Okay, so this is for the discussion of different aspects of the Craft. This is a poll thread, so feel free to vote and then publicize your answer by replying to this thread. Also, you can choose more than one option, but please be honest. So different aspects of the Craft . . . It is a broad category and has numerous interpretations that vary by individual practitioners. However, I'm sure some of the practices listed in the poll would not consider themselves practitioners of Witchcraft. Some may even be appalled by individuals who would mix certain traditions/forms of the Craft with others. It's all a matter of individuality and in some cases a matter of community. When you post after you vote (or vice versa) please tell us: Why do you practice what you practice? If you select several aspects, why do you combine those practices. Were you taught by others? Are you self-taught? What are your ethics? Do you teach others what you practice? Are you a solitary practitioner or do you practice in a gathering, coven, church, etc.? Although I'm not a staff member, remember to follow forum rules. Do not bash others' beliefs/practices nor be defensive but do engage in friendly discussion, including agreeing to disagree. ETA: Shamanism would be considered a part of the Mysticism aspect.
Okay, I started this thread so I guess it's only fair that I should reply. I practice the following aspects of the Craft: Witchcraft (Eclectic - Kitchen, Hedge, Green, Solitary, etc.) Folk Magic (Appalachian, Ozarkian, etc.) African Diasporic Traditions (Hoodoo, Vodou, Santeria, etc.) Abrahamic Faiths (Christian, Jewish, Islamic) Mysticism (Kabbalah, Spiritualism, etc.) I combine these practices because they work for me. I am comfortable with these practices and feel that I can share more commonalities between them. I am self-taught but will pull from outside sources but mainly work by Spirit and the teachings of my Ancestors/Guides from across the veil. My ethics are that I would treat others as I would want to be treated but will defend and protect those that I love and care for. I will only do work for those that I know and will only do so if encouraged by Spirit and my Ancestors/Guides. As far as payment, that should be another discussion in itself. I will teach and study with others but I do not believe in initiation but dedication by the work that you vow with Spirit and God to do. If others follow suit, then it is an individual choice but it is not necessary. I do not teach in efforts to create a tradition but teach in efforts to help understand themselves and their practices, whatever they may be. The last question relates with the question before it. I practice solitary but will work with others of like minds.
Why do you practice what you practice? If you select several aspects, why do you combine those practices. I have my own system, but I recieve a lot of inspiration from folk magic and witchcraft. I like these schools because they focus on practical application, not mysticism or abstract metaphysics like the Kaballah. For me, magic is ultimately about getting things done. That's not to degrade it. Quite the contrary, we honor magic by using it as much as possible and developing new and innovative spells. Were you taught by others? Are you self-taught? Self-taught. I've read more grimoires than I can name. What are your ethics? I'm not a Wiccan, but the Rede says it all for me. Though I'm not above a little mischief.... Do you teach others what you practice? No, not formally. But I like to help out when I can. Are you a solitary practitioner or do you practice in a gathering, coven, church, etc.? Solitary.
I made some selections when you first posted this but didn't have the time then to post something and then forgot to get back to this thread. Well, now I have a moment and I marked these which I will explain because no category is ever accurate: Witchcraft (Traditional - Hereditary and/or Initiatory.) - For me Witchcraft is more of an influence and/or inspiration and would encompass the Sabbatic current and sorcery of Austin Osman Spare (Zos-Kia) as well as the Traditional Craft currents talked about by people like Andrew Chumbley (Cultus Sabbati) and Nigel Aldcroft-Jackson (Via Nocturna). Ceremonial Magick (Chaos, Thelema, Golden Dawn, etc.) - In this case almost solely Thelema/A.'.A.'. with a Chaos Magick ethic. Mysticism (Kabbalah, Spiritualism, etc.) - I chose this because so many of my influences are more along the lines of Mysticism and/or Gnostic currents. Other/Not Listed (Please list in a post.) - I really have my own magical system I've developed over the years. I have called myself Sub-Circuit Symbiote and Oneiric Escape Artist but these titles don't mean much to anyone but me. Why do you practice what you practice? If you select several aspects, why do you combine those practices? As Aeolus Kephas states at the beginning of his book Homo-Serpiens: In the above can be found my own reasoning for practicing Magick: to find my particular function and to catch a glimpse of what is behind our spectral illusion. In doing this I have discovered what all seasoned occultists know: the key is to make contact and communicate with the denizens of the Otherworld(s), the Archetypes if that makes more sense to you. As for combining practices, well, none are fixed or set in stone. You have to work with what is right for you. I am not eclectic but more interested in synthesis when it comes to magical practices or systems. There are certain things I do that are my own and I can adapt these to various currents. I pull more inspiration and theory from other sources than I do actual practices. Were you taught by others? Are you self-taught? Completely self-taught. It has been a life-long journey of simply following my muse. What are your ethics? "Do what thou wilt shall be the whole of the Law." Do you teach others what you practice? No, but I don't mind sharing certain things with others if they have a sincere interest. Are you a solitary practitioner or do you practice in a gathering, coven, church, etc.? Strictly solitary. Magick for me is very personal and others would just get in my way of what I need to do. I am not a socialite nor do I do what I do to gain points from others or certain groups.
töbi practices: Witchcraft (Eclectic) and Ceremonial Magick (Chaos) Why do you practice what you practice? If you select several aspects, why do you combine those practices. I feel drawn to the trappings, romanticism and essence of Witchcraft. It appeals to my intuitive, emotional, instinctual side. Chaos appeals to my more rational and exploratory side that enjoys investigating and dissecting the how's and why's of the what's and wow's. I don't combine the two, but I'd be lying if I said they didn't influence each other in my life. Same goes for my Buddhist practice. Were you taught by others? Are you self-taught? Aside from books and posts on communities like OC, I am self-taught. I grew up in a place where there were very few witches and what witches there were were so different from each other that group practices would have been impossible. Solitary work suits me just fine anyway. What are your ethics? Don't be an asshole. Do you teach others what you practice? I do not. I'm more likely to encourage others to learn on their own, but I leave myself available for discussion. Are you a solitary practitioner or do you practice in a gathering, coven, church, etc.? Solitary. I've done a little group work here and there, but nothing major.
