Currently, I live in South Texas with 1 sister, 2 dogs, 3 cats, 3 parakeets, and 24 chickens. I've practiced The Craft for several years, but the last few have been the most intensive. In my research and hopefully growth as a practitioner, I realized that what I was researching and seeing on the internet and in books was mostly geared toward using the Western European or "traditional" practice. In South Texas, for example, many items used in the more traditional practices don't flourish. But, what does flourishes is a strong cultural presence accepting and incorporating witchcraft of various forms. Native American, Hispanic cultures (formed from Native American and mostly Spanish settlers) as well as strongly-German-influenced settlers brought along their own traditions to my area, including ones rooted in their own versions of witchcraft. My personal journey mixed strong Christianity initially then added witchcraft later. I continue to read about other religions and philosophies and have incorporated thoughts and practices that worked for me.
As I learned more about traditions and practices of various origins, I noticed that my family incorporated many traditional 'witchcrafty' things but never labeled them witchcraft. We collected rocks with holes in them. I was introduced to planting by the moon and what my grandparent's version of charity and tithing meant. We learned how to use cobwebs in wounds and wet tobacco on stings. Every drop of a piece of silverware meant someone was coming to visit. These and other things were carried forward while continuing to practice Christianity. I eagerly accepted what was practiced in my home. Today, in the philosophy of using one's own energy for manifestations, I tend toward witchcraft, but do not believe that witchcraft and Christianity are distinct but more like an overlapping spiritual Venn Diagram.
I sincerely hope is that this website is a useful tool for our sisters and brothers that live in southern arid regions of the US and other similar places that can be a hurdle to traditional witchcraft. I am curious about how your journeys have fared. Please let me know.
Regards,
Alibaster Spring
