Contemporary Witchcraft
Contemporary witchcraft in Western cultures is a spiritual and magical practice, which may have strong religious elements to it. Many modern witches see themselves as reviving ancient practices, mostly of European and British origin. The religious beliefs of witches can vary; many are strongly influenced by Wicca and Neopaganism, while others hold Abrahamic or other religious views, or none at all. Contemporary witchcraft often involves the use of divination, magic, and working with the classical elements and unseen forces such as spirits and the forces of nature. The practice of natural medicine, folk medicine, and spiritual healing is also common, as are alternative medical and New Age healing practices. Some schools of modern witchcraft, such as traditional forms of Wicca, are secretive and operate as initiatory secret societies.
Contemporary, or Modern, Witchcraft is a term that refers to any one of various witchcraft or sorcery practices, that are practised in the present day. The majority of these groups, such as Wicca and Stregheria claim to be religions, whereas others claim to simply be a witchcraft practice that can coincide alongside a religious belief such as Christianity.
Many of these groups claim to have ancient roots, usually in European witchcraft, however none of them have so far brought any proof of this. Wicca was the first of these groups to emerge, in the 1940s, and it has only been since then that the others have publically emerged. While other groups, such as those known as "Eclectics", do not claim any ancient lineage and profess to take ideas and inspiration from a variety of sources, merging them into a personalized practice.
The practice of contemporary witchcraft often involves the use of divination, the practice of magic, working with the elements (earth, air, fire and water), and unseen forces such as spirits and the forces of nature. The practice of natural medicine, folk medicine, and spiritual healing is also common, so is the practice of alternative medicine and New Age healing practices, such as crystal therapy, herbalism, Reiki, aromatherapy, and more.
A look into Witches' Holiday's
Samhain - October 31. Samhain (pronounced sow - en) is considered the beginning of the Pagan Year. It is thought that the veil between the living and the dead is weakest on this night. It has been known as Ancestors Night or The Feast of The Dead. It is the most publicized of the Witches Holidays. Most reports from Christians claim it is a celebration for the "demon" Sam Hain (?), it is not. It is a time of reflection on the past year and coming to terms with death. Some Wiccans set a place at their dinner table this night for departed ancestors. See more Witch Holiday's.
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Types of witches / Cunning Folk
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