Witchcraft
| Basic Information | |
|---|---|
| Practiced by | Witches, pagans, and other supernatural beings |
| Associated Covens | Church of Night, Order of Hecate, Pendle Coven, Church of Shadows |
| Common Practices | Rituals, spells, potions |
| Tools and Artifacts | Cauldrons, candles, grimoires |
| Mentioned | Parts 1-4 |
Witches in the Chilling Adventures of Sabrina have the ability to change things using magical means, a practice called witchcraft. They draw these powers from the gods or deities they worship. For example, the Satanic witches do the Dark Lord’s bidding, and Pagan witches worship old gods. Witches can even increase their powers by working together. Witchcraft has its limits, however. Witches are vulnerable to the spells of others, and sigils can sometimes interrupt their abilities.
Types of Magic
Witches have a wide influence. They can summon demons and other beings with conjuration and use herbalism to heal with plants. Spiritualism allows them to summon and talk to ghosts. Necromancy lets witches control and resurrect the dead. Fertility is a type of magic that deals with pregnancy and babies. Time magic can warp space and time. Kitchen magic connects food to its magical properties. Other forms of magic include blood magic and sex magic. Vodou Hoodoo is a type of magic associated with the religion and spirits of the Afro-American religion.
Magical Practices
Witches practice their craft in covens, which are sometimes also called churches. These are led by a High Priest or High Priestess and allow witches to combine and enhance their powers as a group. A few known covens on CAOS include the Order of Hecate, Sisterhood of Night, Church of Night, Church of Shadows, and the Pendle Coven. Witches have access to a wide variety of powers, including spellcasting, potion-making, divination, familiar communication, healing, and longevity.
"I curse you, witch, with humanity. You are stripped of your powers and banished from Hell to walk on Earth the rest of your days. You will age. You will grow weak as all mortals do. You will know strife. You will know sickness, disease, pain, but you will not die."
— Lucifer Morningstar to Lilith
Tools of Witchcraft
There are a few important books that witches are familiar with. One of these is the coven’s book. The Book of the Beast is a grimoire used by Church of Night members and is used in the Dark Baptism ceremony. Writing one’s name in that book means you are devoting yourself to the coven and the god or gods they serve. Another important grimoire is the Demonomicon. This ancient book includes a variety of spells, including the one that allows you to summon a familiar. The Book of the Dead has the spells related to necromancy.
Other than books, witchcraft also involves the use of other tools. Candles are a key component of many spells and rituals. A cauldron is needed to brew potions. Poppets are figures in the shape of humans that can be used to form a magical connection with them.
Rituals and Celebrations
Witchcraft is especially important at various times of the year when rituals and celebrations are performed. When a young witch turns 16, they have their Dark Baptism. This is the time the young person signs their name in the coven's book and chooses which path to follow. The Feast of Feasts is a holiday celebrated once a year in the Church of Night. Witches are selected to be sacrificed.
During the Winter Solstice, witches light a Yule Log and come together as a family. Lupercalia is similar to Valentine's Day but is a time of carnal events in the woods. A Black Wedding is the celebration held when a witch and warlock in the Church of Night marry. The Hare Moon is a lunar festival to give thanks to rabbits. Each of these celebrations give coven members a chance to connect with each other and come together as a group.
Fun Facts
- The way witchcraft is portrayed on the Chilling Adventures of Sabrina is, at times, different from how people who identify as witches actually practice their craft.
- Many modern witches celebrate nature and the cycles of the season by conducting rituals, but demonic entities and exorcisms are typically not part of modern practices.
- Witches today often follow ethical guidelines, such as the Wiccan Rede, which promises not to do harm, but there is no single religious text or dogma that all witches follow.
- While the covens on CAOS have a strict hierarchy and structure, real witchcraft is diverse and personal. Some witches may choose to be a part of a coven or to practice with friends, but being a solitary witch is a path many take.
Written by Abigail Payne
Code by Hugo Prendergast