#witch of duality

[iridesca-enchantress]

Made somethin

[violetmoondaughter]

Many are the faces of the Hellenic God Dionysus, but the duality of his nature is sometimes connected with two specific plants associated to the god. Dionysus relates to many plants such as Fig, Oak, Pine, Vine and Ivy, these two are specifically connected with two opposite faces of the god. 

Grapevine starts its annual growth cycle in spring with bud break. During spring and summer, the plant grows and after flowering the vine sets the fruits that are usually harvested in early autumn. Following the first frost the leaves begin to fall as the vine starts to enter its winter dormancy period. The following spring, the cycle begins again. Following the same annual cycle Dionysus is seen as a god that is reborn every spring, bringing during the hot season prosperity and abundance before disappearing in winter. Grapevine grows thanks to the hot weather and humidity and so it represents the warm fertilizing humidity power of the god. Grape is used to create wine which is the drink sacred to Dionysus because of its ability to release mental faculties.  

Ivy on the other hand, blossoms in the autumn when the vines are harvested and bears fruit in the spring. As an evergreen plant, ivy needs cold weather and humidity to grow and flower.  Ivy vines crawl as snakes and in the myth, ivy appeared soon after the birth of Dionysus to shelter the child from the flames that burned the mother's body. To its freshness was attributed the virtue of dispelling the ardor of wine, so Dionysus was believed to have commanded his worshippers to crown themselves with it. Ivy, in contrast to the vine that bore fruit bearing vitality and exaltation, produced a poison that sterilized and had medicinal virtues that were refreshingly depurative and narcotic. The plant is also connected with thunder and lightning and was believed to have the power to protect from lightning and cure sore throat and cough. 

Thus these two plants sacred to Dionysus are contrasted with each other in an eloquent contrast: the vine, drunk with light, is a child of heat and returns the rays of the sun by warming, with its libation, bodies and souls, while the ivy shows itself to be cold in nature; indeed the sterility and uselessness of its first sprouts recall night and death. 

Their affinity is rooted in the very essence of the dual-figured god, whose nature is expressed from the earth by means of them: light and darkness, warmth and coldness, intoxication of life and breath of death that withers everything; the multiplicity of the Dionysian aspects struggling with each other and yet conjoined with each other is manifested here in vegetal form, stands in struggle with itself and prodigiously transitions from one form into the other. 

Dionysus rules over all moist and hot creatures whose symbol would also be wine, as a hot and moist substance. In wine, heat is made ardor drink of fire that overwhelms everything, that ignites the soul and the body. But the moist heat is contrasted with the moist cold that as a Dionysian element, is manifested in ivy, a plant that greens even in winter when the Dionysian festivals take place.

[ghostpajamas]

thinking so seriously about the hs sona, im afraid

[aquamariinaa]

[deaddovehasbeeneaten]

If you ever feel bad just remember that Michael Curry's mid life crisis consisted among other things of fathering not one but TWO demon babies.

[grey-sorcery]

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Disclaimer:

This article is philosophical in nature, and thus a lot of the concepts are open for discussion and are not factual, with the exception of how philosophical ideas effect marginalized communities.

Dualities in Witchcraft

In the realm of witchcraft, the concept of dualities holds significant importance as it encompasses a wide array of contrasting forces and energies. Dualities refer to the inherent coexistence of opposing elements within magical practices, embodying the interplay between light and dark, positive and negative, and masculine and feminine energies. Understanding the multifaceted nature of these dualities is crucial for practitioners seeking to deepen their knowledge and enhance their craft. Recognizing the impact of dualities on various aspects of witchcraft practices is paramount, as these opposing forces shape rituals, spellwork, and the very essence of magical experiences. By comprehending the nuances of dualities, practitioners can effectively harness their power and attain a harmonious equilibrium in their practice. Furthermore, exploring the implications of dualities in witchcraft provides insights into broader themes such as balance, interconnectedness, and personal growth.

This article aims to delve into the intricate nature of dualities within witchcraft, shedding light on their potential to both aid and hinder magical endeavors. A particular focus will be placed on examining the intersection of dualities with queerness, BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) individuals, cultural appropriation, and community efforts. Through this exploration, we seek to foster a deeper understanding of the diverse perspectives and experiences surrounding the intricate relationship between dualities and the aforementioned themes.

What are Dualities?

