The Witches’ Devil. The name alone stirs a variety of different thoughts and emotions within people. Traditionally, many people would react with rejection, insisting that the Devil is a Christian concept and therefore has no place in Witchcraft. Yet, there seems to be a radical shift in thinking over the past couple of years in which some people are beginning to explore and even outwardly embrace the Devil within their Craft. I believe there are many reasons for this shift in... Read more
The important thing is to not be overly simplistic when thinking about morality and Witchcraft. We often times make snap judgements about malefic magic or those who use it without taking into consideration individual motives and personal circumstances as well as the wider historical and folkloric context of Witchcraft. Read more
Back when I first started learning about Witchcraft I remember coming across the concept of flying ointment. According to the books I read, this was a nasty concoction made by Witches, typically from poisonous herbs and other macabre sundries such as baby’s fat. When a Witch wanted to fly off to the Sabbat, all she had to do was rub herself down with this magical ointment and away she’d go. But I was assured that these ointments were simply products... Read more
Note: As I’ve quickly come to find here on Patheos, if you have an idea and don’t write about it immediately, a more eloquent author will come along and write about it first. In this case, fellow blogger Sara Star who recently wrote a wonderful article on how to establish a local Traditional Witchcraft practice. I highly recommend that you go read it! When I first read her article I was equally enamored and downtrodden. Enamored because the article was lyrical... Read more
The Stang is adored by many modern Traditional Witches, myself included. It’s a tool whose use powerfully evokes a sense of connection to something old and primitive. In its simplest form, a forked staff, Witches use the Stang in various ways including representing the Horned One, aiding in spirit flight, and directing energy. Read more
Ever since I was a small child I have been enamored with all things “spooky.” Whether it had to do with Witches, ghosts, fairies, or other assorted magical beings, I was completely obsessed. My mother believes that this otherworldly predisposition may have something to do with my birth-date being close to Halloween. This is quite possible, as a flip through my baby book will show you that my birthdays were always Witch themed. But my “spooky” interests weren’t limited to any... Read more
Hello Dear Readers, Welcome to my blog. My name is Kelden. Among many things, I’m twenty-two years-old, a graduate student, and a Witch who is incredibly bad with introductions. So, in order to keep this simple and free from social awkwardness, I’ve opted to simply answer some questions you may have about this blog. Why the name “By Athame and Stang?” The name “By Athame and Stang” comes from the ritual knife used in Wicca and the staff used in... Read more
By Athame and Stang
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