The most insidious control often masquerades as guidance. For centuries, the raw power of witchcraft has been subtly infiltrated, shaped, and even suppressed by the pervasive influence of Christian ideologies. This article is not a condemnation of faith, but an unveiling of the ways patriarchal structures and fear-based dogmas have diluted the true essence of magick, leaving many practitioners unknowingly bound by invisible chains. We will explore the what, where, when, why, who and how of this phenomenon. This article explores how and why this insidious intrusion happened, and the effect it had on true magick and how to reclaim this magick.
The Poisoned Chalice:
What is Christian Control in Witchcraft?
Christian Control in Witchcraft refers to the subtle and overt ways Christian beliefs, values, and power structures have influenced, shaped, and in some cases, suppressed the practice of witchcraft. This influence is not always obvious; it often operates beneath the surface, manifesting as internalized guilt, fear-based limitations, and the unconscious adoption of patriarchal paradigms. This infiltration has happened over centuries in different cultures, because of the rise of the Christian religion. This has been done in order to stop true magick from taking place.
**Where Did This Happen?
A Global Contamination.**
This influence isn’t localized; it’s a global phenomenon woven into the fabric of Western occultism and beyond. From the sanitization of Wiccan rituals to the fear of “dark” magick in eclectic traditions, the echoes of Christian morality resonate in unexpected corners. They are resonating globally because the Christian influence is global.
**When Did This Begin?
A History of Suppression.**
The seeds of control were sown during the historical persecution of witches. The witch hunts of the medieval and early modern periods served not only to eliminate perceived threats to the Church’s authority but also to instill fear and self-censorship within the surviving pagan communities. This was when the patriarchy took place. The fear put into communities was so intense that it is still felt today.
**Why Does This Matter?
Reclaiming Authentic Power.**
Understanding this influence is crucial for reclaiming your authentic power. By identifying and dismantling these internalized limitations, you can unlock a deeper, more potent connection to the wellspring of magick within you. Witches are becoming more aware of this fact, making it more clear and easier to remove the infiltrated influence.
**Who is Affected?
Every Practitioner, in Some Way.**
Whether you’re a seasoned witch or a curious beginner, the influence of Christian control likely touches your practice in some way. Recognizing this allows you to make conscious choices about what you embrace and what you discard. All practitioners are touched by this, even if they do not see it.
**How Does This Manifest?
Subtle Chains & Overt Shackles.**
Christian control manifests
in various forms:
* **Internalized Guilt:**
The persistent feeling that certain spells or practices are “wrong” or “evil,” often stemming from Christian notions of sin. This guilt stifles your true power.
* **Patriarchal Paradigms:**
The unconscious adoption of male-dominated hierarchies within covens or solitary practices. The suppression of female power is a key component of Christian control.
* **Fear of “Dark” Magick:**
An exaggerated fear of any magick that isn’t explicitly “light” or “positive,” often rooted in Christian dualism (good vs. evil).
* **Sanitized Rituals:**
The removal of raw, primal energy from rituals in favor of overly sanitized and “safe” practices. This dilutes the potency of your work.
* **Suppressed Sexuality:**
The association of sensuality and sexuality with sin, leading to a suppression of these powerful forces within your magickal practice.
* **Diminished Value of Intuition**:
A subtle devaluation of your own intuition and direct connection with the divine, in favor of relying on external authorities or pre-defined texts.
**Breaking the Chains:
A Path to Liberation**
Liberation from Christian control is a journey of self-discovery and empowerment.
Here are some steps you can take:
* **Examine Your Beliefs:**
Critically analyze your own beliefs and practices.
Where do they come from?
Are they truly aligned with your values, or are they inherited from external sources?
* **Reclaim Your Sexuality:**
Embrace your sensuality as a sacred and powerful force. Incorporate it into your magickal practice without shame or guilt.