Dualities within witchcraft encompass the fundamental existence of opposing forces or energies. These contrasting elements are intricately intertwined, forming a dynamic and complex web that shapes the magical landscape. Polarity and balance are intrinsic aspects of dualities in witchcraft, representing the extreme ends of a spectrum, such as feminine and masculine energies, light and dark, or creation and destruction. While many of these dualities have a negative impact on marginalized practitioners and traditions, witchcraft endeavors to find a harmonious equilibrium between these opposing forces, emphasizing the significance of striking a balance to achieve desired outcomes in magical practices. By embracing both sides of a duality, practitioners can access the full spectrum of power available to them.

It is important to acknowledge that dualities can be perceived and experienced differently by individuals and communities within the witchcraft community. Various factors, including cultural backgrounds, personal beliefs, and experiences, shape these perspectives. For instance, queer individuals may explore dualities in the context of self-acceptance, embracing the integration of different aspects of their identities. BIPOC individuals may interpret dualities through the lens of ancestral wisdom and cultural practices. However, it is crucial to understand that the precedence set by dualities presents challenges that necessitate critical examination.

Some examples of dualities that are commonly found in magical practices:

Light and Dark

Positive and Negative 

Masculine and Feminine 

Sun and Moon 

Earth and Sky 

Life and Death 

Creation and Destruction 

Order and Chaos 

Spirit and Matter 

Inner and Outer 

Conscious and Unconscious 

Above and Below

Physical and Spiritual 

Ego and Higher Self 

Divine Feminine and Divine Masculine 

Divine Love and Divine Power 

Intuition and Logic 

Stillness and Movement 

Sacred and Profane 

Individual and Collective 

Dualities and Intersectionality

The intersection of dualities and queerness provides fertile ground for exploration within witchcraft. Queer individuals often find empowerment and solace in witchcraft as a means to reclaim their identities and challenge societal norms. The duality inherent in queerness, such as the juxtaposition of authenticity and conformity, can be embraced as a catalyst for personal growth and magical transformation. Witchcraft can help queer individuals challenge binary constructs deeply ingrained in society. The coexistence of dualities invites practitioners to transcend traditional gender roles and explore non-normative expressions of identity.

The richness of these diverse perspectives contributes to the collective wisdom of witchcraft communities, promoting inclusivity and expanding the boundaries of magical practice. Traditionally, dualities have been perceived as opposing forces or concepts, such as light and dark, positive and negative, and masculine and feminine. However, it is essential to recognize that these dualities can be more effectively understood as intersectional spectrums, acknowledging the complex interactions with concepts such as racism, queerness, mental illness, colonization, and white supremacy. By deconstructing binary thinking and embracing intersectional spectrums, the community can challenge and dismantle hierarchies and power dynamics. This involves recognizing the ways in which white supremacy, colonization, and other oppressive structures influence and perpetuate imbalances within the practice of witchcraft. Addressing these power dynamics paves the way for a more equitable and just community.

The Harm of Dualities

While dualities in witchcraft can be empowering, it is crucial to acknowledge their potential for harm. Dualities can sometimes perpetuate exclusionary and divisive practices, reinforcing harmful binaries and reinforcing societal norms that marginalize certain groups. It is essential to critically examine the ways in which these dualities can inadvertently cause harm within the witchcraft community. The very nature of dualities can inadvertently perpetuate exclusionary practices within witchcraft. When dualities are rigidly defined and enforced, they can limit the potential for growth and stifle the exploration of alternative perspectives. This can lead to the marginalization of individuals who do not conform to traditional binary constructs or who find themselves outside the mainstream narrative of witchcraft. Dualities can have a disproportionate impact on marginalized communities, including queer and BIPOC individuals. Traditional understandings of dualities may not fully encompass the diverse experiences and identities within these communities, leading to erasure, prejudice, or invalidation. It is crucial to critically examine the intersection of dualities and marginalized identities to foster inclusivity and create spaces that embrace the multiplicity of experiences within witchcraft. Dualities can sometimes reinforce racialized hierarchies within the witchcraft community, perpetuating notions of superiority or inferiority based on race or ethnicity. Dualistic terms and concepts may be framed in ways that marginalize or exclude BIPOC practitioners, reinforcing the dominance of a particular cultural perspective within the witchcraft community. The prominence of dualities rooted in European traditions can marginalize or overshadow the diverse spiritual practices and beliefs of BIPOC communities, perpetuating a Eurocentric bias within witchcraft. Furthermore, dualities can sometimes reinforce rigid gender essentialist concepts, perpetuating binary understandings of gender that exclude and invalidate the experiences of non-binary, genderqueer, and gender non-conforming individuals within the witchcraft community. It is essential to approach the exploration of dualities with cultural sensitivity and engage in ongoing dialogue to combat cultural appropriation within witchcraft.

