The term New Age refers to a metaphysical thought system. While there is nothing truly new about this movement, the term does appropriately codify a basic set of beliefs that often varies from what is traditionally known as witchcraft.
The New Age movement's approach to magic is unique in that the practitioner is considered to be the source of power. For many New Agers, there is no need to consult with deities or to use objects or "items" in order to work magic. Visualization and faith are the main tools in this spiritual school of thought.
This site would benefit from a section on "New Age" magic. Spells created according to New Age philosophies could be adapted to any magical school of thought.
Re: New Age or Metaphysical By: Brysing Moderator / Adept
Post # 2 Feb 22, 2015
I am a traditional witch. Witchcraft never did have anything to do with any Deity! Supernatural beliefs were, and are, many and varied; but none were anything to do with witchcraft. And most witches do not cast spells! A spell is merely a ritual,ceremonial wish.I have never cast a spell in my life!
The only "tools" I have are a knife for cutting herbs, and two metal rods for dowsing. (Some dowsers use Witch Hazel.) I also have an incense burner; but that's not a "tool", I just like the smell!
I do not believe in Gods or Goddesses; that's religion, not witchcraft.
Byrising, so you are not Wiccan? I believe that the term "witch" is very very broad. And I also believe that many spiritual practices would fall under the catagory of witchcraft. Are there any online articles that present your brand of witchcraft?
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http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Witchcraft
Witchcraft (also called witchery or spellcraft) broadly means the practice of, and belief in, magical skills and abilities that are able to be exercised individually, by designated social groups, or by persons with the necessary esoteric secret knowledge. Witchcraft is a complex concept that varies culturally and societally, therefore it is difficult to define with precision [1] and cross-cultural assumptions about the meaning or significance of the term should be applied with caution. Witchcraft often occupies a religious, divinatory, or medicinal role, [2] and is often present within societies and groups whose cultural framework includes a magical world view. [1] Although witchcraft can often share common ground with related concepts such as sorcery, the paranormal, magic, superstition, necromancy, possession, shamanism, healing, spiritualism, nature worship, and the occult, it is usually seen as distinct from these when examined by sociologists and anthropologists.
Spell casting [edit]
Main article: Magic (paranormal)
Probably the most obvious characteristic of a witch was the ability to cast a spell, "spell" being the word used to signify the means employed to carry out a magical action. A spell could consist of a set of words, a formula or verse, or a ritual action, or any combination of these. [17] Spells traditionally were cast by many methods, such as by the inscription of runes or sigils on an object to give it magical powers; by the immolation or binding of a wax or clay image (poppet) of a person to affect him or her magically; by the recitation of incantations; by the performance of physical rituals; by the employment of magical herbs as amulets or potions; by gazing at mirrors, swords or other specula (scrying) for purposes of divination; and by many other means. [18]
Re: New Age or Metaphysical By: Brysing Moderator / Adept
Post # 4 Feb 22, 2015
No, I am not Wiccan; I was a witch long before Wicca was ever heard of. All the descriptions you have given of witchcraft are New Age stuff, or the lies told by the Catholic Church. A witch is one who works with witchcraft/magic. No matter what Wikipedia says! Very few witches cast spells. Even many Wiccans do not!
"Witch" is a term that has been used even before Wicca existed, and even so, there are some practitioners that don't use witch as a name to describe the magick they perform (if they do), they choose a name that appeals to them more. Magick does not need items, yes, but it's also a part of magick in itself and even prayer. As said by Brysing not all Wiccans call themselves witches and not all witches call themselves Wiccan. Deities should anyone choose to work with them in their practice or pray to them is up to the practitioner's decision and again, that has been around as well. Visualization is also a big part of all of this, we even use that in everyday life.
