Do People Believe In Magic and Pay For Spells?
My 35 Years of Experience as a Wiccan Priestess and a Traditional Witch
For over 35 years, I have been a Wiccan Priestess and a traditional witch. Throughout this time, I have noticed that many people often entertain the idea of magic, which is a form of focused prayer. Not everyone believes in magic, but a significant portion of people pray or practice forms of ritual without being labeled as delusional. Real magic, as practiced by those in an established Wiccan tradition, is subtle and closely resembles other forms of spiritual or religious practices.
Real magic does not involve the dramatic images often perpetuated by the media, such as flames leaping up, people flying through the air, or things appearing and disappearing. Witches who practice traditional magic focus on helping others, particularly through healing, finding employment, and providing protection. However, the use of curses and love spells is generally frowned upon and considered unethical, as they violate an individual's free will. Most witches only perform spells for close friends or themselves and do not consider magic a business or charge for their services.
True Witches vs. Self-Taught "Spell Casters"
There is a distinction, however, between those who are part of a well-established Wiccan tradition and those who call themselves "Spell Casters" or even "Witches." These self-taught individuals often charge a significant amount for their supposed spells, but they frequently prey on the credulity of their clients. From my firsthand experiences, many of those who have been "ripped off" by self-proclaimed spell casters report a lack of any tangible results from the spells they were promised. In many cases, these so-called spell casters may not even bother to perform the spells they claim to cast.
I caution people to avoid these self-proclaimed spell casters. My personal stance stems not from a desire to take on their business, but rather from the ethical and spiritual principles I follow. I believe that real magic, my magic, is only performed for close friends and is never monetized.
How Does a Spell Work?
To illustrate the process of magic, I recently had a friend who contracted COVID-19. After following all the necessary medical advice, my friend called me for some additional support. I began by creating a sacred space, a concept borrowed from the absence of a traditional church, and this involved lighting a red candle, a symbol often associated with health.
I invoked the Irish goddess Brigid, the Celtic Goddess of healing, and later, the patron saint of healing, out of respect. I also incensed the space, which is a form of burning herbs for purification and spiritual cleansing. I communicated with my friend about their recovery, focusing on the red candle and imagining their health improving. During this time, I might sing a few healing songs to channel the energy.
At a certain point, the energy would peak, and I would thank the goddess. The candle and incense would burn, and I would extinguish them, taking down the sacred space. Once this was done, I would go back to my regular life, knowing that I had done what I could to help. I would call my friend, conveying the actions I had taken because the act of believing and the power of suggestion can be powerful. I do not conjure demons, spill blood, or insult Jesus. In fact, I might also speak to the friend if they were Christian, as I am a Pantheist.
Thus, the practice of magic is essentially a form of focused prayer, which can be similar to what many people call "praying."
Conclusion
Christianity and atheism have no place in the practice of real magic for me as a Wiccan Priestess and a traditional witch. While Christians may reject the concept of magic outright, atheists might explore the idea of magic as a form of prayer or grounding for powerful belief. However, regardless of religious affiliation, I strongly advise anyone considering hiring a self-proclaimed "spell caster" to be cautious, as they may just be preying on vulnerable individuals more interested in belief than in actual results.