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From the get go, I’ve tried to make it abundantly clear that Wicca is a diverse and varied religion. Because we have no central authority or universally accepted creeds, countless different magickal practices and philosophies have emerged—some popular, some known only by their creators; some that exist harmoniously, and some that are irreconcilably different. And it’s this freedom and creativity that drew me to Wicca in the first place.
In this chapter, I’m going to attempt to give you an overview of some of the major traditions and niches in the world of Wicca. This is by no means an exhaustive list of different types of magick—I’m highly skeptical that such a thing could even be compiled—but it will give you a good cross-section of the types of magick that are being performed.
I’m sure that as you go deeper in your own personal practice, certain types of magick will begin to appeal to you more than others. This is perfectly normal and acceptable. There’s something to be said for people who can focus their time and attention in order to become an expert specialist. However, when you’re starting out with Wicca, it’s important to keep an open mind about everything that’s out there. What seems uninteresting at first glance can often become a lifelong passion the more you explore it!
Green witchcraft, plant magick, herbal magick—these are all terms that refer to magick that focuses on the natural world. Green witches use all sorts of flowers, herbs, and other living things to work their will and harness spiritual energy.
There’s no requirement that you have to be a gardener if you want to practice plant magick, but many witches find themselves doing just that as they gain experience in the craft. There’s no one pickier or more fickle about where their supplies come from than a green witch—and I say that 100% from personal experience!
However, green witchcraft is not just about keeping your magickal spice cabinet stocked. It’s about developing a deeper relationship with Mother Nature as well. A truly powerful green witch doesn’t just take from the earth as she sees fit. She attempts to develop a deep respect for all life on the planet; she attunes her body and mind to the rhythm and cycles of nature. And most importantly she gives back to the earth that has given her so much already.
Since green witchcraft is so nature-based, you’ll find plenty of earthy gods and goddesses within this practice too. Gaia, who is personified as our earth mother, is a popular choice, but any deity associated with nature and growth is welcome in the world of plant magick.
If you think that green witchcraft is something you’d like to pursue further, be sure to check out my book Herbs for Witchcraft. In it, I take a deeper look at the hows and whys of plant magick.
If you’ve ever been described as a nurturer or an empath, then white magick should be right up your alley. It’s all about tapping into the light and love of the universe in order to spread peace and healing.
White magick actually spans numerous different traditions within Wicca—you can practice white plant magick, white ritual magick, etc. What draws these practices together under the umbrella term of “white magick” is the intent behind them. A white witch seeks to alleviate suffering and cultivate joy.
This type of magick includes “defensive” spells, like spells of banishment or protection, but it also includes more proactive magick too—like blessing rituals or rituals designed to cultivate large amounts of positive spiritual energy. It’s a truly broad field of study with the best of intentions behind it.
For those who want to know more about white magick, be sure to check out my book, The White Magick Spell Book. You’ll find plenty of spells in there for sending lots of love and peace out into the world.
Although I don’t recommend you go down this path, we can’t talk about white magick without briefly touching on its polar opposite—black magick.
Whereas white magick aims to help and heal, black magick aims to hurt and destroy. Curses and hexes both fall under the category of black magick, as does any spell that has the intention of increasing suffering in the world.
Some might also put things like demon summoning in the same category, but I’m going to go out on a limb and say that that’s not always the case. If you’re summoning a demon to do harm to someone else, sure, that’s black magick. However, if you’re summoning a demon just to see what happens, I’m not so sure. I think that’s a pretty stupid plan and highly advise against it, but I think black magick is more defined by the intention behind the spell than the actual components of the spell itself.
Gray magick falls somewhere between black and white. It includes things like love spells and money magick.
As it’s plain to see, causes like love and money are not as idealistic and noble as those found in white magick. But on the other hand, they’re not downright evil like the things you find in black magick. They’re somewhere in the middle, and this means that there’s plenty of healthy debate about their appropriateness.
I can’t tell you if gray magick is something you should take an interest in—that’s something you’ll have to decide for yourself. But I bring it up to illustrate again what a diverse, independent spirit you’ll find in the world of Wicca. Gray magick is just one thing among many that you’ll have to grapple with ethically, and no one but yourself can decide what decision you should make. It can be daunting at times, but it’s also wildly liberating.
I’ve dabbled in gray magick myself, and you can read more about it in my first two books, Forbidden Wiccan Spells Vol. 1: Magick for Love and Power and Forbidden Wiccan Spells Vol. 2: Magick for Wealth and Prosperity.
If you’re like me and have and love all things theatrical, then ritual magick is absolutely for you! It’s also great for folks who love to organize and plan. With this type of magick, it’s not about doing things the easy way—it’s about doing them with flair and symbolism.
In the world of ritual magick, we take very seriously the link between spiritual energy and our spellwork. Within a well-crafted ritual, nothing is left up to chance. Every word, every action, every item used is carefully considered and constructed. It’s very much like watching a play unfold on stage.
Some witches prefer more spontaneity in their magick, and that’s absolutely fine. But for those who see magick as a sacred drama, ritual magick is the way to go.
You can learn more about the intricacies of ritual magick in my book, The Ritual Magick Manual.