10 Types of Witches to Know

Some may think the modern witch is just a trend or an aesthetic.

While its image may be trendy, its core principles still resonate deeply with the spiritual healing community today. Gardening, homemaking, herbalism, crystals –– these are all rooted in traditional witchcraft, and there’s no doubt they’re finding their way back into our modern routines and healing practices.

The modern witch is tending herb gardens and crafting concoctions. They’re infusing intention into everyday tasks and finding the joy in the little moments of life. They’re harnessing their power, living by the moon, and they’re attuned to the collective energy. The modern witch taps into their magic to create a practice that’s both meaningful and personal.

You may find yourself reading about these types of witches and considering yourself a modern day witch! To know which witch resonates the most, let’s define the modern witch and start from the beginning. Then we can compare to the 12 different types of modern day witches and you can see for yourself!

What is a Modern Day Witch?

Being a modern day witch means practicing traditional forms of witchcraft with a modern, personal twist. It means focusing your intention and existence on healing, growth, and spirituality in life and routine. It means practicing to find connection and soul purpose in the physical and spiritual world.

A modern day witch practices with the same intentions of traditional witches, but may utilize modern tools, may find resources online instead of a spell book, and may still commune with their coven or community–but maybe now just remotely over zoom, or somewhere online with a spiritual community.

Different types of witches still have different practices, but some may generally blend together and be closely related. They all generally focus on magic for healing, interpreting messages from source to apply to life, spells, rituals, or meditations, and working with natural elements like herbs and crystals.

The meaning of the witch has definitely evolved over time. An exhibit by the New York Historical Society in 2021 painted this perfectly, and took you on a journey back in time to re-examine the Salem Witch Trials, highlighting how we think about witches today. Exhibits like this really pinpoint this evolution, and help us understand how a lifestyle once so ostracized is now widely accepted.

Now that you know exactly what a modern day witch is, let’s see where these traditional witchy roots come from.

A Look Back in History: The Modern Day Witch is Here to Stay!

The deep history of the witch supports that modern witchcraft is definitely here to stay. The modern witch is alive and well. But the path to get here hasn’t always been paved with rainbows and butterflies in the witchy world. Most people likely associate witchcraft with the Salem Witch Trials, a dark chapter in Massachusetts and New England history where innocent lives were tragically lost through unjust accusations and persecution.

But witchcraft extends far beyond this. Mentions of magical practices and practitioners appear throughout history and across diverse cultures around the world. There are so many indigenous cultures and witches that we still learn from and honor today.

Witches in Different Parts of the World

Take a quick look at the different regions of the world where Witchcraft has appeared throughout history:

Europe: Known for witch hunts during the Early Modern period.
Africa: Various traditions like African witch doctors and healers.
Americas: Indigenous shamanism and the Salem Witch Trials.
Asia: Japanese yokai, Chinese Taoist magic, and Southeast Asian mediums.
Middle East: Sufism, djinn beliefs, and spiritual healers.
Indigenous Cultures: Shamanism, herbal medicine, and nature rituals.
Modern Witchcraft: A resurgence influenced by feminism and empowerment.

Witches have always been known for thinking boldly, expressing themselves wholeheartedly, and living a passionate heart-led life. Because of this, they have undoubtedly faced adversity. From the medieval witch hunts to the Inquisition, these free spirits were often misunderstood, marginalized, and condemned.

Their resilience, and the resurgence of modern witchcraft, serve as a testament to the power of their practices.

We now have the opportunity to learn from and be inspired by the enduring spirit and energy of our ancestors. They now offer guidance and connection across so many generations of people, and it’s so beautiful to see things come “full-circle” in the world of the witch.

10 Different Types of Witches to Know

Now let’s take a look at some common witches and types of witchcraft today.

Most modern witches have one thing in common: they seek protection and healing to enhance their lives and their spiritual connection. Some practices in this list may blend together, and can look different for every witch. One beautiful thing about a practice is that it’s all your own, and you can move in the direction you’re called to shape a practice how you see fit!

Crystal Witch

One of the most enchanting types you’ll encounter is the Crystal Witch! They are beauty, they are grace. They are all things glowy and bright. The Crystal Witch dives deep into the power of crystals, and utilizes them in practice to harness their energies. This may include during crystal meditation, ritual, lunar cycles, or during everyday routine. The healing properties of crystals focus on all different areas of life in which you may need support, cleansing, balance, and a little extra dose of energy. The Crystal Witch carefully collects crystals based on properties and utilizes them to balance and cleanse all sorts of things.

Ask a Crystal Witch about their favorite types of crystals, minerals and families and they’ll tell you all about how to use them for healing. They will likely have their own full collection and may keep certain crystals around the house, even in the car, handbag/purse or backpack.

