Types Of Witches - Monotheistic Traditions
Although there have always been types of witches, the "witch influencer" on Instagram or WitchTok is a relatively recent development. You can find a witch influencer who will tell you everything you need to know in a one-minute video or infographic about a full Moon ceremony to try or a crystal that will completely change your life (hello, moldavite).
Author:Sonia RavenwoodReviewer:Aurora SmithJan 12, 202323 Shares1.1K Views
Although there have always been types of witches, the "witch influencer" on Instagram or WitchTok is a relatively recent development.
You can find a witch influencer who will tell you everything you need to know in a one-minute video or infographic about a full Moon ceremony to try or a crystal that will completely change your life (hello, moldavite).
Communities worldwide would have had one or more knowledgeable people or healers who knew how to use folk magicto treat illnesses, protect crops, bring good weather, and, ironically, sometimes scare away witches.
But, unfortunately, by the 16th century, a Christian-led fixation on the Devil's power and the need for vigilant sin-resisting behavior had put these intelligent people in the public eye and made them look guilty by association.
Everything was "witchcraft." The 16th and 17th centuries led to a terrible time when types of witches were hunted down and stoned to death.
How Does Witchcraft Work?
Many people may picture a black-clad figure with a green face and a pointed hat when the term "witch" is mentioned, but the idea of witchcraft has a rich history that dates back to the middle ages and continues to this day in many different regions of the world.
How is witchcraft still practiced in modern society? What is it? Witchcraft is finally defined as the practice of magic combining spellwork, a strong bond with nature, and ritual.
The definition of witchcraft varies based on the region of the world and the sort of witch. Others may follow pagan customs if they come from a pagan family and use the pagan calendar to keep track of holidays and equinoxes.
Some types of witches pay attention to the moon's cycles and use new moons and full moons to get energy and accomplish their goals. Witchcraft, regardless of location or culture, is used to help the witch connect with their soul, surroundings, gods, and ancestors.
Even though witches and their rituals seem harmless based on what they are and what they do, they have a bad reputation. When thinking about witchcraft's scary past, most people think of the Salem Witch Trials, which took place in Salem, Massachusetts, in the 17th century.
In 1692, a group of girls in Salem Village said they were possessed because people in the area were using witchcraft. People in the hamlet got scared, which led to accusations of black magic or maleficium, which we now call "the dark arts." Many of them felt Satan had been sent to possess or curse a person, people, or region.
When people in this period couldn't figure out why crops failed or someone became sick, they began to attribute these problems to witches, thinking that they were using spells like the evil eye, which was thought to induce sickness and damage and destroy other people.
Due to the charges that were subsequently shown to be untrue, several women in Salem were hung, perished in jail, and even died from being stoned.
However, as witches were convicted and killed as early as the 14th century, this was nothing new in Europe. The most well-known witch hunt occurred in Salem in the 17th century.
The most well-known instance of witchcraft and punishment is the Salem Witch Trials. Many monotheistic faiths today reject the idea of witchcraft because they think witches worship Satan and demons.
This is only a cliché and does not even begin to include all pagan and Wiccan practices, even though it may be true for certain witches.
Even though witchcraft has a bad reputation, many people all over the world practice modern witchcraft, which is often called Wicca, to connect with their ancestors, the natural world, and their minds.
In What Way Is Wicca Different From Other Religions?
Wicca is a religion having pre-Christian traditions and ideals as its foundation. According to legend, the present practice began in England in the 1950s and is now popular in both Europe and the US.
In this religion, covens of witches practice their craft together and observe certain holidays that correspond to the majority of European paganism.
It's important to know that not all witches today follow this tradition and that some see their work as more spiritual or natural than religious.
The History Of Witchcraft
Even though there is a lot of disagreement about where the word came from, it is clear that the phrase is in the Bible. In Samuel, Book 1, King Saul asks the Witch of Endor for assistance.
On the other hand, Exodus commands readers to murder witches in retaliation for their misdeeds. But whether the phrase was used or not, the idea of a witch has existed for a very long time. Sorcery is not a new idea; it has existed since the earliest known cultures.
The Greeks heard stories about sorceresses who could turn men into animals and let them into the Underworld. The Egyptians, on the other hand, put perfume on dead bodies. Every nation and civilization has had the belief that gods governed the universe and that magic existed.
In light of this, the concept of a witch doesn't seem quite so absurd, as those who practice magic are known by many names in most countries. There have always been and still are healers, shamans, druids, magicians, oracles, and countless more who connect with the Earth and people to aid, heal, and rebel.
Pentacle
A pentagram, which is often misunderstood as a pentagram, is a popular symbol in Wicca. However, the Church of Satan has successfully claimed ownership of its inverted version, which is often found on an altar.
It is a type of amulet or talisman. (Inverted pentacles aren't always associated with the devil, though Wiccans have recently mainly moved away from using them to do so.)
