so what types of witches are there?
This is a excerpt of my lecture notes for Awaken the Witch 101, a free introductory course available from Baby Witch School.
AWAKEN THE WITCH 101
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AWAKEN THE WITCH 101 〰️
While many witches avoid labeling their personal practices, choosing one or a few specific "types" of witchcraft can be beneficial for beginners. This approach allows them to tailor their learning to their interests.
Below, you'll find 14 types of witchcraft most commonly seen online. Remember, this list isn't exhaustive, and the definitions can differ from one witch to another. Consider this a jumping-off point to delve deeper into the aspects of the craft that truly inspire you.
1. Green Witch: Focuses on nature, herbalism, and the use of plants in witchcraft. They often work closely with the earth, cultivating gardens and gathering wild herbs, and are deeply connected to the cycles of nature.
2. Kitchen Witch: Finds magic in the domestic sphere, particularly in cooking and meal preparation. They use herbs, foods, and the energy of the home to create magical outcomes, weaving spells into everyday activities.
3. Hedge Witch: Traditionally, a hedge witch works alone and practices hedge jumping or crossing the boundary between this world and the spirit world. They often work with herbs, the elements, and spirit communication.
4. Solitary Witch: Prefers to practice alone rather than in a group or coven. Their practices can be eclectic, drawing from various traditions and personal intuition to form a unique path.
5. Eclectic Witch: Draws from multiple forms of witchcraft, cultures, and traditions to create a personalized practice. They may blend elements from different paths that resonate with them personally.
6. Traditional Witch: Follows the old paths and traditions of witchcraft, often focusing on the folklore and practices of their ancestors or the region they feel most connected to.
7. Wiccan Witch: Follows the religion of Wicca, which involves worship of the God and Goddess, celebration of the Sabbats and Esbats, and adherence to the Wiccan Rede. Their practices are often ceremonial and rooted in a specific set of traditions.
8 Religious Witches: Witches who maintain a practice of magic and a deep connection to nature while still retaining their connection with an organized religion that serves their personal belief system.
8. Sea Witch: Works with the ocean, sea, rivers, and water in their magic. They may use items like shells, seawater, and beach sand in their spells and rituals.
9. Faery Witch: Works closely with fae folk and other elemental beings. Their practice involves understanding and respecting the fae, often focusing on nature and the elements.
10. Cosmic Witch: Focuses on astrology and the cosmos, using planetary movements and celestial events to influence their magic and rituals.
11. Hereditary Witch: Comes from a lineage of witches and often practices the traditions passed down through their family. Their practices may be closely guarded and specific to their ancestors' ways.
12. Ceremonial Witch: Uses elaborate rituals, invocations, and the casting of circles in their practice. They often incorporate elements from various mystical traditions, such as the Qabalah, alchemy, and Hermeticism.
13. Chaos Witch: Utilizes the principles of chaos magic, which emphasizes the belief that the practitioner's will is the ultimate factor in magical work. They may use a variety of techniques and paradigms based on what is most effective for them.
14. Elemental Witch: Focuses on the elements (earth, air, fire, water, and sometimes spirit) in their practice, using them as the foundation of their magical work.
I hope this serves as a helpful starting point for your magical journey. Remember, the craft is flexible, allowing you to explore, reconsider, or start anew at any time.
Selecting a specific path now doesn't lock you in forever; it's common to transition to different practices as you grow.
So, don't spend too much time worrying about defining the type of witch you are. What's more important is to begin your exploration. As you delve into this journey, you'll find that your path and practices will naturally evolve.
