The church claims that any involvement in magic, manifestation, or anything “woo-woo” per say,
Is something that is not to be trifled with.
That these acts of spirituality are of the “devil.”
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/liahona/2007/01/the-forces-that-will-save-us?lang=eng
And yet…
I don’t think the church seems to understand what witchcraft really is…
Seeing as they actually do actively practice witchcraft themselves??
For example…
https://africawest.lds.org/consecrating
Don’t believe that consecrating oil is witchy?
Well…
I’m not sure what to tell you…
https://www.pagansofthenorth.co.uk/post/witches-corner-anointing-oils
And how about stones and crystals?
I know the LDS church is opposed to all the “woo-woo” stuff per se; claims it’s from the devil.
But what about…rocks??
I mean…
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/history/topics/seer-stones?lang=eng
After all,
The church claims that all things were created spiritually before they were created physically.
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/pgp/moses/3?lang=eng
I mean, lots of witchcraft and magic, folk, or pagan belief systems utilize the rocks of the earth for their spirituality.
If all things were created spiritually before they were naturally on the face of the earth,
Doesn’t that mean that everything has a spirit?
Nature?
Trees?
Even Rocks?
That maybe,
Even rocks have different spiritual properties and abilities?
So then,
If rocks are spiritual,
why does the church reject beliefs systems such as paganism, nature worship, animism, and pantheism?
And claim that THEY are the only full truth on the earth?
What if God is ALREADY on the earth?
IN the earth?
IS the earth?
IS the universe?
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/ensign/2013/02/earth-a-gift-from-god?lang=eng
Why separate God from His creation?
What if God IS His creation?
But we’re getting off track.
Oils.
Crystals/Rocks.
The earth.
Another thing Mormons do,
is pray.
They pray with “real intent of heart,”
“With sincerity”
“With all the energy of heart.”
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/manual/gospel-topics/prayer?lang=eng
How is this any different than meditation?
Than manifestation?
Tuning oneself in to communication with the higher power?
https://www.spiritualityhealth.com/what-is-manifestation
Mormons also pray for forgiveness of past errors and mistakes, and use those mistakes to propel themselves forward into continually doing better and being better.
It brings personal reflection, learning about oneself, and striving to grow as a person.
The church’s encouragement of personal journaling, does the same thing as well.
What do you need to change?
How can you grow spiritually?
How can we be a little bit better every single day?
To us,
this sounds like shadow work.
https://health.clevelandclinic.org/shadow-work
Prayer, meditation, shadow work, manifestation, journaling…
It’s all a very similar thing.
Just in a different font.
And it’s a similar story when it comes to rituals.
Except Mormons don’t call theirs “rituals,”
They call it “ordinances,” and “ceremonies.”
Same thing.
Mormons perform ceremonies and rituals they feel are spiritual, sacred, and powerful; even big enough to mark milestones in one’s life.
Same thing for witchcraft, and spirituality.
https://www.wagonwitch.com/post/ritual-in-witchcraft
Gestures, words, symbols…
Mormons and witches alike.
I mean after all, Joseph Smith was one of the witchiest people in Mormon history.
A lot of people act freaked out and scared when spiritual people/witches mention working with the dead.
However,
The Mormon church LOVES working with the dead.
It’d be weird to state that the Mormon church is opposed to working with the deceased in spiritual, witchy practices;
When they do it, too.
https://horrorobsessive.com/2021/05/11/death-witchcraft/
Not to mention, the church is constantly asking its members to engage with the dead;
Learn their stories; remember them; get closer to your ancestors…
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/manual/gospel-topics/family-history?lang=eng
Guess what spirituality ALSO does?
I remember spending time amongst the tombstones of the deceased for a church youth activity of the Mormon church.
We photographed their headstones, added their names to the family trees;
It was a very peaceful, and wonderful experience.
So why shame me, as an ex-Mormon pagan,
If I decide to spend time in a graveyard and draw closer to the dead?
https://www.patheos.com/blogs/pantheon/2010/06/a-ritual-to-connect-with-your-ancestors/
Speaking of rituals;
Mormons use ritualistic clothing, just like any and every spiritual practice.
The only difference here, is that the Mormon temple clothing is required for their ceremonies;
Whereas other spiritualists and witchy people have more freedom as to their ritualistic outfits of choice.
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/temples/sacred-temple-clothing
So why would Mormonism pretend not to be witchy;
When they dress like this during their own rituals??
https://share.google/R9uHK8rHjWEpn5zMK
Everyone has their own ritualistic clothing.
Including the Mormons.
And let’s not even get started on energy cleansing.
Mormons definitely believe in spirituality.
And energy.
As stated above when we talked about prayer,
Mormons pray “With all the energy of the heart.”
Energy is real; even Mormons admit the existence of spirituality.
