I came across an article about the commercialization of Witchcraft in the modern age. It gave me pause for a second to contemplate the pros and cons of witchcraft tools and supplies being readily available at our fingertips. There is an argument to be made that commercialization equals accessibility, but there’s also the argument that commercialization removes connection.
What do you think? Does the commercialization of witchcraft and paganism remove or affect your connection to the natural world? Does it affect your ability to gather tools and supplies as you need them?
I think everything has become more commercialized in the past 40 years. I think humans in general are collecting more stuff than at any other point in history. I worry more about the ecological impact than anything else. Everything is disposable and mass produced. Land is being purchased by corporations. National reserves are being leased for drilling. I worry more about the natural world disappearing therefore making it more difficult to connect. I personally don’t think Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen trying to sell a $400 cauldron is that big of a problem. (But maybe I am just being slowly cooked to death and am grumpy as a result.)
I’m right there with you - it’s weird to think how commercialized everything has become, not just witchcraft. One thing I learned recently is that here in my county, we have a land-preserving department – I can’t remember what it’s called – but they purchase large areas of land and turn them into either state parks or protected areas. I hope that makes sense I’m still kinda tired from the anesthesia and my pain meds.
This is a big one, too. It reminds me of a meme I saw about kids playing outside.
I have conflicting feelings about it. On the one hand, the accessibility is heartwarming. More people who would really benefit from a witchcraft practice are finding it earlier than they would otherwise. On the other hand, I think it takes some of the mystery and wonder away. I think that comes from an increased commercialization across the board, because when I see new people talking about starting, they seem to immediately jump to “I need to buy these things” like they’re getting ready for Hogwarts.
Don’t get me wrong, I love stuff. I do think there’s something to be said for a slow accumulation of tools that you put time and effort into, or make something work without spending a bunch of money. Most of my tools are things I’ve made myself, and continue to work on over years of time, and it’s such a rewarding experience.
Ultimately it’s not about the tools, it’s the energy those tools help us connect with, and I don’t see that as much in the popular books.
Ugh yeah it’s heartbreaking. Stands of trees are cut down for paved expanses. Such a strong focus on the “stuff” of magic kinda distracts from what’s really important, like connection to the land and energies of witchcraft. A wand won’t do much without it (in my practice at least)
@Ashen_Curio – It’s very conflicting! The accessibility is great for people that wouldn’t have access to it otherwise, but it does seem to create this feeling that a new witch, or a witch in general, has to have all of the tools and all the shiny things, ya know? And that’s really not necessary.
This is such a big thing for me, too! I get why it’s written like it is, because publishers are only looking for very specific things, but it still does the entire magical community a disservice.
All that being said, Halloween stickers have gotten so much better as a result and I’m shamelessly taking advantage of the mystical aesthetic scrapbooking goods this year
haha oh yes, no shame there! Halloween is one of the only times I can find stickers and stuff that I like. Plus - it’s the only time I can find black tea light candles in a regular store! I take full advantage of that
I’m still kinda tired from the anesthesia and my pain meds.
Such a strong focus on the “stuff” of magic kinda distracts from what’s really important, like connection to the land and energies of witchcraft. A wand won’t do much without it (in my practice at least)