What is Witchcraft? How the Spirit of Magic Lives in the Everyday
What is witchcraft? This question has been asked for centuries and has sparked curiosity, fear, and fascination. Many people misunderstand it and consider it evil. However, its meaning is much deeper than that.
In this article, I’ll discuss the difference between popular types of witchcraft( black, green, neo, white, eclectic, wiccan, and more). There’s so much more to witches than what the Bible and popular media lead us to believe.
Learn about what witchcraft truly is and why it continues to be a powerful spiritual practice for many.
Please note that I make every effort to ensure this information is correct and accurate through my own experiences and referencing sources throughout OR at the bottom of this article.
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Table of Contents
What is Witchcraft?
Witchcraft uses rituals, spells, and natural elements to manipulate and influence the world around you. It usually involves a strong connection with Nature, spiritual beliefs, or personal intentions.
Witchcraft beliefs can vary by traditions, cultures, and throughout history. However, witchcraft often includes the use of spiritual energy, intuition, and connection with the Otherworld.
Many practitioners experience meaningful and positive life changes by embracing these spiritual beliefs.
Words and magic were in the beginning one and the same thing, and even today words retain much of their magical power.
Sigmund Freud, Introductory Lectures on Psycho-Analysis, 1922
What is the Definition of Witchcraft?
Witchcraft is defined as a spiritual practice involving magic, spells, and rituals to influence events or connect with spiritual forces. Its definition has changed throughout history, but at its core, it’s about working with energy and intention to bring about change or deepen spiritual connection.
What is Witchcraft Used For?
Spiritual practitioners use witchcraft for a variety of reasons and customize it to fit their needs and goals. Here are some popular ways to practice and use witchcraft:
Popular Types of Witchcraft
Witchcraft comes in many different forms, and there are many different types of witches. Each has their own beliefs, practices, and traditions. Some may focus on kitchen witchery, while others incorporate chaos magic.
Witchcraft is popular among practitioners because it allows them to practice a spiritual faith without adhering to strict rules. Instead, witches empower themselves and make their own rules.
Here’s a brief overview of some frequently asked about Witchcraft practices.
What is Black Witchcraft?
Black Witchcraft is often misunderstood due to harmful stereotypes and negative racial connotations. Historically, “black magic” is associated with causing harm, hexes, curses, or invoking demons.
Black witchcraft is really just a form of destructive magic or a left-handed path. Many use it to reclaim their power, set boundaries, or seek justice when wronged. It also involves using magic to explore the unconscious, confronting fears, or hidden aspects of one’s psyche.
This is not to be confused with the term “Black Girl Magic,” a hashtag and movement celebrating Black Women.
Black Girls Are Magic became wildly popular in 2013 after CaShawn began using the phrase online (which was later shortened to the hashtag #BlackGirlMagic) to uplift and praise the accomplishments, beauty and other amazing qualities of Black women.
CaShawn Thompson – The mother of #BlackGirlMagic
What is Neo Witchcraft?
Neo Witchcraft combines traditional witchcraft practices with more modern interpretations and societal values. It focuses on self-discovery, personal empowerment, and spiritual growth.
Many practitioners prefer this eclectic path because it doesn’t center around strict rules, giving the witch the freedom to create a more personalized and customized spiritual practice.
Many Neo Witches use a mix of different tools and methods. They value inclusivity, technology, and allow their practice to evolve alongside them.
What is Green Witchcraft?
Green Witches draw their power from Nature and incorporate it into their spiritual practice. They’re deeply connected to the Earth and the changing seasons. They may prefer to call themselves Garden or Earth Witches.
Green Witches believe in Animism (the idea that everything in nature, including trees, rocks, and rivers, has a spirit).
Many people choose this spiritual path to connect with Nature and receive its healing benefits. They use the energy of plants, trees, and other natural elements in outdoor rituals, garden work, or herbal magic. They may also choose to work with Fae mythology or other types of Fae.
What is White Witchcraft?
White witchcraft is connected with healing, protection, and positive intentions. In candle color magic, practitioners associate white with peace, truth, cleansing, and lunar energy.
Historically, people have described it as “good magic.” As I discussed above, “white magic” and “black magic” have clear negative racial connotations.
Many modern witches avoid using these terms since they promote harmful stereotypes and racial biases. It’s better to refer to white magic as constructive or a right-hand path.
In fact, instead of choosing labels, try considering the intentions behind your magic. Focus on working with natural energies, helping your local community, or pursuing inner peace.
What is Santeria Witchcraft?
Santería is a spiritual practice rooted in the Yoruba religion of West Africa and was brought to the Americas through slavery.
Santería is a closed practice, which means it’s rooted in cultural beliefs, and you must be initiated to practice. It’s more of a sacred tradition than a form of witchcraft in the Western sense.
Santeria is polytheistic, and spiritual practitioners often honor their ancestors, perform rituals, and seek guidance and blessings through divination, music, and dance. Offerings and ceremonies are an important aspect of their practice, emphasizing their respect for Nature, community, and spiritual balance.
Santería was brought to Cuba by the people of the Yoruban nations of West Africa, who were enslaved in great numbers in the first decades of the 19th century.
The name “Santería” derives from the correspondences made by some devotees between the Yoruba deities called orishas and the saints (santos) of Roman Catholic piety.
Britannica – Santería religion
What is Modern Witchcraft?
Modern witchcraft is a unique and innovative approach that reflects today’s world. For some, it’s a way to honor the natural cycles and connect with spiritual energies. Others view it as empowerment, self-discovery, or reclaiming ancestral practices lost to time.
Modern witches value creativity and individuality. They might use digital tools to create spells, celebrate sabbats with online communities, or incorporate social justice principles into their practices. Modern witchcraft is about respecting the past and tweaking it to the present.