Black Magic
A type of magic that is sometimes associated with satanism and is used with evil, malicious, and hurtful intentions. Spells have been used for many different reasons since the time of the Magi of Zoroastrianism and Ancient Egypt.
Spells that are used specifically to harm or destroy are called hexes and curses.
What Are The Different Types Of Witches?
For millennia, the idea of malevolent witches riding broomsticks and casting curses on communities has made people cringe.
Iconic depictions of witches conjuring spells in front of a cauldron Witches, though, aren't only a terrible story to terrify young children. "Witches" still exist and are extremely genuine.
Conventional Witch
A traditional witch is someone who has practiced magic for many generations. Even older witchcraft and magic than Wicca are practiced by traditional witches.
They have strong links to their past and mythology from long ago. A traditional witch is committed to traditionally practicing witchcraft. They do, in fact, still research and study their ancient past.
Wiccan Witch
Witchcraft in the form of Wicca has grown in acceptance over the past few decades. It flourished after gaining popularity for the first time in the 1940s.
The framework of other faiths is absent in Wicca, which places greater emphasis on rituals. The only actual guideline they follow is to never use magic to hurt another person.
They are healers who have a strong connection to the soil and the environment. Additionally, they revere a deity and a goddess.
Gardnerian Witches
In the 1950s, Gardnerian Wicca initially emerged. It spread rapidly over the world and aided in the resurgence of witches in popular culture.
Gardnerian Wicca requires witches to undergo initiation; they cannot simply join the coven. Gardnerian witches work to influence culture and have close ties to nature. Gardnerian Wicca is extremely regimented and never veers from its rites and practices.
Green Witch
A green witch feels deeply for the environment and mother nature. Of course, in their spells and potions, they frequently use oils, flowers, and herbs.
Even their gardens are used to cultivate these mystical objects. Green witches devote most of their time to caring for their garden and treating the ill. They have a strong bond with Mother Earth and like being outside.
Hedge Witch
A green witch and a hedge witch are similar, yet there are several key distinctions. Additionally, they have a deep connection to healing in nature. Their magic is mainly focused on curative methods, though.
The hedge witch's sorcery is frequently one of a kind. They typically create their magic and style, for instance. They may also quickly transition between the spiritual and physical worlds.
According to rumors, hedge witches who jumped to the otherworld are to blame for the concept of witches riding brooms.
Eclectic Witch
Eclectic witches don't adhere to a particular practice or method of witchcraft. They typically combine a few elements to create their unique style.
They don't follow a precise set of rules and can pretty much create any structure they choose. Eclectic witches can draw inspiration from a variety of places, but the witch sets the guidelines.
Hereditary Witch
Typically, a hereditary witch is born into a family that engages in witchcraft. The family has probably practiced witchcraft for thousands of years. The family and their past are tightly entwined with witchcraft.
A witch born into the family, however, is not obligated to practice witchcraft and is free to pursue other interests. A witch that was born into the family can also use their unique magic at the same time.
Kitchen Witch
A kitchen witch spends most of their time creating various spells in the kitchen. They do various rituals, concoct potions, and cast spells in their house, which is a holy space.
They blend diverse herbs, oils, and garden-based ingredients with their energy. They have a strong connection to mother nature and are extremely caring witches. House Witches, Hearth Witches, and Cottage Witches are other names for them.
Crystal Witch
Witches acquire their power in a variety of ways, but they frequently have a bond with nature. This also applies to Crystal Witches.
A crystal, gem, or rock are the sources of a Crystal Witch's power. Crystal Witch typically consumes the energy of crystals. They have the excellent aura and energy-sensing abilities.
Sea Witch
Witches frequently have a connection to many areas of the land and the natural world. Sea Witches, for instance, are connected to the sea.
They have a great affinity for water and other oceanic components. In different charms and potions, they incorporate driftwood, shells, and sand. A sea witch uses water and the sea in her sorcery.
Solitary Witch
Typically, a solitary witch works alone. They don't belong to any coven or other organization of witches. They don't adhere to any set guidelines and perform their brand of magic.
Solitary witches have the option of remaining alone or joining a coven. Both the laws they choose to abide by and their power are completely within their control.
Cosmic Witch
Some witches get their energy from trees and plants. Other witches visit the ocean to get strength from it. Cosmic witches seek their power in the heavens.
Astrologyand astronomy are hugely important to cosmic witches. They derive their strength from the moon and star cycles. For their spells and ceremonies, they draw cosmic energy from the stars.
Dianic Witch
The all-female coven, the Dianic Witches, emphasizes the feminist elements of witchcraft. They honor the goddess Diana and give equal attention to the Crone, Mother, and Maiden.
Men are not permitted to practice witchcraft with the Dianic Witches.
Ceremonial Witch
Witches employ a wide variety of spells, potions, and magick. Every group operates distinctively.
A Ceremonial Witch, for example, concentrates on ceremonies to cast her spells. They frequently enlist the aid of ghosts and other beings in their ceremonies.
