Magic has always stirred the human imagination. For some, it’s a sacred practice rooted in spiritual connection; for others, it’s a misunderstood relic of the past. In this post, we’re diving into how spellcraft has been viewed across time, cultures, and belief systems, from ancient religious practices to modern-day spirituality. This journey isn’t about proving magic “real” or “fake”—it’s about understanding its place in history and its ongoing relevance today.
Spellcraft Through the Lens of History
When we study the role of spellcraft across history, it’s important to recognize that occult practices were rarely documented with the same detail as science or politics. Most of the progress in magical traditions happened under pressure, scrutiny, and even danger. Unlike scientific breakthroughs that get peer-reviewed and published, magical knowledge was passed down privately or within tight-knit groups, if at all.
Practitioners often worked alone. And in times where simply practicing magic could get you punished—or worse—many kept their methods secret. Add to that the fact that information traveled slowly before the digital age, and it’s no wonder much of spellcraft’s history is shadowed in mystery.
The Illusion of Progress: Is Newer Always Better?
In today’s world, we often assume that modern equals better. But that’s not always the case. This mindset—called historical bias—can make us overlook valuable wisdom from the past. Magic and metaphysics were once widely respected approaches to understanding the world. Over time, science took center stage, and anything unquantifiable got pushed aside.
A great example comes from Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein. Young Victor Frankenstein studies ancient scholars like Paracelsus and Agrippa, only to be told their knowledge is outdated. He’s encouraged to focus on modern science instead. While science has undoubtedly brought us incredible advances, it’s worth questioning whether we’ve thrown out ancient philosophies too quickly.
Science vs. Magic? More Like Two Sides of the Same Coin
People often think of science and magic as total opposites. One is logical, the other mystical. But the truth is more nuanced. Both are systems humans use to understand and influence the world around them. In fact, early scientists were often viewed with the same suspicion as spellcasters. Take Galileo, for example. He was charged with heresy for proposing that the Earth revolves around the sun—an idea that went against the Church’s teachings at the time.
Before modern medicine, people used magic to explain things they didn’t understand. If someone got sick, they might assume they’d been cursed. There was no concept of bacteria or viruses. Magic helped people make sense of what they couldn’t see or explain.
Magic and Religion: More Connected Than You Might Think
Contrary to popular belief, magic hasn’t always been at odds with religion. In many spiritual traditions, spells were seen as tools for aligning with divine energy. Some spells even aimed to purify the soul or connect more deeply with a higher power. Spellcraft was often embedded within religious practice, rather than standing apart from it.
Understanding High Magic and Low Magic
In Western occult tradition, magic is often divided into two branches:
- High Magic: This form is ceremonial, structured, and aimed at spiritual enlightenment. Practitioners were usually educated, literate, and often came from upper social classes—like clergy in medieval Europe.
- Low Magic: This is practical magic used for daily needs like healing, divination, or fertility. It was practiced by common folk—wise women, cunning men, and village healers who often had no formal education but deep, intuitive knowledge of nature.
The Church frowned upon low magic, as it focused on earthly needs rather than spiritual ones. High magic, on the other hand, was occasionally tolerated because it aligned more closely with religious goals.
Folk Magic: Grounded in Community and Nature
Wise women and cunning men didn’t always cast spells for others. Instead, they provided the tools and knowledge, but left the actual work to the individual. The idea was that the spell’s power came from the petitioner’s will, emotion, and intent—not just the ingredients or words.
Many of these traditions have survived as folk remedies or superstitions. Think of knocking on wood or tossing salt over your shoulder. These little rituals may seem trivial today, but they’re echoes of deeper magical practices that once held great meaning.
The Legacy of High Magic in Written Tradition
High magic left a more visible footprint in history. Many grimoires—books filled with spells, rituals, and spiritual teachings—were written by monks or scholars. These texts show that magical practice was often woven into the religious and intellectual fabric of the time.
Final Thoughts: Spellcraft Then and Now
Magic isn’t just a relic of the past—it’s a mirror reflecting humanity’s ongoing search for meaning, control, and connection. Whether you see it as spiritual practice, psychological tool, or symbolic tradition, spellcraft has evolved but never disappeared.
By understanding its rich and complex history, we can reclaim parts of it in our modern practice with clarity and respect.