One of the first things you’ll discover as a witch is that there are as many types of witches as there are stars in the sky. Each type offers a unique perspective on the practice of magic, influenced by personal beliefs, cultural backgrounds, and individual preferences.
The focus here is on practitioners themselves. When discussing types of witches, we are primarily looking at how individuals identify within the witchcraft community, their personal practices, beliefs, and how they manifest their craft in daily life. It includes their personal connections to the elements, deities, or philosophies they follow, which is what this post is about.
If you are looking for the different types of witchcraft, I recommend you check out that guide. However, both are meant to be used in conjunction with one another.
Remember, in witchcraft, there is no “one size fits all”; you can choose to identify with none, one, or multiple types of witchcraft.
Celtic Witches
Celtic witches are inspired by the ancient Celtic culture, its mythology, deities, and practices. They may use Celtic languages, symbols, and rituals in their witchcraft, often celebrating the seasonal festivals that are rooted in Celtic traditions.
Chaos Witches
Chaos witches use a practice based on the principles of chaos magic. This type of witchcraft is highly individualistic and focuses on the achievement of specific results through the most efficient means possible. Chaos witches often adopt an experimental approach to their craft, using what works and discarding what doesn’t, regardless of the traditional magical systems.
Christian Witches
Christian witches integrate their Christian beliefs with the practice of witchcraft, viewing magic as a part of their spiritual expression. They may use prayers, rituals, and spells that invoke Christian symbolism or biblical figures, seeing no contradiction between their faith and their magical practices.
Cosmic Witches
Cosmic witches focus on the cosmos: astrology, planets, stars, and the universe at large. They draw their energy from celestial events and bodies, incorporating astrological timings into their magical practices. Cosmic witches might create talismans or perform rituals that correspond with planetary alignments and zodiacal energies.
Eclectic Witches
Eclectic witches are the adventurers of the witching world, mixing and matching elements from various witchcraft traditions to suit their personal beliefs and needs. They may draw upon a wide range of sources, combining different spells, rituals, and symbols from across the globe while respecting their origins. This type of witch is characterized by a flexible, open-minded approach to witchcraft.
Elemental Witches
Elemental witches focus on the basic components of the natural world—earth, air, fire, and water—and base their magical practices around these elements. Each witch may feel a stronger connection to one element over others and will often specialize in using that element in their spellwork. Elemental witches seek to balance these forces within themselves and use them to affect the world around them.
Faerie Witches
Faerie witches seek to establish a connection with the fae or other similar entities from various folklore traditions. Their practice is deeply rooted in the respect and love for all things natural and magical. Faerie witches might use offerings and rituals to communicate with these beings and often follow a magical path that is harmonious and closely tied to the land.
Green Witches
Green witches are closely connected to nature and practice a form of witchcraft that focuses on the Earth and all its natural resources. They work closely with plants, flowers, and herbs for healing and magical spells. Green witches might have a garden where they grow their own magical and medicinal herbs, and they often advocate for environmental conservation as part of their practice.
Hedge Witches
Hedge witches practice a form of witchcraft that involves working with the metaphysical barrier between the physical world and the spiritual realm. They often engage in practices such as astral projection, spirit communication, and mediumship. Hedge witches may also be skilled herbalists or healers, blending physical remedies with spiritual insights.
Hellenic Witches
Hellenic witches draw inspiration from ancient Greek religion and mythology, honoring the Greek pantheon and incorporating Hellenistic rituals into their practice. This type of witch often values scholarship and may study ancient Greek texts to deepen their understanding and connection to the gods.
Hereditary Witches
Hereditary witches are born into families with a tradition of witchcraft, where skills, knowledge, and magical practices are passed down from generation to generation. This type often retains old magical practices, preserving and continuing their ancestors’ rituals and spells. Their witchcraft is deeply connected to their heritage and family history.
Kitchen Witches
Kitchen witches find magic in the mundane, particularly within the hearth and home. Their practice is deeply intertwined with cooking, brewing, and herbology. Kitchen witches craft their spells through meals, infusing their food with magical intentions to heal, protect, or enhance emotional well-being. This practice emphasizes the sacredness of the home as a space for magical work.
LaVeyan Satanic Witches
Aligning closely with the philosophies of LaVeyan Satanism, these witches see Satan as a symbol rather than a literal being. Their practice focuses on celebrating the human ego, individualism, and personal freedom. They use the imagery and symbolism associated with Satanism to empower themselves without believing in the supernatural.
Lunar Witches
Lunar witches draw their power from the moon and its phases. They perform their rituals and spells based on the lunar calendar, harnessing the unique energies of each phase. For example, a new moon might be a time for beginnings and new projects, while a full moon might be an opportunity for manifesting desires or performing divination.
Science Witches
Science witches integrate elements of modern science into their magical practice. They may use scientific theories to explain or enhance their spellwork, merging metaphysical concepts with empirical evidence. This type of witch is particularly appealing to those who appreciate a logical and scientific approach to their magical work.
Secular Witches
Secular witches practice magic without incorporating religious or spiritual elements into their rituals. They view witchcraft as a practical tool rather than a religious or spiritual practice, using their skills to create tangible outcomes without calling upon deities or otherworldly energies. This approach is perfect for those who are more skeptical of the supernatural aspects of witchcraft.
Solitary Witches
Solitary witches practice alone, relying on self-study and personal intuition to guide their magical work. This type of witch values independence and may find that working solo helps to foster a deeper, more personal connection to their magical practices. They might occasionally network or celebrate with others, but their regular rituals and spells are conducted in private.
Theistic Satanic Witches
Theistic Satanic witches form a unique group who engage in witchcraft through the veneration of satanic figures. Unlike popular misconceptions, their practice isn’t necessarily about evil or darkness; instead, it’s often focused on personal strength, freedom, and challenging societal norms. They might use rituals and spells to make pacts or communicate with their chosen figures.
Traditional Witches
Traditional witches adhere to historical and often culturally specific practices of witchcraft. They may focus on maintaining the purity of ancient rituals and often reject modern adaptations, seeing value in the old ways. These witches typically have a strong foundation in the historical context of their practices and often seek to preserve the authenticity of their craft.
Urban Witches
Urban witches practice magic in the hustle and bustle of city life. They find sacred spaces in concrete jungles and may use modern technology in their practices. Urban witches adapt traditional methods to fit their environment, often finding magical significance in everyday urban life.
This is an ever growing and evolving list, and may be updated periodically. If you see any errors in the above that you would like me to address, please get in contact. Likewise, if there are any types of witches that I have overlooked, please let me know as well and I will update accordingly.
