Why Witches Look Foolish When Solitary Practitioners "Excommunicate" Another from the Witchcraft Community
Do you think excommunication and cyberbullying share troubling similarities, both involving collective efforts to ostracize and harm individuals based on personal grievances or perceived transgressions? Do these behaviours undermine the principles of inclusivity, diversity, and respect that are central to healthy communities? Id love for you to read this blog and my 2 cents on the matter and decide at the end.
In the wide world of witchcraft, solitary practice is celebrated for its personal, individualistic nature. Many witches value their independence, crafting unique paths and spiritual practices that resonate deeply on a personal level. However, a curious and troubling phenomenon has emerged within the Witchtok community: solitary practitioners banding together to "excommunicate" others from the community. This collective behaviour not only contradicts the essence of solitary practice but also undermines the very principles of witchcraft. Here’s why this behaviour makes witches look foolish.
The Irony of Solitary Practitioners Banding Together
The term "solitary practitioner" inherently implies a path walked alone. These witches typically eschew the hierarchical and dogmatic structures found in organised religion, seeking instead to cultivate a personal relationship with the divine, nature, and their own inner power. When these individuals band together to excommunicate someone, they betray the fundamental principles of solitary practice. This contradiction reveals a lack of understanding and respect for the very path they claim to follow.
Witchcraft is Inherently Inclusive and Diverse
One of the most beautiful aspects of witchcraft is its inclusivity and diversity. There is no single "right way" to practise; each witch's journey is unique. This diversity is what makes the community rich and vibrant. When a group of witches attempts to excommunicate someone, they are enforcing a narrow, dogmatic view of what witchcraft should be. This behaviour mirrors the exclusionary practices of the very institutions many witches seek to distance themselves from, such as organised religions that dictate strict codes of belief and behaviour.
The Absurdity of Online "Excommunication"
The concept of excommunication originates from religious institutions with defined hierarchies and centralised authority. Witchcraft, particularly solitary practice, lacks such a structure. The idea that a group of self-appointed arbiters can banish someone from a decentralised, individualistic spiritual path is inherently absurd. There is no witchcraft pope, no central council with the power to dictate who can or cannot practise. Online "excommunication" is nothing more than social ostracism, lacking any real spiritual or community authority.
Excommunication: A Term Witches Do Not Use
Excommunication is a word that holds no real place in the lexicon of witches. Witchcraft, with its diverse and inclusive nature, does not support turning one’s back on others over exaggerated personal qualms and issues. Instead of resorting to such extreme measures, witches have the simple option of blocking and forgetting those they disagree with. This approach respects the individualistic and non-dogmatic principles of witchcraft, allowing each person to continue their path without unnecessary conflict.
Personal Issues and Private Lives
The use of excommunication within the witchcraft community often stems from personal issues and conflicts arising from the private lives of individual practitioners. This practice is not only unnecessary but also harmful. Witchcraft thrives on the personal and spiritual growth of each practitioner, and involving oneself in the private affairs of others to the point of expelling them from the community is counterproductive. Each witch’s journey is personal and unique, and respecting this individuality is key to a healthy, thriving community.
Echo Chambers, Dog Piles, and Gangs of Bullies
When solitary practitioners band together to excommunicate someone, they often fall into the trap of echo chambers, dog piles, and gangs of bullies. An echo chamber amplifies existing beliefs, leading to a one-sided, biased perspective. In these situations, a dog pile ensues, where multiple people join in to criticise and ostracise the targeted individual. This behaviour creates a gang of bullies positioning themselves as leaders of a community that inherently has no leaders other than respected elders. This dynamic stifles critical thinking and encourages a mob mentality that punishes dissent and diversity of thought. Witchcraft, which thrives on questioning, exploring, and personal growth, suffers under such conditions.
The Hypocrisy of Claiming Moral High Ground
Many online excommunications are framed as moral crusades, with the excommunicators positioning themselves as defenders of the truth, defenders of the true path of witchcraft, or under the guise of "protecting new witches". However, this moral high ground is often built on shaky foundations. The behaviour exhibited by these groups—bullying, harassment, and public shaming—contradicts the ethical principles many witches hold dear, such as the Wiccan ideology of harm none and the even more widely agreed importance of personal responsibility. By engaging in such toxic behaviour, these individuals reveal their own hypocrisy and diminish the integrity of the witchcraft community.
The Harmful Impact on the Targeted Individual
Excommunication, even in an informal, online context, can have severe emotional and psychological impacts on the targeted individual. The public shaming and ostracism can lead to feelings of isolation, anxiety, and depression. In a community that prides itself on healing and empowerment, inflicting such harm is profoundly contradictory. Witchcraft should be a source of support and strength, not a weapon for social punishment.
The Need for Compassion and Understanding
Instead of excommunication, the witchcraft community should foster an environment of compassion and understanding. When disagreements or conflicts arise, they should be addressed with open dialogue and a willingness to listen. This approach not only preserves the integrity of the community but also promotes personal and spiritual growth. It’s important to remember that everyone is on their own unique journey, and what works for one person may not work for another. Respecting this diversity is crucial for a healthy, vibrant community.
The Path Forward
To move forward, the witchcraft community must reject the practice of excommunication and embrace the core values of inclusivity, diversity, and personal responsibility. This means recognising the absurdity of solitary practitioners banding together to police each other’s practices and instead focusing on their own spiritual journeys. By fostering an environment of mutual respect and support, the community can thrive and grow, honouring the true spirit of witchcraft.
Stay Magical
xoxo