What is WitchCraft

Drought Family Coat-Of-Arms as Granted to Drought family in 1813 by Deputy Ulster Sir William Betham Knight. Semper Sitiens is latin for "Always Thirsting " Archaic. All rights reserved by Drought family ONLY and is not to be copied or used and is personal property granted upon the Irish Drought Clan.

Actual Copy of the Parchment accompanying the granting and ratifying of the Drought Coat-of-Arms. As you'll notice on left corner of parchment you'll see some of the Coat-of-Arms.. This is a very large parchment as you can well imagine, so the entire parchment could not be used. Please do not copy. This is again property only allowed to be used by Drought clan. I thought you may be interested in what an actual true painting on parchment of Coat-of-Arms and it's granted certificate by Ulster looks like. Instead of just replecations done by companies. I thank George Drought for sharing what he has been honored to have handed down to him for all us Drought's to enjoy. Thank You George.

Thie above was rewritten for easier reading of "To All And Singular". Thank you Phillipa Drought.

What is Witchcraft?Why this Path WitchCraft?

I’m going to touch more on WitchCraft than that of Paganism as a whole. There are many paths many have heard of that would be considered Wiccan including some such as ~ Alexandrian ~ Celtic ~ Dianic ~ Faery ~ Gardnerian ~ Georgian ~ Asatru ~ and many more but not limited to.

It is very important that one realizes we are not born a witch just as we're not born a catholic. Also I do not believe one can be any other religion and a witch at the same time because they are different faiths. Though some things may ring the same tones in some aspects it still differs. Instead it is a choice. You must pick what religion you choose to follow and actually follow it and live it. On the other hand someone might be born into a family which has a long history of witchcraft but one must still consciously decide if they plan on following through that tradition. As far as people saying they are born a witch I believe it is from confusion they may believe this. People may have what we term special gifts and from these gifts and their attraction to witchcraft they may have interpreted this as being born a witch. this is however a false claim. As for me I was born Shannon the rest is learned and yes I have extreme gifts. There is a family bloodline of Druid Priests. However much of that was lost as Christianity spread and became violent to other faiths, and traditions. There are however sayings in the family that seem to have lived on.

Some insist that one truly cannot be a witch unless they have been trained by another into that tradition and initiated. However witchcraft is not nearly such a neat package anymore. It is not like we have a bunch of people and places to hook up to as those who follow Catholism where they can gather at any catholic church of their choice. Also question is if you want to be a witch but your family no longer can tell you much of the tradition since it may have long been since lost and no one seems to truly represent you and the faith you have then what does one do?. Well some people would again insist you find what trad of witchcraft you want to follow and then look for the trad and see if the trad will except you and teach you and even initiate you. Well to them I say let them choose that way as it would leave most people searching their whole life to finally feel comfortable with a trad. It may take 2 years with a trad just to find out your not happy learning from that trad and who knows you'll probably be searching another 2 or 3 years for another simular trad. Sometimes the trad may be thousands of miles away and no one truly there to help you long distance.

Now just like we are not born a witch and must consciously decide to live your life as one fully, and with study then it also stands to reason that noone has a right to tell you you cannot be a witch just because you couldn't find a trad to accomadate you in your endevour to become a practitioner of the craft. Many may disagree but let them. To me this attitude is one that needs to really be examined. It is REDICULOUS for people to feel only they can be truly be a practitioner just because they were fortunate enough to find a trad that represented their faith FULLY.

SO ONE MAY SAY Misty what can I do then to get started and continue on as a practioner of witchcraft ? First start at a great library, and don't be afraid to go use a college or university library too. I can only recommend more Irish based books. To start with such as "

Alwyn Rees, and Brinley Rees : Ancient Tradition in Ireland and Wales. (Thames & Hudson, 1989) ISBN: 0-500-27039-2" ALSO "T. W. Rolleston, Celtic Myths and Legends, (Senate, REPRINTED in 1994) ISBN: 1-85958-006-8". For Scottish Try "Marian F. McNeill, The Silver Bough: Scottish Folklore (Glasgow: Stuart Titles Ltd, 1957) ISBN 0-853-35161-9 " Also use the internet to research books can be helpful.

