Shamanism: Myth and Fact

The beating of drums as chants are sung and danced out around the fire echoes through the night. Maidens and warriors alike join in the celebration of the hunt. The blind crone shakes her rattle in time with the pounding of the feet that surround her as she offers up her thanks to Mother Earth and Father Sky. The howl of the wolf in the distance is an answering tune, hauntingly beautiful. These may be some of the images that are conjured when the word “Shaman” comes up.

Shamanism has long been associated with the Native American people however, many indigenous cultures have a shamanic healer amongst their tribe. "The word shaman originates from the Tungus tribe in Siberia. Anthropologists coined this term and have used it to refer to the spiritual and ceremonial leaders among indigenous cultures worldwide. The word shamanism can be used to describe the ancient spiritual practices of these indigenous cultures. Clearly, the countless similarities between various ancient traditions played a role in the continual generalization of the word." -from Dance of the Deer Foundation. The Shaman or "Medicine Man or Woman" is typically revered and holds a high place with the elders of the tribe. Shamanism is shrouded in mysticism so let’s look at the myths and facts related to this practice and learn what it is to feel the Call of the Shaman.  

Myth: Shamanism is akin to witchcraft and Paganism.

Fact: Shamanism is a healing tradition that holds no religious ties to specific deities and no spells are performed.  Shamans do work closely with Spirit and spiritual energies such as animal spirit medicine. Shamans direct these spirits or spiritual energies into the physical world, for healing or other purposes.  

Myth: Shamans use drugs like peyote to have their visions.

Fact: “Shamanism is a practice that involves a practitioner reaching altered states of consciousness in order to perceive and interact with what they believe to be a spirit world and channel these transcendental energies into this world.” from Wikipedia. Most journey work is done through simple meditation techniques and not the use of mind-altering substances. Shamans are people that have the natural ability to “walk between worlds”.

Myth: Only indigenous people can be shamans.

Fact: Being a shaman is a calling. It is an awakening to the other orders of reality and an opening up to the visionary realms that form the essence of Shamanic vision. If a Caucasian American female feels The Call to learn and practice the shamanic path, then so be it. This is a contract between the soul and Spirit. 

Myth:  The tribe chooses the shaman.

Fact: In some cultures, the shaman is chosen through lineage. In other cultures, it is through specific external signs and proclamations of what those signs mean. Shamanistic cultures are incredibly diverse and there is no single way a shaman is identified. Shamans are also awakening outside of the indigenous tribes and showing up in modern-day suburbia. They are seeking out teachers and mentors to help them answer The Call and walk the Medicine Wheel. 

Myth: Shamans shouldn’t charge a fee.

Fact: Shamans are performing a service to another, so exchanging money, goods, or a trade of services is entirely acceptable.

Myth: Modern shamanism is a career choice.

Fact: Shamanism, “as expressed through a universal archetypal soul expression”, is not a career choice; it is a calling from Spirit. Shamans are defined by specific experiences and through specific signs. These signs can be culturally defined or through personal investigation, but they are essential for defining a shaman as a specific type of healer who works in specific ways.  

Through the ages, the practice of Shamanism has remained vital.  Shamans not only work to heal individuals but also the community and the land.  Do you feel The Call of the Shaman?

Common Misconceptions about Wicca, Witches, and Witchcraft

Heretic, Satan-worshiper, seductress… these are the words that have historically been used to describe someone that was considered a witch. With many people becoming increasingly frustrated with organized religion, some of them are turning to Wicca or other forms of Paganism. Despite what people have believed in the past, being Wiccan or a witch is becoming “a more acceptable practice.” This is because as a collective, Wiccans and other Pagans are finally dispelling the previous misconceptions.

Satan- Worshipper:  Wiccans and witches do not believe in the Christian’s Satan. While there are

groups of people that do have ties to what is considered Satan, they are not, and never have been Wiccan or witches. It is believed that this misconception may have come from the fact that the majority of witches do acknowledge the Horned God. One of his many forms is the Celtic deity, Cernunnos, the God of nature and fertility. 

White and Black Magick:  “Magick” is simply the act of directing energy into a specific outcome or desire. It isn’t good or bad, it’s neutral. The intent behind the spell is what is important. Most witches follow the “Law of Three”, meaning if you should seek to harm someone then it will come back to you threefold. Also, even a well-intended spell can backfire if the result of it is not meant to be.

