Wide-ranging witchcraft refers to the practice of witchcraft that encompasses a broad range of beliefs, traditions, and practices. It is a term that encompasses various forms of witchcraft that exist across different cultures and time periods. What defines wide-ranging witchcraft is its diversity and inclusivity, as it incorporates different spiritual and magical traditions from around the world. Wide-ranging witchcraft recognizes that there are numerous paths and approaches to practicing witchcraft, and it honors the unique perspectives and experiences of practitioners. It acknowledges that there is no single right way to practice witchcraft, and that individual practitioners have the freedom to develop their own personal spirituality and magical practices. One of the core principles of wide-ranging witchcraft is the belief in the power of nature and the interconnectedness of all living beings.
Binding Spells: Curse Tablets and Voodoo Dolls in the Greek and Roman Worlds
—Daniel Ogden
Witches and Sorcerers in Classical Literature
—Georg Luck
Imagining Greek and Roman Magic
—Richard Gordon
The Demonization of Magic and Sorcery in Late Antiquity: Christian Redefinitions of Pagan Religions
—Valerie Flint
In this long millennium the political and cultural landscapes of the Mediterranean basin underwent significant changes, as competing creeds and denominations rose to the fore, and often accused each other of sorcery. The book also shows how ideas about witchcraft both persisted and changed in the circumstances of colonial encounters, and how Europeans absorbed some African and indigenous ideas and even came to rely on African and indigenous practitioners, says Games.
One of the core principles of wide-ranging witchcraft is the belief in the power of nature and the interconnectedness of all living beings. Nature is seen as a sacred and divine force, and practitioners often draw inspiration and wisdom from the natural world. Wide-ranging witchcraft embraces various forms of nature-based spirituality, such as Wicca, Green Witchcraft, and Shamanic traditions.
Worldbuilding: Magic, Sorcery and Witchcraft
Magic is usually an integral part of any secondary fantasy world. That tends to be the thing that makes it a “fantasy world”, rather than just some form of alternate Earth. But “magic” is a broad, wide-ranging term. What exactly does it mean, and how does it work?
If you’re trying to define magic in the simplest, most accurate way possible, the best I’ve got is “Energy that can be shaped to generate effects contrary to natural order.” Which can cover a pretty wide range.
How magic works in your world is a pretty crucial concern, as well as what you call it. Hell, talk to just about anyone about process of writing fantasy, and the phrase “rules of magic” will probably come up. In Thorn of Dentonhill, I call it only “magic”– at least in what Veranix can do– and since it’s in an academic setting, I name the energy itself (“numina“), but what magic can do in that world is relatively open-ended, so there’s little need for a more specific term.
But what marks the line between a mage, a wizard, a witch, a warlock, a sorcerer, a necromancer, etc? Well, necromancer is easy: they deal with the dead. But even that can be open-ended. A necromancer might be raising a zombie-army, or might be investigating the dead and contacting spirits to solve murders.* But are those all things in your world?
But what is “witchcraft”? What is “sorcery”? Are these all just different names for the same thing in your world, or does your world have one of them specifically? Does your world have all of them, as different forms of “magic”?
I’ve often cited The Belgariad as an early influence on me, and one thing I liked was how he had several different powers in his world, though “magic” and “witchcraft” were limited forms, while “sorcery” was a more direct connection to the source-code of the universe, giving its users immortality and the ability to create something– including a new species– out of nothing.
Magic in Thorn of Dentonhill is not so limitless. For one, it can’t heal, nor can it touch the dead or the afterlife. (Strictly speaking, a mage could make a dead body get up and walk around, but it would be literally nothing more than puppetry of any inanimate object.) It can’t directly affect the mind, or give one the ability to read someone’s thoughts. However, in the world of Thorn, there are other powers beyond that of “magic”. At the beginning of Thorn, Veranix isn’t as familiar with them as he probably should be. He’s not exactly the best student, after all.
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*- Have you read Amanda Downum’s Necromancer Chronicles, specifically The Bone Palace? Well, you should.
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In wide-ranging witchcraft, there is also an emphasis on magic and spellcraft. Practitioners believe in the ability to harness and manipulate energy to create positive change in their lives and in the world around them. Rituals, spells, and ceremonies are common practices in wide-ranging witchcraft, and they often involve the use of herbs, crystals, candles, and symbols to amplify magical intentions. What sets wide-ranging witchcraft apart is its openness to diverse spiritual beliefs and practices. It recognizes that witchcraft exists in different cultures and societies, each with its own unique history and folklore. Wide-ranging witchcraft incorporates elements from various traditions, such as European witchcraft, African witchcraft, Native American Shamanism, and Asian magical practices. Overall, wide-ranging witchcraft is a celebration of diversity, creativity, and personal empowerment. It encourages practitioners to explore different paths and traditions, to honor their intuition and inner wisdom, and to cultivate a deep connection with nature. It is a practice that respects and honors the diverse tapestry of magical traditions that exist in the world, allowing practitioners to find their own unique path within the wide-ranging realm of witchcraft..
Reviews for "sigils and Symbols in Wide Ranging Witchcraft: Messages from the Universe"
1. John - 2 out of 5 stars - I was really disappointed with "What is wide ranging witchcraft". The book didn't provide any new or useful information on the subject. It felt like a collection of random ideas and concepts without any depth or coherence. The writing style was also lacking, making it difficult to stay engaged with the content. Overall, I would not recommend this book to anyone looking for a comprehensive and informative guide on witchcraft.
2. Sarah - 1 out of 5 stars - I found "What is wide ranging witchcraft" to be extremely misleading. The title and description made it sound like a book that would explore the different aspects and practices of witchcraft in depth, but it fell short of my expectations. The content was shallow and lacked any real substance. It felt like the author had just scratched the surface of the topic without truly delving into its complexities. I would suggest looking for other resources if you're interested in learning about witchcraft.
3. Michael - 2 out of 5 stars - "What is wide ranging witchcraft" left me feeling unsatisfied. The book promised a comprehensive exploration of witchcraft, but it failed to deliver. The information provided was basic and easily found in a quick online search. I was hoping for more in-depth analysis and insights, but it felt like I was reading a summarized version of a much larger and more informative text. If you're already familiar with the basics of witchcraft, this book won't offer much value.