Remember that because witchcraft trads were based on the geographic locations, family, and other key elements that much in America was lost even more so than Europe etc. Many in the US follow Neo-Paganism as introduced in 1950's. this is why it is a difficult thing to explain here. This is one of the reasons I must remain basic. The rest will have to come from your study, practice, those you may encounter as both teacher and students it will be your job to find that happiness within faith. You can find on the internet ways to at least meet with like minded people which almost every town has coffee meetings, event's, festivals, Pagan Pride etc. All you have to do is look.

I’m going to concentrate now on the subject of witchcraft for those who just cannot find a tradition that works for them or they can find to be totally inline with yet and can't find any Family (In family there may be a many households) or Household (And also in a household may be many covens) or a Coven (Most commonly known and used term with many Neo-Pagans is Coven) to help which is a problem for most people.This is when people may find it hard to move forward or where the debate may start.

Read On

Take Catholics or any other faith. Many may believe in 70% of what it teaches but may not believe all of it stories yet be Catholic and live their life as one as they fully believe in the faith itself. Also they may go find a church that is even closer to their way of thinking. Now take me as many witches of traditional witchcraft say they do not believe in Reincarnation . Actually if you believe in any form of return and not permanent death or only in staying in heaven or hell then I would say you believe in some sort of Reincarnation however they may call it transformation. Because they believe you can stay spirit in OtherWorld, come back as animal, or return as human again. Ok so they then call it transformation. I do not believe in transfomation. Mainly because I do not believe Human souls come back as animal souls. I believe in the teachings animals have to offer and that humans can seem more wolf like as mating for life or more rabbit like as ie. BUT I personally 100% believe we can opt to stay spirit or return but only in Human form since our souls lived as human it is then the human experience always remembered in the soul lifetime after lifetime.

Ok so here is a dilema for some. Can I find a a teacher of witchcraft that thinks exactly like me. I mean these are not only ways we live but it is a philosophy too and one that can change as we learn more about science too as they can be entwined since science helps explain the unknown. So even though the ancestors practiced specific folk ways and faith does not mean it would be exactly the same today as much has been learned. However the basic beliefs may remain. Such as Nature and it's aspects. Feminine and Masculine recognition. Deity etc. All these elements will play a role and one that may be truly embraced but always has room for some changes. otherwise one cannot truly grow if they think there cannot be change even within the faith. Are you confused yet ? (Smiling)

There can be hundreds if not thousands of different beliefs and due to this , one may find they just can’t find a specific tradition as a whole and sadly because some people insist they can’t be something unless they fully except the only trads out there than some people become totally athiest because other’s try to limit them. Or maybe not Athiest but feel really lost because their search never once panned out. Some would respond well then that is what their life search was meant o be. I do not believe that. I do not believe when it comes to faith that you have to waste an entire life to find one and it was meant only as lesson. Instead I believe it was because no one wanted to let someone be who they were totally without judgement saying (You can’t be this or You can’t be that) SO MOVE ON AS FAITH AND THE ENDEVOUR OF THE HUMAN EXPERIENCE IS NOT TO BE WASTED ON OTHER”S OPINION’S

I do not believe in animal sacrafice just for it’s blood or heart or power. I do believe in eating the animal for food . I also don’t believe in fluffy Wicca or it’s Law of three and Rede. Does all of this mean I can’t be a witch ? Nope it does not.

So know that I have rambled on endlessly lol and trust me there is much more that needs to be said let's move on.

Again start at the library. Many people who find they are interested in witchcraft usually have a good basic understanding of it. While maybe some don't yet really want to know. Witchcraft is not so you can just cast a spell !! Know the code by which you will live. I follow a code of

"The whole of any and all action is the sum of its consequence."

