The Witch's Corner

Did your family have a tradition of snake handling?

Let's get a bit darker...

The Path of Sorrows

The Path of Sorrows is a term used to describe a spiritual and magical path focused on exploring and working with the darker aspects of the self and of existence.

It involves diving deep into one's emotions, pain, and shadow side in order to gain deeper understanding, healing, and transformation.

The Path of Sorrow acknowledges that life is not always sunshine and happiness, and that pain, sorrow, and suffering are natural parts of the human experience.

It recognizes the value and power in shadow work – the process of uncovering and integrating suppressed or rejected parts of the self.

By exploring these darker aspects, individuals on the Path of Sorrow aim to heal and grow, ultimately arriving at a more balanced and authentic self.

Practitioners on this path often work with techniques and practices such as introspection, journaling, creative expressions (such as art and writing), deep meditation, energy healing, and ritual work.

They may draw inspiration from various traditions, including witchcraft, psychology, shamanic practices, and even certain esoteric teachings.

It's important to note that the Path of Sorrow doesn't imply a constant state of sadness or suffering, but rather a willingness to explore and embrace the full range of human emotions and experiences.

It is a transformative path that seeks to integrate both light and dark aspects of the self, leading to personal growth, healing, and a deeper connection with the spiritual self.

The idea that the Path of Sorrows must be walked alone is based on the understanding that individual internal journeys and personal growth often require deep introspection and self-reflection.

This path is often considered a solitary one:

Self-discovery

Walking the Path of Sorrows involves delving into one's deep emotions, pain, and shadow aspects. This inner work is intensely personal and introspective, requiring individuals to confront and process their own emotions and experiences.

It often involves facing challenging aspects of oneself and may require solitude and privacy to fully explore and understand these inner realms.

Individual experiences

The Path of Sorrows is unique to each individual. While there may be shared themes or common experiences, the way one navigates their own pain, grief, and growth is deeply personal.

Walking this path alone allows for complete freedom in exploring one's own emotions, thoughts, and responses without external distractions or influences.

Personal responsibility

The Path of Sorrows often involves taking full responsibility for one's own healing and growth.

It is a journey that requires individuals to face their own shadows, acknowledge their wounds, and actively work towards healing themselves.

The responsibility for this work ultimately lies with the individual, and walking the path alone allows for a deeper sense of ownership and accountability.

Authenticity and autonomy

Walking the Path of Sorrows alone allows for the development of authentic self-expression and the cultivation of personal autonomy.

By being free from external pressures or expectations, individuals can explore their emotions and pain in their own unique ways, allowing their true selves to emerge and guide the healing process.

That's getting into family ritual and things I can't openly discuss.

I'll just say that serpent symbology plays a big part in our family tradition.

This is an interesting article that I agree with.

For the sticklers out there that insist upon doing everything our ancestors did exactly 100%

"It is not critical to do everything our ancestors did with regards to religion and witchcraft because practices, methods, and beliefs evolve over time.

Just as societal norms, technology, and knowledge progress and change with each generation, so too do spiritual practices and beliefs.

Our ancestors' rituals and traditions were often shaped by the cultural, social, and environmental contexts in which they lived.

While these practices can offer important insights and connections to our heritage, it is also essential to recognize that we live in a different world with different needs, challenges, and sources of knowledge.

As we evolve and grow, it is natural for our spiritual practices to evolve as well. We may find that certain rituals or beliefs no longer resonate with us, or that new insights and experiences lead us to adopt different methods of spiritual exploration. This evolution is not a rejection of our heritage but a reflection of our individual paths and growth.

By embracing the idea that practices and beliefs can evolve over time, we open ourselves up to a broader range of spiritual experiences and opportunities for personal growth.

We can draw inspiration from our ancestors while also adapting and innovating to meet the needs of our modern lives.

Ultimately, the essence of religious practice lies in the connection to the divine, to nature, and to ourselves. As long as we approach our spiritual practices with intention, respect, and an open heart, we can find meaning and fulfillment in ways that are uniquely our own, honoring both the wisdom of the past and the possibilities of the future."

