Revolutionary Witchcraft

1. Witchcraft as a Political Tool for Social Change

"Witchcraft in particular is having a bit of a moment—a fact that is still a little weird to me, since up until very recently being into the occult was a bit like the goth version of being a Revolutionary War reenactor (but hey, I'm not complaining!)."

Witchcraft as activism. Witchcraft is experiencing a revival alongside significant political shifts. This resurgence is not coincidental but reflects a growing need for alternative methods of resistance and empowerment. Witchcraft offers a unique perspective on power dynamics and provides tools for challenging oppressive systems.

Historical context. The author traces the roots of witchcraft persecution to the rise of capitalism and the enclosure of common lands. This historical perspective frames witchcraft as a practice that has always contested political power, making it particularly relevant for contemporary activism.

Reclaiming power. By engaging in witchcraft, practitioners can reclaim personal and collective power, challenge dominant narratives, and work towards social change. The author encourages readers to view witchcraft not just as a spiritual practice, but as a means of political engagement and transformation.

2. Understanding Power Dynamics in Magic and Politics

"Magic = Energy = Power = Politics."

Power as a central concept. The author reframes the concept of "energy" in magical practice as "power," drawing a direct connection between magic and politics. This perspective encourages readers to view their magical work as inherently political and capable of effecting real-world change.

Three faces of power:

• Immediate: Who is directly responsible for actions?
• Law: How does power manifest through legal systems?
• Culture: What are the popular beliefs and attitudes surrounding an issue?

Power mapping. The author introduces the concept of power mapping as a tool for both magical and political work. This involves:

1. Identifying goals and resources
2. Recognizing allies and enemies
3. Determining targets for action
4. Developing appropriate tactics

3. The Importance of Dreaming Big and Reimagining Reality

"Now is not the time to just take pictures of our altars, but rather to use them. Now is the time for revolution."

Expanding imagination. The author emphasizes the importance of dreaming big and envisioning radical alternatives to current systems. This approach is framed as essential for both magical practice and effective activism.

Soul flight and journeying. Techniques for spiritual journeying and shape-shifting are presented as ways to explore alternative realities and bring back wisdom for transformation. The author provides a step-by-step guide for achieving soul flight through meditation and visualization.

Embodying change. The concept of living as if the desired reality is already present is introduced as a powerful magical technique. This approach is illustrated through examples like the Standing Rock protests, where participants created a microcosm of the world they wished to see.

4. Connecting with Ancestors and Land Spirits

"Even after reading all this, you might still have no interest in working with your ancestors of blood at this point. That's totally cool for now! Sometimes people need to warm up with different ancestors first, and you can absolutely do that since blood isn't the only thing that makes an ancestor: You also have ancestors of spirit."

Broadening ancestral work. The author expands the concept of ancestors beyond blood relations to include spiritual and cultural ancestors. This inclusive approach allows practitioners to connect with supportive forces regardless of their family history.

Building relationships with land spirits. Techniques for communicating with the spirits of place are provided, emphasizing the importance of developing a personal "land language" through intuition, research, and consistent practice.

Healing collective trauma. Ancestral work is presented as a means of addressing historical traumas and healing both personal and collective wounds. The author includes a specific ritual for elevating transgender ancestors as an example of this healing work.

5. Harnessing the Power of Ritual in Activism

"Protest and direct action are public rituals. This is what I usually tell people who say you have to do your magic in secret only."

Reframing protest as ritual. The author encourages readers to view protests and direct actions as public magical rituals. This perspective adds depth and power to activist work, connecting it to broader spiritual and energetic currents.

Elements of effective protest rituals:

• Clear storytelling and messaging
• Defined intentions and desired outcomes
• Physical and symbolic representations of the cause
• Group cohesion and energy raising
• Grounding and aftercare practices

Balancing planning and flexibility. While emphasizing the importance of preparation, the author also notes the need to remain open to the spirit of the moment and the collective energy of large gatherings.

6. Creating Sigils for Magical Activism

"Sigils are one of my favorite ways to introduce someone to magic because they are easy to make, highly customizable, and so effective they can almost feel like cheating."

Sigil creation process:

1. Define a clear intention or goal
2. Remove repeating letters and vowels from the statement
3. Arrange remaining letters into a unique symbol
4. Charge the sigil through various methods (visualization, ritual, etc.)
5. Release the sigil and allow it to work subconsciously

Psychological power of symbols. The author explains how sigils work by bypassing conscious resistance and programming the subconscious mind. This technique is presented as a way to hack reality and manifest desired changes.

Integrating sigils into activism. Suggestions are provided for incorporating sigils into protest signs, art, and other activist materials, blending magical practice with more traditional forms of political engagement.

7. Embracing Animism and Earth-Based Revolution

"Animism isn't really a religion, and it's not really a set practice either. Like witchcraft, it can be a little hard to explain what you mean when you identify that way without going through a whole lesson in anthropology and history."

Animism as a worldview. The author presents animism as a perspective that recognizes the inherent spirituality and interconnectedness of all things. This worldview is framed as a crucial missing piece in many environmental movements.

Reconnecting with nature. Practical suggestions are offered for developing a deeper relationship with the natural world, even in urban environments. This includes meditation practices, offering rituals, and learning to communicate with land spirits.

Revolutionary potential. The animistic worldview is presented as a powerful tool for reimagining social and economic systems. By recognizing the inherent value and rights of non-human entities, practitioners can challenge the extractive logic of capitalism and work towards more sustainable and just alternatives.

8. The Role of Meditation in Magical Practice

"Meditation helps all of us focus our intentions, clear our minds, and get into a state of consciousness where we can receive and send messages to spirits, gods, and ancestors more easily."

Foundational practice. Meditation is presented as a fundamental skill for magical work, comparable to learning how to hold a paintbrush for an artist. The author emphasizes its importance in developing focus, clarity, and spiritual connection.

Simple meditation technique:

1. Sit comfortably and close your eyes
2. Focus on your breath, using the Fourfold Breath technique
3. Acknowledge and release distracting thoughts
4. Practice for at least 10 minutes daily

Expanding meditative states. The author encourages readers to explore various activities that can induce meditative states, such as singing, dancing, or driving. This broadens the concept of meditation and makes it more accessible to diverse practitioners.

9. Elevating Marginalized Voices Through Magical Rituals

"Rituals such as this provide healing to the dead. It helps the dead find peace instead of becoming angry, restless spirits."

Trans Rite of Ancestor Elevation. The author includes a specific nine-day ritual for honoring transgender ancestors who have died through violence or suicide. This ritual serves as an example of how magical practice can be used to address social issues and provide healing for marginalized communities.

Components of the ritual:

• Setting up an altar with meaningful objects
• Daily prayers and offerings
• Physical elevation of the altar using books
• Cleansing practices
• Community involvement and education

Broader applications. While focusing on a specific ritual, the author encourages readers to develop similar practices for other marginalized groups. This approach demonstrates how magical work can be used to amplify voices and experiences that are often overlooked in mainstream society and spiritual practices.

Last updated: August 8, 2024