To me there is much difference in that compared to the Rede of "Harm none do what thou will". Or the threefold law. Which many Wiccans believe whatever they do will come back to them 3 fold (Times). I don't believe that in the same sense as Wiccan's.

I fully do believe in Energy . I recognize energy changes though. Even as a constant it may be changed as it may reflect, distort, absord etc.

To me nature cannot be classified good Nor evil. Nature just IS. However a human though made of the elements of nature in it's sense can formulate and act out an action that could be considered good or evil. If we did not believe humans could be good or evil we would not need any code. However many Christian's, Catholic's , and some others believe nature is good and evil. To me that is rediculous. Earthquakes do not decide "Hey let's shake the crap out of Joe and Lisa's house and kill hundreds with them because Joe was evil all because he cheated on his wife and was planning on leaving her and the child". I can't even begin to believe as Christians do in about 80 % or more of their beliefs. Though there are maybe 4 or 5 major points I would agree with them. So here is another great example. I do not believe NATURE is Good or Evil. Most Christians do. I do not believe in Abortion in many cases where in days of old some witches may have been skilled in herbs that would help a lady abort her child. OK Now I can 100% understand why back in those days it was usually very necessary for the woman's literally based on protection of self, health, becoming an outcast, a mean brutal husband, and the ultimate survival of the woman. BUT in today's society there is just not such a need for abortion. So this means I grew in my faith based not just spiritually but as society, and medicine, and institutions to help, and social service availability, abuse shelter's etc. So I have grown with the times but somewhat backwards to some people. But I believe it is only a choice that should be used when there is NO OTHER CHOICE.

I also believe in Higher Powers but not higher power of the male egotistical christian god. These are just some of the examples. One really should truly examine their beliefs, their code, if they even believe there is such a thing as some morals or if they don't believe in morals. All this is what will usually decide what faith you will decide best fits you.

Once you have the basis of the belief and are ready dedicate yourself to the Gods and Goddesses. based on the culture you have chosen. At this point you are studying Witchcraft in it's raw sense of the word and are now a Seeker. Seeker seeking Witchcraft. Now remember I am focused on those people who cannot find a family physically to apprentice under. This is when it is a good time then to get out to meet others of like mind at those coffee's, meetings, festival's etc. Pagan Pride is in Sept in about 10 major cities now in the US. Keep studying the culture's faith you are following. Learn the why's, where, and HOW the best you can. Search online for groups who follow like minded path's. You may just find the help you need. Study the tools that culture uses and why and what they fully represent. Study healing and also the dangerous aspects of f metals, oils, herbs, your local plant life,tree's, the animals, rocks, legends and folklore, and the different divination tools as there mayu be one your especially good at using as an aide. Also to be a wicth you must take seriously the job of protecting your family, clan, household, and self. Survival and intent brings much into perspective. So in order to practice witchcraft you must believe in it,study and practice, and live by it fully. For those who have no actual teacher there are other ways. You would focus primarily on your goals, skills, or job.These help determine also how you plan your path. I'm going to stop here as it get's way way to complicated in direction. Study, Meet other's and start your discovery.

Note:It is always considered best to learn the basic tenants of your Spirituality and the power of the Deities and a full understanding of what you are going to be doing and it's possible outcomes before attempting a spell even in developing a ritual and especially if your going to call on a specific deity for a specific purpose. Study ,Study,Study. Practice, Study, Practice, Study then study some more!!!!

Everything in existence is made up of Energy. This is called Creative Energy. As a Nature- based religion we recognize this energy. Instead of fighting it like some choose to , instead we opt to work with this energy. Yet we recognize the fact that energy changes. When we perform a ritual it is called Universal Energy.