Dancing Naked Under the Full Moon:  Yes, witches do acknowledge the phases of the moon. While the new and full moon are both filled with powerful energy for ritual or spell-work, the

majority of modern witches do not practice naked or “skyclad”. This misconception comes from the ancients when more Pagans were practicing nude because they felt clothing disrupted the energy flow. Most witches today wear simple robes during spell or ritual work.

All Witches are Female:  There is a beautiful and also violent history for women and witchcraft. Many women have used witchcraft to tap into their own power and potential to survive the once very male-dominated society however, magick is genderless and there are many practicing male witches. Gerald Gardner is the founder of modern witchcraft as we know it, Gardnerian Wicca.

Familial Witch Lineage: You do not need to come from a long line of witches to be a witch. The energy of magick does not care about your family lineage. Witchcraft is a path you are drawn to and choose for yourself.

Religion: Wicca is a nature-based religion.  The thought that one must be Wiccan to practice witchcraft is simply untrue.  There is a newer concept of "Christian Witches". These witches hold on to their Christian roots and God but also practice magick.  It is also untrue that someone that is Wiccan always practices witchcraft.  One can be Wiccan, honor Pagan deities, and the Sabbats without ever casting a circle or spell. It is also a misconception that Wiccans have a "Dark Bible".  Wiccans and witches have no bible.  They may have a Book of Shadows which is simply a collection of their rituals, spells, journal work, and other such entries. 

Animal Sacrifice: The Wiccan Rede states "And ye harm none, do what ye will," and since Wicca is a nature-based religion, it is encouraged to respect all living things.  Witches typically follow this rule as well and thus would not practice the slaughter of animals for ritualistic purposes. Offerings may be made to chosen deities but are typically bread, fruit, wine, or flowers. Many witches include things such as bones or feathers on their altar but these would be items "gifted" by nature.

Joining a Coven and Training are a Must: There is a popular theory that all witches belong to a coven and must have years of extensive training before calling themself a true witch and practicing magick.  There aren't any exact numbers on the ratio of coven witches to those that are solitary but one does not need to join a coven to be a witch.  While some covens require learning their particular practice, it is not necessary to have any type of "Witch 101" course to practice magick.  It is, however, always advised to read and learn.  Know the basics of circle casting, get to know the deities that are being honored, and be familiar with the Wheel of the Year.  Plus, learning is fun, especially if this is one's true path.

As the misconceptions surrounding witchcraft continue to fall, you just might find yourself or that you have a friend stepping out of the broom closet.

Crystals 101

Welcome to Crystals 101! 

A large portion of the general population will tell you that the use of crystals for anything other than a fashion statement is just a bunch of hocus-pocus. However, for those that are called to work with crystal energies, it is a completely different story. Formed over millennia within the belly of Mother Earth, crystals harness the energy of the sun, the moon, and the oceans. When this energy is released, the vibrations it creates can do wonderful things.

Crystals have been used for ages to dispel negative energies and act as protectors of our own energy. Black tourmaline not only absorbs negative energies but also repels it. Wearing this crystal is an added layer of spiritual protection. Selenite can quickly cleanse your aura. Crystals are also used for grounding our energies and to help with anxiety. Hematite, with its magnetic properties, will pull you back down to Earth as soon as you touch it. Blue lace agate has a dreamy blue hue that can quickly bring calmness just by looking at it.

If you are just beginning to work with crystals, try picking ones that "call to you" first as they are emitting an energy frequency that is already aligned with yours. Usually, these crystals are ones that you will always want to work with or one that you need in your life at that particular moment.  The ones that we are "meant to work with" are much like that of an animal totem. You can become so attuned to the energy of that crystal, that you can call it to you without actually having it on your person.  If it is a crystal you need for that moment in life, maybe it is meant to bring you peace and calm or help you to heal a broken heart. Let the crystal do its work. 

You can use crystal energy to help manifest your intentions and what you want to create in your life. Crystals pick up on your unique energy. Holding one in your palm while thinking about what you would like to bring forth in your life will program the crystal to that intention. This energy continues to connect with you when placing them in your immediate environment. Every time you bring that intention to mind, the crystals pick up on your energy and will amplify the positive vibes that you’re cultivating.  Green aventurine and pyrite are geat stones for manifesting wealth and financial prosperity.  Try rose quartz to bring in more love and is a wonderful healer.  I suggest getting a book on crystals and their properties.  The Book of Stones by Robert Simmons and Naisha Ahsian or The Crystal Bible by Judy Hall are both great choices. 

