In ancient times, while the Slavs did not have a unified church or religion that spread across their entire territory, each family, community, or tribe practiced a belief system with shared foundational tenets. In this original belief, persons who fulfilled the role of a priest in local communities, but rather a shaman and healer who was in charge of performing sacred and magical ceremonies, were highly respected.
MAGIC BEINGS OF OLD SLAVS
Such a person was known as a ZNAKHAR or ZNAKHARKA, a name derived from the word "znath," meaning to know or to be aware. They had the ability to use their consciousness, and therefore the magical gift of the spirit - life force and soul. Their perhaps better-known name used to be VEDMA (woman) or VEDOMEC (man) - CONSCIOUSNESSER - wise men. Their role was to perform most religious rituals and divinations, thereby preserving the belief system and traditions of the Slavic ancestors.
In later periods, larger sacred groves and ritual sites emerged, where individuals known as ZHREC served. Zhrecs were entrusted with performing sacred rituals or divinations, but a zhrec is more, sacrificial priest or diviner, was more of a ceremonial figure who was not always a consciousnesser.
Vedmas and Vedomeces used their magical abilities and knowledge for the benefit of their community. They primarily focused on healing, whether through the use of magical powers, incantations, or their knowledge of medicinal or magical herbs and the inner strength of the individual. Vedomci also prophesied and communicated with spiritual realms, gods, and various magical beings, from whom they gained their knowledge and often their magical powers and abilities. They were believed to be endowed with the power of magic, including the ability to transform into animals, and were therefore considered sorcerers and witches, commonly referred to as VOLKH or KOLDUN. Women were referred to as BOGINYKA - GODDESS, BABICA, or BABA - grendma.
Their knowledge and abilities were held in high esteem but often invoked awe and fear. Therefore, in Slavic folklore there are many stories and legends in which they are depicted as evil and harmful beings, coupled with dark demons, invoking dark deities. Often, these beings in the stories merge with magical forest beings such as forest grandfather or forest grandmother.
Dark vedmas and vedomeces were typically referred to as STRIGA - WITCH, wizard, sorcerer, or JEZHIBABA.
Utilizing magical powers was never easy, and theoretical knowledge of magical practices was usually not enough. However, from time to time, an ordinary person might manage to perform some magic. Therefore, it was not uncommon for ordinary mortals to attempt magic during holidays or during the full or new moon, when it was believed that magical powers were stronger and more accessible. These attempts usually involved various types of agrarian magic, sacrifices, and blessings, as well as love spells or rituals designed to ensure happiness, health, and success.
Some rituals and ceremonies related to agrarian activities and the veneration of ancestors were, of course, performed within the family circle or by the most respected person in the community, such as the elder or even the lord himself.
