If witchcraft is a craft (in addition to being a religion, as it is for many of us), then what exactly is the “craft”? And how often do we have to be engaging in that craft in order to really be witches? For a lot of people–both witches and non-witches–we immediately think of spells. Witches …
Continue reading When I Do Spells: Thoughts on Working Magic and the “Craft” of Witchcraft
I’ve made a lot of blog posts and videos in the past about favorite books: advanced books, beginner books, books for people interested in taking things in a new direction, classics I think everyone should read, and books that I’ve got in my personal to-be-read pile. But I was recently asked to share my thoughts …
I know. Running an outer court can be a pain in the ass. Running any kind of grove, maiden coven, study circle, or other “pre-initiation” style group, especially on top of an inner court or initiate coven, can really bite the big one. They’re exhausting, they involve an impossible amount of emotional labor, and they …
Continue reading The Benefits of Outer Courts and Training Circles
My friend and initiate, Corvus, is in the process of starting a coven, and the other night we got to chatting about what it will mean for her to go forward, both as part of a community and as an autonomous high priestess. What if she does something that pisses off her upline? What if …
Continue reading If Everything Changes, What Good is Tradition?
Wouldn't it be great to just make a living as an author and blogger? Or maybe be a witchy influencer, because that's a thing now.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mZAbaHBanLQ&feature=youtu.be My personal theological position has moved as my Craft has grown and changed, and I find that it loops around. For a long time, I identified as a hard polytheist. More recent experiences make me less sure. But ultimately, I appreciate the paradox that presents itself in so many magical traditions: one can hold …
There are tons of articles floating around about how to choose good beginner books, how to find reputable teachers, how to join friendly covens, and how to find fun and educational public events, but in all this conversation we’re missing something that’s just as important as the ability to choose good resources: how to be …
When there's no instagram, no community, no coven, and no one standing around to validate us, is our practice still worthwhile? Who are we when we're alone?
I believe in True Will. I think I know what mine is. But is it possible to get there without overriding my own cycles? Or are our personal cycles in place to help us enact that purpose?
Religion can be profound and creative and enlightening and whatever else, but it also traumatizes. Some in our community bear deep wounds that will never fully heal.
Thorn Mooney 