Dualities within various contexts, including race, gender, and sexuality, can manifest as subversively and overtly harmful to BIPOC individuals and communities. These dualities often intersect with systems of oppression such as racism, white supremacy, colonialism, misogyny, and queerphobia. They can perpetuate harmful stereotypes, reinforce power imbalances, and marginalize BIPOC experiences and identities. By assigning value judgments to the opposing elements of a duality, dominant narratives may uphold and prioritize the privileged side, contributing to the erasure and exclusion of BIPOC voices. Such harmful dualities can reinforce racial hierarchies, perpetuate white supremacy, reinforce colonial ideologies, and reinforce gender and sexual stereotypes that contribute to the oppression and discrimination faced by BIPOC individuals and communities. It is essential to critically examine these dualities and challenge their harmful effects to foster inclusivity, equity, and social justice within various spheres. Historical and cultural contexts shape the understanding and interpretation of dualities within different communities. It is essential to engage in ongoing dialogue and education, centering the experiences and perspectives of BIPOC individuals. Efforts and initiatives aimed at decolonizing witchcraft and centering BIPOC voices within the context of dualities are vital for creating more inclusive spaces. These initiatives involve critically examining the historical and cultural contexts of dualities, amplifying BIPOC voices, and fostering collaborations that respect and honor diverse cultural practices. Such endeavors strive to dismantle oppressive structures, nurture cultural exchange, and promote equity within witchcraft communities. 

Steps to Improve

Communities within witchcraft are recognizing the need to address harmful aspects of dualities. Through collective efforts, practitioners are actively engaging in critical conversations and introspection to identify and rectify exclusionary practices. By acknowledging the potential harm that dualities can inflict, communities strive to create safe and inclusive spaces that honor diverse identities and experiences. Central to the transformation of dualities is the fostering of inclusivity, diversity, and intersectionality within witchcraft communities. Recognizing that dualities extend beyond simplistic binaries, communities can endeavor to embrace a wide spectrum of identities, perspectives, and experiences. Accountability measures, such as community guidelines and collective discussions, hold individuals and communities responsible for their actions and promote responsible engagement with dualities. Collective actions and community-building endeavors within the witchcraft community exemplify the commitment to challenge and transform dualities. Collaborative projects that prioritize the voices of marginalized individuals and communities contribute to the reshaping of dualistic frameworks. Community-driven events, workshops, and forums create spaces for dialogue, where practitioners can exchange ideas, share experiences, and collectively work towards dismantling exclusionary practices. These endeavors promote unity, resilience, and the cultivation of an inclusive and empowering witchcraft community.

In short, here are some steps that you can take as a practitioner to help the community and your own craft:

Education and Self-Reflection: Engage in self-reflection and continuous education to understand the impact of racism, white supremacy, colonization, misogyny, and queerphobia within witchcraft. Read books, attend workshops, and engage in discussions that explore these topics from diverse perspectives.

Acknowledge and Challenge Biases: Recognize and confront personal biases and prejudices. This includes acknowledging how societal conditioning and privilege may have influenced one's beliefs and practices. Work on actively challenging and unlearning harmful beliefs and behaviors.

Separation of Value & Correspondence: Many dualities can have positive and negative associations on both sides. An example of this is black and white. Black can symbolize grief, negativity, and emptiness; however, it can also represent protection, wisdom, and beginnings. Similarly, white can represent bleakness, rigidity, and overwhelmingness; nevertheless, it can also symbolize healing, illumination, and peace.

Intersectional Approach: Embrace an intersectional approach to witchcraft that recognizes the interconnectedness of various forms of oppression. Consider how different identities and experiences intersect and influence each other, and actively incorporate this awareness into your practices.

Center Marginalized Voices: Amplify the voices and experiences of marginalized individuals and communities within the witchcraft community. Seek out and learn from diverse sources, including literature, art, and teachings from BIPOC, LGBTQ+ individuals, and other marginalized groups.

Cultivate Empathy and Compassion: Practice empathy and compassion in your interactions with others. Strive to understand and validate the experiences and perspectives of individuals who have been marginalized or harmed by harmful dualities.

Rituals and Spells for Healing and Justice: Create rituals and spells that explicitly address healing, justice, and dismantling oppressive systems. Incorporate symbols, invocations, and intentions that promote inclusivity, equality, and liberation. Collaborate with others to create collective rituals focused on community healing.

