Healing magic is one of my favourite ways to practice witchcraft. I use healing spells as part of my self care practice – after all, prevention is better than cure right? I don’t necessarily believe that chanting an incantation over a sick person will totally cure their disease every time. It might, but it might not. For me healing is a process of psychological and physical care that helps me be at my best.

My healing practice includes cleansing, grounding and healing spells, but it also includes meditation, stretching, walking in nature and eating nourishing food. Finding balance in life is incredibly healing – moving us away from overwhelm and exhaustion and helping us prioritise our own needs. Shadow work is also an important part of my healing journey, helping me find blocks and negative beliefs that are impeding my enjoyment of life and impacting my health.

If you are interested in taking a healing journey through witchcraft I hope this post can help.

Creating a Magical Self Care Routine

Creating a magical self care routine often starts with with energy work – the main driving force behind witchcraft. When we blend healing magic with our daily routines, we create powerful opportunities for transformation and wellbeing.

Your magical self care routine doesn’t need to be complicated or time-consuming. You might like to start by choosing one or two practices that resonate with you and gradually build from there.

Daily magical practices

You might like to begin each day by setting an intention for your wellbeing. This could be as simple as taking three deep breaths and visualising yourself surrounded by healing light. You could also charge your shower gel or shampoo with protective energy – as you wash, imagine creating an energetic shield that will support you throughout the day.

Working with lunar energy

You might find that working with the moon’s energy offers a natural rhythm for your healing practice. The moon provides a reminder to touch on all aspects of self care and manifestation, with four main phases: reflecting and setting intentions (new moon), taking inspired action (waxing moon), celebrating and giving gratitude (full moon), and releasing (waning moon).

Simple ritual practices

You might like to create a simple healing ritual bath by adding Epsom salts and lavender to warm water. As you soak, let the water wash away any stress or tension you’ve been carrying. You could also keep a healing journal where you record your feelings, dreams and any insights that arise during your practice.

Shadow Work for Healing

Shadow work refers to the process of understanding and loving the rejected pieces of ourselves, our darkness. This includes emotions we view as negative like anger, jealousy or neediness, as well as the most pained and injured parts of ourselves.

Shadow work helps us connect with our inner power, wisdom and intuition. When we acknowledge and accept our shadow selves, we become more aware of our strengths, weaknesses and potential.

Shadow work requires courage because it asks us to look at the parts of ourselves we’d rather keep hidden. If you do not understand your shadow, it may bleed into your spellwork and undermine your power. This is why healing our inner wounds is so important for effective magic.

Start your shadow work journey with gentle practices. Begin by journaling about your fears and secrets, paying attention to your dreams and nightmares as these can be clues about what is going on in your shadow self.

Try this simple shadow work meditation: sit quietly and ask yourself “What am I afraid people will discover about me?” Notice what comes up without judgement. You might also explore what triggers strong reactions in you when you see certain behaviours in others – often these are reflections of our own shadow aspects.

Shadow work helps you align with your true self and personal code of ethics. A witch who has done shadow work is less likely to go flying off at the handle. The goal isn’t to eliminate shadows from your life, but to integrate them and find balance.

A Healing Ritual

This healing ritual can be performed when you need emotional or physical support. It’s particularly powerful during times of stress or when you’re recovering from illness or difficult experiences.

What you need

• White or green candle
• Small bowl of water
• Pinch of salt
• Fresh or dried lavender
• Clear quartz crystal (optional)
• Comfortable space where you won’t be disturbed

What to do

1. Cleanse your space by ringing a bell, clapping your hands loudly, or lighting incense if you prefer
2. Set up your ritual space with the candle in the centre and the bowl of water nearby
3. Now, add the pinch of salt to the water and stir clockwise three times
4. Next, light your candle (or switch on your LED candle) and take three deep breaths
5. Hold the lavender in your hands and speak your intention aloud, for example: “I call upon healing energy to flow through me”
6. Sprinkle the lavender around the candle in a circle
7. Now, dip your fingers in the salt water and anoint your forehead, throat and heart
8. Sit quietly and visualise golden healing light filling your entire body
9. If you are using a crystal, hold it whilst you meditate on your healing intention
10. Allow the candle to burn for at least 10 minutes, then safely extinguish it

You might want to keep the crystal with you as a reminder of your healing intention.

A Healing Spell

This gentle healing spell focuses on emotional wellbeing and can be adapted for physical healing too. It is best performed on a Sunday which is connected to the colour yellow and emotional strength, though it can be performed anytime.

What you need

• Small glass jar with lid
• Green candle
• Dried chamomile
• Rose petals (fresh or dried)
• Honey
• Small piece of paper
• Pen

What to do

1. Begin by cleansing your space with sound – ring a bell or clap your hands
2. Light your candle (or use an LED candle)
3. On the paper, write what you wish to heal or release
4. Place the chamomile and rose petals in the jar
5. Add a small spoonful of honey
6. Fold the paper and place it in the jar
7. Hold the jar and speak these words: “Healing flows through me like water, washing away pain and bringing me peace”
8. Seal the jar with wax from the candle (if using a real candle) or simply close the lid
9. Hold the jar whilst visualising yourself healthy and whole
10. Keep the jar on your bedside table or somewhere you’ll see it daily

The healing energy builds each time you see the jar and remember your intention.

When and How to Use Healing Spells for Others

Healing magic can be shared with others, but it’s important to approach this thoughtfully and ethically. Always ask permission before doing healing work for someone else – sending energy without consent isn’t respectful of their autonomy.

When someone requests healing, focus on sending general wellbeing rather than trying to cure specific conditions. The healing power of witchcraft helps you use your spiritual energy to heal whatever ails you and your world. Your role is to offer support and positive energy, not to replace medical care.

Create a simple distance healing ritual by lighting a candle and speaking the person’s name. Visualise them surrounded by healing light whilst saying “May you be well, may you be peaceful, may you be free from suffering.” Send this energy for about 10 minutes, then release the outcome.

For in-person healing, you might offer to create a healing spell sachet or charm for someone to carry. Fill a small cloth bag with protective herbs like rosemary, lavender and sage. As you create it, focus your intention on their wellbeing.

Group healing circles can be powerful ways to support community wellness. Gather with friends to share healing intentions, light candles together, or create a shared healing garden where you plant herbs with healing properties.

Remember that healing magic works best when combined with practical self care. Encourage anyone you’re doing healing work for to also seek appropriate medical care, eat nourishing food, get adequate rest and seek support from qualified professionals when needed.

Healing spells remind us that we all have the capacity to support our own wellbeing and that of our communities. Whether you’re new to witchcraft or have been practising for years, healing magic offers a gentle and powerful way to nurture yourself and others.

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