And,
They also do ENERGY CLEANSING.
For example;
Do Mormons not pray before each get-together and meeting?
Do they not “fortify” themselves against any “negative” influences they do not want present in their lives?
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/manual/teachings-spencer-w-kimball/chapter-10?lang=eng
Yep.
Mormons absolutely do energy cleansing;
A lot of them just don’t realize that that’s what it is.
Oh, AND Mormons?
they cast out demons, too. Not just cleanse themselves of negative energy; which can also be considered as “casting out demons.”
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/tg/demons?lang=eng
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/nt/matt/8?lang=eng
Energy Cleansing and casting demons out is done in a variety of ways; and the church does both.
But generally, the church’s preferred method is prayer.
Energy cleansing can be done in a multitude of ways, besides just prayer…
Sound.
Sage.
Incense.
And speaking of prayer…
Let’s talk about patriarchal blessings.
You know what’s similar to patriarchal blessings?
Fortune telling and tarot reading.
Now, personally, we aren’t too sure that anyone really holds the ability to tell the future.
But tarot reading!!
Tarot reading doesn’t tell the future, as popular media would depict.
Tarot reading is meant to be spiritually guided, like a patriarchal blessing.
Tarot reading offers possible insights to think about regarding your life and life paths; like a patriarchal blessing.
Tarot reading is guidance that you can follow, if you choose to do so; much like your patriarchal blessing.
The Mormon church likes to pretend it has nothing to do with “witchy” things.
But in all reality,
It’s a LOT witchier than one would think.
https://www.sininlinen.com/blogs/news/tarot-cards-meaning
Both patriarchal blessings and tarot cards require tapping into that spiritual energy for guidance, direction, questions, and personal insight and reflection for you life.
Let’s stop pretending they’re so different.
And now…
SCRYING!
https://www.deseret.com/2015/3/27/20561498/joseph-the-stone-and-the-hat-why-it-all-matters/
Scrying is a type of divination, of revelation.
You generally need some sort of reflective surface to scry; a mirror, bowl of water, a polished stone even.
https://nightbringer.se/nightbringer/witch_speculum.html
Scrying allows spiritual people to find insights, answers, etc.
And it can be quite powerful.
Have you ever stared at yourself for too long in the mirror, and things began to look…abnormal? Odd? Supernatural?
https://www.lauraperryauthor.com/post/scrying-looking-to-see-what-s-there
Joseph Smith himself did Scrying,
Which (allegedly) translated the Book of Mormon,
Which created the entire basis on which the Church was built.
Now,
Whether Joseph Smith’s “divinings” were legit or not?
Now That’s where Mormons and spiritualistic people and witches differ.
But there’s a LOT more where that came from!
After all,
Joseph didn’t JUST scry…
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/history/topics/treasure-seeking?lang=eng
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/history/topics/divining-rods?lang=eng
Diving rods are another “witchy” spiritual tactic.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dowsing
They’re even evident in the movie “Coraline,” if you’ve seen it!
https://share.google/yKv7S2cQoSTp3ftYn
Regardless,
The church definitely had some involvement in early folk magic; or at least, Joseph Smith, the one who founded that very church, did.
Now let’s talk the sacrament.
For the sacrament, you drink the water with intent and purpose.
The sacrament is a renewal.
It’s cleansing.
And…
It’s a ritual.
One that Mormons do every Sunday.
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/manual/gospel-topics/sacrament?lang=eng
The bread and water is prayed over with a specific prayer; and if they get the prayer wrong, they re-do the prayer.
Members sit in reverence.
They sit in silence.
They ponder their spirituality.
They meditate.
They visualize the positivity of the forgiveness of one’s sins; meditate on the story of a man who gave his life for them.
Who allowed them the ability to be healed and cleansed…
…And then they partake in the ritual of consuming bread and drinking the water,
Which both have deep representation,
With true, and pure intent and purpose.
And they are renewed.
Sound similar to the spiritual practice behind “Johrei,” does it not??
Channeling the spirit to cleanse you of your sins and renew you again through the sacrament?
It also sounds a lot like a “woo-woo” potion ritual,
Doesn’t it?
Mormons take their “potions” every single Sunday;
I was always told “you have to have faith for the sacrament to work! Even just a tiny seed of it!”
The Intention behind every ritual is everything.
Including the sacrament.
https://friendlystreetwitch.com/2021/11/22/potions-their-uses-forms-and-misconceptions/
Now on to Healing power.
What do the LDS do when someone is sick and needs healing?
They utilize medicines and prayer of course;
But they also have specific blessings that are done where hands are placed on a persons head, and a prayer is said by a man who is tuning in spiritually, with the specific purpose and intention of healing the other person.
Sounds a lot like energy work!
Mormons heal their sick through annointing oils, intention, and calling upon a higher power…
By the laying on of hands.
