Witchcraft: A discussion on what it means to be a witch

The concept of being a witch is gaining popularity again and with it the common stereotypes abound. What do you picture when you think of a witch? Is it the lone individual who trumps out into the forest to commune with nature? Is it the coven that gathers every full moon to perform a ritual and chant in harmony? 

The thing about being a witch is that you do not have to conform to any specific stereotype. Being a witch isn’t about looking a certain way or who you are friends with, instead it is about how you think and how you go about manifesting what you desire.

I’ve written about witches before giving you my definition of what witchcraft really is and my belief is that on some level we are all witches, just with varying degrees of concentration and power. 

Witchcraft is simply manifesting 101 with some basic metaphysics thrown in. Anyone can be and is a witch. There is no secret handshake to learn or specific herbs you need to buy. There is just a mindset that you embrace. 

When I learn of individuals who want to become witches they usually feel like they need to buy a lot of new supplies – a pentacle, some crystals, a myriad of herbs – but the truth is, you don’t need any of these things. Yes, these items can help increase the efficiency and strength of any spell, but they are not necessary items. 

I’ve explained previously how spells actually work, but I’ll do it again here in case anyone is just stumbling by for the first time. Spells are just an accumulation of vibrations that help to manifest a desire. All that is needed are certain vibrations put together with intention and out into the ethers they go on their merry little way. 

All the ingredients in spells do is increase the vibrational potency of the desire. A certain crystal mixed with a certain herb will give a sort of power boost to what you are trying to manifest – but none of it is actually necessary if you train your mind to cultivate your desires with clear intention.

Of course, another thing to keep in mind is that the art of creating spells and practicing witchcraft is also fun. There is an enjoyment in collecting the tools and ingredients necessary for any desire. It also acts to help you focus your intentions on what it is you really want which will then increase the potency of the spell.

So there is no reason to give up all your crystals and herbs (yes, I have more crystals than my husband would care for and a whole draw filled with herbs) but there is also no reason you need to go out and accumulate these things if you do not have the resources to do so.

In this modern age we live in, you do not need to do anything or get anything to be a witch. Witchcraft runs through all our veins. It is merely a word used to describe an act that we all perform. If you want to be a witch, guess what, you are one. Just be mindful of your thoughts and what you want to create and manifest. Be consistent with your actions and your intentions as you perform witchcraft on a daily basis. 

And, if you want to apply some of the great witchy “rules” (actually part of the Wiccan Rede – but more on the difference between Wicca and Witchcraft here) that have been around for years, I suggest “an it harm none, do what thou wilt”.

Do you consider yourself a witch? Do you think there are any criteria necessary to become a witch?