When you are more adept with crystal use and their energies, you can begin to work with crystal grids.  These grids can be for any number of things. In a grid, you may bring together a few types of crystals in a sacred geometry pattern to combine their energies and thus helping to facilitate the working.  You can create your own pattern or use a template. It is easy to find printable ones online or purchase a really nice one on Etsy. Use amethyst, clear quartz, and turquoise for a healing grid.  Utilizing the energies of obsidian, smoky quartz, and black tourmaline, you have yourself one hell of a protective grid. 

Since crystals hold a vibration and charge of their own and can easily pick up on your own energy, they can help to align your chakras. They do this by clearing away blockages so that energy can flow freely between these points within your body. Each chakra has its own vibration so it is important to choose a crystal that will correspond with that chakra’s energy. Generally, “the color rule” holds true for healing the chakras with crystals. Look for crystals that are the same color as the one that is assigned to that chakra. For example, the heart chakra is green so stones like jade, green calcite, and green tourmaline work great. You can also set up a grid arranged in the chakra order with the corresponding crystals to do a full alignment. 

Crystals can easily fit into your everyday life to bring about change, calm anxiety, help with grounding, or help you better attune to your spirit guides.  I typically have a least one on my person, usually in my bra, haha. I know I'm not the only one that stashes them there!  I have a couple of them on my desk at work and they are throughout my home to bring in love, tranquility, and protection. If you're not out of the broom closet yet, you can still use the energy of crystals such as wearing them in jewelry or keeping one in your pocket or purse, or hidden under your bed or couch at home. 

It takes a conscious effort to open your heart and mind to the power of crystals, but once you do, you are sure to find unique crystals that will ROCK your world.

Balancing Your Spiritual Energy

                                           

For all of us witches, energy workers, empaths, and other highly sensitive people out there, if your spiritual energy becomes unbalanced, you will begin to feel it. These imbalances can eventually manifest into very real physical symptoms.  If you are getting sick often, continually have an upset stomach, struggle with anxiety and/or depression, or suffer from adrenal fatigue, these issues, and many more can be linked to manifestations of energetic imbalances.  As my High Priestess would say, "Is this a physical manifestation of an energetic problem?" 

Your energy centers, or chakras, need loving care, just like the rest of you. There is a

multitude of ways to balance each one individually but for today, let’s focus on the whole. Tried and true, these simple workings can make a big difference for your overall spiritual and energetic health.

* Breathwork: The simple act of sitting still and focusing on your breath can do wonders when it comes to realigning your spiritual energy. When you concentrate on the breath, it gets you out of your head, bringing attention to the feeling of the body. It also helps to release tension and pent up emotions. When we can release, it naturally brings us back to our center.  There are many downloadable sessions out there or printouts that will walk you through the different exercises. 

* Meditation: Take the breathwork a step further and sink into a meditation.  A deep meditation is highly restorative as it brings you to your true self. Let all of those thoughts and troubles slip away for just a while.  You simply exist as pure awareness in those moments and this allows the energy centers to purge and heal themselves. Meditation can also be used to unblock specific chakras as well as ground our overall energy.

* Yoga: Like breath work, yoga is a concentration on the breath but taken even further as it is applied to movement, stretching, and holding poses. It too gets you out of your head and into your body. The unique combination of poses and breath work can unblock your energy centers, releasing the vital life force, or prana and thus helping to realign your spiritual energy. You can attend a class or practice within your own home.  There are apps and streaming available for various forms of yoga as well as those sequences that focus on the chakras. 

* Nature walks: Walking within nature fosters mindfulness of the earth beneath your feet, the air that you breathe, and the natural sounds around you. When you are focused on the trail in front of you, the sounds and smells of Mother Earth, and even animal friend encounters, it gets you out of your head.  Studies have shown that a connection with nature is one way to reduce stress, and other harmful emotions, as well as ground your energy.  This helps to keep you mentally, emotionally, and physically healthy while also realigning your spiritual energy. 

