What Do These Symbols Mean?

Witchcraft Symbols

 In this post, I will be explaining and detecting common symbols used in witchcraft. When most people see any of these symbols, they automatically assume that they come from demonic and satanic origin and are symbols of the devil. Before we all carry out with our assumptions, read the following:

 The pentagram, also known as pentacle, is a 5 pointed star enclosed by a circle that's pointing upward. Each point represents an element of life. Starting from the top point and going clockwise, the order is: spirit, water, fire, earth, and air. The circle around the pentagram represents eternity and infinity, the cycle of life and nature. The circle touches all 5 points of the pentagram, representing that all elements are connected with one another. This circled pentagram is a passive form that implies spiritual containment of keeping the traditional secrecy of witchcraft.

 The inverted pentagram is actually the opposite of the circled pentagram. With the circled pentagram representing the good of nature, the inverted pentagram represents spirit acting without question to all matter, including carnal desires (if you don't know what carnal means, I suggest you look it up real quick). Many Pagans believe the symbol represents the dark side and is evil. Another belief is that the inverted pentagram is the representation of the need of the witch to learn to face the darkness within so that it doesn't take control in the future. The center of the pentagram also represents a 6th formative element - love or will, which internally controls matter and spirit by will and sexual desires.

 The Crescent Moon is the symbol of the Goddess, usually worn by women. The word Crescent originated from Latin, creare, meaning to create This symbol represents female fertility, and the ability for the creation of life by women.

 The hexagram is a counterfeit Star of David, the national symbol of Israel. The difference between the Star of David and the hexagram is the triangles which make up the occult seal interlock and the two triangles of the Star of David lie flat against each other. The hexagram is a very powerful symbol to witches, magicians and sorcerers. It is used in different kinds of witchcraft, magic, occultism, and the casting of zodialcal horoscopes. Because it has six points, and because it contains a '666,' the hexagram is considered to be Satan's most powerful 

The triquetra, the triple moon, represents the threefold nature of the Goddess: As maiden, mother, and crone. The triquetra represents the three faces of the Goddess, balance of the mind, body and spirit. The circle symbolizes the circle of life, death, and rebirth. The triquetra is a fine representation of the power of three and the celebration of feminine power.

-Kasiah L.

May 3,2015

2:59PM

Witchcraft: All Things Come to an End

All Things Come to an End

 
 In completion of my Genius Hour, for my final blog entry, I will be answering the following questions of all I've discovered about witchcraft and the learning process of completing my first Genius Hour project.

1. What was your favorite part of the topic you chose?
 My favorite part of learning about witchcraft was the Salem witch trials that took place in the early 1600s. This was the hanging of many innocent women, because of the fear of women being independent and having greater control and power compared to the stereotypical women and most men.

2. What was your least favorite part of the topic you chose?
 My least favorite part of learning about witchcraft was the effort of trying to find topics that pertained to how the idea of witchcraft was formed. There are many different details that make up this religion, but such little time to research every single one.

3. What do you like best about Genius Hour research?
 The thing I like best about Genius Hour research is the choice given to learn more about what we're passionate about over a long period of time and being able to share your discoveries to the internet. The advantage we've taken with of the amount of technology used in this Genius Hour is a great practice for future projects and preparation for what to expect in college.
  4. What do you like least about Genius Hour research?
The thing I like least about Genius Hour research was the time frame given to make weekly posts. Being the end of the school year, which is the most frantic and calender filling time of the year, I usually struggled to find the time to successfully post my entries. It also took quite some thought to figure out what my next step would be- what else can I research to keep my blog as entertaining as possible?

5. What was the most important thing you learned about yourself, how you learn, or research in general as a result of this work?
During this process, I've discovered that I learn best when I'm very passionate and driven about the topic. I'm more of a visual learner that enjoys learning new things by viewing pictures and videos, versus articles and texts. When I watched videos, my attention is strictly devoted to all that is presented, but when reading text articles, my mind seems to wander on its own or miss key information to the point where I have to continuously reread the text, over and over again.

 As my final post, this concludes all the research I've put into this blog. I will no longer be continuing to pursue The Study and History of Witchcraft, but maybe sometime in the future during my own free time, I will continue a separate blog documenting the adventure of my other learning experiences.

-Kasiah L.
May 10, 2015
5:06PM

Witchcraft: The Beginning + Common Stereotypes

 In my last post, I had went over the witch trials that took place in the late 1600s in Salem. I've stated the reason why people were accused of being witches, but I've never stated; What makes a witch? In this post, I will be discussing how the belief of practice in witchcraft developed and how society views those who are involved.

(This is an example of the stereotypical view of what Christians believed to be a witch.)

 The word "witch" comes from the old English term "Wicca," meaning wise one. Those who are religious, such as Christians, believed that most women associated with witchcraft were unruly, feminine powers. Christians convicted that the forces of the universe, known as natural forces, were actually demonic forces; forces of the Devil's work and other demonic beings. Witches were seen as evil, violent, gruesome eldery women that were constantly up to no good. Those convicted of witchery were put on trial. and those found guilty were either hung or burned alive. These were known as Salem witch trials. The idea of women being in power bothered the Christian community, but most of all, the clergy (a religion person/group).