Secular Witch
Secular witchcraft is not practiced as a religion by secular witches. They don't revere a higher power, divinity, or god. They still employ herbs, crystals, and spells, of course.
They do not use rituals, though, and they exclude spiritualityfrom their magic. These witches don't even think that ethereal energy plays a part in their job.
Elemental Witch
The four elements of earth, wind, fire, and air serve as the foundation for the work of elemental witches. They use these four elements' energies in their magickal practices, spells, and rituals.
An Elemental Witch will frequently concentrate its concentration on one particular element.
Solar Witch
The majority of their equivalents are not like a Solar Witch or Sun Witch. Solar Witches derive their strength from the Sun rather than the Moon.
Their magickal practices, rituals, and spells are all based on light and the sun. The majority of witches get their strength from the night, while solar witches use a different strategy.
Faery Witch
A Faery Witch is a contemporary Wiccan with a few minor differences. It extensively references Celtic faiths from antiquity as well as Irish mythology.
In any case, Wicca practices and witchcraft are more in line with Faery Witches. The rites typically take place around lakes or in forested areas. They frequently use nature's strength for their exercises outside.
Alexandrian Witch
Wicca also includes Alexandrian witchcraft. This kind of witchcraft incorporates elements from several cultures and religions. The Alexandrian Wicca faith was developed in the 1960s by Alex and Maxine Sanders when they were residing in the UK.
They don't have to adhere to any predetermined structures or regulations. Instead, people are free to use any form of witchcraft they choose. However, they frequently incorporate elements of eclectic witchcraft and ritual.
Gray Witch.
Most witches make an effort to employ their magic for good rather than evil. Gray witches, on the other hand, are more inclined to embrace evil. They frequently combine white and black magic in their rituals and spells.
The Gray Witches are committed to achieving justice at whatever cost. They are also closely connected to the land, trees, and environment. They'll use every measure necessary to achieve their objective.
Coven-Based Witch
Over the past few decades, coven-based witches have become more and more prevalent. Witches that perform magick as part of a bigger coven do so.
The coven-based idea places a lot of emphasis on ceremonies and rituals. To unite their magic, the witches gather. A high priestess frequently takes charge of the coven and establishes rigorous guidelines.
Baby Witch
A baby witch is a newly initiated witch. They still aren't sure which kind of witchcraft best fits them. The one they are introduced to first is typically the one they choose.
A Baby Witch is eventually encouraged to study different forms of witchcraft and magic. Finding the perfect form of witchcraft that works for a witch might take a few years.
The Different Types of Witches | practices and beliefs
People Also Ask
Who Was The First Witch?
Bridget Bishop was the first witch to be executed during the Salem Witch Trials.
What Is A Good Witch Called?
A white witch is someone who uses folk magic for good (benevolent) intentions.
Why Do Witches Ride Brooms?
In one tradition, ladies would set a broom outside a door or up a chimney to signal to neighbors that they were away from the house so it became conventional for witches.
Conclusion
In the contemporary era, both wizards and witches have seen significant resurgences. Today, types of witches come in a variety of forms. For instance, some witches have connections to the ground, the sea, and nature.
While some witches adhere to conventional witchcraft, others make their own rules. Then some types of witches use black magic or predict the future. There are several subgroups within each sort of witch.
They are all different from the other types of witches because they have their unique traits and marks.
Sonia Ravenwood
Author
Sonia Ravenwood is a versatile writer with a deep fascination for the mystical and spiritual realms. Through her exploration of magic, spirituality, and numerology, Sonia seeks to unravel the complexities of existence and offer readers insights into the deeper truths of life.
With a background in esoteric studies and a commitment to authenticity, Sonia's articles provide a balanced blend of ancient wisdom and modern perspectives. Beyond her writing, Sonia enjoys immersing herself in nature, practicing mindfulness, and continually expanding her understanding of the interconnectedness of all things.
Her presence exudes an air of enchantment, drawing others into her mystical realm. Sonia's mastery of the occult arts empowers her to navigate the delicate balance between light and dark, harnessing ancient wisdom to guide her spiritual path.
With a keen understanding of lucky and unlucky numbers, Sonia reveals the intricate dance between destiny and free will. She embraces the power of numbers as windows into the soul, deciphering their hidden messages and unlocking the mysteries of the universe.
Aurora Smith
Reviewer
Aurora Smith is a dedicated writer with a profound interest in the mystical and esoteric. Through her articles on psychic phenomena, tarot, and magic, Aurora seeks to unravel the secrets of the universe and empower readers on their spiritual journey.
With a background in metaphysical studies and a passion for ancient wisdom traditions, Aurora provides thoughtful interpretations and practical advice to those seeking guidance in navigating the unseen realms.
Beyond her writing, Aurora enjoys exploring nature, practicing yoga, and delving into the mysteries of the human mind.
Latest Articles
Popular Articles