Example: Our girl Raven Baxter from the TV show “That’s So Raven.” While Raven is primarily known for her psychic abilities of clairvoyance, she also demonstrates a connection to crystals throughout the series. In several episodes, Raven uses crystals as tools to enhance her psychic visions or to amplify her magical abilities. A not-so-commonly known crystal girlie, and we are here for it!

Green Witch

In tune with nature, Green Witches embrace herbalism, flowers, plant magic, and Mother Earth. They use the cycle of the seasons to connect, balance and restore. The Green Witch practice is all about fostering a deep connection with the natural world. This means utilizing the power of plants for healing, daily routine, health, vitality, recipes, and spiritual growth.

The Green Witch also has a strong sense of connection between traditional and modern ways of life. They may be totally in tune with their plant babies and herb garden they’ve been raising for years, but also can easily understand the digital/technological world and may even work a corporate-techy job. The Green Witch is naturally able to blend the two together and thrive while doing so. The point where traditional/primitive life meets the modern world is where the Green Witch excels.

A Green Witch practice is closely related to the Garden Witch. For example, elements from the garden are also used throughout the Green Witches life, like herbs for cooking, cleaning, cleansing, making elixirs and potions etc. Similar to the Garden Witch, the Green Witch may also have a garden, indoor and outdoor plants, and works with crystals and herbs. But the Garden Witch could be lost in the flowers for days, and unlike the Green Witch, the Garden Witch can’t be bothered with the modern times of what society demands.

Rather than detesting modern technology, social media, and all of these technological mediums of information, the Green Witch is all about it. The Green witch will actually advocate for the value of technology, and doesn’t shy away when it comes to embracing changing trends. The Green Witch values both old traditions and new advancements, embracing them to connect, grow and thrive in the physical and spiritual world.

Example: Adriana Ayales, founder of Anima Mundi Apothecary. With a focus on indigenous medicine, honoring ancient traditions, and making herbal treasures accessible, Adriana Ayales is a true Green Witch by offering herbal remedies online and in-store to the community. Her story really represents a strong practice and commitment to indigenous medicine. Her honor and respect for tradition, coupled with her business savvy side, has made these some of the most sought-after products for clean, sustainable and responsibly-sourced herbal remedies. And definitely makes her a Green Witch!

Celtic Witch

A Celtic Witch practice draws inspiration from Celtic traditions across the board. The Centre of Excellence says “Celtic witchcraft is based on the pagan beliefs of the Celtic tribes in Ireland, Scotland, Wales and other parts of pre-Christian Europe.”

This type of practice may dive into Celtic mythology, traditional Celtic symbols, spellwork, rituals, crystal and stone energy, herbalism and more. A Celtic Witch puts importance on connecting with nature and appreciation for the natural world.

Celtic Witchy magic may look to Goddess Celtic Witches, or may work with deities from Celtic mythology like Brigid, Cernunnos, or Morrigan. Symbols like the cross, the Celtic knot, and more are used for protection, binding spells, and cleansing.

Example: Think of Queen Elinor from Disney’s “Brave.” While not explicitly referred to as a witch in the movie, Queen Elinor possesses magical abilities rooted in Celtic folklore, such as her connection to the mystical stories and transformative spells. Her character embodies elements of Celtic witchcraft, including a reverence for nature and a deep understanding of its magic and its consequences.

Hedge Witch

A Hedge Witch isn’t scared of their shadow self, doesn’t shy away from the darkness of life, and can easily operate on multiple different spiritual planes. They see the beauty through healing, connecting and transformation.

A Hedge Witch may practice active shadow work, finding beauty and light through the dark. A Hedge Witch may believe pain and trauma of life can be addressed at the root, full on, to find deep healing.

Hedge Witches work in liminal spaces where the veil is thin, the messages from guides are loud, and they navigate this space with honor and reverence. They’re often the bridge between spiritual and physical world for their community, family and friends. A Hedge Witch may often practice astral projection, herbalism, shadow work, deep meditation, and spiritual channeling.

Example: Consider Fiona Goode from the TV series “American Horror Story: Coven.” Fiona, portrayed by Jessica Lange, is the Supreme Witch and leader of the coven. She embodies traits of a hedge witch through her deep connection to nature, resourcefulness, herbal knowledge, and affinity for dark magic. She can definitely be considered a Hedge Witch!

Kitchen Witch

Infusing magic into everyday life, the Kitchen Witch works their craft into the heart of the home: the Kitchen.

For the Kitchen Witch, cooking and eating is a sacred ritual. Harvesting herbs from the garden and buying locally is important to them. From setting the table with intention to eating with others and fostering community, the Kitchen Witch is all about cooking at home, sharing, and spreading abundance.

The Kitchen Witch is often providing for their people utilizing herbs, spices, and wholesome foods from the garden to create meals, elixirs, and other natural healing remedies.

Example: In the movie “Practical Magic,” Dianne Wiest’s character Aunt Jet is a quintessential Kitchen Witch, skilled at crafting potions and spells in her kitchen using herbs and magical ingredients. Her nurturing and magical prowess make her a beloved Kitchen Witch in the film.