 In history, before the existence of technology we have currently, the ability to buy durable medicines and treatments for illnesses and pain were minimum. This was also a contribution to the origin of witchcraft. During the early days, there were sage women that learned healing methods by using natural herbs and other homeopathic treatments. With healing done by skilled women, Christians felt that these treatments and remedies were disrespectul towards their beliefs and that healing should be strictly done by church men.

 As centuries has gone by, the belief and practice of witchcraft still continues today, commonly through teenagers and young adults. Our society currently stereotypes those who practice witchcraft as a bunch of rebellious teenagers that worship satan and just want to be cool and go against adults, but in reality, they're just a group of people who believe in the wonderful power of nature. Come on now, what's so satanic and harmful about nature to where it grows concern to others? The beliefs of others should not matter anyone else other than themselves. ( Just saying (◡ ‿ ◡✿) )

STAY TUNED-

 Next week I will be doing research and interpretations on common/important witchcraft symbols- I can't wait to share what I discover!

-Kasiah L.

April 26, 2015

6:25 PM

What Are Salem Witch Trials?

History of the Salem Witch Trials

 This week I've been studying the history of Salem witch trials and what I've discovered is really interesting and the explaination behind this is quite shocking! Read on to learn more about what I've found...

(An example of the performance of a Salem Witch Trial)

 Salem witch trials are executions by hanging, of convicted witches in the Puritan settlement located in Massachusetts in 1692. The first sign of witchery was experienced by two girls who believed to had been possessed by demonic spirits; the devil. On June 10, Bridget Bishop was the first women accused and executed of being a witch, being the first of almost 20 executions.

(These are people of 1692 who were accused of being witches and executed. From left to right,

Row 1: Bridget Bishop - June 10, 1692, Sarah Good - July 19, 1692, Elizabeth Howe - July 19, 1692, Susannah Martin - July 19, 1692, Rebecca Newman - July 19, 1692

Row 2: Sarah Wild - July 19, 1692, George Burrough - August 19, 1692, Martha Carrier - August 19, 1692, George Jacobs Sr. - August 19, 1692, John Proctor - August 19, 1692

Row 3: John Willars - August 19, 1692, Giles Corey - September 10, 1692, Martha Cores - September 22, 1692, Unknown, Alice Parker - September 22, 1692

Row 4: Mary Parker - September 22, 1692, Ann Pudeatos - September 22, 1692, Wilmot Redd - September 22, 1692, Margaret Scott - September 22, 1692, Samuel Wardwell Sr. - September 22, 1692

Row 5: "...I do not plead guilty..." "To my dying day... I am no witch...")

 Most women of Salem were convicted of being witches, because they were different than stereotypical women. Women were known to be morally weaker, have lustful natures, and become easily manipulated. Those convicted of witchery were older, vulnerable, independent, and morally stronger. As the Puritan settlement developed, the morals between girls and women altered. This drove fear and worry to Puritans, because they were afraid of death by the devil, Indians, and other dark sources, Both men and younger girls became threatened that women independence would kill them as well.

 Salem witch trials continued from 1692 to early 1693, until witch trials were soon determined unlawful and was put to an end, immediately. In realization of the wrongs done within the community, leader of the trials, Samuel Sewalls, publicly apologized for his actions of what he originally thought was the morally correct thing to do, The  colony of Massachusetts passes legislation to restore the good of those who were executed. They also provided a financial restitution for those to inherit in 1711. The steps taken to undo the wrongs of Salem witch trials did not help the colony forget the damage done, but the action taken was a big step towards recovery.

Click here for more depth and the story of how Salem witch trials started!:
http://www.history.com/topics/salem-witch-trials#

-Kasiah L.

April 19, 2015

5:34 PM

What is the History Behind Witchcraft?

Welcome to The Study and History of Witchcraft!

 In my English 1 class, we are creating a Genius Hour project, which is the study of a desired topic that requires both hard work and passion. Within this blog, I will be studying the origin of witchcraft, learn the performance of rituals, and also review stereotypes and conspiracies that society has on those who believe in witchcraft. I will post weekly updates of my discoveries and the process of my research throughout my entire analysis of witchcraft.

 The inspiration behind the reason why I chose the study and history of witchcraft as my topic is because of my great admiration for the belief in magic and sorcery. The idea of casting spells that can create an impact on the future is fascinating! Before I've created this blog, I have briefly gone over the topic of witchcraft and the basic points, but I've always wondered: What is the entire background and history behind this spiritual religion? Now with the opportunity in class, I get to put my driving questions into action and answer my curiosities that I'll be able to share to all my readers!

 To be able to complete this Genius Hour successfully, I will have to devote a lot of time into my topic and remain driven and passionate. My only concern for this study in the future would have to be the information I find. Is there a brutal history to witchcraft? Or is witchcraft all that it seems to be- supernatural and spiritual? Tune in and follow along the journey of this blog that will lead to the answer of these questions and more!

 -Kasiah L.
 April 12, 2015
 7:16 PM