dabblers Guide to Witchcraft Witchcraft has long been shrouded in mystery and intrigue, captivating the minds of those who are drawn to the mystical arts. For those who are interested in exploring the world of witchcraft, but are unsure of where to begin, this guide aims to provide a starting point on the path of witchcraft. 1. Understanding the Basics: Witchcraft is a practice steeped in ancient traditions and beliefs, often associated with the use of spells, rituals, and divination. Before delving deeper into witchcraft, it is essential to have a foundational understanding of its history and principles. Researching and studying various witchcraft traditions, such as Wicca, green witchcraft, or eclectic witchcraft, will help in developing a strong foundation.
Witches followed a distinct stereotype although we need to be careful not to limit our understanding of what a witch was by following only the stereotype. Witches were, in general, women. They were generally older women. They were more likely to be women without a particularly strong support network of friends or family. They were often women who seemed strange, created tensions or had personality traits that caused them to rub people the wrong way. Most importantly, they were suspected of doing harmful magic, probably over a period of some years. As the historian Christine Larner argued, women were not accused of being witches because they were women; they were accused because they acted like witches. In this way, witchcraft is a sex-related crime, but not a sex-specific crime.
Another step was the establishment of a link between witchcraft and heresy, a link that had not existed before the end of the 15 th century, which emerged thanks to a new theory of diabolical witchcraft that held that the practice of malefice such as using religious objects to curse one s neighbor in fact involved an active pact with the Devil and was therefore a heretical act and not just a ritual performed by misguided country folk. 9 Once he became King of England, he passed the Act of 1604, which made it a capital offense to kill or harm others through witchcraft, consult with evil spirits for any intent or purpose or dig up graves to use the dead bodies in witchcraft.
Researching and studying various witchcraft traditions, such as Wicca, green witchcraft, or eclectic witchcraft, will help in developing a strong foundation. 2. Developing Intuition: A key aspect of witchcraft is developing one's intuition, which involves tuning into one's inner voice and trusting one's instincts.
The Witch Craze in Europe: A Talk by Professor Teofilo F. Ruiz
John Cabot University’s Department of History and Humanities welcomed Professor Teofilo F. Ruiz for a talk called The Witch Craze in Late Medieval and Early Modern Europe on November 5, 2019. The talk, moderated by History Professor Fabrizio Conti, traced the origins and nature of the witch craze in Western Europe in the late 15th, 16th and 17th centuries.
Professor Teofilo F. Ruiz – The Witch Craze
Witchcraft in Europe
In the late 15th century in Europe, over 80 thousand people were put to death because they were thought to practice witchcraft. They were predominantly elderly women from small villages, who were targeted, labeled as witches, and killed. The witch craze was not a widely spread phenomenon at the time, and it was mostly characteristic of Northern Europe. Witchcraft was believed to be a mix of malefic acts that aimed at pleasing Satan, and it implied a dualistic separation between God and the devil, and good and evil.
Professor Ruiz explained that the term witchcraft was often used to describe religions or beliefs that were not common, such as pre-Christian agricultural cults. When religious men traveled to rural and isolated areas to spread Christianity, they often encountered various kinds of believers and cults, which were mistaken for devil worshippers. Midwives were among the favorite targets because stillbirths were thought to be their way of sacrificing babies to the devil. Brewers were also often accused of practicing witchcraft, because their product intoxicated men and that was thought to make them more vulnerable to the devil’s work.
Summis Desiderantes, Malleus Maleficarum and Compendium Maleficarum
Numerous works have been written about witchcraft. In 1484, Pope Innocent VIII issued a papal bull called Summis desiderantes affectibus, which recognized the existence of witches, approved their persecution, and threatened those who failed to make the inquisitors’ job easier. This text is considered to have ushered in witch-hunts. In 1486, the Summis desiderantes affectibus was published as part of the preface to Heinrich Kraemer and Jakob Sprenger’s The Malleus Maleficarum, a treatise on witchcraft. An inquisitor and a friar respectively, Kraemer and Sprenger divided the text into 3 main sections that explain how to identify witchcraft, how to protect oneself from it, and how to prosecute the accused.
The witch craze began to spread widely before the Protestant Reformation of the church in the 16th century. Germany was the epicenter of witchcraft because that’s where the Reformation began. In Protestant cities, most of the people accused of witchcraft were Catholic, and in Catholic cities most of the accused were Protestant. The accusers were both male and female, and they were often related to the accused. Among the ways to recognize a witch, according to the beliefs of the time, were physical anomalies such as a third nipple, or marks given by the devil, which usually resembled animals, like bats. These marks were immune to pain and they were mostly found in the accused’s armpits or around their genitals.
In 1608, Italian priest Francesco Maria Guazzo published the Compendium Maleficarum, a witch-hunter’s manual that gives a detailed description of witches’ powers and practices. According to the Compendium Maleficarum, witches had to sign a blood pact with the devil and place it on a crossroads. They had to abjure and cast away their rosaries and religious objects, pay homage to the devil by changing their name, recruit followers and make sacrifices in the devil’s name. They were believed to take part in witch gatherings called Sabbat, where they ate human flesh, murdered children, and had orgies.