Some people who are totally mis-informed about witchcraft call us Satanist's. They would not be correct as Satanist's have their own beliefs. I do not know about Satanism in all its forms but I know that Satan was a Christian made word. The satanist that have spoken of their faith say it is just working with both sides of nature from it's calmist to the chaotic. Not as bad but to gain the understanding of the true balance of nature in all it's forms. I know of Good Satanist's and I know of horrifying Cults that one should never mess with. I myself also believe in the power of nature in all it's forms and I believe it helps us to gain better balance if we learn more about the forms within us. However I have never been with Satanist Trads so I am only mentioning what I have heard from other's as I am no way an expert in this understanding as I have never learned about their many trads. Witches may vary some in their belief structure. There are so many Nature based religions out there and it is just to exhausting to keep up on all that in my site. Though there will be much mentioned in the site about it. Just note that there is Wicca, WitchCraft, Neo-Paganism(Introduced in the 1960’s) and Pagan and so forth. Though much of us truly can relate to each other and do celebrate much the same things in life we do not all follow the same theology in every sense.

Witches are practitioners of a Nature based structure. It is to be one with nature. Very in tune with the Moon Cycles (Goddess) and also the Sun’s Cycle (God). It is very much Agricultural also. We celebrate the seasons and their meaning and what it represents to the land and us as part of this great planet.We keep alive a bonding with the all the aspects of the life-force of nature, both on this planet and in the stars and along the Silver webs of forever existing space and beyond. It is to honor the ancestors, to take time to study your local land and its legends and myths,and to learn about its plant life. People from all backgrounds, and geographic locations and lifestyles whether female or male meet on the Esbats and at Sabbats and festivals to raise energy and put themselves in tune with natural forces. Many Witches honor the Goddesses and Gods, including the Triple Goddess of the waning, full, and waxing moon, and the Horned God of the Sun and animal life as all of nature. Not all Witches follow the same belief system. Some witches practice what is called the "old religion" which has roots in pagan pre monotheistic folk ways and beliefs and we follow the seasonal cycles. Hence the Wheel. These belief systems or "traditions" of Witches are usually based on the particular culture from where they have originated from. Many Witches believe in deity structure. Depending on which belief system one chooses to follow sometimes determines what Deity or Deities that Witch may choose to communicate with most often. Example is my family (Maiden name Drought) has a town in Ireland named after our family Droughtville. There is wonder if the Novel by James Drought reflects some truth's. The Novel Is Drugoth. I would so much like to confirm some things he has written in that novel as when I read it it screamed out so much truth to the Drought characteristic. LOL Plus on a side note I would like to talk with him about skydiving since I myself a Drought and my grandfather are former skydivers as James was. There is this beautiful natural rush of intesity yet a serenity as you look at the landscape from a different view as that ripcord is pulled(or pilot chute as we use now). James speaks of Sarah Drought(Drugoth) and I can see her true dedication to her strength of who she as a Drought woman is. Making her own brews, speaking up, well educated, and one of true warrior instinct as the Drought's are. . In the Ireland history it lets us know that Smerger Drought was given Bondroys to be the overseer of and was given this County in era sometime near the time of St. Patrick.. Now the township we have named after the family is the land in County Offaly known as Droughtville Ireland. Before Smerger Drought fought for the Irish and Danes in massive battles. He resided in Denmark. In Denmark if I reflect on what James Drought's novel say's I would have no doubt they would truly be those Fierce Clans Chieftains. I'm fortunate that I can trace my heritage so far back. This is thanks to Irish history books and some of the way James Drought writes, along with other books that the Drought coat-of-arms etc. exist. I was lucky enough to make contact with the next son in line to recieve the old linen of the Drought tree and the Drought coins and coat of arms. Some of my Drought ancestors came to the United States in 1654 and this is my Grandfathers, family. I would also like to say that some of the last forest's that remain in Ireland today is in Droughtville. It is the forest with some of the last ancient ash trees there. Droughtville is also known for having some water known as healing water. It is yellowish in color and if bottled seperate from spring water it is said that the spring water will turn bad but that this healing water does not. You can find out more about Droughtville and it's ancients trees just by typing in the keyword Droughtville in any search engine. There is approx 1000 Droughts and we are all related. We are very proud of Droughtville and our ancestors. I have another ancestor from the Graves family. As Eliza Drought married into the prestigious family. Her and her husband had a son. He is the Graves that taught the World about bloodletting not being safe and not to starve a fever. There is also Robert Graves the occultist wrote and published 150 of his writings. Through my fathers side it would appear that Gerald Gardners grandmother by way of the Caron family is directly related to my fathers bloodline? This relation is still in question but seems quite likely. Though I am not Wiccan I value what Gerald Gardner did to help the old ways resurface more openly again. It has been said throughout time that Margaret Scott was one our family members. She was hung on September 22'nd in Salem also being the day I born. I give much attention to Mabon. Since many of the people killed in Salem were killed on Mabon September 22'nd. Back to James Drought and his Novel Drugoth fopr a moment. I am fascinated by Sarah Drought whom had her own paper called the Drugoth Register. She had this in Illinois. They stopped her from printing it after the 5'th one. She is the skeleton in the closet in which the narrator is on a mission to learn more about ,the narrator being her grandson. She practiced the old ways as I see it. The grandson finds in the end that she (Sarah Drought)was locked up in an Institution because she was different .Sarah was locked up thanks to very ungrateful son whom obviously lacked the Drought strength. How great it would be to speak to James Drought himself. As I know from my mother these are family members her father spoke of and she spoke of. It would also help with some true insight on more of the Drought lineage but I can feel in my soul of what James writes. So this may remain a mystery to some Drought's but it screams truth.

