The Age of Modern Witchcraft

Michelle Lewis – The Blessings Butterfly

So you find yourself feeling drawn to witchcraft and all things magickal? You’re not alone! Welcome to the magickal resurgence, or what I like to call the Age of Modern Witchcraft.

Witchcraft has been a part of human culture for centuries and has evolved over time. We have come a long way from the Dark Days of murderous “witch hunts” throughout much of the world, where so many innocent people were falsely accused, imprisoned, tortured and even killed.

Today, Modern Witchcraft is more commonly associated with spiritual practices and beliefs that are often centered around nature, personal growth, esoterics and the intentional manipulation of energy. Even our different cultural practices and folk magick that has been passed down through our ancestors informs the Modern Witch.

Types of Witches

With such wide access now to information, many young witchlings dabbling around the internet think that they have to pick a “type of witch” to be considered legit. Let me start by advising you that you DO NOT have to choose any specific type of witchcraft or be defined in any way. And, you can change your mind or try something different whenever you want to. That’s part of the beauty of it!

Modern witches come from a wide range of backgrounds, beliefs, and practices, and can be grouped into several different categories (or none at all). You may choose to connect with a coven, but it is NOT required. Some modern witches prefer to learn and practice on their own, but also enjoy connecting with other practitioners from the magickal community.

If you prefer to identify as a specific type of witch, here are a few options to consider when you are choosing a path to follow:

1. Wiccans: Not all Wiccans are Witches, and not all Witches are Wiccan. Wiccans are people who follow the Wiccan religion, which is based on a combination of ancient pagan beliefs and modern esoteric practices. Wiccans worship both the goddess and the god, and believe in a version of karma and the Threefold Law (what you put out into the world will come back to you threefold). They often celebrate the cycles of the moon and the changing of the seasons or the “Wheel of the Year” through the observance of rituals and festivals. While there is a definite structure, there is still a lot of room for personal expression within Wicca.
2. Eclectic Witches: Eclectic witches do not follow a specific tradition or religious structure. Instead, they draw from a wide range of sources and beliefs to create their own unique spiritual practice. This type of witch may incorporate elements of Wicca, paganism, shamanism, Eastern religions or even Christianity into their practice. They may choose to explore many different modalities such as herbalism, animism, psychic work, spell crafting, traditional practices, etc. etc.
3. Kitchen Witches: Kitchen witches focus their practice on the use of herbs, spices, and food to create spells and potions for healing, protection, and prosperity. They believe that magic can be found in the everyday and that the energy of cooking and baking can be harnessed for good.
4. Hedge Witches: Hedge witches are most often solitary practitioners who focus on working closely with the natural world and the elements. They often practice magick and divination in natural settings, such as forests, meadows, or near bodies of water.
5. Ceremonial Witches: Ceremonial witches focus on the use of ritual and ceremony in their practice. They may incorporate elements of ceremonial or High Magick and the use of tarot cards, crystals, or other tools into their spells and rituals.

This is not a comprehensive list, and these descriptions are simplified to give you a starting point. There’s a LOT more research you can do on your own, and you definitely should!

The Solitary Witch

Solitary witches are individuals who practice witchcraft on their own, without belonging to a coven or a larger spiritual community. They may draw inspiration from a variety of sources, including paganism, Wicca, and eclectic spirituality, but ultimately, their practice is unique to them and reflects their individual beliefs and experiences.

Solitary witches have the freedom to create their own rituals, spells, and spiritual practices, and can delve as deeply into their craft as they choose. They may work with a specific pantheon of deities, or they may not work with any deity at all.

For some solitary witches, the solitary path is a matter of personal preference, as they prefer to work in quiet solitude, without the distractions or obligations that come with being part of a group. For others, the need to practice in private or be low-key is a matter of personal safety. Living in a remote area or being unable to find a like-minded community nearby may make practicing as a solitary witch the only viable option.

Regardless of the reasons, solitary witchcraft can be a deeply rewarding and empowering practice. By relying on their own intuition and connection to the divine, solitary witches can cultivate a strong sense of self-reliance and independence. Additionally, the solitary path allows for a great deal of creative freedom and flexibility, as there is no need to conform to a specific set of beliefs or practices.

The Empowered Modern Witch

In modern times, many people regardless of gender identify as and have reclaimed the term “witch” as a form of empowerment, and celebrate the wisdom and spiritual practices of historical witches. Today, witches are often seen as healers, diviners, and practitioners of magick who use their skills to bring about positive change in the world.

No matter what type of modern witch you are, or wish to become, the keys to successful witchcraft is to cultivate a strong connection to the natural world, be in tune with your own intuition and power, and practice, practice, practice! There are literally thousands of reliable resources available to increase your knowledge of the occult arts and gain an understanding of many different paths you have access to.

When you are just starting out and trying to choose what kind of witch you want to be, it is easy to get overwhelmed with “all the things” out there: Crystals! Tarot! Oracles! Spells! Spirits! Guides! Covens! Scrying! Palmistry! Herbs! Potions! Deities! Astrology! Reiki! …Annnndddd so on. Remember, you don’t have to learn everything, you don’t have learn it all at once, and you don’t have to study any of the arts that don’t really interest you.

Witchcraft can be a wonderful tool for personal transformation, healing, and for making a positive impact in the world around you. Ultimately, this is your path, you get to choose how you follow it.

My own path as an empowered, modern witch has been a long, winding, sometimes dark and sometimes bumpy, utterly fascinating journey. From my earliest childhood memories of talking to the ghost and different spirits that liked to hang out in my room, to learning tarot and playing with different divination tools, to exploring the many amazing options available in the world of magick… I am forever enchanted with all of it.

If you ever have questions, don’t hesitate to reach out! I’m not into gatekeeping and I will always steer you towards discovery and personal empowerment.