I have heard of "The Egyptian Book of the Dead," which dates back to around 1550 BCE. This is an ancient Egyptian funerary text that contains spells and incantations designed to guide the deceased through the afterlife.

The text includes several references to serpents and their symbolic significance in ancient Egyptian culture. The snake-headed deity Apep was seen as a symbol of chaos and destruction, while the cobra goddess Wadjet was associated with protection and royalty.

[link to www.britishmuseum.org (secure)]

The Serpent and the Two Paths

The Serpent and the Two Paths is a concept that symbolizes the dual nature of the universe and the choices faced in life.

The serpent is a powerful symbol in many spiritual traditions, representing wisdom, transformation, and the cycles of life and death.

In context, the two paths represent the choices we make in our journey through life.

One path may lead towards growth, enlightenment, and alignment with our true purpose, while the other path may lead towards stagnation, ignorance, and distraction from our spiritual path.

The serpent, with its ability to shed its skin and renew itself, often serves as a guide in navigating these paths.

It encourages us to embrace change, to shed old beliefs and habits that no longer serve us, and to embrace transformation as a necessary part of our spiritual journey.

Those who work with the symbolism of the serpent and the two paths in witchcraft often meditate on these themes to gain insight into the choices they face and to seek guidance on their spiritual path.

By recognizing the dual nature of the universe and the choices available to us, we can align ourselves with the path that leads to growth, wisdom, and fulfillment.

Ever hear of the orphic hymns?

"The serpent, with its ability to shed its skin and renew itself, often serves as a guide in navigating these paths."

The serpent in the biblical story of Adam and Eve is a prime example of the serpent as a guide and catalyst for transformation. The serpent encourages Eve to eat from the Tree of Knowledge, promising that it will open her eyes and make her like God, knowing good and evil.

The serpent in the story can be seen as a symbol of the power of knowledge and self-awareness to transform and enlighten us, even if that transformation may come at a cost.

I applied my heart to know wisdom. To know madness and folly. I perceived that this was also a chasing of the wind.

For in much wisdom is much grief. And he who increases knowledge, increases sorrow.

Deep!

"Haven't I seen you here before?
Have your heroes disappeared?
See you crawling
See you crawling in"

Many people ask me if I'm a wiccan. The short answer is no.

Our traditions predate wicca.

Traditional witchcraft predates figures like Aleister Crowley, Gerald Gardner, and the modern Wiccan movement, tracing its roots back to ancient times when magical practices and nature-based spirituality were prevalent in various cultures around the world.

Traditional witchcraft, also known as folk or cunning craft, is a term used to describe the practices and beliefs of pre-modern Western European witches and cunning folk. These practitioners were often healers, diviners, and ritual specialists who worked with local folklore, herbalism, divination, and spirit communication to address the needs of their communities.

Prior to the emergence of modern occult movements in the 20th century, traditional witchcraft was a widespread and diverse tradition that varied from region to region. These practices were deeply rooted in the rhythms of nature, the cycles of the seasons, and the spirits of the land, emphasizing a close connection with the natural world and the unseen realms.

While figures like Aleister Crowley and Gerald Gardner played significant roles in the development of modern occultism and the revival of witchcraft in the 20th century, traditional witchcraft predates their contributions by centuries. The essence of traditional witchcraft lies in its folkloric and ancestral roots, passed down through generations of cunning folk, wise women, and village healers who worked with the land and the spirits long before the advent of organized occult movements.

By exploring the history and practices of traditional witchcraft, we can gain a deeper understanding of the rich tapestry of magical traditions that have shaped human spirituality and consciousness throughout the ages. Traditional witchcraft serves as a reminder of the enduring power of ancient wisdom and the resilience of practices that have survived through generations of persecution and transformation.

If I wanted to study this further, would any of these books be informative?

