If you have been thinking about becoming a witch but are not sure where to start, I’ve written this post to help you.
When I became a witch back in the 90’s, there wasn’t a lot of information about witchcraft. I found a few books including one on candle magic and the classic as Drawing Down the Moon by Margot Adler, but mainly, I had to find my own way by trial and error.
Now, if anything, a beginner witch has the opposite problem. There is so much information available that it gets confusing!
So, this post aims to be a clear answer to the question how can I become a witch? However, I am not going to tell you what you should do. One of the great things about witchcraft is that each witch gets to practice in their own way. There isn’t a ‘right’ or ‘wrong’ way to be a witch – you get to choose what kind of witch you want to be. So, instead, this post will offer some guidelines and points to think about as you decide what kind of witch you want to be, what aspects of witchcraft appeal to you and how to start being a witch.
This post will cover:
- What is witchcraft?
- What types of witches are there?
- What types of magic are there?
- How to complete your first ritual
- How to complete your first spell
What Is Witchcraft?
Witchcraft is a very broad spiritual path so it’s impossible to cover all aspects of it in one blog post. However, modern witches often work with ideas such as:
- Everything is connected through energy
- We can influence our reality through focused intention
- Nature holds wisdom and power
- Personal empowerment and responsibility are important
- Magic is a natural part of life
Modern witches work with these ideas through a variety of practices including:
- Working with herbs, crystals, candles and other natural materials
- Casting spells and performing rituals
- Connecting with spiritual forces, deities, or ancestors
- Following natural cycles like moon phases and seasons
- Practicing divination (tarot, runes, etc.)
- Energy work and healing practices
Witches come from all walks of life and might follow different paths like Wicca, traditional folk magic, or eclectic practices. Some see it as a spiritual religion, others as a practical way of working with natural energies. Many witches also see witchcraft as a way to reclaim sacred femininity. Each witch develops their own unique practice based on what resonates with them.
You can find more about this topic in my blog post What is Witchcraft.
How Can I Become a Witch?
Becoming a witch is simpler than you might think – there’s no special initiation, no one to ask permission from, and no formal requirements to meet. You become a witch by deciding you are one and beginning to practice witchcraft. Start by exploring what draws you to the craft, whether that’s working with herbs, connecting with nature, or learning about energy work. Read books, watch videos and research different traditions to see what resonates with you.
Most importantly, start being a witch – begin practicing – even something as simple as setting intentions during the full moon or charging a crystal with your energy. You don’t become a witch by reading about it, you become a witch by taking action, however small or simple.
What Kind of Witch Could I Be?
One of the wonderful things about becoming a witch is discovering which path resonates with you. There are many different types of witches, each with their own focus and specialities.
Green Witches
Green witches focus on nature, healing and nurturing. They draw their power, tools and rituals from the earth and the great outdoors and use plant, flower and herbal preparations as a primary source of spell ingredients and ritual content. Green witches feel deeply connected to the natural world and primarily focus on nature and herbal magic.
If you love gardening, feel energised by spending time outdoors, or have always been drawn to working with plants and herbs, you might choose to follow the green witch path.
Kitchen Witches
Kitchen witches centre their practice around the home, particularly in the kitchen. Their magic is woven into daily life through cooking, baking and the creation of a warm, nurturing environment. Kitchen Witches love to cook up all kinds of culinary delights as they literally stir their magic into each dish.
They use herbs, spices and ingredients in their cooking with intention, infusing meals with specific energies and magical properties. A kitchen witch might create protective charms for the home or brew healing teas.
Hedge Witches
A hedge witch is very similar to a green witch but is not as solely focused on nature. A hedge witch works alone and doesn’t adhere to any strict dogma—religious, spiritual, or otherwise. Hedge witches are also associated with traveling between the physical and spiritual realms.
The term “hedge witch” comes from the practice of “flying beyond the hedge” which refers to astral journeying. They often work with divination, spirit communication and journeying between worlds.
Hearth Witches
A hearth witch focuses on the home and might also be a kitchen witch and/or a green witch. Hearth witchery often involves focusing on objects and rituals used around the home, like herbalism, candle magic and ritual cleaning. These witches make their entire living space sacred and magical.
Cosmic Witches
Cosmic witches focus on astrology and astronomy, and they are largely focused on the lunar energies of the Moon cycle and spells that amplify or protect against celestial events. They work with star signs, birth charts, moon phases and planetary energies.
Sea Witches
Sea witches have a special connection to the ocean. They might practice water magic, use seawater in their rituals, bring seashells home for their altar and pay special attention to the Moon (because it controls the tides, after all).
Eclectic Witches
Many modern witches identify as eclectic witches, meaning they draw from various traditions and create their own unique practice. An Eclectic witch is someone who pulls from various witchcraft traditions for their spellwork and rituals.
What Types of Magic Are There
Magic comes in many forms and, as a beginner witch, you might want to try out a few practices to begin with. Here are some of the most popular types of magic that are simple and effective as you start being a witch.
Candle Magic
Candle Magic has been around for centuries and is a popular form of magic. It is great for beginners as it is accessible, inexpensive and at its core, very simple. All you need is a candle, something to light it with, and an intention.
