Types of Witches? A Musing
What makes a Natural witch? Hedge witch? Hearth witch? Why do you think there are so many different kinds?
There are as many different names for Witches as there are different types of witches themselves. All of the different titles are simply the way people try and classify each other, themselves, and their craft. The definitions often vary with the person using them and remain to most of us, fluid and flexible. These types are not to be confused with Traditions of witchcraft which we may cover in a later blog post.
Please do not feel like you have to label yourself in any way or choose one of these archetypes for yourself. You do not NEED to identify yourself as a type, You can choose to identify yourself as NO type at all, You can choose to identify with as many types as you like or even make up your own!
Here are a few rough examples of what a witch that defines herself as one of these Archetypes may be.
The Green Witch: Usually a Green Witch finds that the core of their magic is found in nature. The trees and forests speak to them, they connect on a deeper level with the herbs in their garden. Their magic is natural and is often attuned to healing of the body, mind, and soul through the world of herbs and the abundant power and green energy found there. The Green Witch is often but not exclusively solitary and can often be found tending their gardens, speaking to their herbs, and whispering to the trees. They have a connection to nature, the seasons, growing things, and the power of nature in all its forms.
Kitchen Witch: Also known as a Hearth Witch, the Kitchen witch's focus is on the connection and power of one's home, the so called Heart of their home to be precise. They often incorporate magic into the usually mundane such as cooking, cleaning, organizing, and other usual household tasks. They magically charge their cleaning supplies or ward their home from negativity and feel a close connection to their home. Many may work with a House Spirit as well to enhance their relationship with the energies inside their homes.
Hedge Witch: The Hedge Witch or Hedge Rider is a witch that takes on the task of Riding The Hedge. An old Shamanic practice, hedge crossing is when a witch crosses over the hedge to do magical workings. For the Hedge witch, the hedge is a metaphor for the line drawn between this world and the next. It is a gateway between reality and dream as well as between the Upper, Middle, and Lower Worlds. Hedge witches have a tendency to spend much of their lives with one foot on either side of the hedge, which makes them eccentric to say the least. They bring a bit of everything with them to their practice and tend to be in close harmony with the natural world and the cycles of the earth.
Elemental Witch: An Elemental witch works closely with the elements found in this world. These elements can be the traditional Air, Earth, Water, Fire, and Spirit or Land, Earth, and Sea. They can be found in the places that these elements hold sway. The beach before a storm, wind swept cliffs, or dancing around a fire. They may feel an affinity towards one or all of the elements and incorporate them into their every day lives.
Hereditary Witch: The Hereditary witch is born into a family that has a history within the craft. Members of their family are likely practicing and have introduced them to the craft and the Family Tradition. It is the practice of including oneself in the practice of witchcraft on the grounds of having been born into a family who also practices. Knowledge and practice may also be passed down through generations, each generation teaching the next.
Grey Witch: A Gray Witch does not walk in the light or the darkness, rather they dwell in the shadows or the Grey. They usually adhere to a practice of worship and magic which recognizes the importance of all polarities as legitimate and necessary without deception of the masses, the self, or the use of informational resources. Gray witches practice balance and harmony, and they deny the concept that such things can occur without recognition of total and true polarity.
Eclectic Witch: An eclectic witch takes an individual approach where they pick and choose aspects from all of the different traditions and create their own personalized form of witchcraft. This is a path that many witches take because it creates a practice that meets their individual needs, preferences, and abilities. They do not follow a particular religion or tradition, but study and learn from many different systems and use what works best for them.
Solitary Witch (Solitaire): The solitary witch most often or exclusively practices alone, without a family or group. They are often eclectic in nature and self taught in their chosen path. They may choose to join open circles in their area for holidays or celebrate in a solitary manner. Many choose to be solitary but few are solitary out of necessity as their are no practicing groups near them.
Coven Witch: The Coven Witch is someone that prefers to practice their craft in a group of like minded people. Some enjoy the feeling of a magical community of the intensity of energy a group can create during ritual.
Faery Witch: The Faery Witch is a term for those who communicate and work with the fey during spells and rituals. Usually, those who work with the fey may also leave offerings regularly, as thanks for the assistance of a faery in their spell work. They commonly seek the aid of their Fey helpers and seek their advice in their practice.
Natural Witch: The Natural Witch is someone that has always know that they were different. They were born with a natural talent that many witches spend years cultivating. Perhaps they are a strong empath or can sense the energies of plants. Perhaps they can easily slip into trance or commune with spirits.
If we left out any classifications that you think should be included please let us know! There are new types of witches becoming known so never be afraid to go your own way!
Be Well!
Silver Spring
