What Is An Authentic Witch?
By Tina Gilson
I recently watched a short video of a woman who is a practicing witch, and she talked about people doing work under the label of “witch,” but who did not provide the services they were paid to and promised to deliver. She discussed the history of magic being service based, how your reputation was vital to the work, as people come to you in moments of great need and vulnerability. That a true witch is not greedy. There is no taking without giving. At the core of their practices, they believe in consequences and exchange.
In recent years, terms such as “witch”, “magic,” and other similar labels have become very trendy. People want to carry the label and obtain the accolades without actually knowing what they are doing, having an established practice, having done the work and gaining experience. Being trusted with someone’s money, time, and vulnerability is not something that should be taken lightly or taken advantage of.
Real witchcraft is an active, intentional spiritual practice rooted in connection to nature, energy, and the unseen. In authentic witchcraft, the focus is on alignment, intention, and lived practice rather than performance or trendiness. Real witches live with intention. Their daily practices are seen as spiritual.
Witches work with energy, understanding and directing it consciously and respectfully. Authentic witches engage in rituals, spell work, divination and healing on a consistent, spiritual basis. They do not use them to perform or do them as “one-off events”. It’s about awareness, balance, and harmony. They respect the history and roots of their craft, acknowledging the biases attached to the term “witch” as well as the oppression that comes along with it. However, despite the ignorance of what a real witch is, they know there is much wisdom, healing and resilience.
Genuine witches certainly do not practice witchcraft to manipulate or control others, nor are they doing the work as a quick fix. Many witches do not give themselves the label of witch, while others embrace it fully. Similarly, just because someone calls themself a witch or claims to be one, it does not mean they actually are one.
Being a witch isn’t all about magic and spells and crystals and such, just as using magic doesn’t make you a witch. Magic and energy work take many forms and are often called by other names. Many people use magic or spiritual practices without actively trying to be “witches.” Prayer is a form of energy work, for example, we just don’t refer to it as magic.
Lastly, witchcraft is not evil. It’s based on all positive things. Love, nature, healing, and balance. Many years ago, witches were the original healers, “doctors”. People were manipulated into believing these people are evil to take away their perceived power. I would encourage anyone who believes otherwise to do some serious research into the origins of witches, their true beliefs and practices, as well as when and how things changed in terms of how they are viewed.
Sacred Spirit Wellness is located at The Hive Wellness Collaborative, 21 Barton Street in Bradford, VT. They can be reached via email at sacredspiritwellness1@gmail.com, on their Facebook page or www.sacredspiritwellness.com
Sacred Spirit Wellness is located at The Hive Wellness Collaborative, 21 Barton Street in Bradford, VT. They can be reached via email at sacredspiritwellness1@gmail.com, on their Facebook page or www.sacredspiritwellness.com