Sometimes I forget that not everyone has been steeped in this information for a decade+. To me, magic and witchcraft are words and practices as common as “water” and breathing. They’re both woven throughout my day and are a core part of who I am. I remembered, however, that that isn’t the case for everyone, so I’m going to write this post to give a breakdown for those of you who are new, curious, or just need refresher!
What is Witchcraft?
Witchcraft, at its core, is simply… the craft of the witch. It’s a practice, not inherently tied to any religion or spiritual framework. Think of it like painting or cooking — a skillset that anyone can choose to explore. It’s up to you to determine if it’s right for you – for example there are Christian Witches, Jewish Witches, Muslim Witches. Some folks think the practice and the religion don’t belong together, sometimes folks interpret things differently. Only you can decide what’s right for you.
Witchcraft can include spells, charms, and rituals, but it’s not confined to any particular belief system. You can:
- Practice it alongside your religion.
- Integrate it as part of your spiritual path.
- Use it entirely on its own, as a secular craft.
There’s no “one-size-fits-all” requirement. Witchcraft becomes religious only if you decide to make it so or join a religion where it’s foundational, like certain Pagan paths.
Are There Requirements to Be a Witch?
Nope! There’s no checklist to follow, and anyone telling you otherwise needs to take several seats. Get wrecked. Whatever the kids say these days.
You don’t need to:
- Know herbs.
- Work with deities.
- Use crystals.
- Follow a specific moral code.
- Read tarot or use any divination tools.
If you choose to identify as a witch and explore practices like spellcasting or charm-making, you’re already there. Respect others’ paths, claim the title if it resonates, and you’re good to go.
What is Magic?
Magic is simply energy raised with intent. That intent might be specific (“I want this outcome”) or open-ended (“Let’s see what happens”). The goal? To influence, change, or create something.
Here’s the key: magic and witchcraft often overlap, but neither depends on the other. You can:
- Perform witchcraft without raising energy or focusing intent (aka magic).
- Use magic in your day-to-day life without ever casting a spell.
Everything we do contains energy, from conscious actions like setting an intention to subconscious ones like following a hunch. Magic happens when you direct that energy toward a goal — no matter how casual or grand that goal might be.
How Do You Perform Magic?
It starts with energy and intent.
- Energy: The force behind your actions or thoughts.
- Intent: The purpose or direction for that energy.
Performing magic can look as simple as lighting a candle and focusing on a wish, or as elaborate as a full ritual with carefully chosen tools and correspondences. Every practitioner defines what magic means to them and how they choose to raise and direct energy.
For example:
- I might see the act of getting a glass of water as magic because I’m raising energy with intent (hydration).
- You might not consider that magic, and that’s valid too. What matters is how you frame the concept in your practice.
Are Magic and Witchcraft the Same?
Not exactly.
Magic is energy with intent. Witchcraft is the application of techniques like spells and charms, which may or may not use magic. They’re related but distinct.
Think of it this way:
- Magic: The energy behind the action.
- Witchcraft: The craft or process of applying that energy in specific ways.
- Magical: The result of something created through magic.
The beauty of these practices is their flexibility. One person might view magic and witchcraft as intertwined, while another keeps them entirely separate. Both approaches are valid.
What About Different Beliefs?
Some paths teach that magic and witchcraft are inseparable or that all life and nature are inherently magical. Others keep these concepts distinct. These interpretations are shaped by individual beliefs, traditions, and practices.
It’s important to recognize this flexibility while holding space for your unique perspective. Conflating terms and practices might create confusion, but it also shows how beautifully interconnected magic, witchcraft, and spirituality can be.
So, what’s the takeaway? Magic is energy + intent. Witchcraft is the method. And you get to decide how these concepts fit into your world. Embrace the freedom, and let your journey be as magical as you want it to be.
Love you, be well
Autumn