Sticks & Stones The Blog

The difference between community and committee in online witchcraft spaces is more than just a matter of terminology—it’s a fundamental distinction that has profound implications for the health and vitality of the space. While community is about inclusivity, collaboration, support, and autonomy, the committee is about exclusivity, control, judgment, and suppression.

As members of the broader witchcraft community, it’s our responsibility to ensure that our spaces remain true to the values that make them vibrant, welcoming, and supportive. By consciously rejecting the committee mindset and embracing the principles of true community, we can create spaces where all practitioners are valued, where diverse voices are heard, and where the free exchange of knowledge and ideas can flourish.

Let us strive to build and maintain communities that reflect the best of what we can be—spaces of growth, learning, and mutual support, where the light of each practitioner can shine brightly, unimpeded by the shadow of control and judgment. In doing so, we reclaim not just our spaces, but the very essence of what it means to be part of a community in the truest sense of the word.

When we talk about animals in the context of witchcraft and magic, the terms "familiar" and "house pet" often come up. On the surface, they might seem similar—they both refer to animals, after all. But within the world of magic, they hold very different meanings and roles. Understanding these differences is important for anyone exploring witchcraft or curious about the spiritual significance some animals may hold. House Pets: Loyal Companions Let’s start with house pets. A house pet is an animal we keep for companionship and joy. The pet you purchased from the pet store or breeder. Think of your...

While we are on the subject of Breath being Life within witchcraft, lets talk about the hypocrisy of blowing out candles. In the modern witchcraft community, especially in online spaces like WitchTok, there seems to be an unending stream of "rules" and "proper" ways to practice magic. One such example is the belief that it’s disrespectful to blow out your candle flame. Ironically, the same witches who espouse this rule are often the ones who participate in the popular practice of blowing cinnamon into their front doors on the first of the month. This contradiction highlights a significant issue within...

Witchcraft is a deeply personal and individualistic practice, especially for solitary practitioners. The act of banding together to excommunicate someone not only contradicts the essence of solitary practice but also reveals a lack of understanding and respect for the diversity and inclusivity that makes witchcraft so powerful. This behaviour, often rooted in groupthink and hypocrisy, ultimately harms the community and undermines its integrity. By embracing compassion, understanding, and respect for diversity, the witchcraft community can move beyond these divisive practices and continue to flourish.

Addressing past actions within the WitchTok community requires a nuanced approach that considers the severity of the actions and the context in which they occurred. By promoting accountability with empathy, understanding the context of past actions, and discouraging malicious behaviour, we can foster a more supportive and ethical community.