Who we are
We are an earth-based spiritual society. Whatever your path, polytheism, atheism, a true supporter or you just have a belief that the earth is sacred and divine. Educating oneself and each other is key.
No matter what your gender, your gender identity, the color of your skin, your age, or your sexual orientation, all are welcome. We will always strive to create a safe community and environment for all within our society.
We are a Chapter of The Pittsburg Black Hat Society Network
The Black Hat Society Network was started by a woman in Eastern Pennsylvania, established: August 6th, 2009
Honoring the Earth Through and Through
We are all connected to this Planet, she meets our needs. Be good ambassadors to her. Protect her, and give back to the ancient Mother Earth. Touch the Earth, feel her on your bare feet and hands. Ground to her, remember we are born from dust and we return to dust.
Does this mean we are all going to be herbalists, “No” but a basic understanding of herbs makes a practice stronger. Most Witches I know have made a tincture or two or, at least used them. A basic understanding of herbs is needed to have knowledge of what goes into them.
I hear new folks tell me all the time, “I don’t have a green thumb”, well guess what, I kill lemongrass all the time, but I don’t give up. Even an apartment dweller can grow a plant. When I need a certain herb or plant and I can’t grow it, I try to find out where to go to source it or who to go to that can grow it.
Learn what you need and where to source things. Practice long enough and you will find those who will be experts and you can barter.
You should gain a basic knowledge of the native plants that grow around you and what you can wildcraft or forage. You should also learn about the trees in your area. Stag Horn Sumac makes a great handle for a besom (broom) and the berries, when ripe, make Native American Aide.
The same thought process applies to oils or crystals, basic knowledge makes a practice stronger and a well-read Witch makes a stronger practice. We will add a recommended library of books to this site, but for me, Witchery, Embrace the Witch Within by Juliet Diaz, and Psychic Witch by Mat Auryn propelled me into this most magickal journey.
You do not have to become an expert in mythology, or pick deities. You don’t have to pick a specific path. You may find yourself practicing for years and find no need to dip your toes in the polytheistic pool. You may follow a path where you are devoted to one or more deities. It is said we do not pick our deities, the deities pick their devotees.
Never forget that Witchcraft is a practice, plain and simple. You do not have to spend exorbitant amounts of money on items, wands, cauldrons, candleholders, crystals, or athames. Although it is nice to have amazing tools, you can start with the basics. If you need a wand find a tree you connect with and ask it for for an offering. Je’ Amour P. Matthew, our teacher and mentor from Pittsburgh, wrote a lot of material that is on this site and she spoke of a dear Crone she knew who had a wonderful wand. When Je’ Amour asked the Crone about the wand she told her how she came to find a branch, cut it down, and whittled it with her favorite potato peeler and then sanded it smooth, all the while speaking lovingly to the tree.
Je’ Amour herself will tell you she has several athames, one an old letter opener and another a hunting knife she was gifted and anointed. She says that cauldrons seem to just find their way to her.
Some may go out and buy expensive cloaks, capes, hats, and tons of jewelry, there is nothing wrong with that, I have my eye on a few things myself, but it is not necessary to practice. I have sat under the moon making spell jars, practicing candle magick or reading tarot cards, in jeans and a t-shirt, nightshirt, and sometimes even a bathing suit after a midnight swim. I have sat in my office and grounded myself when in need of some sanity, or just to relieve stress. I truly believe no matter how many pieces of ritual clothing I may acquire, my favorite piece will be the handmade cloke that Je’ Amour taught us how to make.
Your practice is yours and yours alone. Once you begin to embrace it, it will be driven by your energy and the most amazing feeling of hope, inspiration, and rightness you can imagine.
Cambria Black Hat Society 