In modern witchcraft, the conversation around what is considered "traditional" is as complex as the craft itself. One statement that frequently arises in this discourse is the belief that "you can't practise traditional craft if you don't live on the land." For instance, some argue that you can't be a traditional Scottish witch if you don't live in Scotland. This phrase, and others like it, often leads to debates on the validity of someone’s magical path if they’re disconnected from the geographical origin of that tradition. But is this statement truly problematic, or does it hold a degree of truth?
In this exploration of traditional versus traditions, we'll examine the importance of land in witchcraft, the nuances of cultural heritage, and whether such statements invalidate the spiritual paths of those practising traditions away from their geographic origins. We'll also look at whether tradition is something fixed or something that can evolve and adapt across borders.
Defining "Traditional" in Witchcraft
To begin this discussion, it’s crucial to define what we mean by "traditional" in witchcraft. The term often refers to practices rooted in historical, folk, or ancestral customs passed down through generations. A traditional Scottish witch, for example, may follow practices related to Scottish folklore, natural landmarks, and indigenous spirits of the land. Similarly, a traditional Italian witch might practice folk magic tied to the seasonal cycles and deities of the Italian landscape.
What defines traditional craft is its deep connection to the land, its people, and their relationship with the elements and spirits of a particular place. In this sense, geographic location plays a pivotal role. The landscape informs the practice, from the plants that are gathered to the spirits or gods that are venerated.
The Argument for Land-Based Traditional Craft
For many practitioners, especially those deeply involved in folk witchcraft, living on the land associated with their tradition feels integral to their practice. For example, a witch living in Scotland might feel a tangible connection to the ancient sites, native trees, and folklore woven into the fabric of Scottish witchcraft. These witches often assert that the very essence of the tradition is intertwined with the soil, weather patterns, and natural energies of the specific region.
This belief extends to the spirits of the land, who are seen as crucial allies in traditional witchcraft. In Scottish tradition, these spirits may include the fae or ancient guardians of the land. To practitioners living within Scotland, the idea of these spirits extending beyond the country's borders may seem inconceivable, lending weight to the idea that you cannot truly be a traditional Scottish witch if you do not reside in Scotland.
From this perspective, the statement "you can't practise traditional craft if you don't live on the land" could be seen as a way to preserve the authenticity and integrity of the tradition. It stresses the importance of living in and communing with the landscape where that particular form of magic developed.
The Problematic Nature of Exclusionary Statements
While the idea of a land-based connection is foundational for some practitioners, the belief that one cannot practise traditional witchcraft unless they live on the land becomes problematic when it turns into a gatekeeping mechanism. The modern world is vastly different from the one where these folk traditions originated. With migration, diaspora, and even digital connectivity, many witches find themselves living far from their ancestral homelands. Does this disqualify them from following their traditional craft?
This gatekeeping is especially problematic for witches in the diaspora or those whose families were displaced through colonisation, war, or economic migration. If your ancestors were Scottish but moved to another country generations ago, should you be denied access to the traditional practices of your heritage simply because you don’t reside in the Highlands? What about those who connect deeply with a tradition on a spiritual level but live thousands of miles away? These questions highlight the complexity of this issue.
Dismissing someone’s path because they don’t live in the geographic origin of their craft not only invalidates personal spiritual experiences but also ignores the fluidity of traditions. Witchcraft, especially folk magic, was built on adaptation and survival. If we claim that a person must reside on specific land to practise their craft, we’re potentially erasing the significance of the spiritual connection that transcends borders.
Tradition as a Living, Breathing Practice
Another point to consider is whether tradition is something static and unchanging or if it can evolve. Historically, witchcraft and folk magic have always adapted to the circumstances and landscapes in which they were practised. If a practitioner relocates, should their practice not evolve with them? Should they not honour the spirits and landscape of their new environment while still maintaining a connection to their ancestral or traditional craft?
The statement that "you can't practise traditional craft if you don't live on the land" assumes that witchcraft practices are rigid and bound exclusively to geographical locations. This idea disregards the dynamic nature of magic, which is as much about personal growth, energy, and intent as it is about location.
For example, a Scottish witch who moves to Australia might find herself connecting to the Australian landscape, its spirits, and native plants. However, that doesn’t negate her connection to Scottish traditions. Rather than seeing these two environments as mutually exclusive, she could incorporate the local land spirits into her traditional Scottish folk practices, creating a rich, hybrid practice that honours both her ancestry and her new home.
The key lies in the ability to adapt and honour both the old and new. Folk magic, by nature, is not dogmatic—it is practical and adaptive. Therefore, practitioners who respect the traditions of their homeland and the spirits of their new environment are not necessarily abandoning traditional witchcraft but are evolving with it.
The Importance of Spiritual Connection
One of the most vital elements of traditional witchcraft is the spiritual connection—both to one’s ancestors and to the spirits of the land. It’s this relationship that gives the practice its power, not merely the geographic location. While living on ancestral land may offer an additional layer of depth to the practice, it is not the only path to meaningful witchcraft. Spiritual connection transcends geography.
For witches who cannot live on their ancestral land, there are other ways to maintain a connection. These might include studying the folklore and history of their ancestors, working with traditional plants or tools (where ethically possible), and honouring the spirits from a distance through offerings and rituals. The land does not always need to be physically underfoot; sometimes, it is a spiritual landscape that one carries within themselves.
Those who insist that physical proximity is the only way to practise traditional craft may miss the broader scope of spiritual engagement. The connection to ancestors, land, and traditions is deeply personal, and to dismiss it based on geography can be seen as reductionist. Witchcraft is, after all, about relationship—whether that’s with the spirits, the elements, or one’s own inner power.
Tradition in the Global Era
In the globalised world, we have more access to information and cultural exchange than ever before. This opens up the possibility for witches to learn about different practices, connect with others who share similar paths, and explore the traditions of their ancestors, regardless of where they live. However, this comes with the responsibility of approaching these traditions with respect, care, and understanding.
While it's essential to avoid cultural appropriation or cherry-picking elements of a tradition without understanding its depth, we also must be careful not to invalidate the genuine spiritual connections people have, even if they’re outside the geographic region of their chosen or ancestral craft.
The idea that you must live in a specific location to engage with traditional witchcraft also risks alienating those who have been displaced through no fault of their own. It can create an atmosphere of elitism, where only those who meet specific criteria are considered legitimate. This attitude can foster division within the witchcraft community, which should ideally be a space of inclusion, support, and shared learning.
A Balanced Approach to Traditional Witchcraft
Ultimately, the statement "you can't practise traditional craft if you don't live on the land" reveals a tension between preserving authenticity and acknowledging the realities of modern life. While it’s true that geographic location can enhance one’s connection to a specific tradition, it is not the sole determinant of a valid practice. Spiritual connection, respect for the land, and the ability to adapt to new environments are equally important.
Traditional witchcraft should not be about exclusion but about deepening one’s relationship with the craft—whether that’s through the land you walk on or the spiritual ties that bind you to your ancestors and their traditions. Practising traditional craft in a new land does not negate the tradition; it is an evolution of it, as witches have always done—adapting, surviving, and thriving.
In the end, tradition is not about dogma but about connection, respect, and intent. Whether you live in the land of your ancestors or have moved far away, your practice can still hold deep meaning, provided it is approached with integrity and an open heart. Traditions are living practices, and witchcraft, at its core, is about personal empowerment, not about rigid adherence to someone else’s rules.