Witchery: Embrace the Witch Within - Juliet Diaz 2019

Integrity in Witchery
Practice Responsibly

Among the issues that affect the modern Witch is that of cultural appropriation — when a dominant culture copies traditions of a minority culture. This has become hugely important to the Witch community, where truth and integrity are everything. With so much false information about what it means to be a Witch, many people are using elements of others cultures without even realizing it.

For instance, using herbal smoke or incense to cleanse is an ancient tradition that occurs in many cultures, including the Witch community. I prefer to use the term ’cleansing’ rather than ’smudging’ as the latter is a practice specific to Native American culture. I would also suggest avoiding the use of white sage for cleansing, as I understand it to be currently endangered, but other types of sage work equally well, as do cedar, juniper, and rosemary, or you can use resins, such as frankincense or copal.

Other examples of practices and expressions that in my opinion should not be used outside their traditional culture include the Native American ’spirit animal’; instead I suggest you refer to a ’spirit guide.’ Additionally, instead of ’chakras’ use ’energy points’, and leave ’mantra’ for Hindus and instead use ’chant.’

There are so many examples that I suggest you do your own research and ask yourself, Am I doing this because it’s a trend, or is it out of genuine interest? There is so much information about this subject, so dive in and learn how to avoid cultural appropriation. Even when writing this book I avoided using certain words used only by practicing Witches, and chose alternatives instead. It all comes down to respect for other cultures and thinking about what’s okay and what’s not. Everyone has a choice. I hope you choose to be mindful and respectful of others’ feelings.

The bigger picture

I’m hopeful for the day when we can peacefully co-exist and all that we see is the soul of everything and everyone — not race, color, gender, shape, religion, or other sacred practice. Regardless of how you feel about politics and who is in office, you have a voice and it should be heard. Get involved and really put steps in place to make a difference. For instance, I decided to run for public office on the environmental platform, something I would once never have imagined myself doing — and you can do it too, dear Witches!

Find out about your local elected officials and what they do — and talk to them. They’re there to listen to you; it’s part of their job. You have a voice and it matters. Think of the issues that mean the most to you, such as immigration, education, mental health, equality and rights, climate change, and so on. Speak up and state your concerns and ideas, but stay calm, patient, and respectful. This isn’t a call to fight fire with fire, this is a call to balance the Elements and call in the rain.

Another way to make a difference is to take part in protests. I’m a big activist and have seen what works and what doesn’t. To be able to shine at our brightest we must first focus on self and ground ourselves. Peaceful protest is the most effective, and just being part of such a gathering can be like working a giant spell in which the ingredients are group intent, high energy levels, and being outside in the Elements. You can attract and send out the right message by becoming a beacon of light. Focus on the final outcome, on the coming (rather then the present) circumstances. Ask any negative emotions to leave so that you can do some real work — Magick with its greatest power.

1 www.sunsigns.org/firefly-animal-totem-symbolism-meanings/