Everything is Connected: How Neoplatonism Aligns with Witchcraft

From the earth beneath your feet to the stars in the night sky, there’s an invisible web of power connecting all things.

This idea isn’t new—it’s a truth recognized by witches for centuries, but it also echoes in the teachings of the ancient philosopher Plotinus.

Plotinus, the father of Neoplatonism, had a theory about how everything in the universe is connected through layers of energy, which he called “emanations.” These emanations ripple out from the highest source, what he called “The One.” For initiates, this sounds a lot like the web of power we tap into during rituals, spellwork, and meditation. Let’s break it down and see how his theory aligns with the craft.

Neoplatonist philosopher Plotinus' bust. He was the one who fist spoke about the flow of emanations.

Plotinus’ Emanations: The Flow of Power from the Divine

Plotinus believed that everything in the universe flows from “The One,” a divine source that is the root of all existence. From this source, layers of energy, or emanations, ripple outward, each one slightly less pure but still connected to the source.

Think of it like a candle flame—the light spreads outwards, but the flame is always at the center. This concept is a powerful way to visualize how the divine energy witches work with in a coven, or even alone, flows down from the gods and the universe into your rituals. You’re never disconnected from the source, even if the energy feels distant at times.

The Web of Power in Witchcraft: Emanations at Work

Now let’s look at the witch’s perspective: when you cast a circle, call the quarters, or channel energy in a spell, what you’re doing is tapping into this same flow of power. Whether you call it energy, spirit, or the web of power, it’s still part of those emanations from the divine, which flow into the earth, the elements, and ultimately into you.

In a coven, this power can be amplified. When a group of witches works together, it’s like tuning multiple instruments to the same frequency. The collective energy raised in a coven allows you to tap into deeper levels of those emanations, creating a stronger connection to the divine, and the magical work often becomes more potent.

Emanations in Nature: everything is connected as a web of power

Plotinus teaches that everything returns to “The One” by aligning more closely with its divine nature. This mirrors the witch’s path of seeking to return to the source—whether that’s the gods, the universe, or your highest self. In a coven, you’re not only connected to the divine; you’re also aligning yourself with a group of people who help you harmonize with those higher layers of energy.

When working in a coven, we’re able to raise energy together, build a web of support, and tap into that flow of power more easily than going it alone. It’s not that solitary witches can’t access this energy—of course they can—but the collective energy of a coven mirrors Plotinus’ idea of moving closer to the divine through a harmonious community.

Everything is Connected: From Neoplatonism to Our Craft

So, how can you take Plotinus’ concept of emanations and apply it to your own practice? Start by visualizing your connection to the divine not as something separate but as a flow of energy that runs through you and everything around you.

This shift in perspective can enhance the ritual work. When we sit down to meditate, we see ourselves as a channel for divine energy flowing down from a higher source. We are part of the universal web of power, where every action, intention, and spell contributes to the greater whole.

Coven Raising Energy: A group of witches can rise energy easily during ritual work.

Energy Work and Neoplatonic Influence in Witchcraft

In Neoplatonism, the relationship between the higher and lower realms isn’t a static one. There’s a constant flow of energy going both ways—what moves away from The One eventually returns to it, completing a cycle of unity and multiplicity. This is a powerful concept in energy work.

As witches, we often speak of grounding and centring ourselves after a ritual. Plotinus’ philosophy can add a deeper layer to this practice by encouraging us to think of ourselves as part of this energetic cycle. Grounding becomes more than just reconnecting with the earth—it becomes a way of aligning with the energy flow that moves between the physical world and the divine source.

Further Reading

The Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy on Plotinus – More about Plotinus and his philosophical system.

The Hermetic Library to explore the influence of Neoplatonism on Western esoteric traditions.