Witchcraft & Tech – Merging Tradition with Modern Methods

In an era where technology permeates every aspect of our lives, it’s only natural that witchcraft, too, evolves to incorporate digital methods. Far from detracting from the mystical essence of the craft, technology is another tool in the arsenal, much like an athame, a Book of Shadows, or a collection of herbs and crystals. From apps and cell phones to digital rituals and online communities, we have a ton of resources at our fingertips. And look, I get it… some people don’t like new things. There are plenty of people reading this right now – you might be one of them – who are thinking Pshaw, our ancestors didn’t have apps and cell phones, this is NOT how the OLD WAYS are done.

Fair point… but also, our ancestors didn’t have access to the internet, which is where you’re reading this right now, and they didn’t have cars, which is how you got to ritual last weekend, and they didn’t have credit cards, which is probably how you paid for the last few books you bought. Technology changes and evolves – and you don’t have to adapt to it, but let’s not pretend that it’s bad just because it’s new. I have more technology on the iPhone in my pocket than I did on a Gateway desktop thirty years ago, and I’m sure not wishing I could return to the days of yore back in 1993. Do I incorporate tech into every aspect of my practice? Of course not – but I’m also a fan of working smarter when I can. As far as I’m concerned, anything that can help simplify my life is worth looking at. Obviously, your mileage my vary.

But think about it – how many times in the past week have you used your phone or laptop to:

• Read about some ancient text or book?
• Answer a question you had about Paganism?
• Find out ways to do something new in ritual?
• Meet new people?
• Learn about the event you’re attending?

Apps for the Modern Witch

The explosion of smartphone apps has brought a wealth of information and tools to our fingertips:

• Lunar Phase Apps: Understanding the moon’s phases is handy for timing rituals and spells. Apps like Moonly, The Moon Calendar, and My Moon Phase provide real-time updates on the moon’s phases, allowing you to plan magical activities with precision.
• Astrology Apps: For those who incorporate astrology into their practice, apps like Time Passages and AstroMatrix offer detailed astrological charts, daily horoscopes, and insights into personal astrological transits.
• Tarot and Divination Apps: There are a boatload of apps that offer virtual tarot readings, interactive learning tools, and card meanings, making divination accessible anywhere, anytime.
• Herbal Reference Apps: Identifying and understanding the properties of herbs is made easier with apps like PlantSnap and iNaturalist (two of my personal favorites), which provide comprehensive databases and identification tools for a wide range of plants.
• Meditation and Mindfulness Apps: Incorporating mindfulness and meditation into magical practice can be facilitated by apps that offer guided meditations tailored to relaxation, focus, and spiritual growth.

Cell Phones as Magical Tools

I’ll be the first to admit my cell phone can be a distraction (especially if I’m in a tough league on Duolingo), but it can actually be a powerful magical tool:

• Digital Altars: Create digital altars using apps like Pinterest or Canva. These platforms allow users to compile images, symbols, and other visual elements that can be accessed anytime, providing a portable sacred space for meditation and focus.
• Virtual Book of Shadows: Keeping a Book of Shadows on a cell phone or tablet using apps like Evernote or OneNote ensures that all magical records, spell recipes, and personal insights are always at hand and easily searchable.
• Spell Timing and Reminders: Setting alarms and reminders on your phone can help you keep track of the best times for spells and rituals. Your calendar app can be used to mark important astrological events, sabbats, and personal rituals.
• Sound and Music: Music apps like Spotify or Pandora can provide curated playlists for different magical activities, whether it’s a meditation session, a high-energy ritual, or a calming spellcasting environment. I’ve got a few Spotify lists that I use for various magical practices, and it helps to set the mood.

Online Communities and Learning Platforms

Even though it can be an occasional toxic cesspool, the internet has also opened up a world of possibilities for witches seeking community and knowledge:

• Social Media Groups: Platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok host vibrant communities where you can share tips, experiences, and support. Joining groups or following hashtags related to witchcraft can connect you with like-minded practitioners worldwide.
• YouTube and Podcasts: Video and audio content creators offer tutorials, discussions, and guided practices. Some of my favorite people, like Mickie Mueller and Laura Tempest Zakroff, provide valuable insights and education on various aspects of witchcraft.
• Online Courses and Workshops: Websites like Udemy and Coursera offer courses on everything from advanced spellcraft to herbalism and tarot reading.

Enhancing Rituals with Technology

If you really want to go big, technology can directly enhance the ritual experience itself:

• Smart Lighting: Using smart bulbs, you can program your lights to change color and intensity to match the mood and purpose of your ritual. For example, setting a room to soft purple light can create an ambiance conducive to meditation or divination.
• Virtual Reality (VR): VR technology offers immersive environments for meditation and ritual. There are apps which provide guided VR meditations that can transport you to otherworldly landscapes, enhancing the meditative and ritualistic experience.
• Digital Journaling: Keeping track of your magical progress and insights is always helpful. Digital journaling apps like Day One provide a secure and organized way to document your journey, with the added benefit of multimedia entries including photos, audio recordings, and more.

Now, are there drawbacks to learning information online?

Oh, dear gods, yes.

Do you think every single blog, Instagram post, or TikTok video contains accurate information? No. There’s a ton of misinformation out there on the Internet, and that’s why it’s so important to not only learn and read, but also, going back to the concept of community – we have to interact with other people, so we can hash through these ideas and figure out who’s telling us good information and who clearly doesn’t have a clue.

Plus, bear in mind that ANYONE can post information on the Internet. I get emails all the time from people – and it’s mostly folks new to Paganism – who ask for clarification on something they’ve read online, on some site other than my own. There’s no vetting process to post on the Internet, and there are certainly people out there who are writing about witchcraft who couldn’t magically cast their way out of a paper sack. So, sure, there are downsides to using the Internet to learn – but also, it’s unfair to say that new technology has no place in the world of an ancient spirituality that embraces the natural world. Of course it does – like I said previously, it’s a tool, and if we use it to our advantage, then there’s no reason that magic and science can’t walk hand in hand as we navigate our way along our spiritual paths, whatever those may be.