Community vs. Committee

The Divergence in Online Witchcraft Spaces

Within the ever-evolving world of witchcraft, especially within online spaces, there exists a profound difference between what we should aspire to—a vibrant, supportive community—and what has, unfortunately, become all too common: a self-appointed committee that dictates who is acceptable, who is “legitimate,” and who is worthy of being listened to. This shift from community to committee is not just a matter of semantics; it represents a dangerous trend that undermines the very principles upon which the practice of witchcraft is built—autonomy, respect, and the free exchange of knowledge.

The Essence of Community

At its heart, a community is a space where individuals come together, united by common interests, beliefs, or practices. In the context of witchcraft, this means a gathering of people who share a passion for the craft, who seek to learn, grow, and support one another. A true community is characterised by:

1. Inclusivity: A community welcomes all who wish to participate. Whether you’re a seasoned practitioner or someone just beginning to explore the path, your presence is valued. The knowledge and experiences of each member contribute to the richness of the collective wisdom.

2. Collaboration: In a community, members work together to share knowledge and support each other's growth. It’s a place where questions are welcomed, and diverse perspectives are not only tolerated but celebrated. The goal is collective enrichment, where everyone’s voice can be heard and respected.

3. Support: The members of a community lift each other up. Whether through sharing resources, offering encouragement, or simply being there to listen, a community is a network of mutual support. It recognises that every individual is on their unique journey, and it honours that journey.

4. Autonomy: Community respects the autonomy of its members. It understands that each practitioner has their path and that no one path is superior to another. The role of the community is to provide a safe space where each member can explore their practice, learn from others, and grow at their own pace.

The Rise of the Committee

In stark contrast to the ideals of community, we’ve seen the rise of what can be described as a “committee” within online witchcraft spaces. This committee is not an official body, nor is it elected or appointed by the broader community. Rather, it consists of a select few individuals who, for various reasons, have positioned themselves as gatekeepers or authorities within the space. This shift from community to committee is troubling for several reasons:

1. Exclusivity: The committee thrives on exclusivity. Rather than welcoming all who are interested, it sets arbitrary standards for who is allowed to participate, often based on factors such as the number of followers, adherence to specific practices, or simply personal preference. This creates an environment where only those who conform to the committee's ideals are deemed legitimate.

2. Control: The committee seeks to control the narrative within the space. It dictates what is “correct” or “acceptable” practice and often attempts to silence or marginalise voices that do not align with its views. This control extends to who is promoted, who is platformed, and who is shunned within the community.

3. Judgment: In a committee-run space, judgment is rampant. Rather than supporting individual growth and exploration, the committee often engages in policing behaviour, calling out those who do not conform to its standards. This judgment is not based on constructive feedback or genuine concern but on maintaining power and influence within the space.

4. Revenge and Personal Grudges: A particularly insidious aspect of the committee mentality is that it is often driven by revenge and personal grudges. Those who feel slighted, wronged, or disrespected in some way may use their position within the committee to exact revenge on others. This can take the form of public call-outs, targeted harassment, or a campaign to discredit those they perceive as enemies. What should be a space for healing and growth becomes a battleground for personal vendettas, with the committee wielding its power to settle scores rather than foster community.

5. The Need for Attention: In many cases, the motivations behind the committee's actions are less about protecting the integrity of the practice and more about fulfilling a need for attention and validation. The individuals who make up these committees often thrive on the recognition and power that comes from being seen as an authority. By positioning themselves as the arbiters of what is “right” or “legitimate,” they gain the attention and admiration they crave, even if it comes at the expense of others. This drive for attention can lead to increasingly aggressive behaviour as they seek to maintain their status and influence within the space.

6. Weaponising Private Information: One of the most damaging behaviours exhibited by the committee is the sharing of personal private messages or information to make their target look bad. These individuals will take private conversations out of context and share them publicly, often twisting the narrative to portray their target in the worst possible light. This invasion of privacy not only violates the trust that should exist within the community but also creates an environment of fear where members feel they must constantly watch what they say, lest it be used against them.

7. Digging Up the Past: The committee often engages in digging up the past of those they have a vendetta against. They will investigate the history of their target, looking for any past indiscretions, mistakes, or controversial opinions that can be weaponised. Once found, these past actions are brought to light in an effort to discredit the individual, regardless of how long ago they occurred or whether the person has since grown or changed. This behaviour not only undermines the possibility of redemption and growth but also perpetuates a toxic culture where no one is allowed to move beyond their past.

8. Public Shaming and Call-Out Culture: When the committee identifies a target, they often resort to public shaming, using their platform to rally others against the individual. This can include creating posts or videos that call out the person for perceived wrongdoings, often without giving them a chance to explain or defend themselves. The goal is not to resolve any issues or foster understanding but to humiliate and isolate the target, using the power of the collective to enforce conformity and submission.

The Dangers of the Committee Mindset

The shift from community to committee is not just a matter of preference; it poses real dangers to the health and vitality of the witchcraft space. When a select few are allowed to dominate the conversation and dictate who is and isn’t worthy of being listened to, the entire space suffers. Here’s why:

1. Stifling Innovation and Growth: Witchcraft is, by its nature, a diverse and evolving practice. When a committee enforces rigid standards, it stifles innovation and growth. New ideas, practices, and perspectives are dismissed or attacked, leading to a stagnant environment where the same voices and ideas dominate.

