Wicca and Witchcraft in "Charmed"
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Witches
Witch, Wiccan, Sorcerer, Sorceress... All of these names refer to someone who practices sorcery or witchcraft. The major difference between these terms is how they are interpreted by society. In modern times, those who practice witchcraft call it Wicca and refer to themselves as wiccans not witches. This is mainly due to witch-hunts that took place in from the 14th to 18th century. (1) Ever since there have been negative views of witchcraft. From popular culture, many people view witches as ugly old women with warts on their faces, long pointy noses, and pointed black hats who fly on broom sticks and cackle as the brew potions in a large black cauldron. The picture shown to the right is of Phoebe and Prue dressed up as witches for Halloween. Phoebe looks disgusted as she holds a decoration of the typical witch in North American society. The most accurate description of a witch is, according to Encyclopedia Britannica, someone who “attempts to influence the surrounding world through occult (i.e., hidden, as opposed to open and observable) means.”(2) This would include such things as “incantations (formulas or chants invoking evil spirits), divination and oracles (to predict the future), amulets and charms (to ward off hostile spirits and harmful events), potions or salves, and dolls or other figures (to represent their enemies).” (3) Witches used these methods to help others, to seek revenge, to acquire or keep good health, or to protect themselves and others from evil. 1http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/646051/witchcraft#ref414807 2 http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/646051/witchcraft#ref414807 3 http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/646051/witchcraft#ref414807 |
The above video is of the scene where Paige tells her boyfriend, Henry, that she is a witch.
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The Book of Shadows
One of the most important tools to a witch is their spell book. The Charmed Ones have their own spell book called the Halliwell Book of Shadows. However, this book does not only have spells, it also contains valuable information on most evil and benevolent beings (their strengths, weaknesses, how they can be vanquished and so on). The equivalent to a witch’s Grimoire Source: The Book of Three by Diana G. Gallagher and Paul Ruditis p.199 |
Cat Familiars
This, to the left, is Kit the cat (pardon the pun). Kit is what is known as a familiar. Familiars are animals that serve as a Witch's companion. Most often, they are cats (stereo-typically black) but can also be birds, dogs or any other small animal. Historically, familiars are considered to be low-level demons who have taken animal form. The familiar is either "given to [a witch] by the Devil, or inherited from another witch"(1). Also, they are not considered beings of good, either. In "Charmed", there are two types of familiar (both cats): a familiar and a familiar warlock(2). A familiar is an animal companion to a witch. They are good beings and helpful to their witch. However, familiar warlocks are familiars who have betrayed their witch. "They have until the next new moon to purge itself of its new life. If it succeeds, it becomes immortal. If it fails, it returns to its animal state for eternity"(3). For example, if the familiar was a cat, it would have to shed all nine of its familiar lives. |
1 http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/201201/familiar
2 http://charmed.wikia.com/wiki/Shadow 3 http://charmed.wikia.com/wiki/Familiar_Warlock |
General Rules:
- Powers cannot be used for personal gain. If they are, then they will backfire, usually causing harm to the spell caster.
- Powers cannot be used against other good witches.
- If the Charmed Ones use their power against each other, their bond will be severed and they will therefore lose their powers until the bond is restored.
Source: The Book of Three p.26
- Powers cannot be used for personal gain. If they are, then they will backfire, usually causing harm to the spell caster.
- Powers cannot be used against other good witches.
- If the Charmed Ones use their power against each other, their bond will be severed and they will therefore lose their powers until the bond is restored.
Source: The Book of Three p.26