The Craft and it's Pivotal Black Voices.
Reclaiming the Cauldron: BIPOC Voices and the Future of Witchcraft.
Can you take a moment to dive into this topic with me?. Let's talk about witchcraft. This word, dripping with mystery and often misunderstood, is having a moment, right?. But for all the excitement, there's a nagging truth: racism, transphobia, and a loooot of cultural appropriation still bubble beneath the surface. It's no surprise, really. Modern witchcraft's roots are tangled with colonialism, a history that ripped traditions from their cultural wombs. Pagan influences, too, haven't always been beacons of inclusivity.
But here's the thing: witchcraft ain't some monolithic statue. Its magic lies in its kaleidoscope of practices and paths. The problem? The lack of a central structure makes it vulnerable to the biases of whoever's leading the coven or the online forum. And that's where the fight for a more equitable Craft gets real.
Now, something is going around that people call 'Social Justice Witchcraft'. It is some kind of movement that says, "Enough is enough" to all the habitual prejudice, actively looking to create safe spaces where everyone can find healing and empowerment. Open conversations and a willingness to confront our own baggage are the tools we need to tear down these walls.
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| Good Juju by Najah Lightfoot is one of the most valuable books on modern magic. When you read it, you'll discover how much of the contemporary craft has been influenced by bipoc practitioners for decades. |
But inclusion can't just be a trendy accessory. Witchcraft, at its core, is political, very political. Remember how it was demonized, especially by those in power trying to control the narrative?. Reclaiming it becomes an act of rebellion, a way to rewrite the story. The essence of witchcraft brings two more words to the conversation: balance and healing, and those can be weapons in the fight for social justice. From dismantling racist systems to advocating for LGBTQ+ rights, witchcraft's principles can spark real change.
The true magic of the Craft lies in its diversity. When we lift up Black and Indigenous voices, we gain wisdom that's been silenced for far too long. Including more women and trans folks in leadership dismantle the patriarchal grip that's choked witchcraft for centuries. A diverse Craft is a powerful Craft that celebrates a mosaic of experiences and traditions. (Look at me, writing 'mosaic' —I love using words I don't even know how to pronounce!).
But Witchcraft is never an academic-historical debate; well, it is if you are white and you just care about the books written by other white people to continue. It's about reclaiming the true heart of witchcraft. It's about building a space where everyone thrives, a coven where the magic isn't about who's excluded but about the collective power that comes from embracing all. Let's stir the pot together and brew a genuinely inclusive future.
Beyond the Bonfire: Building an Ancestral Altar for Change
While rewriting this post (eight times), I was also inspired by Mawiyah Bomani's fantastic workshop, 'Healing Altars,' which obviously influenced me while writing this idea. I am a big fan of altars, and I like to have altars at home in all the rooms and corners possible. Her workshop at 'Our Sorcery Hour 2024' inspired me to refocus the idea on this.
We talked about the fire that needs stoking – dismantling the biases within witchcraft. But here's the thing, dismantling ain't enough. We gotta rebuild too, brick by brick, coven by coven. How? Let's talk about creating an ancestral altar for change.
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| Conjuring the Calabash: Empowering Women with Hoodoo Spells & Magick. by Mawiyah Kai El-Jamah Bomani |
Ancestral altars, for those who don't know, are sacred spaces where we honor those who came before us. But our ancestors aren't just blood relatives. They can be historical figures, cultural icons, even the witches they tried to burn at the stake. For BIPOC folks, our ancestors are often shrouded in a fog of colonialism and stolen history. But that doesn't mean they're gone. Their resilience, their fight for survival in a world that tried to crush them – that's magic, too.
Here's the beauty: by honoring these ancestors, we claim their power. We tap into a wellspring of resistance that's been bubbling for generations. Imagine a coven ritual where we honor Harriet Tubman, a sly fox spirit guiding slaves to freedom. Or picture a solitary practice where we commune with the cunning healers who defied colonial medicine with herbs and traditions. Their stories become spells, their struggles become sigils, and their legacies become the wind at our backs, propelling us forward.
But it's not just about the distant past. We have to honor the BIPOC witches who are paving the way right now. Shouting out their work, buying their books, sharing their voices—that's how we build a future where Black girls can see themselves as powerful witches and Indigenous folks can reclaim their stolen spiritual practices.
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| Hoodoo for Everyone: Modern Approaches to Magic, Conjure, Rootwork, and Liberation. Another great book to understand "Black Witchcraft" and the strong influence of this one in the modern Craft. |
Building an ancestral altar for change isn't about dusty portraits and wilted flowers. It's about weaving a tapestry of resistance, a living testament to the ongoing fight for justice. It's about remembering those who dared to be different, dared to heal, dared to defy. It's about channeling their power to build a witchcraft that's inclusive, equitable, and a damn force to be reckoned with. Let's get to work, y'all. The ancestors are waiting.
Reclaiming Respect: Amplifying Black Voices in the Witchcraft Community
For too long, Black folks in the witchcraft community have been marginalized and their voices silenced. Their rich spiritual traditions have been appropriated, their experiences erased, and their contributions often overlooked. It's time to change that.
We need to actively work towards amplifying Black voices and giving them the respect they deserve. Here's how:
- Centering Black Voices:
Seek out and support Black witches and creators. Follow them on social media, buy their books and products, and share their work with others. Let's make sure their voices are heard loud and clear.
- Platform Black voices in witchcraft spaces.
Encourage event organizers, podcast hosts, and online communities to actively seek out and feature Black witches as speakers, guests, and contributors. Their perspectives are invaluable and deserve a prominent place.
- Listen to and learn from Black experiences.
Read books and articles by Black authors about their perspectives on witchcraft and their place in the community. Their powerful stories offer crucial insights into Black witchcraft's history and present-day reality.
Challenging Appropriation and Misrepresentation:
- Speak out against cultural appropriation.
When you see instances of non-Black people appropriating Black spiritual practices or aesthetics, call it out respectfully and educate others. It's important to hold people accountable and prevent the erasure of Black traditions.
- Recognize the historical context of Black witchcraft and what is inappropriately called "black magic".
Learn about the historical roots of African and African-American spiritual traditions and how they have been demonized and marginalized. Understanding this context is crucial to dismantling harmful stereotypes and promoting respect.
- Support initiatives that combat racism and discrimination.
Donate to organizations that support Black communities and advocate for racial justice within the witchcraft community. We need to actively work towards dismantling systemic racism in all its forms.
Building a More Inclusive Community:
- Create safe spaces for Black witches.
Advocate for and create online and offline spaces where Black witches feel welcome, supported, and can connect with each other. Building a solid community is essential for fostering belonging and empowerment.
- Challenge gatekeeping and exclusivity.
Work towards dismantling hierarchies and power structures within the witchcraft community that often exclude Black voices and perspectives. Everyone deserves a seat at the table.
- Practice anti-racist allyship.
As a non-Black person, actively educate yourself about anti-racism and work to dismantle your own biases and prejudices. We all have a role in creating a more inclusive and equitable community.
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| There are many books and good resources about the voodoo Queen and black witch Marie Lauveau, but just a few of them were written from the perspective of another poor woman practitioner who understands the context of her magic better. This is the one to read! |
This is an ongoing process that requires continuous effort and self-reflection. By working towards these goals, we can help create a more inclusive and respectful witchcraft community where Black voices are valued and celebrated. Let's make sure that everyone has the opportunity to connect with their spirituality and practice their craft in a safe and supportive environment.
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