by John Hewitt

Created on: July 24, 2009

We might be forgiven for wondering how Witchcraft could have any place in the modern world as we view it today. This especially true when one thinks of Witchcraft as it is portrayed in popular culture or in fantasy novels or even faire tales.

Now, we will not look into the history of Witchcraft here or where the word "witchcraft"comes from for there are so many theories and a lot of misconception both from the historical side and from the pagan side. Let us just deal then, with the role of Witchcraft in today's society and if it has any place at all.

Let us use some very broad terminology here. Spell casting, magic, nature and seasonal observances. Each topic require an entire book devoted to explanation and exploration, so let us just take these topics in their simplest forms.

Spell casting and magic go hand in hand. The use of spells for enchantment and manipulation of environmental circumstances is well documented. Yet the use of magic for personal development is sometimes overlooked. The "of the shelf" book of spells is a classic example of this type of thinking. Spell casting from the essence of the self, where the spell is built and formulated from the ground up with highly personal and emotive symbols is a true marvel. The sense of contact with the ebb and flow of nature itself reveals great secrets and opens you up to healing and prophecy and knowledge beyond the earth.

The experience of communion with nature and the sense of connection with all things is what fills our hearts and our spirit and allows us to become more than just a part of a collective. This is especially aided with the observances of the seasons and the changes of solstices and equinoxes. This sets one into a beautifully orchestrated dance of cosmic vitality. One can see the workings of the universe and the mechanism of life itself.

Approaching Witchcraft in this way elevates it beyond mere "hocus pocus" and puts Witchcraft into a whole new dimension of self awareness and communion with the divine. This is all a far cry from the images of bubbling cauldrons, curses and even the devil worship that Witchcraft is so unjustly accused of.

So in this modern world where separation seems to be getting stronger and isolation of cultures and religions is causing much suffering, we can see that true Witchcraft is actually a bringer of union through the practitioner's own sense of awareness.

Even on a personal level we can also see that Witchcraft allows the self to expand and allows the awareness to become filled with wonderment and appreciation. Witchcraft also allows the self to naturally join with the flow of the Cosmos and thus to experience our own true selves.

Witchcraft is a most extraordinary and powerful way of life. Ultimately it promotes self knowledge and self awareness. Witchcraft does this through union with the universe and when this occurs then true healing and empowerment and knowledge will prevail.

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