Our very 1st episode! We discuss what witchcraft really is since it's becoming more mainstream and explore how it's science and spirituality all linked into one practice. Not necessarily religious but can be if you like. Energy, mental health and eco friendly lifestyles also discussed.

Show notes and accompanying blog post: https://earthandwater.co/witchcraft-a-stigma-of-natural-science/

Witchcraft has an enormously stigmatized history. Ya know, burnings at the stake and whatnot. Growing up in the heart of the bible belt, I feel as though I’ll be burned just for writing this.A notoriously violent species, we are. We’ve built walls and burned bridges in the name of misunderstanding and fear. Though the fact that it IS safe for me to write these words lends to the belief that we really are living in the safest time in written history. Even if it doesn’t seem so.Fear follows that which isn’t understood. And where there is fear, there is violence.Understanding, on the other hand, is the antidote. It’s the key to breaking down barriers and fostering acceptance. So, in the spirit of understanding, let’s delve into the world of witchcraft and unveil its true essence, beyond the myths and misconceptions.
Witchcraft, you see, is far more than spooky spells and pointy hats. It’s a deep connection to nature, a respect for the cycles and rhythms of the earth. It’s about harnessing the power within ourselves and using it for good, for healing, for growth. It’s about embracing the feminine power that resides within us all, regardless of gender. It’s about understanding the interconnectedness of all things, the magic that flows through the universe and within each of us.And while the shadows of the past still linger, there’s a light emerging. More and more people are opening their minds and hearts to the possibilities that witchcraft offers. They’re finding solace, empowerment, and a sense of belonging in its practice. So, join me, dear reader, as we cast aside the fear and prejudice, and explore the wonders of witchcraft together.



If you were able to travel back 1000 years and face someone of that time with the contents of your pockets, you would “Risk” (Emphasis on that word) being labeled a witch because you possessed a magical device with moving pictures upon it.You recognize this as science. What is science but magic that we have studied enough to understand? A thousand years ago, even the simplest of phenomena – the crackling fire, the rising sun, the life-giving rain – would have been shrouded in mystery, attributed to unseen forces and fantastical creatures.In a world where google doesn’t exist and understanding is based on the individual education level of the often scare resources of who you talk to, it’s easy to see where “magic” would be used to fill in the gaps of confusion. It provided explanations for the inexplicable, and offered comfort and control in a world that often felt chaotic and unpredictable.


Magic Vs Magick“Magic”, with its conjuring of fantastical creatures and impossible feats, belongs to the realm of fiction, a playground of our imaginations. Think Harry Potter, flying cars, and unicorns – wondrous spectacles that ignite our sense of awe but remain firmly rooted in the realm of the fantastical.“Magick”, on the other hand, lies at the periphery of our understanding, a whisper of the unknown that dances just beyond the grasp of our current scientific knowledge. It’s the “not yet explained” aspect of the natural world, a hidden language waiting to be deciphered. Like a child marveling at the intricacies of technology, we may not fully comprehend its workings, but its reality is undeniable.Think of it this way: science is the methodical piecing together of the natural world’s puzzles, a process of observation, experimentation, and analysis. Magick, however, is the intuitive grasp of the interconnectedness of everything, the understanding that the physical and non-physical realms are not separate entities but rather two sides of the same coin. It’s the dance between the seen and unseen, a recognition of the subtle forces that shape our reality.And this magick isn’t bound by the limitations of our current understanding. It exists regardless of our beliefs or interpretations. Just like a child doesn’t need to understand the complex workings of a smartphone for it to function, we don’t need to fully comprehend the mysteries of magick for it to be a potent force in our lives.Now, enter witchcraft. This ancient practice intertwines the threads of magick with the art and spirit of healing. It’s a tapestry woven from ancestral wisdom, passed down through generations, a testament to the inherent connection between the physical and spiritual realms. Witchcraft provides a framework and tools to harness the power of magick, directing it towards positive change and personal growth.It ties together all aspects of life. The connection between the physical and nonphysical, all scientific and some unexplained.So, while “magic” might conjure images of fictional wonder, “magick” invites us to explore the hidden depths of reality, the interconnectedness of all things, the power that resides within each of us. And witchcraft, with its gentle, yet potent touch, guides us on this journey of self-discovery and healing, reminding us that the most profound mysteries often lie within ourselves.
The Order of HealingAs discussed in this podcast episode, healing, like any grand undertaking, requires a firm foundation. Just as we wouldn’t attempt to build a skyscraper on shifting sand, so too must we address our basic needs before embarking on deeper journeys of self-discovery. This is the fundamental principle underlying Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs, a framework that has guided countless individuals towards a fulfilling life.But what if this hierarchy transcended the realm of psychology and held a deeper connection to our very being? What if Maslow’s insightful pyramid mirrored the ancient wisdom of the chakras, those energy centers that govern our emotional and spiritual well-being?Imagine our physical body as the base of the pyramid, the foundation upon which everything else rests. This corresponds to the first chakra, Muladhara, the root of our stability, grounding, and basic needs. Just as a secure foundation is crucial for a building, ensuring our physical needs are met – food, shelter, security – forms the bedrock of our overall well-being.Moving up the pyramid, we encounter the second chakra, Svadhisthana, the seat of pleasure and creativity. This aligns with Maslow’s need for love and belonging, the desire for connection and intimacy. We flourish when we feel safe, loved, and accepted, allowing our creative energy to flow freely.Further up, we find Manipura, the third chakra, the center of our personal power and self-esteem. This corresponds to Maslow’s need for esteem and recognition. When we feel confident and valued, we are empowered to pursue our goals and contribute to the world around us.Next lies Anahata, the fourth chakra, the gateway to love, compassion, and empathy. This resonates with Maslow’s need for self-actualization, the desire to fulfill our potential and live a meaningful life. We connect deeply with ourselves and others when our hearts are open and overflowing with love.Finally, we reach the crown chakra, Sahasrara, the pinnacle of our being, representing our connection to something greater than ourselves. This aligns with Maslow’s quest for self-transcendence, the yearning for spiritual fulfillment and a sense of purpose beyond the self.Therefore, healing becomes a journey through this magnificent pyramid, a process of tending to each layer, addressing our needs in a step-by-step manner. Just as a healthy plant blossoms when its roots are strong and its soil is fertile, so too do we flourish when our basic needs are met, our emotions are balanced, and our connection to the world and beyond is nurtured.Maslow’s Hierarchy and the chakras offer a powerful roadmap for personal growth, a reminder that healing is not a linear process but a holistic journey of self-discovery. By addressing each layer with care and awareness, we build a solid foundation for well-being, allowing ourselves to blossom and reach the full potential of our being.

Witchcraft Through HistoryWhile the image of the witch has been twisted and misconstrued throughout history, in many cultures and civilizations, these individuals held positions of deep respect and significance. They weren’t the cackling, pointy-hat-wearing figures of popular imagination; they were leaders, healers, seers, advisors, and teachers – figures woven into the very fabric of their communities.Leaders: In many ancient societies, witches were recognized for their wisdom and intuition, qualities deemed essential for leadership. They served as guides and advisors to kings and queens, their counsel sought on matters of state and strategy. Their connection to the unseen world was often seen as an asset, granting them insight beyond the realm of the tangible.
Seers: The ability to see into the future or interpret omens was another highly revered attribute of witches. They acted as oracles, deciphering the whispers of the winds and the movements of the stars, offering guidance and forewarnings to their communities. Their connection to the natural world gave them a unique perspective, allowing them to glimpse the veiled threa