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Tik Tok Witches Hex Fae: What Are We Not Doing That We Should?

Tik Tok Witches Hex Fae: What Are We Not Doing That We Should?

Last updated on: July 20, 2020 at 10:44 am by Gwyn

Tik Tok Witches Hex Fae: What Are We Not Doing That We Should? 2020-07-20T10:44:22-04:00 Gwyn

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In recent days, I have seen Facebook posts announcing that young witches on TikTok decided it might be fun to “hex” the Moon. And possibly also the Sun. Wait. What? Seriously. Crazy as it seems it is a real thing but it’s actually the second (third?) hex of this nature they’ve attempted (or that’s my understanding).

The first target appears to have been The Fae (or the Good Neighbors, if you prefer) causing more experienced Witches, Wiccans, and Pagans (on Tik Tok, Facebook, Twitter…) to scratch their heads in befuddlement, issue strong warnings, laugh hysterically, etc. Because seriously, what the absolute….?

Image by Kellepics via pixabay.com

Hex The Fae (Good Neighbors)?

These young people saying they are going to “hex the Fae” is akin to cursing Europe. ALL OF IT. Multiple countries, ethnic groups, genders, races, etc. “The Fae” does not describe one group of spirit beings but rather many different kinds of all shapes, sizes, identities, attitudes, communities, areas of influence, and power.

Many people think of the Fae (Fair Folk, Good Neighbors, Fairies — pick a name) as gentle nature spirits who want nothing more than to help human beings. We see fairies depicted as sweet winged creatures or majestic beings with pointed ears ala Victorian art, Disney, Renaissance Faires, and pop culture. Many modern writers and practitioners have done a fair job of presenting the Fae as “harmless.”

However, traditional mythology tells another tale. One filled with wisdom, caution, and in some cases warning. I’m not an expert on the Fae (Good Neighbors) by any means as I do not work with them. And yes, I do know there are those among the Fae who are benevolent spirits willing to work with humans.

That said, there are just as many who are tricksters, who will “help” for a price and things don’t work out the way the practitioner intended regardless of the bargain. Some of the Fair Folk are offended if approached without the proper gifts, etc. Certain conditions must be met because some are proud, powerful creatures, and there is hell to pay if you get it wrong.

So, yeah. In my opinion, “Hexing the Fae” illustrates a serious lack of knowledge about nature, the spirit world, or witchcraft. Which leads me to wonder — where are we getting it wrong? Why do these young Witches even think they can do such as thing as “hex the Fae”, Moon, Sun, etc?

Image by Murzina Elena Sergeevna via Shutterstock. Used with licensed permission.

Power. Responsibility. Yes. It’s Cliche but True.

Based on a post in response to the “hexing,” the alleged motivations behind the actions taken included a desire by these witches “to prove themselves higher and stronger” than the Fae, the Moon, the Sun, et al. I don’t know if that’s accurate or not. My first instinct is to say this is hubris. However, Ode reminded me that young Witches (especially teenagers) are not always taken seriously by the more experienced. Instead of listening, we tend to roll our eyes, wag our fingers, and dismiss their ideas.

Sadly, this is not wrong. To my knowledge, there is one book written for teen witches and it was published 31 years ago. Since then, witchcraft has become very popular. My guess is many of these new or younger witches are getting their training on TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube. I’m not saying that is a bad thing. After all, my family and I produce a podcast that tends to attract a lot of beginners. However, we really push research and learning the basics. I cannot speak for the other resources these young “hex the fae” witches may have used (if any at all).

Twenty years ago, when I first began to learn witchcraft I had the good fortune to find a mentor. I learned a lot from her. Some of the earliest lessons she taught me, and all of her students, revolved around what it means to be a Witch. Those lessons still inform my practice today. I’m not saying it’s true for all but for me this includes:

Being in tune with nature, the seasons, the Sun and Moon, etc.
Respecting the power within myself, nature, spirits, deities, et al.
Witchcraft is a way of life and a worldview.
Magick is a spiritual art.
Always be open to learning.

There is more but you get the gist. There is a responsibility that comes with the will and intention we use to effect change through spellcraft or magick. But this knowledge has to be shared because it’s not always intuited. Every Witch must decide their ethics. What they will use spellcraft to accomplish (even if the attempt is foolhardy in the eyes of others).

And while I do not subscribe to the 3-Fold Law, I do believe if a person attempts to “bitch-slap” powerful beings, that person or persons should know they could get knocked off their ass, cursed by said powerful beings, etc. Greek mythology has plenty of examples of what happens when humans deign to challenge Deities, The Fae, etc. in such a way. Tolerance and forgiveness are not high on the reactions list.

Image by Zolatarevs via shutterstock.com. Used by licensed permission.

Witchcraft In The 21st Century

If the report is accurate, the TikTok witches were attempting to prove themselves “higher”, “stronger”? Why? Is there more than prideful self-confidence motivating the endeavor? Unless these young witches offer an explanation I suppose the witchcraft communities will never know for sure.

In this age of social media, witchcraft has reached an astounding level of openness. Practices once held in secret are free to all as books, podcasts, videos, etc. However, I have to wonder if there is a better way to teach or guide beginning Witches. Because there are even more books and websites dedicated to casting spells but these resources do not always offer guidance other than how to do it. It’s as if we are handing tools to an inexperienced woodworker and telling them to make a cabinet.

When people ask for spells, do we dig deeper: find out why they need magickal aid, make sure they are experienced enough to handle the casting, understand the nature of spellcraft, et al? Do we just give them the “tools” and send them on their way? Do we leave beginning (in particular teen) witches to figure witchcraft out on their own, leading to such things as “hexing the Fae, the Moon, the Sun”?

Perhaps that is the real conversation we should be having.

About Gwyn

Gwyn is one of the hosts of 3 Pagans and a Cat, a podcast about the questions and discussions between three pagan family members, each exploring different pagan paths and how their various traditions can intersect. The most practiced pagan on the path, Gwyn is a Green Earth Witch devoted to the Earth Mother, Hekate, Brighid, and Frigga. She is a Clairsentient Medium, Tarot Reader, loves writing and, spending time with her family, as well as working with herbs, essential oils, and plants. You can read more about the author here.

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