Ethics of Witchcraft in 2023: Are new witches appropriating a complex culture?
Are new witches appropriating a complex culture by practicing something they don't understand?
What exactly is witchcraft? Traditionally speaking, witchcraft is a practice involving sorcery or magic of some sort exercised or invoked to control people or events.
Witchcraft is understood by many different people to mean many different things. Some people believe it to be natural magic harnessed from mother nature, being concerned with keeping the natural order of things in the world.
Others, especially in the West, believe it to be a consortium with the devil or a demon to obtain powers beyond human imagination. More often than not, believed to be some sort of dark magic.
Some even believe it to be a political attack on feminism. Carried out through a series of carefully constructed "witch hunts and trials" to kill the spirit of women who dared to rise above the patriarchy. So basically, a well-constructed charade.
Let's not forget the section of the population whose fundamental knowledge about witchcraft comes solely from a few (or several) episodes of the chilling 'Adventures of Sabrina.' Don't worry, guys; we didn't forget you or the broom you keep in your closet.
These are some very different connotations of witchcraft. Now, you can trace the history of witchcraft or even find some sort of common ground among different cultures regarding it. Still, it will be difficult, as historical sources are, in the words of historian Stacy Schiff, "maddeningly inconsistent."
It’s fair to say that many people view witchcraft as good or bad, white or black. So, where do our 21st century witches of the year 2023 stand?
Witchcraft in 2023 for most people primarily involves astrology, tarot cards, some very funny teas, herbal mixtures, and a huge crystal ball. Magic practitioners may use all of these to tap into the supernatural or the "great beyond." Much of this is precipitated by the ordinary person's effort to seek power and guidance beyond the natural, typically after ordinary human endeavors have been made.
The concept of witchcraft is so frustratingly vague that you cannot help but wonder where the modern witch's "power" comes from.
Is it a benevolently good or natural source? From an evil spirit summoned from a pentagram? We'll never know, or you could try a few episodes of Anne Rice's Mayfair Witches; it's very descriptive from what we hear. Just kidding! Ask Google or read a book. Can't make up your mind? Now you know how we feel.
We can only assume that since the history and origins of witchcraft are unclear, many adopt interpretations and practices that best suit whatever purpose they are trying to achieve. Even if they do not grasp the basis of such a preternatural phenomenon.