Tradition, Tradition: Why I Hesitate to Call Myself a Traditional Witch
Author’s Note: The content of this blog reflects my personal experiences and perspectives on magic. Witchcraft is a deeply individual practice, and my approach may not align with everyone’s beliefs or traditions. I encourage readers to explore, question, and adapt what resonates with them. Nothing shared here is meant to serve as absolute truth or professional advice. Trust your intuition, do your own research, and walk your own path.
For 25 years, I have been a practicing witch. I have never been a Wiccan. Over the years, I have studied Wicca, participated in communities that were predominantly Wiccan, and engaged in discussions where Wiccan beliefs and practices seemed to be the default understanding of what it means to be a witch. Yet, I have never considered myself Wiccan or practiced anything associated with Wicca. Because of this, I have always felt the need to be very clear about how I identify as a witch and define my practice. I always want those I encounter in the magical community to understand that I do not cast Circles unless I am summoning spirits, that I do not combine my magic with worship, that I do not observe the Wheel of the Year, and that I do not hold to the Threefold Law.
I have no hesitation in calling myself a folk witch. My magic is rooted in folk practices, even though there are those who argue that folk magic is inherently Christian and cannot be practiced outside of Christianity. From my perspective and research, historical folk magic shows clear evidence of Christianization and Christian syncretism, and I believe that many folk practitioners likely had Pagan influences or even started as Pagans before adapting to a Christianized world. Folk magic is a living tradition, shaped by culture, necessity, and belief, and it resonates deeply with how I approach my craft. Since I am not a Christian, neither is my folk magic.
I also feel comfortable calling myself a folkloric witch. Folklore and fairy tales are central to my practice, informing the way I craft spells, approach spirits, and understand magic itself. These stories are more than just entertainment; they are repositories of ancient wisdom, veiled teachings, and remnants of older traditions that continue to inspire and shape my craft. They are windows into the beliefs of the the people and cultures which shaped the magic I practice today.
Where my hesitation arises is in the label of Traditional Witch. In some ways, I do consider myself a Traditional Witch. I appreciate structure and the ability to weave my practice into my daily life. I enjoy ritual, and many of the frameworks I create for myself are influenced by Traditional Witchcraft. However, but calling myself a Traditional Witch lends itself to a few assumptions about my practice that aren’t necessarily true. When people hear “Traditional Witch,” they often assume adherence to specific schools of thought within Traditional Witchcraft. Which I do not. They expect me to speak of the Witch Father, the Witch Queen, or the Witch’s Devil. Which I do not. They expect my practice to be bioregional. Which it is not.
Because of these assumptions, I hesitate to use the term too freely. While I value aspects of Traditional Witchcraft, my path is historically informed and ancestrally guided, shaped by folklore, folk magic, and my own evolving relationship with magic. Labels can be useful, but they also come with baggage.
Ultimately, my witchcraft is my own. It is informed by history, guided by personal experience, and shaped by the stories and traditions that speak to me. If a label helps convey that, I will use it—but I will always make sure that it is a reflection of my practice, not an expectation placed upon me by others.