The Decline of Witch Hunts
Professor Ruiz concluded that around the 1660s, magic was beginning to be shunned and put to the side. Witch trials gradually diminished and eventually stopped completely. Some still believe in witchcraft, particularly in Africa and Latin America, but people are no longer persecuted and put to death.
Distinguished Professor & Robert and Dorothy Wellman Chair in Medieval History at the University of California, Los Angeles, Teofilo F. Ruiz has been teaching history for almost four decades. Born in Cuba, Professor Ruiz moved to the United States in 1961, and in 1974 he earned a Ph.D. in History from Princeton University. In 1995, Professor Ruiz was named “Outstanding Master’s Universities and Colleges Professor of the Year” by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching, and in 2008 he received UCLA’s Distinguished Teacher Award. In February 2012, President Barack Obama awarded Professor Ruiz a National Humanities Medal. With over thirteen books and numerous articles, Professor Ruiz’s scholarship has been recognized with fellowships from Mellon, Guggenheim, and the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH).
The witch craze began to spread widely before the Protestant Reformation of the church in the 16th century. Germany was the epicenter of witchcraft because that’s where the Reformation began. In Protestant cities, most of the people accused of witchcraft were Catholic, and in Catholic cities most of the accused were Protestant. The accusers were both male and female, and they were often related to the accused. Among the ways to recognize a witch, according to the beliefs of the time, were physical anomalies such as a third nipple, or marks given by the devil, which usually resembled animals, like bats. These marks were immune to pain and they were mostly found in the accused’s armpits or around their genitals.
Practice mindfulness and meditation techniques to tap into this innate intuition. Learning to trust one's gut feelings and embracing their intuitive abilities is essential in the practice of witchcraft. 3. Tools and Materials: Witchcraft often incorporates the use of various tools, such as a wand, athame (ritual knife), chalice, and herbs. However, it is important to note that while tools can enhance the practice, they are not essential. Focus on connecting with nature and utilizing items readily available in everyday life, such as candles, crystals, and essential oils. 4. Spellwork and Rituals: Spellwork and rituals are integral to witchcraft. Begin by exploring simple spells and rituals, such as protection spells, manifestation rituals, or lunar rituals. These can be found in books, online resources, or created personally based on individual beliefs and intentions. Remember that intention and belief are the driving forces behind effective spellwork. 5. Connecting with Nature: Witchcraft emphasizes the connection with nature and the cycles of the earth. Spend time outdoors, observe nature, and learn about the different elements, such as earth, air, fire, and water. Incorporate nature into daily life by practicing rituals or spells outdoors, or by creating an altar with natural items, like plants or stones. 6. Ethics and Responsibility: As with any practice, it is crucial to approach witchcraft with responsibility and ethics. Consider the Threefold Law, which suggests that any energy or intention sent out into the world will be returned threefold. This encourages practitioners to approach witchcraft with a positive and ethical mindset, considering the potential consequences of their actions. 7. Continuous Learning and Growth: Witchcraft is a lifelong journey of learning, growth, and self-discovery. Continue to explore different aspects of witchcraft, such as tarot reading, astrology, or herbalism. Seek guidance from experienced practitioners, join online communities, or participate in local pagan or witchcraft groups to expand knowledge and experiences. Remember, witchcraft is a personal and individual practice. It is essential to create a practice that aligns with personal beliefs, interests, and values. Embrace the power within and let curiosity guide the way on the path of witchcraft..
Reviews for "Embracing the Witch Within: A Dabbler's Journey to Self-Empowerment"
1) John - 2 stars
I was really excited to delve into the world of witchcraft, so naturally, I picked up "The Dabblers Guide to Witchcraft". However, I was sorely disappointed. The book lacked depth and substance, only skimming the surface of what could have been a fascinating topic. It felt more like a quick guide for beginners, rather than a comprehensive exploration of witchcraft. Additionally, the writing style was quite dull and lacked any sort of engaging narrative. Overall, I wouldn't recommend this book to anyone looking for an in-depth understanding of witchcraft.
2) Sarah - 1 star
"The Dabblers Guide to Witchcraft" was a complete waste of time. The information provided was incredibly basic and could easily be found with a quick Google search. I was expecting a more comprehensive and detailed explanation of witchcraft practices, but instead, the book only scratched the surface. Furthermore, the writing style was dry and uninteresting, making it difficult to stay engaged. Save your money and look for more reputable sources if you're genuinely interested in learning about witchcraft.
3) Alex - 2 stars
As someone who wanted to learn more about witchcraft, I thought "The Dabblers Guide to Witchcraft" would be a great starting point. However, I found it to be quite disappointing. The book lacked depth and failed to provide any substantial information about the different aspects of witchcraft. It felt more like a collection of vague tips rather than an actual guide. Additionally, the author didn't provide any personal experiences or anecdotes, which could have made the book more relatable. Overall, I felt like I wasted my time reading this book and would not recommend it to anyone seeking a comprehensive understanding of witchcraft.