Music: Music, tones, and chanting can be utilized to balance the chakras.  Each one responds to a specific sound-healing frequency known as solfeggio frequencies. These frequencies make up an ancient 6-tone scaled used in sacred music and chanting. Music or sounds that generate these vibrations help balance and assist with the flow of energy and bring you back into balance. You can listen to these tones or chanting but I have found that when I follow along and chant myself, it brings about greater changes within my energy field. Tibetan singing bowls are another tool that creates a frequency to unblock the energies of the chakras.

Being aware of and taking your energetic health into your own hands is one of the most important things you can do for yourself.  These simple yet very effective methods will help you ensure your spiritual energy stays balanced.  Take care!

Alright, STOP... Meditate and Breathe

If you are one of those people that believe that meditation is for Buddhist monks and yogis, you need to reevaluate your thinking. Meditation gained popularity among the everyday crowd once they began to learn of its benefits.  For us witches, shamans, empaths, energy workers, and other sensitives, a regular meditation practice is highly beneficial and has been used for centuries.

The foremost reason that sensitives should begin a regular mediation practice would be to reduce stress and/ or anxiety.  For energy workers, these are often symptoms that we take on from other people or as a result of our hypersensitivity to our environment.  By reducing stress and anxiety, one can also lessen the symptoms of other medical conditions associated with them. Studies have shown a reduction in stress-related conditions including irritable bowel syndrome, post-traumatic stress disorder, and fibromyalgia among those with a habitual meditation practice. They have also shown reductions in blood pressure, social anxiety, phobias, and obsessive-compulsive behaviors. When we can reduce our stress and anxiety, we will find that our sleep patterns also benefit from this. Those that practice regular meditation reported falling asleep quicker and staying asleep longer which resulted in a more restful night’s sleep, more energy, and an overall better mood. 

Meditation also promotes self-awareness and mental health. Meditation can help you develop a stronger understanding of yourself, helping you grow into your best self. Some meditative practices teach you to recognize thoughts that may be harmful or self-defeating. When you gain awareness of your thought habits, you can then steer them toward more constructive patterns. If you are able to reduce negative or self-defeating thought patterns, depressive episodes may lessen.  One study followed 18 volunteers as they practiced meditation for over three years. The study found that the participants had notable long-term decreases in depression. Another study compared the electrical activity within the brain of individuals that practiced meditation and those that did not.  Those who meditated showed measurable changes in activity in the areas related to positive thinking and optimism.

It has been shown that meditation can lengthen attention span and may help reduce age-related memory loss. Focused-attention meditation is like weight lifting for your attention span.  It helps to increase the strength and endurance of your attention. One study showed that human resource workers that regularly practiced meditation stayed focused on a task longer than those co-workers that did not. It also showed that those that were meditating remembered details of their tasks better than those that were not. Improvements in attention and clarity of thinking may keep your mind young, which in turn can combat age-related memory loss. Kirtan Kriya is a method of meditation that has proven in multiple-age related memory loss studies to improve the participants’ ability to perform memory-related tasks.

On a metaphysical level, going within during meditation can help you to unlock your subconscious. It can show you your fears, help you to open up to your dreams, show you what needs to be healed within you, and better connect you with your own strength and power.  It 

can also awaken your psychic abilities and your own inner guidance.  Meditation is also a way to connect to the Divine.  You may receive messages from Spirit, the Universe, guides, angels, or animal and plant totems.  Being able to connect to these energies is vital to a magickal practice.  Set your intention before you begin your meditation and ask for guidance.  Meditation may also need to be a part of your ritual or spellwork.  It can also serve to ground and center you before beginning your workings.  

If you have tried meditation and are one of those that say, "Oh, I can't' meditate. I've tried and I cannot empty my mind," DO NOT GIVE UP.  There is a reason why it is called a "practice".  You must continue to try and regularly, if I may add, to get into that meditative state.  The more you do it, the more proficient you will become.  If you have ever daydreamed then you have entered an altered state of awareness.  I am pretty sure that I'm not the only one that has daydreamed. The only difference is that meditation is more of a guided experience as opposed to simply drifting.  Another important note, not every meditation is filled with messages, images, or magick.  Let go of those expectations.  Sometimes the messages come later. 

