Teenage Witchcraft: Turns Out, Not a Cult

Teenage witchcraft is usually framed as something extreme, mysterious, or risky, but that’s far from the truth. This article is for curious teens who want to learn more about witchcraft, themselves, and the world around them.

It’s also for parents trying to understand what witchcraft is and why their teenager is interested in it. I’ll do my best to offer an honest explanation and give you a realistic picture as to what witchcraft is and what it isn’t. Think of this as a starting point for understanding, without pushing toward any beliefs or specific practices.

Please note that I make every effort to ensure this information is correct and accurate through my own experiences and referencing sources throughout this article.

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A Few Important Things to Know First

Let’s get a few things out of the way before we begin. Reading about witchcraft doesn’t mean you have to believe in it, practice it, or change your religious or spiritual beliefs. It’s okay to be curious! You aren’t obligated to do anything.

You don’t have to do spells, have a label, or worship certain gods. It’s completely okay for you to learn privately if you feel safer doing so.

In this article, nothing here requires spending money, action, or secrecy unless you choose to. My goal in writing this article is to give you information and answer common questions beginners ask. Feel free to take what resonates with you and leave the rest.

What Teenage Witchcraft is (and What it isn’t)

Witchcraft is a practice, not a religion, whether you’re a teenager or an adult. It’s a practice you can explore, study, and experiment with. It does NOT tell you what to believe, who to worship, or how to live your life.

Wicca is a religion, and practitioners call themselves witches. This can sometimes be confusing to beginners. Practicing witchcraft does NOT automatically make you Wiccan. Some witches are Wiccan, but many are not (myself included). You can learn and grow as a witch without following any religion at all.

There are no required spells, clothing, or witchcraft tools. You don’t need to dress or look a certain way, and you don’t need to perform anything online for anyone else to see. Witchcraft is not an aesthetic or vibe, although it can be if you want, because witchcraft is all about making YOUR OWN CHOICES.

Why Teenagers Are Drawn to Witchcraft

For many teenagers (and adults), witchcraft is less about magic and more about meaning. When you’re young, you have strong thoughts, emotions, and questions, but very little control over your life. Witchcraft emphasizes personal autonomy.

Witchcraft values choice, intention, and inner authority over obedience to hierarchical structures. It also relies heavily on symbolism over adhering to strict rules and lets people explore ideas and emotions. This is great for teenagers who need a bit of flexibility when learning who they are and forming their personal identity.

Witchcraft rituals are very grounding, calming, and help create stability during stressful times. Humans have used similar routines for thousands of years, like lighting candles in churches, saying daily prayers, observing holidays, and following meaningful traditions. However, witches add creativity, nature, moon cycles, and celebrate the changing seasons.

Witchcraft vs Movies, TikTok, and Fictional Books

Movies, TikTok, and fictional books often portray witchcraft as dramatic and flashy, with immediate results because they’re meant to be entertaining, but that’s not how real witchcraft works.

In real life, witchcraft is slower and more personal. However, fiction can be a great entry point because they use real symbols, myths, and ideas, even if they’re a bit exaggerated. They’ll help you notice what you’re curious about, like symbols or herbalism. Just remember to treat them for what they are: inspiration.

What Does it Mean to Be in the Broom Closet?

When someone says they’re “in the broom closet,” it simply means they’re keeping their interest in witchcraft private. The phrase comes from the idea of witches flying on brooms and is a cheeky way to say you’re not sharing this part of yourself openly.

Many teenagers choose privacy for practical reasons. They may live with a family who wouldn’t understand, attend a strict religious school, or may need some time to explore their witchcraft curiosity without outside opinions or pressure.

Remember, you do not owe anyone an explanation because your beliefs and interests are personal, and your safety always comes first.

Safely Exploring Witchcraft as a Teenager

I want to start this section by being very clear: Witchcraft itself is NOT dangerous. For beginners, it is mostly about learning, self-reflection, and understanding symbolism.

I recommend beginners take time write their thoughts, feelings, and anything they learn in a personal journal. Witches call this a grimoire or Wiccan Book of Shadows, and it’s a great reference tool. Don’t worry about it being a bit messy at the beginning; over time, you’ll learn what works best for you, and you can make it a bit more artistically creative and organized later.

The best foundation for you to learn is Spiritual Grounding and Raising Your Vibration. These skills are at the heart of witchcraft, and perfecting them will put you ahead of most practitioners. Next, I’d recommend studying Moon Magic, Pagan Holidays, and mythology. However, don’t feel restricted by these ideas! Let your interests guide you, and feel free to explore my Homepage for more ideas.

Remember You Are in Control

Many beginners are worried that witchcraft must be the center of their life once they start practicing. However, witchcraft doesn’t take over your life or tell you who to be; YOU ARE ALWAYS IN CONTROL.

You decide what you learn, what you try, and what you don’t want to engage in. There’s no required path or pressure to do anything you don’t want to do. Feel free to read and explore ideas without acting on them. Take breaks, change your mind, and feel free to let go of ideas no longer working for you.

Witchcraft does not work without your consent. Your curiosity is your guide to help you make the best choices for you along the way. Witchcraft is a lifetime practice, and it will change and grow with you.

If You Want to Keep Learning

Earlier in this article, I mentioned Spiritual Grounding and Raising Your Vibration because they are some of the most important foundations in witchcraft. I recommend starting there first. When you’re ready to explore further, here are a few resources to help get you started:

• Witchcraft for Beginners
• How to Become a Real Witch
• How to Do Witchcraft Step-By-Step
• Pagan, Witch, and Wiccan Symbols
• Witchcraft Tools
• My YouTube video series on Candle Magic

Witchcraft is something you learn, question, and shape for yourself over time. There’s no need to rush to learn it all. There’s no one book you can read to teach you everything.

Start small, let your curiosity guide you, and stop feeling like you need permission to be who you are because I promise, you are wonderful exactly as you are!

I hope you found this article about teenage witchcraft helpful. Lots of love to you, and remember, as always…