Question 1

What is magic ? Does real magic exist ?

Accepted Answer

We might as well ask "Does energy exist?" Since we can measure energy in joules, heat, watts and so forth, the answer to that question is a resounding "Yes!" We know that energy exists in its varying forms between all things. If we translate 'magic' to simply 'energy', the question "Does magic exist?" doesn't seem so silly. Although many different practitioners may describe magic differently, I definitely think of magic as energy. Magic is what we'd call metaphysical energy.
 
Real magic is distinctive from the performative illusion of magic shows. We aren't talking about sleight of hand.

Question 2

What is Metaphysics ?

Accepted Answer

Metaphysics is is the branch of philosophy that examines the fundamental nature of reality, including the relationship between mind and matter, between substance and attribute, and between possibility and actuality (2). Metaphysics and magic can often be interchangeable terms. If we stop for a moment and think of magic as simply energy, vibration, frequency, and our ability to both sense and emit these things, magic stops being part of fantasy and starts to be a practical tool for those who want to feel empowered and more aware of themselves and the world. It's my belief that all people have magic, can practice magic, and can begin to learn the metaphysical principles to direct their will to shape their reality. 
 
Have you ever sat and visualized something you wanted to happen or made a wish? Ever decided that you needed to think positively and imagine a situation turning out the way you want? This is all metaphysics and it comes naturally to us. Choosing to practice metaphysics or magic is simply making a choice to do this as an intentional practice. Cultivating an awareness of the energy around us is an important step towards metaphysical practice.

Sources:
(1) Wikipedia. (2019). List of Psychic Abilities. Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_psychic_abilities (2) "Metaphysics". American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language(5th ed.). 2011.

Question 3

What magic is not

Accepted Answer

Fictional depictions of magic are common in today's media, but it's important to remember what is part of real magical beliefs and what is theatrics. 
Telekinesis (the psychic ability to move objects with your mind)
Making sparks or colorful puffs of smoke (all part of stage shows and entertainment)
Transfiguration (transforming one physical object into something entirely different using only your mind)
Manipulating other people's physical body 
Teleportation of your physical form
Flying on Brooms or levitation
Manifesting physical objects from empty space
Making anything glow/sparkle to the naked eye
Good or evil. Magic, metaphysics, and energy are just tools. The intentions of the practitioner determine the morality and ethics of how they are used.

Question 4

What is witchcraft ?

Accepted Answer

Some metaphysical practitioners call their practice 'witchcraft'. Witchcraft can describe many different practices and skills including but not limited to: herbal medicine, energy healing, divination, blessings, banishing baneful spirits, and spells. It can be used to focus on personal change and transformation or to project your will into the world. Witchcraft is a practice, not a religion, and so it can be paired with any religion or none at all. It can call upon your personal power or involve deities for assistance. Witchcraft is also a discipline that encourages personal responsibility for our actions and how we affect the world around us. Many paths include specific moral codes to guide the ethics of the practitioner. Unfortunately, it still has a lot of negative connotations due to how Christian supremacy is threatened by any perspectives of independence and self-empowerment.

Question 5

Are witches real ?

Accepted Answer

Yes, there are real witches.  Witches don't have any supernatural powers as seen in movies like Harry Potter or fairy tales. No one is born a Witch, as this is a title that is chosen by someone that chooses to develop a magical or spiritual practice involving magic or energy. However, we probably do not resemble expectations from media. We have careers, families, hobbies and you might not be able to pick us out of a crowd.  Some of us may embrace a whimsical style to go with our practice, but it's not the norm. Not everyone chooses this title, but it is the most common.

Question 6

What about wicked witches ?

Accepted Answer

Terms like 'witches' and 'witchcraft' probably conjure some negative images of wicked witches and villains from fairy tales. Hollywood, and other uninformed institutions, often depict some confused teen invoking "the forces of darkness" and ending up a victim of some horror film. Cultures shaped by Christian conversion have a history of anti-witchcraft propaganda to defame practices that conflict with Christian views, even going as far as depicting witches invoking their Satan figure to drive this message home.
 
Some modern practices reclaim this propaganda by using images of Satan as a symbol of liberation from religious authoritarianism but that does not mean they are literally invoking or worshiping the embodiment of evil.

Question 7

Do witches practice black magic ?

Accepted Answer

'Black magic' is actually a racially charged term that originally was used to stigmatize the spiritual practices that African diaspora slaves and their descendants use(d) to connect with their ancestors. Although Hoodoo and Voodoo are beautiful and valid practices, they are stigmatized to this day. Although one has to wonder at whether it's really the self-empowerment of black Americans that is actually unacceptable and threatening to white Christian supremacy. Either way, to support black folx, let's avoid the use of the term 'black magic' for any reason. Magic used unethically, but it's not evil in nature.

