How Does Witchcraft Work, Really?

“How does witchcraft work?” So, you’ve stumbled across the term “witchcraft,” and now you’re asking. Well, strap in, because what you’re about to learn isn’t just spells, candles, and cauldrons (although that part’s fun too). Witchcraft isn’t just a bunch of mystical fluff—it’s an ancient system of practices grounded in metaphysics, energy, and, believe it or not, science. And I’m here to explain it in a way that won’t make you roll your eyes. It’s also art! If you keep exploring my witchcraft blog, you’ll begin to understand

In this category’s posts, you’ll learn about the fundamental principles of how and why witchcraft works. Have fun, explore the posts!

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How Does Witchcraft Work? It’s Science and Art

At its heart, witchcraft is both a science and an art. It’s based on principles that you can understand, experiment with, and test. The ancient world was full of philosophers, doctors, and early scientists who dabbled in what we now call witchcraft. These magicians studied the natural world, explored hidden energies, and understood patterns that we still barely comprehend today. Many of the great minds from the past didn’t separate science from magic the way we do now. Instead, they saw the world holistically—connected through energies and cosmic forces.

In contrast, modern academics tend to brush witchcraft off as “pseudo-science,” arguing that it belongs in the past. But honestly, I think the ancients knew more than modern scientists give them credit for. They understood the subtle energies of life force, nature, thoughts, words, and intention. And before you roll your eyes, just consider this: quantum mechanics—the science of subatomic particles—shares a surprising number of similarities with the old-school teachings of witchcraft. I’m talking about Hermetic Principles, which you’ll learn about soon enough.

How Does Witchcraft Work? The Hermetic Connection

Let’s talk about these Hermetic Principles because they hold the key to understanding how witchcraft works. If you’ve never heard of them, don’t panic. These are ancient teachings that outline the fundamental workings of the universe. They deal with concepts like “Mentalism” (everything is mind), “Correspondence” (as above, so below), and “Vibration” (everything vibrates). Now, before you start thinking this is some sort of mystical mumbo jumbo, keep in mind that these principles align with modern quantum mechanics in surprising ways.

Witches work with these principles to understand how the universe operates at both the visible and invisible levels. Quantum mechanics explains how particles behave like waves and how observation influences reality, which aligns closely with what ancient magicians taught. Witchcraft centers on the idea that everything connects—through energy, matter, or intention. Witches work with those connections to make witchcraft work. It’s no coincidence that today’s witches are just as interested in quantum theory and metaphysics as they are in casting spells or working with lunar energies. The connection between magic and science is closer than most people think.

The Witch’s Mind: Brain vs. Mind

Now that we’ve covered some of the deeper metaphysical aspects, let’s talk about something very practical: the witch’s mind. Laurie Cabot, a famous witch, once said, “One of the key teachings of Witchcraft is the knowledge of the brain and mind, and the difference between the two that is so often forgotten or misunderstood in our society. Witches know the brain and mind are two different things.”

This is crucial to understanding how witchcraft works. The brain is physical—it’s the biological organ that interprets the data from our senses. It processes information through touch, smell, sound, taste, and sight. Essentially, the brain is like a computer that houses data and is continuously programmed throughout our lives. You could say it’s the body’s filter for reality.

The mind, however, is a whole different beast. While the brain interprets sensory input, the mind is the source of your personal energy. It’s like the operating system running the show. Some might even call it your soul, but let’s not get too carried away with labels. The mind isn’t restricted to what the senses tell us—it already knows everything. It just takes some practice to learn how to access that knowledge.

This is where witches get their power. The mind is not bound by the physical world in the way the brain is. It can tap into the Universal Mind, or what witches call “The All.” Once you understand how to separate the two, you begin to see how magic and witchcraft work. The mind directs energy, and the brain helps manifest it.

How Does Witchcraft Work? The Energies of Nature

How does witchcraft work in practice? It’s all about energy—specifically, the energies in nature. The universe, the world around us, and even the things we interact with all carry different energies or vibrations. Witches believe that they can harness, direct, and magnify these energies to create change. But here’s the catch: our brains aren’t programmed to pick up on energies we can’t physically see. That’s where tools come in.

Witches use various natural items—herbs, oils, candles, crystals, and even wood, like Palo Santo—to amplify and direct the energies around them. These objects are like catalysts for the mind’s power. When you work with a crystal, for example, you’re working with its unique vibration. The crystal is just a tool that helps the witch align their mind’s energy with a specific purpose.

Let’s be clear: these objects don’t have magic in them. They just serve as physical representations of a metaphysical concept. Think of them as symbols that help focus your mind’s intent. And the more you work with them, the more effective they become in directing energy.

It’s kind of like using a magnifying glass to focus sunlight and start a fire. The glass doesn’t create the fire—it just amplifies the power of the sun. Similarly, in witchcraft, tools don’t create magic—they amplify the mind’s energy and focus it in a specific direction.

Lunar Energies and Witchcraft

When you ask, “How does witchcraft work?” you’re likely not thinking about the moon, but you should be. The moon plays a massive role in how witchcraft works. Witches are very in tune with lunar cycles, using the phases of the moon to guide their magic. Whether it’s a full moon or a new moon, each phase has its own energy, and witches time their spells accordingly.

For example, a full moon is a powerful time to manifest desires or bring things into your life. It’s all about completion and bringing what you’ve been working on to fruition. On the other hand, a new moon is a time for new beginnings and setting intentions. Witches use the new moon to start fresh projects, initiate change, and plan ahead. Tarot readings which access the Universal Mind are great for looking ahead, or learning from behind.

Working with lunar energy allows witches to tap into the rhythms of the cosmos. The moon governs the tides, emotions, and even the flow of energy in the earth. By syncing their magic with the moon, witches can make their magic more potent and aligned with the natural order. And yes, before you ask, this is all very real. You can call it metaphysics, science, or just really good intuition, but it works.

Magic, Manifestation, and Conjuring

So, how does witchcraft work when it comes to manifestation? Well, in its simplest form, it’s about intention. Witches use their mind’s energy to manifest what they desire. Magic isn’t about hocus-pocus; it’s about directing your personal energy toward a specific goal. Whether it’s manifesting love, money, or success, witches use spells, rituals, and focused intent to bring those things into their lives.

Conjuring is similar but a bit more intense. This involves calling forth specific energies, spirits, or entities to assist with the process. It’s not about controlling or forcing anything; rather, it’s about aligning with higher forces to bring about change. This is where witches might use ritual candles, herbs, essential oils and other altar tools to amplify their intent and call upon energies to help them.

Magic and manifestation go hand in hand in witchcraft. While magic works by manipulating natural forces, manifestation works by aligning your mind and energy with the universe’s flow. It’s not about controlling the universe—it’s about becoming one with it.

Wrapping It Up: How Does Witchcraft Work for You?

Now that you know the basics of how witchcraft works, the real question is: can it work for you? The answer, as with anything, is that it depends on your mindset and willingness to embrace the metaphysical. Witchcraft isn’t about wishing for things to magically appear out of thin air. It’s about aligning your energy with the universe, harnessing the natural forces around you, and using your mind’s power to manifest change.

Whether you’re drawn to witchcraft for its connection to nature, its metaphysical roots, or the simple joy of manifestation, remember it’s not a quick fix. Witchcraft works best when you understand the deeper principles at play and when you align your personal energy with the cosmic flow.

So, next time someone asks you, “How does witchcraft work?” you can confidently say, “It works because the universe is energy, and magic is just the process of harnessing it.”