Shamanic witchcraft, by my definition, is a combination of earth-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 initiation rights of passage. More on that later, let me start with the definitions and then show how shamanism and witchcraft tie together.
There is no actual start date for witchcraft: it is present in all ancient cultures and can be found (in various forms) since humans arrived. Shamanism, as we know it now, has its roots in the work of Russian anthropologists in Siberia in the 20th century, but it is also very old.
The accepted definition of SHAMAN is:
“A first definition of this complex phenomenon, and perhaps the least risky, will be: shamanism = technique of ecstasy.” eliad
There is no accepted definition of MAGIC, but here is a good one:
The science and art of making change happen according to will. Crowley, which is much better than the Webster’s 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 state to seek answers or guidance from the spirit world (usually from an ancestral or tibal overspirit), in the witchcraft ritual a space is created (a circle ) where new energies are formed, old wisdom is accessed and new understandings are learned from any channel that is called to open. There are many crossings when traveling work is done; shamanism and witchcraft teach access to other realms through traveling in the company of (or as) relatives.
Both shamanism and artisan work are dedicated to conscious co-creation, the success of which is determined by the practitioner’s experience, the purity and wisdom of the channels contacted, 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 outcome, what healing is best, and how it will best be carried out to serve the individual and the community. .
Shamanic witchcraft is truth-filled 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 the time found it gratifying enough to “listen to an oak tree 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 directly applied 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 totally dedicated to bringing more peace and love to each other and to the Earth.
Good reference books, easy or not so easy.
Silver RavenWolf Hedge Witch – Simple ritual steps to discover your own magical powers.
Ritual Magic by Donald Tyson – Not for the faint hearted, in depth 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 – It doesn’t get much better than this for applying shamanic thought and practice to all aspects of life. Very hard reading but extremely practical.