Witchcraft Knowledge

Witchcraft is the practice of magic used by witches. Before a witch has come into their power, they're considered "untapped", and their magic is considered pure. However, after awakening their power, witchcraft can encompass many different types of activities, such as spell casting, astrology, divination, and spirit communication, to name a few. This also includes the practices observed by many cultures, nations, and religions as well as many books and writings dating back to ancient times. Depending upon the individual, some witches practice their power by certain belief systems, such as Shamanism, Voodoo, Wicca, or any number of other magical practices. Although the majority of traditional witches are commonly portrayed as being kind and selfless humans who use their powers to maintain balance within the world, this is not absolute. Some witches go directly against the Balance of Nature by practicing their powers for dark and sinister or selfish deeds, while a few darker witches go so far as to subvert the very laws that Nature governs.
== Channeling ==
Channeling is a basic power of witches to draw extra power from Nature, the elements, celestial events, from other witches or supernatural beings to boost their magic. This allows users to harness energies in their surroundings to perform greater magical feats, and cast stronger spells beyond that which one is usually able to accomplish solely with their own magic. Depending on the rarity of the celestial event, more power can be channeled by the witch.
* The Spirits: The Spirits were a source of massive power and before the collapse of the Other Side, widely used. Witches can channel their power to practice Spirit Magic. Spirit Magic can only be used how the Spirits see fit. 
* The Ancestors: The Ancestors were a source of massive power in New Orleans. New Orleans witches channel their power to practice Ancestral Magic. Once a witch has died, they are consecrated, and the magic in their bones, and their spirit, are added to the ancestral power. While this restricts the witches, both living and dead, to New Orleans, it gives the coven the power, and the knowledge, of hundreds upon hundreds of witches. However, every three hundred years, the connection between the living witches, and the dead ones, begins to wane. In order to rebuild the connection, The Harvest must be performed. The Ancestors also seem to be a near divine pantheon to the living witches of New Orleans; the orders of the Ancestors are treated as divine edicts that must be obeyed.
* Magic Hotspots: A magic hotspot is a place eternally marked by the violent death of a witch. These Magical Hotspots allow witches to tap into the power of the dead witch to use as their own. Even if the Witch is resurrected, the Hotspot will still possess the magical energy from the violent death. 
* Sacrifices: Sacrifices are a prominent element used in Sacrificial Magic and can be a source of significant power when used by a skilled user. Papa Tunde sacrificed numerous vampires to fuel his magic, and to empower his blade with incredibly Dark Magic. Papa Tunde used Sacrificial Magic to subdue and channel Rebekah Mikaelson. By channeling her, Papa Tunde gained vampire like strength, the ability to heal incredibly fast and to recover from mortal wounds, such as a snapped neck.
* Doppelgänger Blood: Doppelgänger's blood can be channeled as a source of massive power by a witch due to their nature being mystical and naturally recurring.
* Dark Objects: Dark objects can also be channeled due to their mystical nature. 
* Talismans: Witches can use talismans to help them channel magic and focus their powers to work their spells. 
=== Drawbacks ===
Despite being commonly employed by witches, channeling comes with certain risks. There is an upper limit to the amount of energy one can channel although it varies between witches based on their experience and knowledge.
Channeling too much energy recklessly can lead to unpleasant consequences including the very death of said witch. At the same time, the energy within witches is finite and drawing from oneself or other witches for a taxing spell can cause bodily harm such as nose bleeds, unconsciousness, and, can lead to death if over exerted.
Additionally, objects providing significant power to channel can sometimes be hard to find and may not always be readily accessible. (i.e. Doppelgänger's blood, locate magical hotspots, special astronomical events). Channeling the Sun or Moon for power may be subjected to the duration of their astrological cycles.
== Different types of Magic ==
=== Algorithmic Magic ===
Algorithmic Magic is a type of magic that calculates probabilities. Specifically, Rupert Vardemus used this magic to create a Manticulum of his own design. Encoding the Manticulum with all of their respective powers, stats created in the style of a D&D campaign, they could use this device to calculate the outcome of any attack or defense while wargaming for the Salvatore School’s battle against the gods.