Question 8

Do witches hex people ?

Accepted Answer

Since we're talking about baneful magic, your next question is probably "do witches hex people?" Yes, some witches hex/curse people, but usually, they are used in self-defense against spiritual attack or other oppression rather than to inflict pain senselessly. A hex is striking against an intended target with metaphysical power. Witches aren't the only people that cast hexes though. I have had Christians tell me that they pray that horrible things will befall me to direct me back to the Christian god. This form of prayer seeks to undermine my autonomy and my religious identity, and so it's also a hex. Just like magic, prayer can be used to empower, heal, and protect or to destroy, inflict suffering, and attack. There are some witches that take an oath against hexing but it is up to the personal values of the individual. Wicca is a pagan religion that opposes hexing as part of its ethics code.

Question 9

I've heard of Wicca, is that also witchcraft ?"

Accepted Answer

Wicca is a specific religion founded by Gerald Gardner in the 1930s to be a modern culmination of Celtic Paganism and the practice of witchcraft. Today there are multiple Wiccan religions that include deities from various pantheons. Wicca is defined by having Mother and Father goddess and god pairings, 'maiden', 'mother', 'crone' triple goddess incarnations, the Wiccan Rede governing practice, and the specific inclusion of witchcraft as a part of religious practice. This is one of the few Pagan religions that is defined by having a magical practice included.

Question 10

How do I get started practicing witchcraft ?

Accepted Answer

Welcome! I consider witchcraft to be healing and empowering. There are many systems of witchcraft, so I suggest doing some research on the different approaches and philosophies and deciding what resonates with you. These are intuitive skills and finding the right fit for you is important. Remember, if something doesn't feel right you can always learn another method. There is no pressure to learn and practice them all.

Newcomers

What is witchcraft ?
Who can practice magic ?

What do Pagans believe ?
How do Pagans practice ?

Magic and Witchcraft

What is magic ? Does real magic exist ?

What is Metaphysics ?

What magic is not

What is witchcraft ?

Are witches real ?

What about wicked witches ?

Do witches practice black magic ?

Do witches hex people ?

I've heard of Wicca, is that also witchcraft ?"

How do I get started practicing witchcraft ?

Paganism

What do Pagans believe? How do Pagans practice ?

What is an earth-centered religion ?

What are some central staples of pagan religions ?

What do Pagans believe about the afterlife ?

What is Ancestor Veneration?

FAQs

Is witchcraft evil ?

Is witchcraft dangerous ?

Are all witches pagan ?

Do pagans worship Satan ?

Will pagans/witches go to heaven ?

Will witches will go to hell ?

Do pagan religions have a holy text or a Bible ?

Does witchcraft/paganism include animal/human sacrifice ?

Do pagans summon spirits ?

Do pagans summon demons ?

My child is interested in paganism and/or witchcraft. Should I be concerned ?

Is this a cult ?

How can I keep my child from practicing witchcraft ?

How can I hide a magical practice from my parents ?

Newcomers

What is witchcraft ? Who can practice magic ?

What do Pagans believe ? How do Pagans practice ?

Magic and Witchcraft

What is magic ? Does real magic exist ?

What is Metaphysics ?

What magic is not

What is witchcraft ?

Are witches real ?

What about wicked witches ?

Do witches practice black magic ?

Do witches hex people ?

I've heard of Wicca, is that also witchcraft ?"

How do I get started practicing witchcraft ?

Paganism

What do Pagans believe? How do Pagans practice ?

What is an earth-centered religion ?

What are some central staples of pagan religions ?

What do Pagans believe about the afterlife ?

What is Ancestor Veneration?

FAQs

Is witchcraft evil ?

Is witchcraft dangerous ?

Are all witches pagan ?

Do pagans worship Satan ?

Will pagans/witches go to heaven ?

Will witches will go to hell ?

Do pagan religions have a holy text or a Bible ?

Does witchcraft/paganism include animal/human sacrifice ?

Do pagans summon spirits ?

Do pagans summon demons ?

My child is interested in paganism and/or witchcraft. Should I be concerned ?

Is this a cult ?

How can I keep my child from practicing witchcraft ?

How can I hide a magical practice from my parents ?

What is witchcraft ?
Who can practice magic ?

What do Pagans believe ?
How do Pagans practice ?