"Traditional Witchcraft: A Cornish Book of Ways" by Gemma Gary

"Treading the Mill: Workings in Traditional Witchcraft" by Nigel G. Pearson

"The Black Toad: West Country Witchcraft and Magic" by Gemma Gary

"Witching Way of the Hollow Hill" by Robin Artisson

"The Cunning Man's Handbook: The Practice of English Folk Magic 1550-1900" by Jim Baker

"A Deed Without a Name: Unearthing the Legacy of Traditional Witchcraft" by Lee Morgan

"Call of the Horned Piper: A Manual of Modern Traditional Witchcraft" by Nigel Aldcroft Jackson

"The Resurrection of the Meadow" by Robin Artisson

"The Devil's Dozen: Thirteen Craft Rites of the Old One" by Gemma Gary

"The Old Magic of Christmas: Yuletide Traditions for the Darkest Days of the Year" by Linda Raedisch

In my humble opinion, one of the best songs ever. I'm stealing it and posting it on GLP jukebox!

The only book on that list that I'm unfamiliar with is the old magic of Christmas. The rest are good reads. I'd add to that list, the crooked path by kelden

Many people ask me if I'm a wiccan. The short answer is no.

Our traditions predate wicca.

Traditional witchcraft predates figures like Aleister Crowley, Gerald Gardner, and the modern Wiccan movement, tracing its roots back to ancient times when magical practices and nature-based spirituality were prevalent in various cultures around the world.

Traditional witchcraft, also known as folk or cunning craft, is a term used to describe the practices and beliefs of pre-modern Western European witches and cunning folk. These practitioners were often healers, diviners, and ritual specialists who worked with local folklore, herbalism, divination, and spirit communication to address the needs of their communities.

Prior to the emergence of modern occult movements in the 20th century, traditional witchcraft was a widespread and diverse tradition that varied from region to region. These practices were deeply rooted in the rhythms of nature, the cycles of the seasons, and the spirits of the land, emphasizing a close connection with the natural world and the unseen realms.

While figures like Aleister Crowley and Gerald Gardner played significant roles in the development of modern occultism and the revival of witchcraft in the 20th century, traditional witchcraft predates their contributions by centuries. The essence of traditional witchcraft lies in its folkloric and ancestral roots, passed down through generations of cunning folk, wise women, and village healers who worked with the land and the spirits long before the advent of organized occult movements.

By exploring the history and practices of traditional witchcraft, we can gain a deeper understanding of the rich tapestry of magical traditions that have shaped human spirituality and consciousness throughout the ages. Traditional witchcraft serves as a reminder of the enduring power of ancient wisdom and the resilience of practices that have survived through generations of persecution and transformation.

This is a well-crafted overview of Traditional Witchcraft, highlighting its historical roots, its distinguishing characteristics, and its enduring influence. It serves as an excellent introduction to this rich and complex subject matter.

Books.

As someone who teaches the craft one of the first questions I always get is, "What books do I read first?"

I have a standard book list for those just beginning their path as well as a more advanced list for those who wish to further their reading after a few years of experience.

That being said, in the end I always tell my students one very important thing.

Don't rely solely on the books.

Each book has good information, and you should read books to get an understanding of why people do different things, but in end you have to decide what works for you and what doesn't.

Witchcraft is by its nature an intuitive practice which each student must discover on his or her own, aside from the book knowledge.

You can read all the books in the world but if it doesn't resonate with you it's meaningless.

Your teaching methodology highlights the importance of grounding book knowledge in personal intuition, which allows students to tailor their practice to their own unique needs and experiences.

This approach not only empowers students to take ownership of their spiritual journey but also fosters a sense of authenticity and self-discovery that is essential for a meaningful witchcraft practice.

As an aside, what happened to "The Gardener"?

He now lurks as an ac on the other witch thread

You have banned ac's.

Unfortunately I had to ban acs here. Too many trolls and disrupters. That other thread is not mine. This and my paranormal thread are the only threads I have posted.

I have had "disrupters" in my teeny tiny threads also. Its a real shame.

I didn't want to but otherwise I'd be fighting trolls all night long. And yeah it's a shame.