Witches, Shamans, healers, and energy workers have used meditation for centuries.  Along with all of its health benefits, it connects us to ourselves, the beyond, and to Spirit.  Blessed Be...

Wild Child Lost

                                                              The Wild Child

When you're the girl that is always barefoot, can be found tromping through the creek during the summer, and more than likely running around with a reptile or insect of some sort, you quickly earn the titles "wild child" and "tomboy".  I was always "that" girl.  The one that her grandmother had to explain to the reason why she could no longer run around outside without a shirt on during the hot days just before starting Kindergarten.  The one that excitedly brought in toads, grass snakes, and a variety of insects to show the adults.  The one that would lie down on the back patio at night during the summer when the tarantulas were out so that I might get lucky and one would crawl on me.

I was never one that was content to be inside.  If the weather was permitting, and truthfully, lots of times when the adults said it wasn't, you would find me outside.  The Texas heat never seemed to bother me as a child nor did the cold or the rain.  It was almost like I was completely impervious to the weather.  Being outside was going home as opposed to the indoors that just felt stifling.  If I wasn't outside, I wasn't happy.  There are times that I remember simply sitting in the dirt and just "being".  I would listen to all of nature's sounds and see how many I could identify.  I was a true wild child.  Bare feet caked with mud, dirt under my fingernails, and my hair a tangled mess.  Yep.  That was me.

I lived every day for those simple childhood pleasures, the ones we took for granted back then.  Remember what if feels like to squish mud between your toes or the feeling of the sun on your face as you lie in the cool grass?   What about sitting under a big shade tree looking at picture books, reading them as you got older, or even climbing that tree?  How about being out all day playing and then begging to stay out just a little longer for dusk so that you could see the fireflies?  Making mud pies, digging up earthworms, and playing with rolly pollies,  that was where my little heart was happy and my soul was calm.  It was an aching, desperate need that I never could get enough of.

                                          The Disconnect From Nature

In my short 42 years, I have been witness to a huge disconnect from nature in society.   This is beginning with childhood and progressing from there. My need to be outside, immersed in nature has never diminished.  If anything, it has only gotten stronger over the years, however, I had to "grow up" and "act my age".  I remember hitting 6th grade and being shocked that there wasn't a "recess" time.  You spent all day inside the school (which eventually lead to anxiety for me but that's a topic for Part 2 of this post).  This is how it was from 6th grade until the day I graduated high school.  You didn't get any time to just simply sit outside and be.  If you played sports then there was, of course, time out of doors if that sport required it but the volleyball girls were content to run laps around the gym (thankfully I played tennis).  Any real, quality time that you got to be outside was to be done on your own time, weekends, and such.  Not many people I knew wanted that though.  Girls wanted to go to the mall and the boys were usually where the girls were.  I had obligations to attend to outside of school... homework, boyfriend, girlfriends, work, and chores at home.  Even with all of that, I still tried to find little ways to get in some time outside.  When the weather was nice, I would sit at a small table that I got at a second-hand store for the back patio to do homework.  I offered to mow the lawn for my parents just so I could have that precious hour in the sunshine.   Needless to say, my time with nature grew less and less the older I got.

The really scary thing is, most people don't realize that this is happening or if they do, they simply accept it as part of life, the "growing up process".  I keep asking myself how and why we let this happen.  Maybe we would like to forget where it is we came from.  While we are "so much more civilized" today, we are doing more harm to ourselves than good.  As we "grew up" we began to disengage from the natural world. We were once a people that spent the majority of our time outside in nature, being one with it, appreciating it, and letting it help us to provide for ourselves and our families.  How did it become a luxury to have enough leisure time to be able to play outside, hiking, camping or simply sitting and reading under that tree?  Maybe you plan a family vacation once a year to some outdoorsy type location but that does not give us the time outside that we need, that our bodies and souls crave on a level that we once understood but have somehow forgotten or choose to ignore.  Our need to feel evolved and civilized fuels this disconnect from nature, setting us back more than we realize.  We called the Native Americans savages because of the way they lived but in reality, they are the ones that still had it right.