How Do You Learn Witchcraft?
You can learn about witchcraft in many ways, including reading books, watching Witchy YouTube videos, or joining online communities. Learning from a variety of different creators offers insights into different practices, rituals, and traditions. This will help you explore and figure out what spiritual path resonates with you most!
That’s why I created The Peculiar Patreon, a space for witches, pagans, occultists, and spiritual practitioners to come together. Join like-minded members who “get it,” share your experiences, and grow your practice in a welcoming, judgment-free environment. From exclusive content and discussions to downloadable grimoire PDFs and our monthly Book Club!
Exclusive Witchcraft Resources on the Peculiar Patreon!
- Unlimited Access to Grimoire Page PDFs
- Monthly Desktop and Phone Wallpaper
- Discord Book Club chosen by members
- Discussions and polls for new posts and videos
- Private Discord – Hang out and chat with me!
- Monthly Q&A Patreon-only videos
Be Part of the Magic and Join the Peculiar Community!
Is Witchcraft Evil?
Witchcraft is not evil. However, it’s often misunderstood because of misconceptions rooted in historical bias and fear, especially from religious institutions like Christianity.
It’s a spiritual path that fosters self-awareness, connection with Nature, and personal growth. Many people practice forms of witchcraft every day, things like lighting a candle with intention, celebrating the cycles of the moon, or working with herbs (even just when cooking).
Like any source of power, witchcraft can be used for good or bad; it’s neutral. It all depends on the practitioner’s intentions and the choices they make.
What Were the Salem Witchcraft Trials About?
The Salem Witch Trials took place in 1692 in colonial Massachusetts and were fueled by fear, religious extremism, and mass hysteria.
A group of young girls claimed to be possessed by spirits sparked accusations of witchcraft against neighbors by neighbors. These witch hunts led to a series of hearings where 20 people were executed and many others imprisoned.
The trials were primarily driven by social tensions, foolish fears, and the lack of proper legal procedures. They continue to serve as a tragic reminder of the dangers of scapegoating and the disastrous results of widespread paranoia.
Today, the Salem Witch Trials are studied as a cautionary tale about injustice and intolerance.
Salem witch trials, (June 1692–May 1693), in American history, a series of investigations and persecutions that caused 19 convicted “witches” to be hanged and many other suspects to be imprisoned in Salem Village in the Massachusetts Bay Colony (now Danvers, Massachusetts).
Britannica – Salem witch trials – American history
Witchcraft Beliefs
Witchcraft beliefs vary widely and depend on the spiritual practitioner. Some witches follow certain religious paths, and others do not.
This section explores common questions about the connection between witchcraft and religion and discusses how it relates to Wicca.
What Religion is Witchcraft?
Witchcraft doesn’t belong to any one religion, which is what makes it so great. It’s flexible and lets the spiritual practitioner center their spells and rituals around their own beliefs and values.
Witchcraft practices can look very different from one person to the next. Some connect with Nature, the lunar cycles, or the spiritual energy of the Universe or Source. Others choose to work with deities, which may be one god or goddess or an entire pantheon.
Witchcraft allows you to align with practices that feel spiritually meaningful to you.
What is the Difference Between Wicca and Witchcraft?
Wicca is a modern religion created by Gerald Gardner in the 1950s. It’s inspired by ancient pagan practices, ceremonial magic, and folklore. Wiccans deeply respect Nature, the lunar cycles (they call esbats), and often worship a deity/deities.
It has structured rituals and ethical guidelines like the Wiccan Rede, which states, an ye harm none, do what ye will. They also believe in the Rule of Three (sometimes called the Threefold Law or Law of Return), which means any energy one sends out, good or bad, will be returned to them times three.
While Wiccans call themselves witches, not all witches are Wiccans.
Witchcraft is a much broader spiritual practice, and it doesn’t require you to comply with any rules. You can practice witchcraft without being Wiccan. In fact, feel free to follow your own path entirely!
Spiritual Perspectives on Witchcraft
The Bible has several passages discussing and condemning witchcraft as evil or sinful. These verses have been used to create fear and spread misinformation.
These interpretations come from a very specific worldview and mindset and have been heavily influenced by religious dogma and societal expectations.
Witchcraft is not harmful or malicious, and it’s unjust to label it as evil simply because it doesn’t align with certain religious beliefs.
Most spiritual practitioners view witchcraft as a way to find balance, peace, and a deeper understanding of themselves and the world around them.
What is the Spirit of Witchcraft?
The spirit of witchcraft is your connection to your own inner power, strength, and resilience, especially in difficult times. Witchcraft empowers you while helping you find your voice and then using it to create positive change. This can be helping a loved one, assisting others less fortunate than you, or spreading light in dark moments.
When you’re connected to the spirit of witchcraft, you realize we’re all connected like a giant web. Our actions impact each other and the world around us. The spirit of witchcraft is a practice of care, respect, and balance. It guides us to honor ourselves, the Earth, and every living being we share it with.
What is a Group of Witches Called?
A group of witches is called a coven. A coven is usually a small gathering of witches who come together for rituals, spell work, celebrations, and spiritual practices. Types of covens may vary, but they all emphasize collaboration, trust, and collective spiritual energy.
You do not need to be in a coven to practice witchcraft. Many witches practice solo.
What is a Familiar in Witchcraft?
A familiar is a magical animal companion that assists witches in their spiritual practice. Familiars offer guidance, protection, and spiritual and emotional support.
Familiars are often depicted as cats, owls, or dogs, but they can be any animal the witch connects with! Most witches bond deeply with their familiars and see them as trusted allies.
I hope you found this article helpful!! Sending you lots of love, and remember, as always…