=== Ancestral Magic ===
Ancestral Magic is an extremely powerful form of witchcraft that is commonly practiced by the Nine Covens of New Orleans. Similar to Spirit Magic, this form of sorcery draws its energy from the power of ancestral witches who have been consecrated on New Orleans soil. However, this power can only be harnessed within the boundaries of New Orleans, meaning that should the witch abandon the area, their power will diminish and will be forced to utilize other forms of magic. In addition to this, should a witch abuse the power that has been given to them by the Ancestors, the spirits can repeal this power from any witch in New Orleans, including the Regent.
=== Connective Magic ===
Connective Magic is a form of sorcery that allows a witch to create a semi-permanent bond that draws strength from other supernatural beings, such as another witch. The witch, Dahlia, however, invented her own brand of this magic which allows the casting which to channel another witch's power while also augmenting said witch's power. She also used this magic to draw on the strength of an immortal being to achieve true immortality in conjunction with her Immortality Slumber Spell. However, neutralizing or killing said immortal being would similarly affect the witch. Unlike Sacrificial Magic, the target in which energy is drawn from is not hurt.
=== Dark Magic ===
Dark Magic, also coined "Black Magic", is a powerful form of sorcery that draws on malevolent powers and may be used for negative purposes; e.g. to cause destruction or misfortune, to injure or kill, or for the profit of oneself rather than for the benefit of others. In popular usage, the term "Dark Magic" is often used to describe any form of sorcery that is used against the Balance of Nature.
=== Expression ===
Expression is an extremely powerful form of sorcery that draws on dark energy that is so malicious, it would supposedly demolish the world if it were ever called into existence. The details and history of expression remain unknown, however, according to the witch, Nandi LaMarche, the forces of expression are considered so powerful that many witches discredit it as magic, for it expands beyond the limitations of both ancient and modern witchcraft.
=== Kemiya ===
Kemiya is an Arabian form of magic that allows a witch to physically destroy the elemental foundations of an object to create another or to magically imbue said creation with harmful, supernatural properties, thus creating a dark object. Requiring two witches to perform, the potency of its spells are determined by the chemistry between the two practitioners. Kemiya is said to cross the boundary between magic and science, utilizing aspects of both. One such notable example is the creation of the Gold Dagger; i.e. turning silver to gold.
=== Necromancy ===
Necromancy is a brand of sorcery as well as a magical practice that allows a witch to contact and communicate with, control and even reanimate the dead. While most witches who practice necromancy are known to channel dark magic, it is known that a witch can use any magic of their choosing to practice necromancy. With the destruction of the Other Side, Bonnie referred to Alaric's attempt at raising Josette's spirit as necromancy, as her spirit wasn't behind a Veil that they could lift and she'd magically appear. According to Vincent, Necromancy is but one of the many branches of witchcraft and is popularly practiced by many of the witches in New Orleans. One such coven banished their members that became obsessed with dark magic, necromancy, and immortality spells - they became known as the Kindred. According to Dorian, necromancy is everywhere in occult literature and it is a form of sorcery that dates back to ancient Greece. The Necromancer was world-renowned in the practice of necromancy, particularly raising and controlling dead humans in the form of zombies. However, his legacy was forgotten from the world due to Malivore.
=== Sacrificial Magic ===
Sacrificial Magic can be a powerful form of sorcery, though it is highly dependent upon the ritualistic sacrifices of natural and supernatural beings. Similar to expression, this form of sorcery can draw upon the energy, in various forms, from any supernatural creature that is sacrificed. According to the witch Vincent Griffith, sacrificial magic is but one of the many branches of witchcraft that is popularly practiced by many of the witches in New Orleans.
=== Spirit Magic ===
Spirit Magic was a very powerful form of sorcery that drew its power from the Spirits who resided on the Other Side. Unlike other forms of magic, except for ancestral magic, spirit magic could only be used how the Spirits saw fit and if a witch abused the power that is bestowed upon them, the Spirits would break the connection between themselves and the witch, preventing them from further harnessing their power. Since the collapse of the Other Side, spirit magic may have become extinct. However, it's been shown that witch spirits that have found peace in the afterlife retain their ability to perform magic, though it is currently unknown if living witches can call upon these spirits for additional aid.