Another huge contributing factor in the Nature Disconnect is our need to have more.  We want bigger homes, fancier cars and just more stuff in general.  Why does anyone NEED a closet that is as big as my childhood bedroom filled with clothing that they will probably never wear, shoes, purses, and other accessories?  The simple fact is that they don't, but feel like they do.  This means that someone is putting in more hours at the office to help pay for all of that.  More time at the office means less leisure time and in turn, less nature time.  I hear people say, "I would hike if I had more free time."  Meanwhile, I'm looking at their designer suit, $65,000 car and their 5,500 square foot house thinking, "Maybe if you weren't chained to your office to pay for all of your "needs", you would have more free time."  This is where that "luxury time" comes in.  What are people doing in the precious little time that they have away from work?  The "American Dream" has become the "American Greed".  I do want to make one thing clear here though, I in no way look down on those people that have large houses or drive fancy cars.  I am simply saying that you cannot state that you wish to have more time to be in nature and choose to remain chained to your desk.  We make time for the things that are truly important to us.

Our obsession with electronics and social media is yet another topic to acknowledge when discussing our disconnect from nature.  We somehow feel the need or urge to be connected all of the time.  The "connected" has become misplaced.  I make jokes about people having their cell phones surgically implanted if possible.  We can always be reached by phone, email, messenger apps, texts, ect.  We spend our weekends binge-watching the hottest shows on Netflix and our children can't go one day without the television or their tablets.  Yes, I had Saturday morning cartoons but I would watch my two favorites and then be outside for the rest of the day.  Yes, I watch television a couple of nights a week but the other nights, I spend time with my dog at the park or sitting outside reading.  I spend my weekends hiking, biking, and/or skiing.  Children, in general, spent way more time outside playing, getting dirty, riding bicycles, and just being children.  Now children are spending their time on the computer or attached to their gaming system.  We are using devices like IPads and our smartphones to keep our children happy while at the grocery store and then at home so that Mom or Dad can get work emails typed out on a Saturday afternoon when they should be engaging the kids in something outside instead.  While it is true that no one ever had to tell me to go

outside and play, the parents of today need to do a better job of encouraging their children to do just that.  I know this is a lot to ask considering the fact that those adults themselves are less engaged with nature. For many young adults and even those a bit older, nature has become nothing more than a hashtag, the perfect Instagram photo, or likes on Facebook.

                            The Need for Repairing the Nature Disconnect

While I understand that my need to be outside may be greater than that of the general population, I cannot be the only person that has suffered from the disconnect from nature.  Every one of us needs contact with nature in some way to be healthy and whole.  I cannot be the only person that is taking note of what is happening to us because of this.  Studies show a rise in depression and anxiety throughout society in general.  There is now scientific evidence that proves time in nature helps to heal.  It lowers anxiety, blood pressure, and helps with depressive episodes.  Providing help with these issues is just the beginning of what nature offers in the way of healing our minds, bodies, and souls.

Stay tuned for Part 2 of The Disconnect from Nature where I will be discussing the problems associated with the disconnect and how to help heal it and yourself.

Peace, Love, and Light.  Blessed Be.

 

** Please note that while I may discuss nature's ability to heal, I am not a licensed doctor or therapist.  Please seek professional medical help if you are experiencing depression or severe anxiety. **

Out of the (Broom) Closet

Someone recently told me that she was "Out of the Shaman closet but not the Witch closet".  Me being the curious type and having an almost non-existent filter asks, "So why is it that you feel like you can come out as a Shaman but not as a Witch?" Her answer, sadly, was not surprising.  For some reason, it is more acceptable to be a Shaman than it is to say you're a Witch.  

Shamanism is associated with the Native American culture even though the path of the Shaman is followed by many more people and cultures than just the Native Americans.  It is an ancient way and not associated with a particular religion. "Shamanism is a practice that involves a practitioner reaching altered states of consciousness in order to perceive and interact with what they believe to be a spirit world and channel these transcendental energies into this world".    

sha·man

noun- a person regarded as having access to, and influence in, the world of good and evil spirits, especially among some peoples of northern Asia and North America. Typically such people enter a trance state during a ritual and practice divination and healing.

1. synonyms:

   medicine man/woman, healer, kahuna "several American doctors have consulted our shaman"

- copied and pasted straight outta Wikipedia!  Shamans were highly respected.  They were/ are healers.  They were sought out for their wisdom and knowledge and were often considered to be "seers".  And here you thought you weren't going to learn anything new today! ;-)

The Witch, however, is a completely different thing.  For some reason, "Witch" has long been associated with satanic worship.  You do understand that as a Pagan or Witch, we do not believe in Satan, right?  This is what you get when you look up "Witch" in Wikipedia... 

witch

noun 1.a woman thought to have magic powers, especially evil ones, popularly depicted as wearing a black cloak and pointed hat and flying on a broomstick.