My ancestors stories would not be new. Many people had ancestors hung or slaughtered, or burnt, and institutionalized thanks to Inquisitions, Witch Hunts and ignorance. My ancestors as were everyone's at one point those who walked paths of the old way. I feel closer to my Irish bloodline I choose then to usually communicate with the Irish Gods and Goddesses though I do not get hung up on names. Also I am part Cherokee but I will not borrow (steal) their traditions since it is very offensive to many native american's to have their traditions used without a full teaching and understanding of them from their way of life.

All people perform magick in their own way with their own skills. Some may be gardners, carpenters, nurses, doctor's etc. To me that is their magick. Let it be known one is no less or no more a Witch just because they do or do not spell craft. I personally enjoy creating and implementing spells and am heavy into my rituals. I also read the tarot cards and have always had great success with them.

Often Times Witches are stereotyped in weird ways. This has truly come about due to lack of knowledge and the Church lying about Witches. I hope one day people will realize that Mainly and Foremost we are not evil, we don’t always wear black, we aren’t all woman as we believe the male aspect is just as important as the female.

Many Witches celebrate Holidays also we call them Sabbats. When most people are celebrating Easter we are celebrating Ostara, When people are celebrating Christmas we are celebrating Yule.. Please refer to the link here for the Wheel. This will give you a much better understanding of Sabbats.

Wheel ,

Spells, are somewhat like a prayer and are used to create needed change in one's own life or the life of a loved one. Many people pray to a Deity while in a spell we use our tools , herbs etc. to bring needed change into our life's. We don’t turn people into frogs! I do not manipulate others. Why? Because we don't and this also means We Do NOT try to control others. Many other pagan paths have codes of conduct based upon the tenets of their tradition or belief and almost all believe that the responsibility for their actions will lie with them. Many if not all Witches take this seriously.

WitchCraft IS A LEGALLY recognized religion in the United States, as declared in 1985, Dettmer v. Landon (617 E Supp. 529), the District Court of Virginia pursuant to rule 52a of the Rules of Civil procedure. Reaffirmed in 1986 in the Federal Appeals Court, Fourth Circuit, Butzner, J. (592 F. 2d. 934)

Meaning, Wicca is protected

THIS PAGE SPECICALLY IS UNDER CONSTRUCTION AS TO WITCHCRAFT ITSELF

A site with many great articles on the Pagan symbol in school. This may help out many who have had problems with their schools not allowing them to wear their symbol of their faith.

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