Witchery ~ Frequently Asked Questions

I'm just finding my way on this path ... where do I start?
Everyone needs to start somewhere. Try here for some advice and helpful tips.

Do you have a cauldron/broom/wand?
It always surprises me how frequently this question is asked. Yes. We have a couple of cauldrons ... several cast iron and one made of brass. We also have wands and a few pointed hats. There are also a number of alters scattered around the Knickertwist household.

Do you dance naked in the forest around a fire under the full moon?
The reason some people perform magick or ritual 'sky clad' is so that energy can move more quickly and freely, without the bindings of clothing. Do I? No. I get cold easily and I'm a bit of a prude. It's just not for me. Besides, I'd be so concerned with being bitten on the bottom by mosquitoes and chilled to the core, that being naked would be more distracting than being fully clothed.

Do spells really work?
All spells work ... just not always exactly when or how we want them to.

Don't some of your products/practices contradict the Threefold Law and the Wiccan Rede?
That depends on how you look at it. Doreen Valiente said in An ABC of Witchcraft, "They say that to allow wrong to flourish unchecked is not 'harming none'. On the contrary, it is harming everybody." We tend to agree but leave it up to the individual to make up his/her own mind on this issue.

Our feelings on the matter? We are not Wiccan and do not follow the Threefold Law or the Wiccan Rede. We feel that there is a time and place for all magickal workings. Cursing, binding, jinxing and fixing spells are a part of almost every folk magick tradition. We do not pass judgment on those that decide to perform this type of work.

This does not mean that we do not believe in accountability or some sort of karmic energy. We believe in, and strive for, balance.

If you aren't Wiccan, what are you?
We are what some people call "traditional witches". (Though there are several definitions of this term.) We cast spells, brew potions, perform divinations ... all the things that you think of when you hear the term 'witch'. Many of our practices are based on folk traditions and beliefs. Wicca is a religion. You do not need to be Wiccan to practice witchcraft and not all witches are Wiccans.

Isn't "witch" a bad word?
We choose to identify ourselves using the term "witch". Some dislike this term and consider it derogatory. For us, it gives most people a fairly clear idea as to what we do. We cast spells, brew potions, light candles, look for signs and omens, read cards and stones, gather herbs, burn incense, all things conjured by the imagination when one hears the term “witch”. We do not find the word offensive and wholly embrace the icon of the witch, warts and all.

Is your grave dust really from a grave, or just dirt?
It's really from a grave. We know that not everyone is comfortable collecting grave dust, and not everyone is certain how to do it respectfully. We collect our graveyard dust from old, well maintained graves. Our feeling is that if the plot is well cared for that the spirit would be pleased and more willing to assist in magickal workings. We do not collect from the plots of children.

Why do you NOT include a blank rune in any of your rune sets?
We pride ourselves on the work and research that goes in to all of the products that we create. From our studies we feel that the blank rune tile is a myth that stems from a simple misunderstanding (a blank tile meant as a substitute for a missing tile being given meaning of it's own). Rather than perpetuate this misinformation we prefer to not include the blank tile.

What is the difference between the types of wood your items are made from?
Besides differences in density (how hard or soft a wood is), just as plants and herbs have their own magickal properties, so do different types of wood. Some types of wood are more suited to male energy and others to female. Some are best for healing work and others for faerie magick. There is a belief that a person may be drawn to a particular plant or tree because they require some of the natural energy that particular species can provide. You may want to consider both the magickal qualities and your attraction to a particular wood when making your selection.

Red Ochre ~ What is it?
Red ochre is a natural earth pigment, high in iron (hence the red coloration), that has been an acceptable substitute for blood, and used symbolically in place of it, for literally thousands of years. The use of red ochre is believed to breath life into the runes and form a bond with it's user.

What is in your _______ ?
As a rule, we don't share our recipes. A lot of hard work and time have gone into the research and creation of our magickal offerings. You are welcome to ask us if our blends contain certain ingredients, which we will confirm or deny.

Send us your questions. We're happy to answer them to the best of our abilities.