=== Traditional Magic ===
Traditional Magic is one of the oldest and purest forms of sorcery inherent to the Earth and the forces of Nature. Traditional magic is undoubtedly the most popular form of witchcraft known-to-man, however, it is also the most exhausting. This is mainly due to the fact whenever a witch uses this power they must exert their energy, which can cause them to experience symptoms of dizziness, fatigue, and minor nosebleeds. Bonnie Bennett explained the limits of this power to Jeremy Gilbert, saying that if she pushed too hard, it would push back.
=== Traveler Magic ===
Traveler Magic is a form of sorcery that is strictly practiced by a subculture of witches known as the Travelers. This form of sorcery specializes in spirit possession and its spells are performed in a language different from all other forms of witchcraft. Traveler magic is highly dependent upon the magic of the Traveler along with their connection to other Travelers. Only by joining together, in large gatherings, are Travelers able to perform powerful feats of magic. Without access to the magic of other Travelers, their power is considerably weak.
== Known Magical Practices ==
=== Blood Magic ===
Blood Magic is a magical practice that refers to the mystical properties found in non-human blood. Blood from different supernatural species possesses different uses, with those most notably from a doppelgänger. Blood from various species can be used by witches to interconnect them with their rituals and spells to draw on their unique properties. One such notable example was when Vincent attempted to use Lucien's blood, as an Upgraded Original vampire to cure the venom in his bite on Cami.
=== Elemental Magic ===
Elemental Magic is a magical practice that involves the utilization of the four alchemical elements: Fire, Water, Earth, and Air. A witch with enough magical power can interconnect Elemental Magic within their rituals and spells to draw on their unique properties. Davina Claire once used a subsection of such, known as Earth Magic, in Ashes to Ashes, during her attempt to resurrect Kol Mikaelson - to turn ash to bone and earth to flesh. Witches typically utilize fire, in the form of candles or torches, to aid them in their spells. Other witches like Esther Mikaelson and Ariane have used water as conduits in spells related to divination.
=== Hoodoo ===
Hoodoo is a magical practice that mixes occult elements of African, European, and Native American witchcraft along with some Christian mythology. Contrary to Voodoo, Hoodoo is not a religion, but rather an eclectic practice of witchcraft that is strongly based on herbal knowledge and can be used negatively or positively. According to Vincent, Hoodoo is but one of the many branches of witchcraft and is popularly practiced by many of the witches in New Orleans.
=== Representational Magic ===
Representational Magic is a magical practice that uses representative objects to manipulate reality. Its origins remain unknown; however, it has existed at least as far back as 10th Century A.D. According to Vincent, representational magic is but one of the many branches of witchcraft and is popularly practiced by many of the witches in New Orleans. Usually, such spells use much more power than one realizes. It's also very delicate magic that requires considerable concentration by the witch who practices it. One such use of Representational Magic is for the creation of a Chambre de Chasse.
=== Shamanism ===
Shamanism is a magical practice used by indigenous witches known as shamans. Shamanism is described as a way of life, focusing on connecting with Nature and creation where interaction with the spirit world through altered states of consciousness is used to achieve divination and healing. A tribe of shamans was known to create the Huntress, by sacrificing their lives to imbue her with great power to destroy vampires. This practice has slowly faded from the world and is rarely seen, though legends and lore have kept this all but gone.
=== Voodoo ===
Voodoo is a very old magical practice, that is also a religion, used by some witches. Voodoo is described as a set of spiritual folkways that originated from the traditions of the African diaspora. It is a cultural form of the Afro-American religions which developed within the French, Spanish and Creole population of the state of Louisiana. According to Vincent, Voodoo is but one of the many branches of witchcraft and is popularly practiced by many of the witches in New Orleans. The practice of voodoo, however, extends as far north as Chicago, Illinois with the witch Gloria, as she was a self-proclaimed "old-school" voodoo practitioner.
