(part 4 of 4)
After the later parts of the 19th century, and the re-emergence of many paganesque religions that were forced into hiding, many more people turned to the art of spell casting to aid them in their every day lives.
Freemasonry played a large part in the use of spell craft as a natural occurrence. They believed that it was possible to shape their own destiny and control the forces of nature by living as equals under the stars. Although their spell craft was limited, they often had with them a pentagram with a human body in the centre, to represent how grounded they were in their convictions.
African and Native Americans continued with their own voodoo practices, and their lives, while happily co-existed with Christian practices, remained largely unchanged. They used their spells to cure the sick, and to offer prayers of thanks to their ancestors or spirits. They used their dolls and other charms for protection, and completed the cycle of life with other spells and rituals to aid in both birth and death.
From the 1900s, the practice of spell craft took on more natural forms, and there was a clear shift from many spells that were used to cause harm, and more for healing powers, and to attract natural energies in order to change the self. Although spell craft by and large remained unchanged, with similar rituals being carried out, and tools remaining the same, it was clear that the popularity of the witch and the practice of sorcery meant that more people joined together. Covens appeared, and spells began to grow that included a larger number of people participating. These spells could be more powerful, although the elements of earth, air, water, fire and spirit remained the sole energies that were channelled. Charms and trinkets are still worn, and perfumes are still used to attract others and create a positive effect, and more herbs are being used in natural remedies as spells to aid the sick.
After the 1900s, with the rise of the popular media, we began to see positive images of the witch. Spell books were increasing in volume, and more information was passed to others to aid them with their own spells. Works of fiction saw the witches as heroines, or as people who used their spell crafting to aid the hero along their journey, both being invaluable to the stories. Television made a huge leap into the realm of sorcery, and magic was seen to be a powerful use of nature, and spell crafting intrigued many people.
The use of spells today have not changed in the use of the elements to alter ones life to be better, nor has it moved from the original state in being used to help others. However, it is now recognised that the crafting of spells is a way of knowing that the user is at one with the world and the natural cycles contained in it.
Blessed Be.
7witches Coven
http://www.7witchescoven.com
Continue Series...
Spellcasting in History Part 1
Spellcasting in History Part 2
Spellcasting in History Part 3
