Learning Witchcraft Uphill Both Ways

Last updated on: April 24, 2016 at 10:01 am by Laura Tempest Zakroff

Learning Witchcraft Uphill Both Ways 2016-04-24T10:01:13-08:00 Laura Tempest Zakroff

LOGO Patheos Explore the world's faith through different perspectives on religion and spirituality! Patheos has the views of the prevalent religions and spiritualities of the world.

Painting by the author

“Back in when I was young, if I wanted to learn anything about witchcraft, I had to walk to the library – uphill both ways in the extreme heat and snow – nobody today wants to do the work.”

Of course, that’s not an actual quote, but it sure does summarize quite a few things I have heard recently that have been the source of much eye-rolling in my belfry.

The internet is both a blessing and curse. There’s a LOT more information out there, but that doesn’t mean it’s all correct. It’s easier to ask questions to a larger forum, but that doesn’t make the answers any more correct. In fact, there’s even more to sift through and to confuse in the cacophony. It’s certainly an exercise in comprehensive reading skills.

I think some also forget that “back in the day,” sure it was a bit harder to publish a book, but that didn’t guarantee what was being put out there was the correct information. I can think of not just a few “classic” titles that would certainly fall closer under the category of “witchcrap” versus “witchcraft.” Some because of poor research or being based off of misinformation, and others from pushing their own agendas versus being a resource. It was fairly easy to get the wrong idea about something, or get adamant about a tradition because it was the only thing you could find.

The amount of information that’s out there doesn’t reduce the actual learning experience. In some cases, it can help us along quicker, but there’s still work involved – one that goes far beyond how many limited edition grimoires you own.

It’s also easy to forget, at some point, we didn’t know all the things. I think you can truly tell an elder in a community because they freely admit, “sure I know a lot of things, but the older I get, the more I realize I don’t know everything, and that’s OK.” And that they are patient with beginners.

So when we throw shade and disdain at beginning practitioners, what good does it do? It doesn’t help them, and it makes us look like smug assholes. And as I pointed out in this post, what we see online is just a portion of the experience. I think I have encountered far more references and sarcasm about “fluffy bunnies” and “glitter witches” online than I have ever met live in person actual stereotypes that fit the bill over the last 20 years. Maybe the slag is just a way of saying, “I’ve learned a lot, but I’m not that stupid (anymore).” Good for you, do you want a cookie or a medal?

Everyone has to start somewhere, and we often begin with far more enthusiasm and spirit than critical thinking. There’s the excitement of finding out there are other people who share similar ideas, that we’re not alone, and in some cases, not that crazy. It’s like being a kid in a candy store, or a puppy in a ball pit. ALL THE THINGS! There’s going to be a fair bit of slobber before one starts to make more educated decisions. That’s life. If this path is one of education, then we need to support the desire to ask questions and find out diverse opinions. We don’t have to dedicate our lives to answering questions, but at the same time, if we refuse to answer, we give up the right to mock or belittle those who do ask. We can help folks learn to ask better questions, encourage other thought processes, or provide information in other ways that are comfortable for us. Preferably without being a dick about it.

As we approach the time of year when the veils thin, I want you to think back to when you first found this path. What resources were at your disposal? Who could you talk to about these things? What helped you? What confused you? What would you have changed about your experience if you could? And what new thing do you want to learn about?

Previous Post

April 20, 2016

The Magick of Being Silent

Next Post

April 27, 2016 Rebirth Yourself

Browse Our Archives

Select a Category Art Books cats cauldron month community contest Events home Metaphysics Modern Practice Movement Myth & Folklore satire sigils Tradition travel Uncategorized video

Select a Month May 2026 March 2026 January 2026 September 2025 August 2025 April 2025 March 2025 February 2025 January 2025 December 2024 November 2024 October 2024 August 2024 June 2024 May 2024 March 2024 February 2024 January 2024 December 2023 November 2023 October 2023 September 2023 August 2023 July 2023 June 2023 February 2023 December 2022 November 2022 September 2022 July 2022 May 2022 February 2022 January 2022 December 2021 October 2021 September 2021 August 2021 July 2021 June 2021 May 2021 April 2021 March 2021 February 2021 January 2021 December 2020 November 2020 October 2020 September 2020 August 2020 July 2020 June 2020 May 2020 April 2020 March 2020 February 2020 January 2020 December 2019 November 2019 October 2019 September 2019 August 2019 July 2019 June 2019 May 2019 April 2019 March 2019 February 2019 January 2019 December 2018 November 2018 October 2018 September 2018 August 2018 July 2018 June 2018 May 2018 April 2018 March 2018 February 2018 January 2018 December 2017 November 2017 October 2017 September 2017 August 2017 July 2017 June 2017 May 2017 April 2017 March 2017 February 2017 January 2017 December 2016 November 2016 October 2016 September 2016 August 2016 July 2016 June 2016 May 2016 April 2016 March 2016

TAKE THE

Religious Wisdom Quiz