== Loopholes ==
Loopholes are understandable ways for Nature to balance out the existence or the excess of magical creations. This is especially true with regards to immortality, as Nature has always decreed that all living things must die. They can also be natural occurrences created by Nature to serve as balance to the existence of something that goes against its laws. For example, it is the law that powerful, long-lasting spells must be bound to something that possesses similar or equal power and longevity. 
== Magic Hotspot ==
A Magic Hotspot is a place eternally marked with magic when a witch suffers a violent and brutal death. These Magical Hotspots allow witches to tap into the power of the dead witch, or witches, and use as their own. Even if the witch is resurrected, the Hotspot still works.
== Nature ==
Nature is the totality of phenomena of the physical world and is thought to be the invisible force behind all life that governs the universe. It functions as the source of a witch's power who through the use of witchcraft use spells to manipulate nature. The life-giving and nurturing aspects of nature is personified as "Mother Nature".
The Earth is considered to be the physical manifestation of Nature by the witches which constantly provides them with the resources, such as herbs and tools, to neutralize or resolve all types of threats. As a way to channel the power of Nature to witches, the Spirits have control of the world of the dead in order to monitor the actions of the servants.
=== Laws and Balance ===
As the governing force of life, Nature has a number of "laws" set in place, although some are not always absolute. Most of said laws deal with balance in which phenomenon can always be countered be it directly or indirectly.
* Cycle of Life: Every creature in the world is born, lives and dies uninterruptedly. The lives of every creature are of vital importance, since matter and energy is always flowing, creating new beings, and then dying, to restart the cycle again. If the cycle is interrupted in or by any individual, the consequences are chaotic and they can take a long time to restore. Vampires directly break this law. They may be born as humans and live as humans, but at some point, they die and come back. However, they are among the living and the dead, meaning there is no way to choose their path. Even after death, vampires cannot rest in peace because of their actions in the world of the living.
* Respect of the Dead: When you want to revive a human, it must be some time after their death, usually immediately after, because nature takes its course and the material begins to decompose. When the human is revived, the human essence returns to its material body, but causes a rift between the Veil between the material and the immaterial. This fissure causes malignant or benign ghosts, which can travel between worlds and directly affect the fate of the living as a result.
* Own Acceptance: Every creature on earth has skills and powers that characterize them. In the case of witches, any direct denial of their powers will cause nature to remove all of their magic until they accept their mistake and can fulfill their duty as servants of Nature.
* Security of Species: Nature does not stand for an imbalance of power. When a new species is created, it must be in order to maintain balance without compromising other creatures on the planet. 
* Use of Magic: Nature is the source of Traditional Magic. It comes from the earth and is pure. It is most commonly called upon by witches for power. However, this magic has limits, and if pushed, can be detrimental to the witch's health and can even be fatal. When spells tap into darker places, Nature can punish the witch who tries to use that power constantly. Witches state that Dark Magic is “not Nature's plan”.
=== Supernatural Laws ===
Although witches, vampires, and other supernatural creatures can bend the laws of Nature, there are some laws that cannot currently be broken. However, there are loopholes in some cases:
# There are rules to spells and objects: While each spell works differently with various tools involved, they are bound by Nature. Since Nature demands balance, every spell has a loophole. Certain spelled objects contain their own rules. The Gilbert rings only work on humans, while the silver daggers do not work on Klaus, due to his hybrid nature.
# A witch can only channel so much power: Each and every witch can only channel so much power before the power literally starts to disintegrate them from the inside.
# Species are limited: In some cases, they can overdo the limit such as a werewolf that can change at will by being a hybrid or a vampire can be immune to sunlight burning with a daylight ring. But there still remain many weaknesses such as unable to take in certain abilities or unable to find the cure to certain weaknesses. One such limitation is that vampires must be invited into the home or property by the living owner; there is no magical loophole around this.
# Immortality: No living being can ever be truly immortal. Nature won't allow it. There's always a loophole. With the creation of immortals, also created the Cure for immortality while Nature created doppelgängers, mortal versions of their progenitors that could die as a means to maintain balance.