Cottage Witch/House Witch

The House Witch practice focuses on making routine magical, loving their people, and nurturing community. This type of witch is definitely rooted in tradition, where witches used to have to keep the cottage clean while cooking to prevent pests! This is often why “witches” are associated with the broomstick!

The House Witch or Cottage Witch has a natural way of making the home extraordinary. They enjoy going the extra mile to curate the details of a comfortable living space that is a representation of them.

Similar to the Kitchen Witch, the Cottage Witch emphasizes the magical aspects of home life. A Cottage Witch takes pride in keeping a beautiful clean home for family, friends, and community. They often enjoy the many aspects of nesting at home, being a true homebody, and creating a welcoming atmosphere for everyone that enters.

They may also have a talent for crafting homemade goods, a knack for DIYing everything, and a natural way of infusing their living space with positive energy and harmony. When you’re in the home of a House Witch, you truly feel comforted and at home.

Example: Snow White! Though she may not have had the cauldron like the Evil Queen probably did, she kept a quaint and tidy cottage, lived in harmony among the dwarfs, and lived a slow, quiet life singing with the birds. A true Cottage Witch queen!

Garden Witch

The Garden Witch discovers magic in everything green, growing, and alive. They enjoy tending to the earth, absorbing sunlight, breathing in fresh air, and feeling the soil beneath their feet. The garden becomes a sacred space for rituals, meditation, and communal space.

The Garden Witch will probably tell you they have deep relationships with their plant babies and they’re very proud of their growth! Like someone will show you their new puppy or a newborn baby in the family, the Garden Witch may also show you these types of photos, but will keep swiping to the magnificent vines and intense colors of their garden.

If you have that one hippy dippy friend who lives on lots of land, likes being off the map, and grows their own food, they’re probably living out their best Garden Witch life.

Example: Think of Pamona Sprout from the Harry Potter series. She’s a professor of Herbology at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, embodying the traits of a garden witch with her expertise in magical plants.

Cosmic Witch

If you’re drawn to the magic of the moon, you may be a Cosmic Witch. A Cosmic Witch is a true moon baby. They live by the moon and the stars, and their practice is rooted in planetary energies and lunar magic.

A Cosmic Witch will study astrology, the planets, stars, and the zodiac signs to understand and relate to life. The lunar phases and the Moon’s cycles hold particular importance for a Cosmic Witch. A Cosmic Witch may perform rituals, spells, and manifestations aligned with the New Moon, Full Moon, and other lunar phases to harness these lunar energies. They may use birth charts, natal charts, and other resources to help understand themselves and the world around them.

A Cosmic Witch believes each of the planets governing certain aspects of our lives, and understanding the planets through all their phases and transits can help us through life.

Example: Nikki Vergakes in our network directory! A true cosmic QUEEN. Among so many amazing gifts, Nikki is an astrologer, hypnotherapist, and she specializes in shadow work. Nikki definitely lives her life by the moon, and if you asked her, she would definitely say she’s a Cosmic Witch <3

Faery/Fairy Witch

The Faery Witch, or Fairy Witch, is similar to the Green Witch when it comes to their connection to nature and plant energies. Along with this reverence for nature, the Faery Witch often studies faery folklore and other elemental beings to pull inspiration, guidance and knowledge. Creativity and imagination are central to their practice as they often enjoy storytelling and all things mystical creatures. Faeries work with elemental magic like earth, fire, air and water. Ceremonies and rituals are often held in natural settings, like forests, meadows, gardens, or near bodies of water. This helps to commune and enhance the faerie energies and strengthens practice.

Example: Titania, the Queen of the Fairies, from Shakespeare’s “A Midsummer Night’s Dream”

Element Witch

An Elemental Witch works with the elements: earth, air, fire, and water. They believe these natural elements are interconnected and have a significant impact on our lives and the world around us.

Rituals and meditations differ for the Element Witch based on each element. For earth practice, they use plants, crystals and other things to align with Earth’s energy. For air practice, they may use incense and other visualization techniques for mental clarity and cleansing. Fire is represented in practice through burning incense, burning for symbolism, releasing through burning intention candles, etc. Water practice may involve water related symbols, water as a base for elixirs, charging moon water, and much more.

Example: The character Katara from “Avatar: The Last Airbender” is a waterbender! You can definitely think of her as an Elemental Witch, working with water and being guided by the elemental teachings in her life.

So, Which Witch are You?!

As you explore the list, consider which witch resonates most with you. You might find yourself drawn to multiple types, embracing the diversity and interpreting each practice in your own way. Whether you’re a Crystal Witch harnessing the power of crystals, or a Garden Witch working with earth’s energies, your path may vary and change over time, and that’s the beauty of life. Embrace the magic that calls you, and your witchcraft journey will be just as enchanting as you hope.