1. synonyms:

   sorceress, enchantress, necromancer

   • 
     

2. 2.

   informal

   
   

   an ugly or unpleasant woman.

   "he can marry the old witch for all I care"

   synonyms:

   hag, crone, harpy, harridan, she-devil;  informalbattle-ax "she's a nasty old witch"

3. 
   

4. 
   

verb

1. 1.

   cast an evil spell on.    

Are you fucking kidding me?  No wonder "Witch" is so taboo.  Its definition associates it with evil, ugly, and raising the dead.  Wow.  Just wow.  I hope that those reading this post understand the extent of the persecution that people but women, in particular, have faced for hundreds of years because of the word "Witch". 

Apparently, it is still a big issue.  Not a "burning at the stake" type of issue but it is definitely not an accepted word in some circles.  In this day and age, I seriously do NOT understand this.  Of course, we still live in a world where human rights are an issue so I guess I shouldn't be surprised.  However, this post is not about those issues.  I'll save that rant for another time.

I am proud to use the title of both Shaman AND Witch.  This has been a long time coming for me.  It has always been my path and I have known that for quite a while.  I tried to suppress the person that I was in order to not make waves with my ex-husband (a post for another time) and to TRY to conform to society.  Well, anyone that knows me could tell you that was never going to happen.  I didn't use the word "Witch" before but I was far from what society would call "normal". 

As a child, I was the girl with bare feet caked in mud holding a toad (or snake or a crawfish or some other creature I found out there) in one hand while climbing over the fence that separated my backyard from the creek behind us.  I was definitely classified as a tomboy but more importantly, a wild child.  I use that term to define my connection with nature at an early age and not my behavior.  I wasn't happy if I couldn't be outside.  I have never been afraid of any animal, although mosquitos can burn in hell.  I have a connection with animals that is undeniable.  My friend got to witness this firsthand this past weekend when we met a beautiful praying mantis with a message for me.  I remember sitting still in the field behind my grandparents' house and just listening to all of the natural sounds I could hear.  How many children do you know that would do this at a young age without someone telling them to? Exactly.  Not many.  This came naturally to me; I needed it.  

I realize now that what I was doing as a child was feeling the energy of the Earth.  That's why it was so important for me to sit and listen.  Even back then I needed that natural energy to be able to get through the day.  It is this natural energy that we as Witches call upon.  It is nothing evil, distorted, or perverted.  It is the air we breathe, the water we drink, the Earth we walk upon, and the fire that warms our homes on a cold winter day.  It's the trees and plants, the animals and insects, the dirt and stone.  Everything has its own energy and it is beautiful and amazing.  This is NOT evil.  The Wiccan Rede states "An Ye Harm None, Do What Ye Will".  Here is the link for the full version:   https://wicca.com/celtic/wicca/rede.htm  As Witches, we are typically very careful of the energy or spells we put out into the universe.  Part of the Rede reminds us that everything will come back to you three-fold.  That would be some scary shit if you intended to do evil or harm.  The Witches that I have met are some of the nicest people on Earth.  We recycle, do rituals to help heal Mother Earth, send healing energy to friends, loved ones, and pets, and volunteer our time.  We are on the opposite end of the spectrum from evil. 

In the future, I hope to create a safe space for witches and other spirituals to talk freely.  It would be a place of love and acceptance.  It would also be a support system for those that are still in the broom closet or are trying to come out but have no idea how to do so.  It can be scary, depressing, and anxiety-inducing to think about the possible rejection by loved ones, friends, or co-workers.  We could share ideas here on how to educate our loved ones about our ways so that it doesn't seem so taboo or frightening for them. 

I have always been a Witch at heart and in my soul.  My call to be a healer as well.  I was so excited to learn that I could mesh the Shaman with the Witch and didn't have to choose between the two.  Both are such a huge part of who I am, who I am meant to become.  It's my journey and my path is becoming more and more clear to me.  Stay tuned...

Peace, love, and light.  Blessed be.