You may have come across satements saying there are different ways a Witch worships and/or practices. Today, I'd like to go over some of the types of witches there are today. Some of these witches are hereditary witches (born and raised into witchcraft) and some are new witches with no family connection to Witchcraft. My family to my knowledge has no connection to Wicca - however we are descended from Scandinavia and from Celts and Saxons so it's very likely i have a distant connection to a Witch.
Before we dive right in, I’d like to mention a few types of magic. We have Candle magic, Crystal Magic, Herb/Food magic, Alchemy, Talisman magic, Celestial, Black magic and Elemental magic. Different Witches practice different forms of magic and at different levels and combinations. There is no sole Practicing in just one type of magic and often the use of different types of magical items in spells, rituals and ceremonies are used.
It's also worth mentioning that there are three types of belief systems in Witchcraft- I mentioned them previously in my last post but didn't specify a couple of names. Naturally you have Witches who believe in deities- these are divinity witches, then you have Secular who are the non-spiritual/religious Witches and Eclectic witches who doesn't have a set religion and are very open in terms of their spirituality. Religions such as Wicca, Paganism, Druidism and Shamanism all use Witchcraft in their spiritual practices. But whatever religious practice you choose to embrace or step away from- it's important to remember that Witchcraft is just a craft and respect for all beliefs is necessary.I follow WITCHYTIPS on Instagram, Very good for new Witches! They supply wonderful cards of information like the one you see here on the right!
So, let's start by talking about Green Witches. I'm sure you could guess from the name alone. A Green Witch specialises his or her magic practising in all things green (Just joking, I don't mean the colour!); By this i mean nature- specifically plants. Green Witches... or Forest witches as they're sometimes known as, have an affinity and desire to practice using parts of the earth- Herbology, plant-based Alchemy (yes potion making) and crafting alongside flowers, trees, rocks, crystals and all things earth related.
Cosmic/ Star/ Astrological Witches have many, many more names. However, the level of their witchcraft is a bit simpler in terms of topic. (Simple does not mean easy as there is a lot to know!) Cosmic Witches Follow the alignment of the planets, stars, moons etc.; and follow the celestial side of Magik, in postmodern Wicca this is more popular with Millennials. Choosing Astrology and Astronomy (yes there is a difference between the two) and forging star maps to help guide them and others.
Elemental Witches follow the five elements of Witchcraft- Remember Pentagrams? Pentacles too?
They're those stars that you often see in or out of a circle that they use in poor tasted horror films.
Well, each point symbolises a specific Element. Earth and Fire, which comes under masculine gods such as the Horned God; and feminine gods tend to be symbolised by Water and Air such as the 3 Moon Goddess (Maiden, Mother, Crone are the three moons)- but much like gender, a deities' element representation can be anything.
Finally, the fifth element is Quintessence- Which symbolises you! or humanity and soul. Elemental Witches like to honour the four elements and connect with them all in some manner using items to represent each element.
Kitchen/ Hearth Witches. These witches are very homely and maternal figures in the Witch community. Working mostly with herbs, essential oils, food and decorating their homes with items that instil the place with a nurturing and protective aura. I try to incorporate hearth Witchcraft into my own home as it is a very positive and lovely soft side to witchcraft. If you are just starting your journey, you may find yourself learning to this form first until you discover where your heart lies.
Hedge Witches are not witches who jump into hedges... it took me a few moments when I first learnt of them that they weren't entirely another form of Green witch- No Hedge witches are different and the myth about Witches riding broomsticks are often coincided with Witches 'jumping hedges' into the spirit world. Consider these witches the meditative travellers of the frequencies of this realm and this other world/s.
These Witches often use Astral projection (your spirit exiting your body) to commune with spirits and to be one with the two realms. Being a Hedge Witch is not exactly teachable and you should really have a natural affinity for it and be taught properly how to jump hedges into the other world before actually attempting it.
Sea Witchcraft is a form of Elemental Witchcraft, much like green Witchcraft is. However (you may have guessed) Sea Witchcraft is ocean-based and Witches are often drawn to Magik which is water and air-based. Using elements of the ocean such as shells, sand and driftwood within their spells. Sea Witches are also knowers of ocean folklore such as Sirens (Mermaids) and Kelpies (Sea fae).
Story Witches. Story Witches are often the teachers in the Witching community. They have an interest in the folklore of the Magikal world. Faeries (Fairy’s, fae), Goblins, Whisps, Elves, Piskies, Trolls- all have a place. Some Story Witches have interests in demonology- not summoning, but learning of them and how to prevent them, and the others mentioned earlier- from harming others.
Dark Witches are practitioners of taboo or black magic.
Whilst some dark magic is not evil as the name sounds- it's advised to stay away from magic with evil or harmful intent as you could find yourself in trouble spiritually or physically. Voodoo is sometimes considered a dark practice. But Voodoo- especially voodoo doll magic is usually used as a method of healing- it is the intent in magic that makes it light or dark and whether it betrays the natural order of the universe that dictates its position on this spectrum. Hence why beginners of Witchcraft should stray from darker areas of magic until they have learnt the basics of magic and learnt the importance of intent and emotional control- as this can affect your casting and put you in those harmful positions.
Magic that goes against the natural order of our earthly realm should not be taken lightly as there is often a large price to pay. It's important to know about the dark side of Magic and how to avoid being dragged into potentially dangerous magic and circumstances. And so, if you were here because you want to raise demons to do your bidding like out of some dark horror- I suggest you look elsewhere as this is not that sort of blog... and 'demons' is majorly a Christian construct.
Grey Witches are Witches of Balance and will Practise both good magic and bad magic as to them there is no line. Whilst Grey Magic isn't exactly taboo as it's the middle ground of magic- I would advise only experienced Witches to learn and practice this - those who have strong willpower and morals who will not be tempted to stray into Dark/Black magic.
Finally, we have divination Witches. Witches who Read runes, Tarots, asks pendulums, use Ouiji boards and in general divination- there are more ways to divine including mediumism, palm reading and Astrology for answers.
Now you know the basics of some of the types of Witches. Have a look and see if you identify with any of them. If you don't. Don't worry as part two will be written soon!
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