Buddhist Catholic Contemplative Evangelical General Christian Hindu Jewish Latter-day Saint Muslim New Visions Progressive Christian

Beliefs

Topics

Columnists

Resource Library

Research Tools

Video

Podcasts

Thought Readers

Faith In Media Tracker

Newsletters

Ad-Free & Subscriber Log-In Subscription Support

Follow Patheos

Home
Pagan
The Power of the Quiet Witch

The Power of the Quiet Witch

Last updated on: May 17, 2018 at 12:30 pm by Laura Tempest Zakroff

The Power of the Quiet Witch 2018-05-17T12:30:29-08:00 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.

Photo by Joshua Sortino on Unsplash

What is it that they say? It’s the quiet ones you have to watch out for.

When it comes to Witchcraft, I think that’s especially true. The sentiment is mirrored in the Latin-originating proverb “Still waters run deep.” According to Wikipedia this saying is “”now commonly taken to mean that a placid exterior hides a passionate or subtle nature. Formerly it also carried the warning that silent people are dangerous.” Both sayings essentially say: appearances can be deceiving – just because someone isn’t making a lot of noise on the surface doesn’t mean they’re not full of activity. Also: don’t be so quick dismiss what you cannot see.

The other evening I posted to my personal page and Twitter, “Often true in both art & the Craft, the quieter the work/worker, the deeper & stronger it goes. Thought can be far more powerful than words.” What does that mean?

Now of course, the four powers of the Sphinx first spring to mind – to know, to will, to dare, and to keep silent. I also talked about the power of observation, listening, and resting in the post Secrets of the Uncommon Witch. But that’s not quite what I’m talking about here.

Photo by Zbysiu Rodak on Unsplash

A common trend in today’s society is that assuming if someone isn’t saying or doing something that you can clearly and openly see, nothing is happening. That they’re inactive, not caring, or participating – which may be completely untrue. I think we all know subconsciously that what we see of others online and in person isn’t the full picture – because it’s true of ourselves. No one else can be on our heads, and not everything is put on display (or should be). But media often has a habit of translating the real world into a simplified, 2D format that declares something or someone must be either THIS or THAT. But I digress, because I want to tackle media, personality, and Witchcraft in a future post. For now, I’m bringing up the fact that we need to consciously realize that the unspoken and unseen actions do exist, even if they aren’t witnessed. And there is much power to be found in that.

More so, I’m getting at understanding two sides of the same coin for your personal practice. One side is: just because you might not see someone being vocal or active about something, doesn’t mean they are. The other side is: you don’t have to make a show of everything – sometimes that energy is best conserved by directing it internally and dispersing it quietly.

This approach can work especially well for some conflicts – especially disagreements in groups, dealing with misinformation or miscommunication, etc. It’s very easy to get swept up in arguing points with opposing sides, which often leaves a person feeling emotionally, mentally, and/or spiritually wiped. Imagine how much time and energy can be lost like that. It’s like turning on a top 40 station in an echo chamber – the noise just doesn’t stop. Nothing gets accomplished or heard.

Photo by Wilson Ye on Unsplash

If you approach a problem more metaphysically-minded, you can focus in the situation more deeply and begin thinking towards a solution. If a situation doesn’t involve you directly, but it does circle around people you care about, you can direct your attention to aiding them – sending healing, emotional support, lending strength and illumination. All from just within yourself, and perhaps some workings at your altar if you prefer to do something physical as well. This type of magick helps direct the current underneath the surface, versus lending to the wave action on top.

While I’m a writer and I spill out a couple thousand words a week onto the Internet through this blog and other places, I’m actually a very quiet person. I’m not much for talking (unless there’s booze and the topic is art or Witchcraft – then just try shutting me up. Really, it’s best you don’t try. It’s generally pretty amusing anyway….) and I’m really uncomfortable with chit-chat. So when I do decide to say something, there’s a fair amount of intent behind it. I believe words have power so I don’t relish wasting them. There’s definitely a time and place for using your words – so I’m not saying to be silent when words are what’s needed.

Photo by Vidar Nordli-Mathisen on Unsplash

Instead, I’m suggesting to explore the deep and quiet end of the pool. Look at it this way: what’s easier to maneuver in? The ocean on a windy day when the waves are rough, the current is strong, and you can’t see the bottom from all of the churning? Or a calm bay with almost no waves at all? Sure the ocean can be fun, but it’s going to exhaust you quicker. So using that same understanding, when you’re looking at a turbulent situation, stepping back to observe may behoove you (and it). Instead of increasing the activity on the surface, you can work quietly below it.

Magick starts with thought – giving form to ideas. The most powerful magick often is rooted in careful, in-depth thinking. That level of examination requires ceasing unnecessary action, closing the lips/stilling the fingers, and getting down to focusing. You become an envelope of quietude, and the work gets delivered through it. Under the surface in the deep dark depths is where there is room to move giants and experience the mysteries.

So don’t underestimate the power of the quiet ones, the holders of space. There are worlds shifting below those surfaces, if you pay attention and listen to the silence. Find the magick of the quiet Witch.

Previous Post

May 14, 2018

Meeting God Should Not Be a Threat

Next Post

May 18, 2018 Every Witch Is An Activist.

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