Tradition and Transformation: A Global Perspective on Witchcraft's Organization

Witchcraft has been practiced by different cultures around the world for centuries. While these practices may vary in beliefs and rituals, there is a common thread, the organization of witchcraft. Despite being a clandestine practice, witchcraft has an organization that exists on a worldwide scale. One of the main aspects of the organization of witchcraft worldwide is the existence of covens. Covens are groups of witches who come together to practice their craft. These covens serve as a support system for witches, providing guidance, education, and a sense of community.

These covens serve as a support system for witches, providing guidance, education, and a sense of community. They also conduct rituals and ceremonies together, often following a specific tradition or path of witchcraft. Moreover, covens are often led by a high priestess or a high priest, who is responsible for overseeing the group's activities and teachings.

Feminist witches movement aims to destigmatize the craft

It took shape when Scotland formally apologized for its misogynistic witch trials of more than 500 years ago.

on NBC News Now

When Scotland became one of the first countries to formally apologize to the nearly 4,000 people accused of witchcraft during witch trials that took place more than 500 years ago, it sparked a feminist movement among present-day witches and their supporters.

The head of the Scottish government, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, announced the apology on March 8, International Women’s Day, as part of a push in Parliament to recognize misogyny as a hate crime at the request of the Witches of Scotland, a campaign that also seeks a formal government pardon for those accused of witchcraft and a national memorial for the lives lost during the trials.

“We want to know our own history, and we’re no longer happy with the one-sided history, the same history that men or scholars have reported,” said Claire Mitchell, a lawyer who started the campaign with Zoe Venditozzi, a teacher. Neither identifies as a witch.

The Scotland witch trials began after the passage of the Witchcraft Act in 1563, which made practicing witchcraft or consulting with witches capital offenses. An estimated 2,500 women were killed for allegedly violating the law, according to the University of Edinburgh. It was repealed in 1736.

None of the accused women were practicing witches, Mitchell said, but the Scottish government used women as scapegoats to explain away the country’s adversities.

“I absolutely believe the accusations of witchcraft are a feminist issue,” she said. “It was always women to a greater degree that were accused of witchcraft.”

Practicing witches are using past mistreatment to inspire a new feminist movement among their ranks globally, with a goal of erasing the stigma surrounding witchcraft. In the U.S., 1 million people are estimated to identify as pagan or Wiccan, according to a 2014 study by the Pew Research Center; not all of those who practice witchcraft are Wiccan. The infamous Salem witch trials in Massachusetts occurred in 1692 and 1693.

An engraving depicts citizens arresting a witch in New England. Salem Witch Trial Archive Project

Pam Grossman, the author of the book “Waking the Witch: Reflections on Women, Magic, and Power,” said the feminist movement has been a long time coming.

“We’re starting to see people re-appropriate ‘the witch’ and redefine the witch as this rebellious, feminist being who is a conductor of feminine power,” she said.

But some have criticized the witch community for racism and appropriation of proper witchcraft techniques.

Aurora Luna, who practices witchcraft in the U.S. and shares their insights on social media, said they have noticed some disturbing trends.

“There are clear divides,” Luna said. “There is extreme racism and blatant negative aspects. Wanting to make the [craft] palatable is the watering down of witchcraft.”

In a report last year, the United Nations said the number of albino people killed because they were suspected of witchcraft has increased during the coronavirus pandemic, as some believe the superstitions that albinos are Covid-19 carriers or that using their body parts in potions can bring good luck and wealth. The U.N. Human Rights Council passed a groundbreaking resolution condemning violations committed through witchcraft accusations and ritual attacks.

Campaigns like the Witches of Scotland face pushback from critics who do not see the point of pardoning convicted witches from centuries ago. Venditozzi said the reaction shows there is more work to be done. Her group is working with members of the Scottish Parliament to ensure that the accused witches of old are formally pardoned and that a national memorial is established.

“We are in no way out of the woods of misogyny,” she said. “Humans always go back to the idea of attacking the vulnerable in society.”

Olivia Wilson is a segment producer for NBC News Now.

A picture of so-called witch doctors in Sierra Leone taken roughly around the year 1900Image: Getty Images/Hulton Archive

This hierarchal structure provides a sense of order and ensures that the group follows a particular set of beliefs and practices. The high priestess or high priest often passes down their knowledge and teachings to the coven members through mentoring and initiation ceremonies. Another crucial aspect of the organization of witchcraft worldwide is the existence of larger organizations and groups that bring witches together. These organizations serve as a platform for education, networking, and advocacy for witchcraft and its practitioners. They often organize events such as conferences, workshops, and gatherings where witches from different backgrounds can come together to share their knowledge and experiences. Moreover, these larger organizations often provide resources and support for witches, especially in countries or regions where witchcraft is still stigmatized or even illegal. They may offer legal assistance, counseling, and resources for practicing witchcraft safely and openly. Furthermore, the internet and social media have played a significant role in the organization of witchcraft worldwide. Online platforms have allowed witches from all over the world to connect, share information, and form virtual communities. Online forums, blogs, and social media groups have become spaces where witches can seek advice, learn from each other, and form relationships. In conclusion, the organization of witchcraft worldwide is a complex and diverse network that encompasses smaller covens, larger organizations, and virtual communities. These various levels of organization provide witches with support, education, and a sense of belonging. It is through these structures that witchcraft continues to thrive and evolve, despite its clandestine nature..

Reviews for "The Global Witching Hour: Understanding the Organizational Aspects of Witchcraft"

1. John - 2 stars: I found "Organization of Witchcraft Worldwide" to be quite disappointing. The writing felt rushed and poorly edited, with numerous grammatical errors and inconsistencies throughout. Additionally, the plot lacked depth and failed to captivate my interest. The characters were one-dimensional and lacked development, making it difficult for me to connect with any of them. Overall, I was left underwhelmed by this book and wouldn't recommend it to others.

2. Sarah - 1 star: "Organization of Witchcraft Worldwide" was a complete letdown for me. The premise sounded intriguing, but the execution fell flat. The pacing was off, with some chapters dragging on while others felt rushed. The dialogue was stilted and unnatural, making it difficult to become immersed in the story. Furthermore, I found the world-building to be inconsistent and lacking in detail. I was left feeling unsatisfied and would advise anyone considering this book to look elsewhere for a more enjoyable read.

3. Robert - 2 stars: Unfortunately, "Organization of Witchcraft Worldwide" didn't live up to my expectations. The narrative was convoluted and confusing, making it challenging to follow the storyline and understand the author's intentions. The book lacked a clear direction, and I found myself struggling to stay engaged. Additionally, the writing style felt disjointed, with abrupt transitions and an overall lack of cohesiveness. While I appreciate the effort put into this work, it ultimately did not resonate with me.

Feminine Power Networks: Understanding the Organization of Witchcraft Worldwide