Candle magic uses candles as the focal point for spell work, rituals, intention setting, manifestation, meditation, plus divine and spiritual connection. Different coloured candles correspond to different intentions and energies.
Crystal Magic
Crystals play an important role in many witches’ practices. You can choose crystals based on the vibrational energy you want to bring into your life.
Each crystal has different properties and correspondences. For example, green aventurine is a stone of luck and wealth – its green colour connects it to money and prosperity because green represents growth, abundance, and is also the colour of currency in many countries. Rose quartz, with its gentle pink hue, is known as the stone of love and attracts romantic energy and self-love. Clear quartz is called the “master healer” and can amplify any intention you set, making it perfect for a beginner witch as it works with any type of magic.
Herbal Magic
Herbal magic involves working with plants, flowers and herbs for their magical and healing properties. This might include creating herbal teas, making tinctures, burning herbs as incense, or incorporating them into spell work.
Divination
Divination encompasses various methods of seeking guidance or gaining insights into hidden knowledge. Popular forms include tarot cards, rune casting, pendulum work, and candle wax divination, also known as Ceromancy.
Spoken Magic
Words and voice hold power in magic. Spoken magic includes chanting, affirmations, prayers, and spell work using words and intention. You can perform magic using only your voice and intention, making this one of the most accessible forms of magic as you start being a witch.
Sigil Magic
Sigil magic involves creating symbols that represent your intentions or desires. You design these symbols by combining letters, removing duplicates, and creating a unique image that holds your magical intention. Sigils are then charged with energy and activated to manifest your goals. This form of magic is particularly suitable for a beginner witch because it requires no special tools and can be done anywhere.
How to Complete Your First Ritual
Here’s how to perform a simple cleansing and protection ritual that’s perfect for beginner witches. It draws on the elements of air, fire, water and earth.
What You Need
- White or black candle (or LED candle as alternative)
- Small bowl of salt
- Small bowl of water
- Incense for cleansing- (As an alternative you could use a scented room spray or moon water)
- Matches or lighter (if using real candles)
- Quiet space where you won’t be disturbed
What to Do
- Choose a time when you feel calm and won’t be interrupted
- Cleanse your space by tidying up and opening a window if possible
- Set up your items on a table or flat surface in front of you
- Light your incense or herbs and let the smoke fill your space whilst thinking about clearing away negative energy. If you cannot use incense simply clap your hands around the room to break up and disperse negative energy
- Light your candle and say, “I cleanse this space with the element of fire and call in protection and positive energy”
- Sprinkle a pinch of salt around your space or in the corners of the room, saying “I cleanse and protect this space with the element of earth”
- Sprinkle a few drops of water around your space, saying “I cleanse and protect this space with the element of water”
- Wave the smoking incense around your space, saying “I cleanse and protect this space with the element of air” (or spray your room spray)
- Sit quietly for a few minutes, feeling the energy of your newly cleansed space
- Thank any energies or guides you feel connected to
- Let the candle burn down safely or switch off your LED candle
How to Complete Your First Spell
Creating a protection charm is perfect for your first spell as a beginner witch because it’s simple, safe, and creates something you can carry with you. This basic spell can be adapted for different intentions like love, prosperity, or confidence by switching up the herbs and crystals.
What You Need
- Small drawstring bag or piece of fabric
- String or ribbon (if using fabric)
- Dried rosemary, sage and bay leaves
- Small crystal or stone (clear quartz, amethyst, or any stone you feel drawn to)
- Small piece of paper
- Pen or pencil
What to Do
- Find a quiet time and space where you won’t be disturbed
- Think clearly about what kind of protection you want and make your intention specific (protection from negative energy, protection whilst traveling, etc.)
- Write your intention on the small piece of paper in present tense (for example, “I am protected and safe”)
- Hold each herb individually and focus on your intention whilst thinking about their protective properties
- Place the herbs in your bag or in the center of your fabric square
- Hold your crystal or stone and charge it with your protective intention for a few moments
- Add the crystal to your bag or fabric with the herbs
- Fold your written intention small and add it to the other ingredients
- If using a drawstring bag, pull it closed whilst stating your intention aloud
- If using fabric, gather the corners and tie with string or ribbon whilst stating your intention aloud
- Hold your completed charm in both hands and visualise protective white light surrounding both you and the charm
- Carry your charm with you, place it in your car, or keep it somewhere meaningful where you need protection
As a beginner witch, the most important thing is to start somewhere and trust your intuition. Your practice will evolve as you learn more about yourself and what resonates with you. Whether you’re drawn to working with herbs in your kitchen, connecting with nature as a green witch, or exploring the mysteries of the cosmos, there’s a path in witchcraft that will feel like home.
Each witch’s journey is unique, and there’s no pressure to fit into any particular box or follow someone else’s rules as you start being a witch. Take your time exploring different aspects of the craft, be patient with yourself as you learn, and most importantly, trust your own inner wisdom about what kind of witch you want to be.
I hope you have enjoyed this post on How Can I Become a Witch? If you have, please consider sharing it – it really helps!
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