Witchcraft has existed as long as people have existed, but witchcraft as we know today is rooted in many practices and cultures. From the Ancient times to the Druid's of Ireland, witchcraft has been alive and present in many forms. Through these influences, modern day practices have emerged and have developed what we consider, the "basics" or "elements" of witchcraft.
The word "witchcraft" itself encompasses a vast mix of traditions and practices. Witchcraft is not a religion nor a spiritual belief system. It use a broad term that includes types of magickal activity and practices, such as spellcraft/spellwork and enchantment. Although, witchcraft isn't a religion,many incorporate it in their faith. Such as Wiccans, Hellenistic pagans, Christians, etc.
Magick is the force that causes change when witchcraft is performed. But it's really a word for you to define yourself because just simply cutting up ginger to help with a cold is connected to folk witchcraft, and if you eat it with that intent then you're perform magick. Overall, I'd say that magick is utilizing and taking advantage of the forces around you to bring about a change, an outcome.
Furthermore, you may be thinking why do I spell magic with a k instead of just a c. Well I do that to seperate magick and magic. Magic representing all the sparkly, and boom! Cat out of the hat performative kind of magic we see in movies and books. Magick is the more direct and formal word, indicating real magick. Aleister Crowley, a famous occultist, actually started this change in wording. He expanded a five letter word to a six letter word, which has numerical significance. Hexagrams, which are six-sided shapes, are prominent in his writings as well. "K" is the eleventh letter of the alphabet, which also had significance to Crowley.
Overall summary^^
-Witchcraft is more of methodology, a skill, a way of working with energy to produce a result. A witch is someone who uses their power along with the natural laws of the universe to shape reality in accordance with their purposes. witchcraft is the practice of manipulating energy through various means to produce a desired result. Magick is the transformation that occurs when a witch bends or shapes energy. Why magick and not magic?~ The "k" at the end of the word distinguishes it from magic tricks and stage illusion or sleight of hand
*YOU AND YOUR JOURNEY*
If you're interested in this path, you need to think why you're interested, what triggered you attention, why do you want to do this. Truly think of what are your intentions, and are they appropriate. Witchcraft can be a liberating and strengthening experience with learning more about yourself and who you are. Stick to your moral compass, intuition, and comfortability. Don't try to rush anything or put yourself into something you're not ready for. Sometimes when you run, you miss things. This is your own journey, your own path. Make it yours.
*BOS AND GRIMOIRE*
As you learn and blossom, it's great to start working on your Book of Shadows and/or grimoire. A grimoire consists of information, spells, and rituals. Whereas, a book of shadows is a collection of your experiences, readings, findings, etc.
Also, make sure to do your research, don't feel pressured, and do what feels right. Education is key here. Read! Read! Read! Inform yourself and learn.
*BASICS*
✨elements✨
earth: represents abundance, strength, femininity, wealth, prosperity, foundations, death, rebirth and stability. It also represents healing, peace, grounding, relaxation, and our connection to Mother Earth. things like dirt, stones, wood, herbs and leaves to represent the element earth. This element is typically used when casting a spell for business, fertility, prosperity, healing, calming, release, abundance, and stability. The direction of this element is earth, and corresponds with Taurus, Virgo, and Capricorn. 🌛 Earth spells may take longer to work, but they're also more firm and are good if you're looking for long-term solutions.
air: represents our mind and intelligence, psychic powers, knowledge, change, knowledge, mental health,logic, abstract thought, higher consciousness, and dreams.things like incense or a wand to represent the element air. This element is used for spellwork involving freedom, seeking someone/something, travel, change, knowledge. It's direction is east, and corresponds with gemini, libra, and Aquarius.
fire: represents energy, love, passion, inspiration, will, activity, sexuality, power, inspiration, courage, and leadership. we use incense, candles or ashes to represent the element fire. Really anything burning.This element is used in spellwork involving healing, purification, love, movement, intensity, and power. It's direction is south, and corresponds with Aries, Leo, Sagittarius.
water: represents emotions, purification, wisdom, the soul, subconscious, eternal movement, reflection, lunar energy, transformation, expression, emotional aspects of love and femininity and absorption. bowls of water, a cup or seashells are used to represent the element water. This element is used for things involving things like friendship, relationship, happiness, cleansing, and fertility. It's direction is west, and corresponds with scorpio, cancer, and pisces.
spirit: we cannot touch nor see it. It's what makes the world so magickal and mystical. Without spirit there is no soul, no divination, no connections to other realms and worlds. Spirit is the epitome of witchcraft, and without it, everything else would just exist without meaning anything to us.