What else heals through the laying on of hands?
REIKI.
This is no different than other spiritual remedies that people outside of the LDS church use.
https://templeofwitchcraft.org/sickness-circles-and-spells/
Something that is overlooked is being healed by things that came from the earth; plants, animals, honey, etc.
Many man-made, over-the-counter medications all derive themselves from natural sources that come from the earth!
And Mormons are not opposed to partaking in medication and healing remedies.
They use the earth to heal; whether they realize it or not.
They are no stranger to natural remedies…
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/history/topics/healing?lang=eng
…something that “witches” and spiritualistic people are also well-known for;
Natural remedies for health and healing!
https://wildwitchherbs.com/witchy-herbs-for-healing/
Now on to baby blessings.
How beautiful are blessings of babies?? It’s a ritual full of love, hopes and dreams for the future of such a young, new life that has been brought into the world!
We’ve always loved baby blessings.
What better gift to give a fresh new life and well-wishes and love that they can carry with them during their journey on earth?
“Gather in a circle”
With the baby in the center.
Sounds like a very familiar ritual, doesn’t it?
Well,
If it’s not a surprise by now;
Witchy people do things very similarly, too!
https://theamm.org/articles/946-wiccaning-ceremony-a-guide-to-welcoming-a-new-witch
Seems like blessing babies to have a wonderful, full life
Is something everyone desires for their children!
How beautiful is that?
And another ritual that we actually find very fascinating;
Baptism.
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/manual/gospel-topics/baptism?lang=eng
Have you ever heard of a full-moon bath?
It’s a “woo-woo” ritual that is quite similar to baptism.
The intent is to cleanse yourself in the water,
And emerge clean, new, fresh, and rejuvenated.
Much like baptism!
Everyone does the full moon baths differently;
Some shower.
Some swim in a lake.
Some have their tub filled with water, flower petals, candles, incense, and vibration sounds playing.
But regardless;
The intent is the same.
“Out with the old, in with the new.”
Spiritually cleansed.
Refreshed.
Rejunivated.
Tuning in to spirituality is something many religions, spiritualists, and witches do.
All tap into energy.
All are working on self improvement and development; As well as healing.
And many times, they also commonly have goals of “achieving your higher self.”
Ascending upwards in spirituality.
And the Mormon church is no different;
What’s the ultimate goal for mormons?
Achieving the highest level of the celestial kingdom; the highest level of divinity; becoming a god yourself.
Many spiritualists believe in chakras; in energy work.
Buddhists believe in achieving nirvana; the highest and more purest sense of self.
It all has the same underlying ideas and goals;
The achievement of the ultimate, highest spirituality of oneself possible.
It’s a common theme across not only religions;
But witches, spiritualists, pagans, Buddhists, and more.
Going up in the priesthood and slowly achieving each temple ordinance is said by the Mormon church to gain the ultimate level of celestial spirituality.
Unlocking each spiritual Chakra allows for energy to flow through you more freely and allows you to reach your higher sense of self.
There are levels to everything.
And spirituality is no exception.
Energy work is crucial in everything we do, say, and engage with.
It’s not exactly something that someone can just avoid. Spirituality is a big part of the human experience; even if spirituality for you is merely spending time with loved ones or going on a hike!
Either way;
Spirituality and energy work are integral parts to the human experience.
We have no issues with the way Mormonism practices its rituals, ceremonies and symbolisms.
Sure, we don’t exactly like the sexism and such.
But overall,
The act of the rituals and “ordinances,” we really don’t mind much.
It’s the fact that the church says things like THIS –
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/liahona/2007/01/the-forces-that-will-save-us?lang=eng
https://newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org/article/general-handbook-update-december-2020
And then right after saying things like this,
The church actively turns around, goes out, and does things like THIS !!! –
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/manual/gospel-topics/baptisms-for-the-dead?lang=eng
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/manual/gospel-topics/laying-on-of-hands?lang=eng
https://africawest.lds.org/consecrating
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/manual/gospel-topics/baptism?lang=eng
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/manual/gospel-topics/endowment?lang=eng
https://mit.irr.org/mormon-temple-endowment-ceremony
https://mit.irr.org/mormon-temple-endowment-ceremony
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/tg/blood-symbolism-of?lang=eng
The Mormon church can’t tell it’s members to avoid witchcraft, spells, and spirituality
while at the SAME TIME,
the church is actively engaging in ritualistic spirituality themselves!
Well, Mormon church…
If you want to ban witchcraft all together,
I guess you better tell your members to stop making wishes and blowing out candles on their birthday cakes! Because guess what?
That’s “witchcraft” too!!
–
Imagine shaming someone for leaving the church –
Because they want to practice spirituality still, but without the misogyny, patriarchy, and man-made rules imposed on them as to how they can and can’t be spiritual.
