Sorcery & Witchcraft

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Permalink Reply by Chirotus Infinitum on April 1, 2009 at 1:13pm

As best as I can tell ...
Witchcraft is what is considered "low" magic -- it deals primarily with herbs, stones, and other objects and is based in a connection to nature and the similarity between things. It largely deals with healing, fertility, and cursing. Sorcery could be considered a "middle" magic, as it still uses objects and similarities, but is slightly more abstract and less dependent upon them. It is primarily concerned with effects magic. Wizardry is "high" magic and is done mostly on the level of thought. It contains a relatively high mystical emphasis.

At least that's how I understand it. Hope that helps.

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Permalink Reply by Ryver on April 1, 2009 at 1:33pm

That's one way of looking at it, I guess. I'll have to give that one some thought.

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Permalink Reply by Ikinde on April 2, 2009 at 10:26am

That's an interesting take. And, I only say this because there are intellegences regarding the magicks of witchcraft who will state that there are 2 distinctive magicks, actually, in craft: High and Low.

Now, when I've discussed this with my elders, it was suggested that this idealism was inspired by Ceremonial Magick being integrated into Wiccan belief... the Tree of Life, et al.

Perhaps, there are differing levels of magicks within the different magicks, that denote how they are tapped by the practitioners? And, perhaps, the umbrella levels (I don't even know how to put it, so I hope that works) would, indeed, separate how the differences among Sorcery, Witchcraft and Psychism can be identified... for seekers on the path. (?)

I would have to say, though, someone mastering the Hi's and Lo's of all branches of these magicks, would be very balanced - magickally. I don't think - and, this is only my opinion - they would be considered too mentally balanced [old addage, 'power corrupts', and all].

But, I do find your reply intriguing.

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Permalink Reply by Chirotus Infinitum on April 4, 2009 at 1:14am

The distinction between high and low magic generally refers to how abstractly the magician performs his or her craft. High magic is highly structured and specific, and generally requires designated tools and space to perform "correctly." Low magic is less structured and rigid, and uses more common items and spaces in its performance. In short, high magic was carried on by wealthy, educated people, and low magic was carried on by relatively uneducated, peasant folk.

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Permalink Reply by Pavlor on April 2, 2009 at 9:54am

Would you consider sorcery and witchcraft the same, Darknyss and Sorcerer of Massu?

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Permalink Reply by Pavlor on April 3, 2009 at 10:08am

I see what you mean, and most definitely, the notion of sorcery is one that is "deeper", although I am positive you will have people stating that this is not the case. I read somewhere here that sorcery wasn't disciplined and not as "deep" as witchcraft - basically one delves into sorcery superificially (*lol*); someone then agreed with this statement and I didn't bother replying. I really believe that people have personal definitions in this area, and I agree with you on this for the most part.

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Permalink Reply by asegod on April 4, 2009 at 2:05pm

I use supernatural energies sometimes in my magicks yet I do not see myself as a sorcerer. What is in a title? Is it not better to be who you are than to be labeled as something?

Some who know me call me witch, shaman,sorcerer, alchemist, demon, but I am just me. my path is my own without a title. Does having a name give one power over another? Does it command respect?

Druid means wisdom seeker. I believe we who honestly practice are all wisdom seekers, so are we Druids?

I think if we stop and look we will see ourselves as all things, but at the end of the day we will still just be who we are.

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Permalink Reply by Taibhsear sun on April 3, 2009 at 2:32am

I am reading this book currently and agree with it's seniments. A wizard or witch generally works toward the betterment of self others and earth. Though sorcery is deffined as any magick that is done for personal gain it is not ussually a dark thing. A sorcerer/sorseress is someone who desires to use the magick of self gain to impose their will on others. They seek to control. Ironically the very spells we use to help these "misguided souls" i.e. binding and the like are by definition spells of a sorcerer/sorceress as they are impossing one will on another. It's all comes down to magick not being good or evil. All magick is potential it's what we use it for that defines it as dark or light. If you are a sorcerer you are not nessesarily bad person.

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Permalink Reply by Pavlor on April 3, 2009 at 11:52am

A sorcerer/sorseress is someone who desires to use the magick of self gain to impose their will on others.

I am not sure I'd agree with this, but that's okay. I believe that sorcery has different models (or paradigms but I am beginning to dislike that word) depending on with "tradition" you practise. That said, sorcery can be practised independent of traditions, in my opinion.

I see some of the old grimoire stuff (especially sigil work) I do as sorcery but there is no "controlling". I work with Dæmons but my understanding of Dæmons, as is my tradition, does not regard the Dæmon as something "evil", but benign. If I'm employing external dæmonolatrous work (i.e., actual "beings"), whilst I am careful, I'm never worried. A Dæmon, or any entity/being/person can never get to the *nous*, the place that only *you* know about. If you are unaware of this place, this is where all the problems begin. O_o

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Permalink Reply by Nathaniel Red on April 1, 2009 at 7:42pm

Sorcery and Wizardry are basically the same thing in my book - it's the art of power that the practitioner uses - the practicioner being witch, wizard what ever name you want to call it. They all pretty much mean the same thing, except (IMO) when it comes to the term Wiccan.

Sorcery deals more with tradtional witchcraft, but in its more intense forms such as controlling other people and very focused elemental work.

As for the term 'low magick'.. IMO, it's derogatory.. It was put in place by the higher people (the richer people in medieval society who practiced 'High magick' and had the time for elaborate ceremony. IMO, it really makes the witch to be able to focus the power of 'low magick' to the intense states of ceremonial magick in half the time. It can be done, as it is a state of mind.) Being able to use the forces of spirit, with acuracy and focused will (unhindered by religious DOGMA, as sorcery is usually under the personal ethics of the practicioner) is how I would describe it. Its more or less the practioners craft taken down into the science of how it works and knowing the ins and outs of spiritual force.

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Permalink Reply by Julie on April 2, 2009 at 12:29am

Are there any others? Does Chris Angel count?

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Permalink Reply by Ryver on April 2, 2009 at 4:14am

LOL Yeah, Cris Angel probably would be in a class all by himself.

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