Witchcraft 101: Welcome to the world of magic

Contrary to popular notion, witches do not dress up in black robes, pointy hats or wield wooden wands. Popular culture would have you believe that witches and wizards are deviant creatures responsible for the world’s evils, but that’s as far from the truth as possible. Anything that seems inexplicable is termed as “bad”. That’s probably why witches get a bad rap.

Witchcraft invokes supernatural, mystic powers to control people and events. To understand witchcraft, it’s important to understand what magic means.

What is magic?

Those who practice witchcraft are highly connected to nature and their natural surroundings. It’s why they are often seen as pagans. Magic is basically a set of actions, rituals, and beliefs that are supposed to manipulate natural and supernatural forces.

This doesn’t mean witches can blow up your house or cause random fires at whim. It’s a misperception born out of ignorance.

And I can’t say this enough but, we are not a bunch of Hogwarts students wielding wands. It’s a fun and easy image, but not true!

What is white magic?

When those with a pure heart, mind and body use supernatural powers or magic for selfless purposes, it’s known as white magic. White magic practitioners usually cast spells for the good of others, bringing happiness, positivity and healing to others lives. Pop culture may show white magic practitioners with an elaborate setup, which is necessary, but not as important as the spell-caster’s focus and intent.

I’ve performed a host of such spells for my clients — from bringing them closer to their soulmate to helping them overcome tough times in their lives.

What is black magic?

Also known as dark magic, these witchcraft practices are usually associated with evil purposes. Remember Harry Potter’s arch nemesis, Voldemort? The kind of magic he uses and promotes has connotations of black magic. It is a strong energy that can have a good or bad impact, depending on one’s intention and the person who is handling it.

It’s usually used for reversing the effects of a serious disease or dealing with heartbreak through revenge. Sadly, it has acquired a bad reputation over the years.

What is blood magic?

Considered as one of the toughest branches of magic to master, blood magic has been practiced across different cultures for ages. Sometimes, blood is used as a token of sacrifice to fuel the power of spells. Interestingly, modern practices also use menstrual blood to get rid of bad people from your life or keep negativity at bay.

Interestingly, this has normalized conversations around two taboo topics — menstruation and blood rituals.

Whenever a spell is cast, one of the questions I’m often asked is: “When and how can I finally see its effects?”

With magic spells, you’re altering reality in a way that takes a fair bit of time. However, it’s important to remember one thing — lusting after the results tends to counteract the magic of the spell. It’s important to let it go and focus on other things in life instead of obsessing over the outcome of the spell.

All good things come to those who wait!