Collaborative and Accountable Practice: Engage in collaborative efforts with others to foster a more inclusive and less harmful witchcraft community. Actively participate in dialogues, workshops, and initiatives that promote accountability and challenge harmful practices. Hold yourself and others accountable for harmful behavior and actively work towards creating safer spaces.

Cultivate Consent and Boundaries: Respect and prioritize consent and boundaries in your interactions with others. Recognize the importance of individual autonomy and agency in all aspects of witchcraft, including rituals, spellwork, and sharing of knowledge and resources.

Embrace Fluidity and Non-Binary Perspectives: Challenge binary thinking and embrace fluidity and non-binary perspectives in your understanding of gender, spirituality, and identity. Recognize and honor the diverse expressions of gender and identity within the witchcraft community.

Continuous Growth and Learning: Remember that personal growth and learning are ongoing processes. Stay open to feedback, be willing to unlearn and re-evaluate beliefs and practices, and commit to actively working towards a more inclusive and less harmful philosophy in your witchcraft journey.

Here is a link to my masterpost! If you find my work helpful, consider leaving a tip or supporting me on Patreon!

This article was reviewed and edited by ChatGPT.

[sokovianfortune]

currently fantasizing about a wanda stan's worst nightmare (animatic set to confrontation from jekyll and hyde)

[bryqe]

flora and darcy being a visual representation of both my personalities fighting to take control over my emotions and looks

[cosmicbirch8]

[duality-hausofeclecticsouls]

"Consider the way that so many people nowadays use the word "imaginary" to mean "unreal." In actuality, of course, what we imagine is real in its own way, and it can be powerful and important as well.”

― John Michael Greer, The Druid Path: A Modern Tradition of Nature Spirituality

[iridesca-enchantress]

I had to talk about my experince but literally a week before the elections ive had certain gods just comin out of the wood works. Fuckin ...aphrodite, apollo, dionysus, athena EVEN FUCKIN ARES! All this in conjunction with the god i already work with! And ill tell you something. Theyre WERE NOT happy at all!

[yarrow-relia]

A Dawning Era

. If only the magicians and witches would join together to do magic that creates unity … if only the covens were to be able to connect… if only the magic we wielded made another’s stronger … if only my dreams were real. *The dream I dream—-* The dolls of all kinds. The angels and demons together at last… to create a more perfect Union… this blessed corruption… The dark become the light and the light become the dark…

As my halo touches the dark glimmer and the true origin of light I reconnect this world! Touch the fate-lines! AS WE CONNECT! ~~~

[ghostpajamas]

sorry. relapsed (hs sona posting)

[pizzaboat]

Eda would try and lie her way into being pampered/spoiled, and she'd also viciously deny she's sick while soaked in sweat and ten seconds away from passing out

[thewitchywitch]

So it's 4 am and I haven't slept yet because I got caught in an unexpected OCD ritual that lasted 5 hours. I wish I was joking or exaggerating... but hey, it could be worse 🤷🏾‍♀️

Anyways, I need to ramble--

I live in West Virginia, and I incorporate a lot of local plants into my practice.

Problem is, very often, I'll identify a plant or remember one I already knew existed that could be used in a magical context, so I'll start doing research and turn up nothing, nada, zip, zilch.

So now I gotta come up with all my own correspondences and while I'm staring at the damn plant and deciphering it in my head like a rubik's cube and "running experiments", I feel like one of those old alchemists who, for a good part of what they were doing (mostly when it came to trying to make a new discovery), were just tossing shit together to see what happened.

Like why in the world is this WEED that NOBODY has EVER talked about in a magical sense, incredibly good at WARDING a space from JINN???? HUH????? 14 year old me was crying tears of both confusion and sweet relief after not having slept in peace for over a week.

That discovery for me was a complete fluke, an accident, but it worked. Call it divine intervention or whatever but it wasn't what I was planning on.

Which brings me to this: not all of these "unknown" (in the magical sense) plants have traits that pop up like that. Some of them are trickier to crack. Some of them take forever, some of them I temporarily give up on because I've got shit to do and limited energy these days. But I just know this plant or that plant have to be good for something , ya know?

Anyways--

If anyone knows any good resources for West Virginian plants and magical correspondences, that'd be fantastic.

Or if anyone has any tips or advice on finding your own correspondences because everything I do is a complete shot in the dark at this point 😂

Much thanks.

[missallanea-archive]

Sometimes I just love remembering that "Then why were you so EASY TO CURSE?!" Lilith and "I've eaten ice cream with a god!" Lilith are, in fact, the same character.