In the Matter of Cursing

Contrary to popular belief the old adage 'A witch who cannot hex cannot heal'  or 'cannot blight cannot bless' is nonsense. All power contains both the bitter and the sweet.  One needs to understand working in both arenas concerning healing and cursing; the inner strength and knowledge it takes to do one is also required for the other.  We don't exist in a vacuum.  Magic is not 'white or black', whatever people like to believe.  If I have to attach a color to the practice, I will say that it is grey. An example: the neutrality of power might be compared to electricity which can be used to sustain life or destroy it, it is not benevolent or maleficent. Power, magical or mundane, simply is. 

Individuals who claim to never curse are being dishonest.  Whenever we speak out in anger at a fellow motorist while driving , engage in gossip, spread slander, judge others, or soapbox our self-righteousness, we are, in fact,  cursing.  That ability has been with us since we stood upright in dim-lit caves.  To believe otherwise is foolish.  Cursing exists.  Let me add: a person  does not need to be a witch to engage in the practice of cursing.

One of the most used books for cursing can be found in many homes, hotel room night tables and in the hands of snake charmers.  You can go into any bookstore today and find a copy in different translations.  Yes, I'm referring to the bible.  For centuries the psalms, used for healing, vengeance and retribution, have been read in secret by candlelight.  Many a cunning man or woman have incorporated these poetic verses to bring about healing or damning results. 

In Roman Catholicism, a ceremony formerly used in pronouncing the 'major excommunication' or 'anathema' is a form of a curse.  Dating back to 9th century, the bell represented the public character of the act, the book the authority of the words spoken by the presiding bishop and the candle was believed to symbolize the possibility that the ban might be lifted by the repentance and amendment of its victim. Performed in some conspicuous place, a bishop with 12 priests, all holding lighted candles were part of a ritual malefic, the formula was then recited: “We separate him, together with his accomplices and abettors, from the precious body and blood of the Lord and from the society of all Christians; we exclude him from our holy mother the church in heaven and on earth; we declare him excommunicate and anathema; we judge him damned, with the devil and his angels and all the reprobate, to eternal fire until he shall recover himself from the toils of the devil and return to amendment and to penitence.” “So be it!” would follow in unison. The bell was rung, the bible closed and the candles extinguished. 

Within any tradition of magical practice around the globe, past or present, words coupled with emotion have been raised like a gathering storm and released with force to shower the target or 'receiver'. Performed in combination with ingredients worked through confident hands, all represented essential properties related to the victim and chosen for specific means.  

Not uncommon in small villages the wisewoman was retained by many villagers  to heal livestock, brew a healing salve, create a love philter or deal up some righteous retribution.  An interesting note: it was not unusual for a wisewoman to answer her backdoor sometime later to find a client's victim pleading for aid to remove a curse.  Although there is no written Rede of 'harm none' within traditional witchcraft, the universal thread of 'action equals reaction' is understood and respected. A binding, owl blinking or bottling can be reversed or removed, but curses are permanent and they leave an indelible mark on both parties. There are however, some practitioners, I've heard, of Hoodoo who state 'disbelief' in karma or action causing reaction.

As we well know, especially when it comes to the laws of nature, more times than not  'the wind comes 'round full force from a direction unexpected'.  No witch is immune no matter how they might tout their abilities. 

Throughout history, most curses bring about the worst nature and misfortune has to offer. Usually based on jealousy, greed or hatred, all self-generated emotions, the person who instigates the need to place a curse feels themselves slighted or oppressed. Some who require aid due to a 'feeling' of having been cursed, are, more times than not, imaging it.  What they are feeling or experiencing could have rational answers, but their apprehension has fueled their own self-doubt.  But there are exceptions to the rule.

The use of self-protective charms are best utilized when the fear of the malevolent intentions of another are present.  Safeguards can and should be placed by the  individual over their belongings, loved ones and dwelling place.  A Witches Bottle is a prime example.  One created containing protective ingredients would be buried near their home, usually beside the path or threshold.  If the intruder, whether in the flesh or in spirit-form, tries to 'cross' the boundary where the charms are active, the 'protective wards' would hold.  The harm intended for the victim would attach itself to the one committing the breech; even resulting in a curse. 

Although I have had my share of interactions with those 'in the trade', most often the exchange has been peaceful and rewarding.  However I have been attacked on a couple of occasions and my motto has been and continues to be...'slap me once I'll let it go.  Slap me twice and I'll slap you back'.

'Do what is necessary' is the adage I live by and practice.