We’re living in hard times, a new reality for most of us. The post WWII era began what is arguably the most progressive and prosperous half century in world history, and surely in that of the United States democratic experiment. Now we face existential threats including climate crisis, pandemics, increasing global conflict of nations, and internal division.
We have faced similar hard times throughout the human history of the world. If we survive this round, if we manage to course correct, find remedies, adapt and evolve to live in harmony with the planet we call home, our progeny will no doubt face similar challenges again in the future.
“Those who don’t know history are destined to repeat it.” – George Santayana
Resistance
What does all of this have to do with witches and witchcraft? If you take your craft seriously you’ve no doubt wondered, even obsessed over what you can do to effect change on a meaningful level. You’ve pondered, or perhaps even participated in large scale group spells. This is nothing new either. As far back as 1588, British witches are purported to have used the Cone of Power against the Spanish Armada, and again in 1805 to attempt to end Napoleon’s threat to England.
In 1940, led by Gerald Gardner, who would come to be known as the Father of Modern Witchcraft, the New Forest Coven directed a Cone of Power at Hitler, to cause him confusion and poor judgment that would lead to his defeat. But did it work? Oddly, shortly after the coven’s casting (as written about by Gardener himself), Hitler made a few unexpected and notable changes in his campaign that many experts agree ultimately led to Nazi defeat. You can read more about it here.
Does working in groups increase the power? Image by author.
More recently, in February of 2017, a mass binding spell against then President Trump was organized through social media, stirring up much controversy over ethics and the Wiccan Rule of Three. You can read about Astrea Taylor’s experience of it in her post, Join the Magic Resistance: Bind Trump.
I don’t necessarily abide by the rule of three—at least not as guaranteed or instant karma doled out tit-for-tat. I do, however, believe, that whatever energy you put into the world can have consequences never foreseen, regardless of how carefully you craft your spell or how many times you say “an it harm none.” For this reason, I’m cautious when it comes to any kind of group work on a scale that includes numbers in the thousands or tens of thousands of witches I don’t know.
I have, on the other hand, seen the results of group spells I’ve participated in with known and trusted practitioners. This leads me to wonder, since it’s all about energy, is it like a battery, the more concentrated voltage the more power? Or can it be accumulative, like the drip of water on stone? If 10,000 witches are all working to the same end, do they need to be doing it at the same time?
In the words of Gandalf:
“Some believe it is only great power that can hold evil in check, but that is not what I have found. I have found it is the small, everyday deeds of ordinary folk that keep the darkness at bay . . . small acts of kindness and love.”
I don’t begin or pretend to have all the answers, or any answers, really, that pertain to every witch, we are, after all, each sovereign beings. We each must do what we think is for the greater good. I believe including spellwork, ritual, and simple petitions for peace and understanding in daily practice goes a long way to achieving that end. Still, I find myself believing I should do more. If find myself wanting to feel effective, to see direct results. I know this is my ego, my shadow self clamoring for recognition.
This is when I come back around to self care, this time for resilience.
A few days ago, Jessica Wildfire asked in her post if self care is even possible in a time of collapse?
“At a certain point, self-care simply can’t compensate for the void of empathy and compassion taking over the world. It doesn’t matter how self-sufficient you are. One day, every single one of us will rely on someone else for survival. Most of us already do, and only a few of us realize it.”— Jessica Wildfire
Self Care has been a hot topic for a while now and has more recently filtered into the world of witchcraft. I’ve written about the intersection of self care practices and witchcraft here and here.
In the history of mankind, it didn’t take long for early humans to realize that their survival increased when they formed social packs. In our modern world of conveniences and protections, individualism is idealized over collectivism. But that individualism is fracturing into deep division that, unchecked, will drive us to our own demise on this planet.
Self Care or Self Preservation?
Self care can no longer be only about our own physical, mental and spiritual health. We are entering the realm of community care, as self care and self preservation. The most important thing everybody can do for their own self care, is to form a trusted circle of people who have their back.
From what I observe, the last few generations to have entered adult status have, in great numbers, eschewed family in favor of breaking toxic relationships. That’s a whole can of worms in itself, and every time I broach the subject, I get the inevitable clap-backs for bypassing abuse and manipulation. To be clear, I am in no way excusing abusive behaviors in any form. I am also no stranger to being oppressed by the most subtle forms of Machiavellian control; I know what might appear to be the best relationships, can be fraught with abuse.
Rather, I’m talking about the simple personality differences that are a part of all relationships. There is an epidemic of estrangement happening in the name of intolerance. Differences of opinion have risen to the level of offense previously reserved for deep divides in values and morals. Twenty-five percent of adult children are estranged from a parent. Ghosting, the art of simply disappearing from a friendship or romantic relationship, has entered our lexicon.
Again, in this era of alternate facts and corrupt leaders, I’m not advocating softening personal boundaries on values and morals. However, it is important to distinguish between those and innocuous (even if irritating) opinions, or personality differences.
As we face more and more devastation and the demise of our way of life, we will need more and more care, concern and support from people who truly give a flying fig about what happens to us, people we can rely on in times of need. We need people who think differently because they will see solutions we cannot. People who are both older and younger than ourselves, bringing varying skill sets to the table.
Your grandmother—or cantankerous old neighbor—may not be able to do the heavy lifting, but she probably knows more about food preservation and stretching resources than anybody else in your circle. You might be a vegetarian or vegan, and right now that’s a privilege you enjoy thanks to supermarkets and supply chains. One day, you might find that experienced gardener and the skilled hunter or trapper is the only thing standing between you and starvation. You may be old and wise in your ways, but when all communication has failed, it will be the young tech savvy nerd who finds a way to light the darkness—literally and metaphorically. It’s going to be a quid-pro-quo world.
Resilience
As much as I’d like to, I alone cannot cast a spell to heal the world’s ills, to vanquish the evil forces tearing us down, or to manifest universal understanding. Instead my witchcraft is turning toward building resilience, physically, mentally and spiritually. I’m increasing my knowledge of plant medicines and elemental energy, creating sacred tools, curating nurturing spaces for my self and in my community, and embracing tolerance.
“We are standing at the crossroads of change, digging up the bones of our ancient wisdom, being laid bare in preparation for the next phase, the next us. Now is the time to create a cache of sacred tools.” – At The Crossroads of Time, Willow Rose
Since learning more about my matrilineal heritage, I’m working on being in right relation with all living things within the life force of which we are just one expression.
Finally, I am holding space for the potential of peace—listening, paying attention, believing it can and will come.
Witchcraft isn’t just about spells and rituals, potions, crystals, divination or psychic gifts. Witchcraft is the belief in the innate power to change our own lives, and by changing ourselves, changing the world around us.
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