Modern Witchcraft & Paganism: Beyond the Myths

Instead of a broomstick or cauldron, picture a witch standing at the forest’s edge, listening to the wind and trees, their breath in rhythm with nature. Witches have always been healers, deeply connected to the earth.

Pagans and witches have faced centuries of misunderstanding, so many of us stay in the ‘broom closet.’ We’re everywhere; your friends, coworkers, relatives, quietly doing our thing. Often, we stay hidden out of fear of judgment and its consequences.

What witches and pagans are not.

There are so many misconceptions, some are benign, and others are dangerous for us.

* Devil worshippers — There is no concept of a devil in paganism or witchcraft. The devil is a Christian construct, often used historically to demonize horned nature gods and convert pagans through fear.

* Conduct blood rituals or animal sacrifice — Modern paganism is a peaceful practice. Offerings are typically symbolic; herbs, wine, honey, flowers. Rituals focus on connection to nature, spirit, and the elements, not violence.

* Only Women — People of all genders practice witchcraft and follow pagan paths.

* Anti-Christian or anti religion — Many modern pagans aren’t hostile to other religions. They simply follow their own path. Some even integrate Christian elements (like Christo-pagans). Most are inclusive and focused on personal spiritual growth.

* Wiccans or in a coven — Wicca is just one pagan tradition. Many witches are solitary practitioners and may not identify as Wiccan at all. You can be pagan without being Wiccan, and vice versa.

* Believe the same thing — Not even close. Some work with nature’s elements, others with deities or ancestral spirits. Many are eclectic; adopting what resonates, discarding what doesn’t. It’s not about dogma. It’s about personal truth.

* Just a trend or aesthetic — While witchy aesthetics are popular now, many of us have practiced for decades. This is a spiritual path rooted in deep personal experience, not just mood boards and moon water. (Though the aesthetic is cool too.)

* Something to fear — We’re just people trying to live in peace and harmony with ourselves and the world.

So What Are We?

The modern witch or pagan is someone who connects with nature and/or their chosen deities. They seek peace, protection, and purpose; just like most people. They tend to be independent, intuitive, and strong-willed.

My story

In the mid-90s, my life was kind of a mess. I was in my 30s, stuck in an unhappy marriage, feeling lost, confused, and angry. I was living in northern Massachusetts, not far from Salem. One day, I saw an ad for a free meditation and thought, maybe this will help.

I went to a church and saw a tiny sign that said “Meditation” with an arrow. I followed it to a small room with candles, pillows, and a quiet man who welcomed me. He told me it was a Buddhist meditation and guided me through it. I was the only one who showed up.

That one meditation changed everything. I felt alive and connected. But I didn’t feel drawn to Buddhism — I felt drawn to Salem.

So I started visiting. I made friends with a storekeeper who taught me about her solitary pagan practice. It was empowering to learn something that made sense to me. I felt like I was home.

I dove in! learning tarot, casting circles, embracing rituals. My friend taught me that intention is everything. That I could use ritual to release anger and make space for strength. It was life-changing.

That was nearly 30 years ago. I’m still a practicing pagan. I walk a mostly solitary path, now leaning deeply into goddess spirituality. Shadow work has become my companion. I learn from my wounds, not avoid them. And the learning never ends.

A simple ritual

If you’re curious about paganism or already walking your own path, here’s a ritual I love:

You’ll need:

• One clear quartz (or visualize it)

• One smoky quartz or hematite (or visualize it)

Steps:

1. Sit or lie somewhere quiet.

2. Hold the darker stone in your left hand (or just imagine it).

3. Hold the lighter stone in your right hand (or imagine it).

4. Open a circle of protection by saying:

“I create this circle. Only that which is useful or beneficial may enter. So mote it be.”

Picture the circle forming clockwise around you.

1. The left hand receives. The right hand releases.
    Imagine energy flowing into your left hand through the dark stone. Let it clear away negativity as it enters your body.

2. Breathe slowly — in through your nose, out through your mouth.
    Feel the energy move. If you find tension or pain, pause and breathe into it until it shifts.

3. Let that energy move through your heart, head, and down to your feet. Then, when ready, release it through your right hand as pure white healing energy, to be received by whoever needs it.

4. Close the circle by saying:

“I thank the crystals for their guidance, the earth for her grounding, and the energy for flowing true. This ritual is complete. The circle is released.”

1. Place your crystals outside or on a windowsill to cleanse.

Final Thoughts

Those who fear the unknown or fear the power of the divine feminine may never understand. But if you’re drawn to this path, I invite you to explore.
 Follow your intuition. Learn from it.
 You don’t need anything but a curious mind and a clear intention.

Blessed Be