What is shamanic witchcraft? Your guide to understanding how it works
Shamanic witchcraft, by my definition, is a combination of land-based practices. Shamanic Witchcraft, like all magic, is about liberation, independence and empowerment, the things that distinguish Shamanic Witchcraft from other modalities are the tools used and the rights of initiation of passage. More on that later, let me start with definitions and then show how shamanism and witchcraft are linked.
There is no real starting date for witchcraft: it is present in all ancient cultures and can be found (in various forms) since we humans go back. Shamanism, as we know it now, has its roots in the work of Russian anthropologists in Siberia in the 1900s, but it is also very old.
The accepted definition of SHAMAN is:
“A first definition of this complex phenomenon, and perhaps the least dangerous, will be: shamanism = ecstasy technique.” Eliade
There is no accepted definition of MAGIC, but here is a good one:
The science and art of making change happen in accordance with the will. Crowley, which is much better than the Websters dictionary definition:
“the use of means (charms or spells) believed to have supernatural power over natural forces.”
Hmmm, this is my explanation as a practitioner of shamanic witchcraft.
In the shamanic ritual there is an exit from the human body while in a trance to seek answers or guidance from the spiritual world (generally from an ancestral or tibal superspirit), in the witchcraft ritual a space (a circle) is created where new ones are formed energies, old wisdoms are accessed and new understandings are learned from whatever channel is called upon to open. There are many crossings when traveling work is done; shamanism and witchcraft teach access to other realms by traveling in the company of (or as) relatives.
Both shamanism and craft work are dedicated to conscious co-creation, the success of which is determined by the experience of the practitioner, the purity and wisdom of the contacted channels, and the alignment with the individual’s life path. For example, there will be a discussion with the various energies present in any healing or blessing ritual to understand if healing is the best result, what healing is best, and what will be the best way to serve the individual and the community.
Shamanic witchcraft is truly complete magic in an altered state to serve the evolution of a community. Plato wrote in his Phaedrus that “the first prophecies were the words of an oak tree”, and that those who lived at that time found it gratifying enough “to hear an oak or a stone, as long as it spoke the truth.” The reason I give why shamanic witchcraft is so profound is that it can be applied directly to anything we find challenging in life. It can present new solutions within our own truth and teach us, as Nature always does, to learn more about our Self and who we are. Shamanic witchcraft, like any endeavor, is most powerful when it is fully dedicated to bringing more peace and love to each part and to Earth.
Good reference books, easy or not so easy.
Silver RavenWolf’s Hedge Witch: Simple Ritual Steps to Discover Your Own Magical Powers.
Donald Tyson’s Magic Ritual – Not for the Faint of Heart, The Deep History and Comparison of Magic Through the Ages. Very good for those who want to be experts in magical art.
The Shamans Body by A Mindell – There is nothing better than this for applying shamanic thought and practice to all avenues of life. Very difficult but extremely practical reading.