* **Embrace the Shadow:**
Explore the “dark” aspects of yourself and the world around you. Shadow work is essential for integrating all aspects of your being and unlocking your full potential.
* **Trust Your Intuition:**
Develop your intuition through meditation, divination, and dreamwork. Learn to trust your own inner guidance above all else.
* **Reclaim Primal Energy:**
Incorporate raw, untamed energy into your rituals. Don’t be afraid to get messy, loud, and passionate.
* **Question Authority:**
Don’t blindly accept everything you read or hear. Question authority figures and develop your own independent judgment.
**A Ritual for Reclaiming Power:**
This ritual is designed to help you break free from internalized limitations and reclaim your power.
* **Ingredients:**
– Black candle,
– athame (or sharp object),
– a bowl of saltwater,
– a mirror.
* **Instructions:**
1. Cast a circle in your usual manner.
2. Light the black candle and place it in front of the mirror.
3. Gaze into the mirror and see your reflection. Acknowledge the parts of yourself that have been suppressed or controlled by external forces.
4. Take the athame and dip it into the saltwater.
5. Hold the athame up to the mirror and say:
“I sever the ties that bind me to fear, guilt, and limitation. I reclaim my power, my will, and my destiny.”
6. Visualize the athame cutting through any cords or chains that bind you.
7. Repeat the affirmation three times.
8. Ground and center yourself.
9. Thank the elements and deities you work with.
10. Close the circle.
**A Spell for Cutting Cords:**
This spell helps to break free from the lingering influence of Christian Control that no longer serves you.
* **Ingredients:**
* Black thread or string
* Scissors
* A black candle
* Piece of paper
* Pen or pencil
* **Instructions:**
1. Prepare your sacred space and light the black candle. Take a few deep breaths to center yourself and focus your intention on breaking free from all energies linked to Christian Control that is holding you back.
2. Write down specific aspects of Christian Control that affect you on the piece of paper. Be as precise as you can. Some examples:
* Feeling guilty about practicing magick.
* Fear of judgment for your beliefs.
* Internalized beliefs about “good” and “evil.”
* etc.
3. Hold the black thread in your hands. Visualize this thread as a connection to each one of the specific limiting energies of Christian Control you described on the piece of paper. Feel the tension and weight of these connections.
4. Tie knots in the thread to further anchor your intention and visualize each knot solidifying your commitment to breaking free from the limitations you named.
5. Say these words with conviction:
“With this thread, I represent the bonds that hold me back.
With every knot, my will to be free is tracked.
I sever these ties with a determined hand,
Reclaiming my power in this sacred land.”
6. Take the scissors and cut the thread sharply in the middle. As you cut, visualize the cords breaking, releasing the pent-up energies and freeing you from the influences holding you back.
7. Burn the piece of paper with the Black candle.
8. Dispose of the ashes in a safe manner. Thank the elements and deities you work with.
9. Extinguish the candle and take a few more deep breaths, feeling the lightness and freedom that comes with releasing what no longer serves you.
**A Meditation for Inner Liberation:**
This meditation helps you to connect with your inner power and break free from internalized limitations.
* **Instructions:**
1. Find a quiet place where you can relax and be undisturbed.
2. Sit comfortably and close your eyes.
3. Take a few deep breaths and focus on your breath.
4. Visualize a bright light emanating from your heart.
5. See the light expanding, filling your entire body.
6. As the light grows, visualize any areas of darkness or tension within you. These represent the internalized limitations that are holding you back.
7. Focus on the light and allow it to dissolve the darkness.
8. Feel the tension melting away, replaced by a sense of peace and empowerment.
9. Repeat the affirmation:
“I am free. I am powerful. I am sovereign.”
10. Continue meditating for 10-15 minutes.
11. When you are ready, open your eyes and feel the newfound sense of liberation within you.
The cycle of control is not unbreakable. Through conscious awareness, critical analysis, and potent magick, you can break free from the chains that bind you and reclaim your birthright as a powerful, sovereign being.