2. Creating Echo Chambers: The committee fosters an echo chamber, where only like-minded voices are heard and dissenting opinions are silenced. This not only limits the exchange of knowledge but also creates a toxic environment where groupthink prevails. In such a space, critical thinking is discouraged, and members are pressured to conform rather than explore.

3. Encouraging Toxic Behaviour: The committee often engages in and encourages toxic behaviour, such as public shaming, cancel culture, and harassment. Those who do not conform to the committee's ideals are often targeted, leading to an environment of fear and mistrust. This toxicity drives people away and undermines the supportive, inclusive nature that a community should embody.

4. Marginalising Diverse Voices: Perhaps most dangerously, the committee marginalises diverse voices. Those who come from different backgrounds, who practice in different ways, or who hold different beliefs are often pushed to the margins or silenced altogether. This not only impoverishes the space but also perpetuates a narrow, exclusionary view of what witchcraft “should” be..

Reclaiming Community

So, how do we reclaim community from the clutches of the committee? It starts with a conscious effort to return to the values that should underpin any healthy, vibrant space:

1. Champion Inclusivity: Make a concerted effort to include all voices in the conversation. Encourage newcomers, listen to diverse perspectives, and be open to learning from others, regardless of their experience level or background. Inclusivity means not just allowing different perspectives but actively seeking them out and valuing them as essential to the community’s growth and understanding.

2. Foster Collaboration: Shift the focus from competition to collaboration. Recognise that we all have something to learn from each other and that by working together, we can create a richer, more supportive environment for everyone. Create opportunities for collaboration through joint projects, shared rituals, and community-driven discussions that encourage participation and mutual respect.

3. Promote Autonomy: Respect the autonomy of each practitioner. Understand that there is no one “right” way to practice witchcraft, and that each person’s journey is valid. Encourage exploration, experimentation, and personal growth. By supporting individual autonomy, we foster a culture where diversity of practice is seen as a strength rather than a threat.

4. Challenge the Committee: This isnt generally something that works our well for those who Challenge. The committee will often retaliate making the challenger the new target of their assaults but when you see the committee mentality taking hold, challenge it. Speak out against exclusivity, control, and judgment. Advocate for a return to community values and refuse to participate in the toxic behaviours that the committee encourages. By standing up against this behaviour, we protect the integrity and inclusivity of the community.

5. Practice Compassion and Empathy: Rebuilding community means leading with compassion and empathy. When conflicts arise, approach them with a mindset of understanding rather than judgment. Recognize that everyone makes mistakes and that growth often comes from learning and evolving through these experiences. Compassionate leadership can transform how we interact within the community and reduce the inclination to judge or exclude others.

6. Encourage Open Dialogue: Create and maintain spaces for open, honest dialogue where members can express their thoughts, feelings, and concerns without fear of retribution. Open dialogue allows for the exchange of ideas, the airing of grievances, and the resolution of conflicts in a constructive manner. By promoting transparency and communication, we can prevent misunderstandings and build stronger, more resilient bonds within the community.

7. Emphasise Education Over Enforcement: Focus on educating others rather than enforcing rigid rules or norms. Offer guidance and share knowledge in a way that empowers individuals to make informed choices about their practice. Education fosters understanding and respect, while enforcement often leads to resentment and division.

8. Model Positive Behavior: Lead by example. Demonstrate the values of inclusivity, collaboration, and respect in your actions and interactions within the community. When others see positive behaviour being modeled, they are more likely to adopt these practices themselves, creating a ripple effect that strengthens the entire community.

9. Build Resilience Against Toxicity: Equip yourself and others in the community with the tools to recognise and resist toxic behaviour. This includes setting healthy boundaries, understanding the signs of manipulation, and knowing when to disengage from harmful interactions. Building resilience helps protect the community from the damaging effects of toxic individuals or groups.

10. Celebrate Diversity: Actively celebrate the diversity within the community, whether it’s cultural, spiritual, or experiential. Highlight different practices, traditions, and viewpoints through community events, discussions, and shared resources. By embracing diversity, we create a richer, more dynamic community where all members feel valued and respected.

11. Create Safe Spaces: Establish safe spaces within the community where members can retreat from the pressures of the broader group dynamics. These spaces can be physical, like smaller study groups or meetups, or virtual, like private discussion forums where members can share openly without fear of judgment. Safe spaces help individuals feel supported and heard, which is essential for a healthy community.

12. Engage in Self-Reflection: Encourage self-reflection within the community. Regularly assess the health of the group and your role within it. Are you contributing to a positive, supportive environment? Are there areas where you could do better? By engaging in self-reflection, we can identify and address behaviours that may be inadvertently contributing to the committee mentality.

13. Support Healing and Reconciliation: When harm has been done within the community, prioritise healing and reconciliation. This might involve mediating conflicts, offering apologies, or creating opportunities for dialogue and understanding. Healing past wounds is crucial for moving forward and rebuilding trust within the community.

Where to From Here?

As we move forward, the path to reclaiming our community lies in our collective hands. Each of us has a role to play in dismantling the toxic committee mentality and fostering a space that truly reflects the values of inclusivity, respect, and collaboration. It’s not about returning to an idealised past but about consciously shaping the future of our community. By embracing these principles and challenging behaviours that undermine our shared goals, we can create a vibrant, supportive environment where all practitioners can thrive.

The journey won’t always be easy, but with commitment and compassion, we can steer our community towards a future that honours the diversity, autonomy, and spirit that defines the heart of witchcraft. So, where do we go from here? The answer lies in our willingness to be the change we wish to see, to lead with integrity, and to always strive for a community that uplifts and empowers every one of its members.