Native American witchcraft refers to the traditional spiritual practices and beliefs of various indigenous tribes across North America. These practices are deeply rooted in the rich cultural heritage and spirituality of the Native American people. Witchcraft in Native American traditions is often intertwined with other aspects of their spiritual beliefs, such as animism and shamanism. It is important to note that the term "witchcraft" itself is not native to these cultures and has been introduced through colonial influences. Native American witchcraft is more accurately described as a form of magic or spiritual practice that is deeply connected to the natural world. One of the key elements of Native American witchcraft is the belief in the power of spirits and the interconnectedness of all living beings.
One of the key elements of Native American witchcraft is the belief in the power of spirits and the interconnectedness of all living beings. Practitioners often work with spirits, both benevolent and malevolent, to seek guidance, healing, and protection. These spirits can be found in the natural elements such as animals, plants, and rocks, as well as in ancestors and deities.
Native Americans to J.K. Rowling: We’re Not Magical
The author has come under fire for equating Navajo religious beliefs with the world of her fictional Harry Potter characters.
By Becky Little Published March 11, 2016 • 4 min read Share Tweet EmailIn Peter Pan, Tiger Lilly and her tribe are part of the magical landscape of Neverland. In Twilight, some Quileute people are born with the ability to turn into wolves (just ask anyone on “Team Jacob”). Now, in J.K. Rowling’s new digital story collection, History of Magic in North America, Navajo traditions are placed in the same fictional world as Harry Potter.
Rowling’s new collection equates “skin walkers”—a Navajo term for people who turn into animals—with Animagi, the type of witches and wizards who morph into animals in her Harry Potter series. These details were first revealed when Rowling released a promotional trailer this week; the entire story collection is now available online.
Immediately, many scholars and fans responded with criticism, just as people did three years ago when Johnny Depp played Tonto in The Lone Ranger, and in past instances when white writers and actors have employed stereotypes of Native Americans in storytelling.
The first issue, says Leanne Howe, a Choctaw Nation citizen and co-editor of Seeing Red—Hollywood's Pixeled Skins, is that Rowling attributes the tradition of skin walkers to all Native Americans of the pre-Columbian era, as though they were a monolithic group with one set of beliefs.
The second problem is that Native American traditions are equated with magic. This is part of a long history of white Americans and Europeans trivializing native beliefs. (Rowling’s publisher, Pottermore, told National Geographic that it has no comment on the controversy.)
“I would never, never use the term ‘magic’ in relation to native practices and belief,” Howe says. Native people “simply cannot be respected and given respect in the 21st century” when their history and traditions are trivialized.
Fantasy is an important part of children’s literature, but problems arise when a race of people is constantly portrayed as magical, and therefore fictional.
“We are … fighting everyday for the protection of our sacred sites from being destroyed,” scholar Adrienne Keene writes on her blog Native Appropriations. “If Indigenous spirituality becomes conflated with fantasy ‘magic’—how can we expect lawmakers and the public to be allies in the protection of these spaces?”
There is another, more subtle, layer to the depiction of Native Americans as magical, fictional beings—they end up being portrayed as though they don’t exist. Howe refers to this as “the trope of the vanishing Indian.”
“The vanishing American Indian is in art, it’s in stories—we’re the so-called Last of the Mohicans,” she says. “We exist in the minds of mainstream America as dead and forgotten because the white Americans won the American West.”
When native traditions are constantly depicted as relics, it gives the impression that those traditions—and the more than 5 million native people in the United States—don’t exist anymore. Think of the Native American characters you’ve encountered in books and movies. How many of them were portrayed as characters from the past, and how many of them were depicted as people in the modern world? (Modern characters that are also magical don’t count—I’m still looking at you, Twilight.)
On a more basic level, the stereotypes of the “vanishing Indian,” the magical medicine man, or even the noble savage dehumanize the people they profess to represent. Children read books to learn, but also to identify with the characters. For native children, this presents a problem if most of the images they see of themselves are otherworldly, long gone, or sports mascots.
“These stereotypes hurt us in terms of our human rights,” says Howe. “You cannot have civil rights, you can’t really have human rights or be thought of in a significant way, if you are invisible and you’re dead. So the trope of the vanishing American Indian is in a way undermining the humanity of native people because the assumption is we’re dead, or there’s just a few of us left.”
Because of this requirement to continually kill, witchcraft was blamed for any disaster of magnitude, like droughts, epidemic diseases, or floods. Further, any disharmony among the people or infractions of proper behavior were also equated with witchcraft. At one point, witchcraft among the Zuni was the only recognized crime.
Ceremonies and rituals play a significant role in Native American witchcraft. These ceremonies are often conducted to establish a connection with the spirits and to seek their assistance. Sweat lodges, vision quests, and sacred pipe ceremonies are some examples of these rituals. Traditional healers, also known as medicine people or shamans, are often responsible for conducting these ceremonies and performing healing practices. Native American witchcraft also places a strong emphasis on herbalism and the use of natural remedies. Practitioners often gather and use herbs, roots, and other plant materials to create potions, teas, or other preparations for healing purposes. It is important to recognize that Native American witchcraft is a diverse practice with variations across different tribes and regions. Each tribe has its own unique traditions, beliefs, and practices. Furthermore, the practice of witchcraft within Native American communities is often highly secretive and reserved for initiated individuals. In conclusion, Native American witchcraft is a powerful and sacred spiritual practice that is deeply rooted in the cultural heritage of indigenous tribes. It encompasses various forms of magic, ceremonies, and rituals that seek to establish a connection with the spirits and harness their power for healing, protection, and guidance. It is important to approach this topic with respect and understanding, as it is an integral part of Native American culture and identity..
Reviews for "Traditional Beliefs and Practices in Native American Witchcraft"
- Julia - 1 out of 5 stars
I was very disappointed with "Native American Witchcraft". I was expecting a comprehensive and accurate exploration of Native American spiritual practices, but what I found was a shallow and misguided portrayal. The author seemed to cherry-pick aspects of various tribes' beliefs, creating a confusing mishmash of inaccurate information. As someone who values cultural appreciation and understanding, I found this book to be disrespectful and appropriative. I do not recommend it.
- Michael - 2 out of 5 stars
I have been studying Native American spirituality for many years, and "Native American Witchcraft" fell short of my expectations. The author made sweeping generalizations about various tribes' practices and ignored the vast diversity within Native American spiritual traditions. It felt like a watered-down version of a complex and nuanced belief system. Additionally, the lack of proper citation and research was evident, leaving me questioning the accuracy of the information presented. I would not recommend this book to anyone looking for an in-depth understanding of Native American spirituality.
- Sarah - 1 out of 5 stars
"Native American Witchcraft" was a disappointing read for me. The author seemed to romanticize and simplify Native American beliefs and practices, turning them into a fantastical and mystical caricature. This reductionist approach did a disservice to the rich cultural heritage and profound spiritual traditions of Native American people. I expected a more respectful and informative exploration of the subject, but instead, I found a superficial and misinformed portrayal. I would not recommend this book to anyone seeking an accurate understanding of Native American spiritual practices.
- David - 2 out of 5 stars
I found "Native American Witchcraft" to be a misleading title for this book. It did not delve into the genuine practices and beliefs of Native American spirituality, but rather presented a mishmash of New Age ideas loosely associated with Native American culture. The author's lack of cultural sensitivity and understanding was evident throughout the book, making it difficult to take any of the information seriously. I would recommend seeking out more reputable and authentic sources for anyone interested in learning about Native American spirituality.