== Spell Casting ==
One of the main components of witchcraft is the ability of witches to cast spells. Spell casting is a power of witches and witch-related species such as siphoners, witch-vampire Hybrids and, possibly, werewolf-witch Hybrids to work magic through the recitation of incantations. This allows users to magically alter reality to a wide number of effects or to evoke forces to change their surroundings. Though this is an ability possessed by all witches, it can also be achieved through thoughts, gestures, and rituals, although generally spoken.
=== Description ===
Spells are capable of producing a wide variety of effects, both harmful and helpful. They can produce physical or chemical changes in a person or object. They can also have profound mental effects such as altering memory, manipulating emotions, or causing magical compulsion (such as forcing someone to speak truthfully).
Spells can manipulate other kinds of magic, such as binding (preventing the use of) a witch's powers, transferring powers between individuals or objects, breaking magical barriers, lifting or casting curses, protection from harm, and range from healing to resurrecting the dead. Some spells require more than one witch to make them work to increase the amount of magic and therefore potential power available for the spell.
The capabilities of spell casting are nearly limitless, though it depends on the type of magic being invoked, the proficiency of the witch, and the spell being cast. A great majority of spells contain a spoken component, notably known as an incantation. An incantation is written and recited as a verse that can vary widely in length from a single word to a short phrase, to a long verse repeated to completion. Some spells consist of only an incantation where others have additional and/or specific components as well. A spell may require the use of certain tools, ingredients (herbs, stones and minerals) or the use of additional power such as from talismans, celestial events or a specific kind of magic.
=== Spells and Rituals ===
One of the defining characteristics of a witch is their ability to cast spells; a "spell" typically being the word used to signify the means employed to carry out a magical action. A spell could consist of ritual action, a set of words, a verse, or any combination of these. For reasons unknown, the majority of spells used by practitioners of traditional and spirit magic are spoken in an ancient language very similar to Latin, while the ancient witch Qetsiyah performed her spells in Aramaic (a language that originated from the Middle East). However, witches who practice other forms of magic have been known to use spells in different languages; for example, the French Quarter Coven, which practices ancestral magic, performs their spells in French or French Creole, while the Travelers typically perform their spells in Czech. Dahlia and Freya Mikaelson have performed spells using a yet to be identified ancient magic in Old Norse, similar to the modern-day Norwegian, Icelandic, Germanic, Danish, Scandinavian and Swedish languages.
== Known Magical Celebrations ==
Certain days are celebrated by witches for the high magical potential they represent. These traditions are observed particularly within covens. The best-known celebrations so far come from the witches of New Orleans, which hosts the largest number of known covens.
=== Fête des Bénédictions ===
Meaning "Blessing Festival", is celebrated by the witches of the French Quarter in agreement with the local community in which people offer gifts to the Harvest witches in exchange of blessings. Witches offer a demonstration of their powers during a parade held in the French Quarter and then a party is held in a luxury building where guests deposit their gifts at the feet of the witches who are sitting on thrones. From the words of Genevieve, it seems that this festival had been suspended by the restrictive policy of Marcel Gerard and not by the fact that it celebrates solely the Harvest witches every three hundred years when the Harvest Ritual is accomplished. So it's likely that the gifts are offered to the most important within the hierarchy at the time.
=== Fête de Cadeau ===
Literally "celebration of the gifts" in French, this festival is celebrated by the totality of the Nine Covens of New Orleans in the City of the Dead. Every witch brings an animal - generally goats - to the Regent to be sacrificed and bestow benevolence upon the community. The festival lasts all day long and the evening seems to be devoted to revelry while the proper religious ceremony is celebrated in the morning.
=== Coven Day ===
Coven Day is a tradition established at the Salvatore Boarding School for the Young & Gifted to provide an opportunity for all of the school's witches, students, faculty, and staff, to celebrate and take pride in being what they are - witches. Throughout the day, it also allows the students to learn about the six unique covens that make up the school's magical community.
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