How to Be a Witch: Witching 101

Have you been hearing that witchy call lately? Maybe the plethora of witch-themed paraphernalia and tchotchkes has been catching your eye more and more. Maybe you've started noticing witchy book titles and folklore when browsing stores and libraries. Or maybe you've been lingering outside longer, even in the cold, just to breathe with the wind. The call to seek your inner witch comes in many ways, but it always starts with love and curiosity.

Let's get the big spoiler out of the way: there's no single "wrong" or "right" way to be a witch. It might seem important to procure all kinds of spell books and magickal tools, but that's not necessary. In fact, you won't know what you need until you define your goals and set your intentions. The why of witchcraft is what matters, and that's a deeply personal answer.

What follows are some tips for dipping your toe in witchy waters to have a positive, fulfilling experience that will make you feel safe while guiding you out of your comfort zone.

Decide What "Witch" Means to You

The first step of being a witch is deciding what that loaded word means to you, and what doors you'd like it to open. An approachable way to start is Pam Grossman's Waking the Witch, a cultural analysis of how the witch archetype has ridden her proverbial broomstick through the ages. If history and academia is an appealing starting point, you'll want to look into Ronald Hutton's The Triumph of the Moon, and similar titles. If you'd rather focus on the witch as an archetype, turn to mythology, folklore, and literature to find an iconic witch to draw inspiration from, such as Morgan le Fay from Arthurian legend, Circe from Greek mythology, or Baba Yaga from Slavic fairy tales. Maybe it's Hermione Granger from the Harry Potter series who calls to you, or Elphaba from Wicked, or Diana Bishop from A Discovery of Witches, or Mika Moon from The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches.

Wherever you find inspiration, know that being "witchy" doesn't require a specific set of aesthetics or actions. You don't need a wand or cloak. You don't need to cast spells. Being a witch can simply mean embracing a way of life that taps into nature and values instinct and intuition. Maybe you pay special attention to the position of the stars and the cycles of the moon, and feel a greater sense of connection and meaning through closeness with the celestial. Maybe you enjoy going into trances to produce works of art, or pursue meditation for the purpose of having out-of-body experiences. In my humble opinion, at it's most basic, being a witch means identifying, harnessing, and expressing your innate sense of power. It's also about changing your perception and field of awareness.

The early stage of being a "baby witch" is a time to consider your why: your end goals and motivations. Are you embracing this path for self discovery? Are you hoping to join a group of others to publicly practice? Spend time journaling and creating a manifesto for yourself, which can serve as an initial framework for the journey. It will change along the way, and it's good to keep a record. This is your first "book of shadows," or personal grimoire, if you will.

Select a "Practice"

Adhering to a particular practice isn't mandatory, but it's helpful to have a foundational understanding of witchcraft's many paths. You could start with books on this reading list, or take classes offered through witchy book shops. We highly recommend the classes offered through Morbid Anatomy and Treadwell's, not only for the excellence in instruction, but also for the community they foster.

This post will not go in-depth into the many schools of thought that fold into witchcraft, but know that there are no "right" answers, only what resonates. Wicca is probably the most obvious and popular example of practice because it's a religion; not all witches are Wiccans, but all Wiccans are witches. Some practices have clear-cut ceremonial structures and traditions, while others emphasize a come-as-you-are, mix-and-match approach.

One way to take the first step is to research your family and region. What spiritual practices are in your (blood-related or spiritual) family tree? What are the pagan roots of your geographical home, and are they open and available to non-native practitioners? You might have to look farther afield to find practices that call to you, but it's always good to know the history of the soil on which you stand and practice.

Find Community

Like any creative or spiritual practice, witchcraft requires a balance of solitude and support. There are times when the witch's path can and should be walked alone, and times when you need a coven, whether structured or not. Seek out conferences and gatherings like those we point to at the end of this article. Search Instagram and Substack for witchy keywords and reboot your Facebook account to find groups and gatherings. The key is to look at the comments: pay attention to who's chiming in, and if you like what they're saying, find out if they're local and / or willing to connect. A "coven" need not be the group you practice with, though this is entirely possible. Outside of the UK, where it's a bit easier to find folks through word-of-mouth, it can be hard to find a practicing coven, but if this is what you desire, your magick should help you along.

Above all, listen to your intuition and practice safe boundaries--with yourself, the people you meet, and the energies you engage with in your practice.

Happy witching!