Laura Tempest Zakroff - The Witch’s Cauldron: The Craft, Lore & Magick of Ritual Vessels

The Modern Traditional
Witch Perspective

You may find some of the opinions and approaches to certain practices in this book a little out of the ordinary. I am a Modern Traditional Witcha path that blends the folklore, myths, and practices of my complex and diverse heritage with the acknowledgment that I am a modern person living in the United States. I have studied a multitude of paths, mostly from an academic standpoint, but have found that a blend of old-world and new-world witchery is the best personal approach for me. That means sometimes an old practice can find new meaning with new information, tools, and interpretation. Because thats the way it always has been done is not an acceptable mode of thinking, especially if our ancestors made use of technology as it advanced through the centuries. A good example would be the option of rubbing sticks together versus using matches or a lighter to make fire. Its definitely good to know how to do it the old way, but its just as effective and more efficient to make use of the new way.

The tenants of my tradition are made up of three keys of practice:

Know Thyself: This concept means to be aware of your strengths and weaknessesmentally, spiritually, and physically.

Maintain Balance: This point is not just about focusing on moderation, but also about understanding extremes and working with them. It also means understanding that every action and intention has possible positive and negative effects. Whether something is positive or negative (help-ful or harmful) has a lot to do with perspective.

Accept Responsibility: The last key is being able to acknowledge, accept, and work with both the known and unk nown consequences of your actions and words.

What does that all mean? I take into consideration what the outcome of any working might be, beyond my own intention. I try to be mindful of my own limitations as well as those of others. I offer what I believe can be helpful instead of hurtful. I do like my poetry, ritual, and mystical art, but I also make significant use of common sense, modern conveniences, and especially humor. I long ago discovered that the spirits and deities I work with are not without their own sense of humor, so while I take my work seriously, I have learned not to get too bogged down with my actual practice. I have found that being lighthearted while also grounded makes for powerful, effective magick. It also makes life much more interesting, in the best of ways.

Its important to keep in mind that there is never just one way to do something. Allow yourself to be creative! I encourage you to use this book to expand your own practice while also having some fun in the process. Blessings!