Debunking 10 misconceptions about witchcraft
Start writing a post
Arts Entertainment

Debunking 10 Common Witchcraft Myths

Here's everything you thought you knew about witches but don't

264
Debunking 10 Common Witchcraft Myths
personal photo

Witchcraft is a philosophy that's very misunderstood. As a practicing solitary witch for 6 years I've taken it upon myself to debunk several common misconceptions about witchcraft. Read below to learn more about this fascinating practice!

10. Witchcraft Isn't Real

My personal main alter

Personal photo

False!

Witchcraft is very much real and alive- I, alongside millions of witches, practice it.

A lot of people think witchcraft is all in the media but that's not true. It's been around for as long as mankind has been. It's using energy to manipulate and obtain a certain outcome. This can be as simple as making a wish and blowing out birthday candles, or as elaborate as a full blown out ceremony complete with salt circles and crystals.

9. Witchcraft Is It's Own Religion.

A shelf apart of my main personal alter

personal photo

False!

Witchcraft is a lifestyle and philosophy.

It can be practiced secularly without a religion, or alongside any religion. Religions that can incorporate witchcraft is Wicca, Christianity, Satanism, Buddhism, Paganism, Islam, etc. Basically, any religion can because witchcraft itself isn't a religion.

8. You Must Be A Satanist If You Do Witchcraft

Apart of a shelf on my personal alter

personal photo

False!

Not all witches are Satanists.

Although some certainly are, there are witches who just as much Christian or even atheist!

7. Witches Practice Naked

Star Globe on my personal alter

personal photo

False!

Most witches do not.

Although everyone practices differently, and I'm sure there is that ONE witch, it is definitely not the vast majority.

6. Witches Go To Hell

Beaver Skull & Jaws

personal photo

False!

How can you go to a place you don't believe in?

A lot of witches' don't believe in Hell. Therefore, they surely won't be going there.

Also, we won't burn inside of a church, contrary to what one of my darling Christian friends thought.

5. You Need Tools To Practice Witchcraft

My Cat Tarot

Personal photo

False!

The only tool you need is yourself!

Witchcraft is a beautiful practice in that it can be as simple or as elaborate as you'd like. You can use all the tools, or none of them. Tools are only there to aid your intuition and guide your work, but they are not by any means necessary.

As long as you have yourself and your personal energy, with the proper intent you can accomplish witchcraft!

4. Witchcraft Is Hereditary Only

Raccoon Skull

Personal Photo

False!

I am living proof against this myth.

I alone discovered the craft and I am completely self-taught. I didn't have any mother or aunt teach me, I did it all on my own. Of course, this doesn't make me any more or any less of witch- it just is. It's just my personal journey.

In saying that there are hereditary witches who're family has long known the secrets of the craft. Yet, it is not necessary.

3. You Must be Initiated Into It

My personal relationship alter

personal photo

False!

What defines a witch isn't initiation but what's in their heart.

Once again I am living proof of this. I am not in any formal coven or witchy gathering, I practice solitary. I initiated myself using a personal ritual with my Gods, but mind you, I was practicing for 6 years prior. In those prior 6 years, I was still as much of a witch as I was after that ceremony.

What defines a witch isn't their network but their heart and intentions.

2. Boys Can't Be Witches

Jar full of bones

personal photo

False!

Contrary to popular belief, men can declare themselves witches too.

It's not exclusive to women. Anyone can call themselves a witch- male, female, nonbinary, etc. Despite it being highly gendered in our culture. The phenomenon and its functional use is much broader.

1. Witchcraft Has Rigid Rules

Personal book

personal photo

False!

Witchcraft is not bound by any single set of rules.

The only limitations to witchcraft are through the individual witchcraft. A lot of people confuse the Wiccan Rede to wholly define the entire craft but that's simply not true.

Witchcraft answers to all who call, not just Wiccans.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
houses under green sky
Photo by Alev Takil on Unsplash

Small towns certainly have their pros and cons. Many people who grow up in small towns find themselves counting the days until they get to escape their roots and plant new ones in bigger, "better" places. And that's fine. I'd be lying if I said I hadn't thought those same thoughts before too. We all have, but they say it's important to remember where you came from. When I think about where I come from, I can't help having an overwhelming feeling of gratitude for my roots. Being from a small town has taught me so many important lessons that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

Keep Reading...Show less
​a woman sitting at a table having a coffee
nappy.co

I can't say "thank you" enough to express how grateful I am for you coming into my life. You have made such a huge impact on my life. I would not be the person I am today without you and I know that you will keep inspiring me to become an even better version of myself.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

90439
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

62374
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments