21st Century Witch

Every woman is a witch. We practice various rituals aimed at security, stability, contentment, love. Rituals can be adapted to the individual needs and traditions of each witch. It is important that they are performed with awareness and intention, which increases their effectiveness.

Modern witches focus on strengthening feminine energy, personal power and harmony, using the gifts and powers of nature, such as crystals , herbs, essential oils . Their practices are based on ancient traditions, supported by trust in the positive vibrations and energy of stones, in the effects of herbs, the effects of the phases of the moon...

Crystals are an important part of modern witchcraft, as they help witches focus their intent and support energy in harmony with the forces of nature. Crystals should be cleansed and charged regularly. Sunlight or moonlight, smoke, or water are used to cleanse negative energy, and crystals, for example, are used to recharge positive energy.

Crystals that a witch can't do without

How do modern witches use the energy of crystals?

• Crystal grids – geometric arrangements of crystals with a specific goal and intention, such as attracting love, prosperity, protection, peaceful sleep, etc.
• Meditation – to balance the energy of the body and mind, crystals are either held in the hand or placed on the body.
• Wearing as an amulet or talisman – witches wear crystals in their various forms to be in constant connection with them and to be able to use their energy. Ideal are tumbled wallet charms , jewelry , or tumbled stones.
• Rituals – personal rituals of abundance, love, protection, rituals associated with natural cycles, lunar phases, seasons, or personal goals and intentions. These rituals are often focused on inner growth, cleansing, protection, or attracting positive energy. While everyone may have their own way of practicing, there are some rituals that are very popular among modern witches.

Lunar rituals

Lunar cycles play a significant role in the practice of modern witches, particularly the phases of the new moon and full moon .

The New Moon is considered an ideal time to set new intentions, start a project, or enhance personal growth. Rituals include making wishes and setting goals, which are written on paper and symbolically sent into the universe.

Full moon unlike New Moon, it is a time for completing projects, closing old chapters and cleansing from negative energy, cleansing the home, personal space.

Seasonal festivities

In its original form, the Sabbath was a folk pagan gathering, where the so-called horned god was celebrated, which was a symbol of paganism that survived into the Middle Ages. The "celebratory" gatherings were run by sorcerers and witches.

Many modern witches celebrate festivals associated with the seasons and the cycle of nature. These holidays are based on pagan traditions and Wicca. Wicca is a neo-pagan religious movement, which originated in the mid-20th century in England. It is a form of modern witchcraft that combines elements of pre-Christian religions, especially Celtic and ancient, folk traditions and magic. Symbols from various traditions are used to help us understand the universe in which we live.

Example of Wicca symbols

Pentagram - often incorrectly associated with devil worship. However, the origins of the pentagram are related to something else. The word comes from the Greek, meaning "penta" (five) and "gram" (drawing or writing). It was used as early as the 6th century BC by the Greek philosopher and mathematician Pythagoras and the Greek thinker Pherecydes of Syros to illustrate important ideas about the cosmos and also to represent the 5 elements that the ancient Greeks believed were found in the human body: Earth, Air, Fire, Water and Aether. In Judaism, the Pentagram represents the five books of the Torah.

The pentagram can also be found in the Christian religion. The pentagram symbolizes many things - creation, perfection in the human body, but also in mathematics and finds use in magic and rituals.

Wiccans and neopagans (non-pagans) use the Pentagram as follows: it represents the 4 elements - Earth, Air, Fire and Water, the fifth point signifies spirit. A pentagram with an odd point pointing upwards is associated with spirit rising above matter, and a pentagram with an odd point pointing downwards represents spirit descending to earth.

Triskelion (triskele, from the Greek "three-legged") - sometimes also known as the "triple moon" is a symbol consisting of three bent human legs, or generally of three interlocking spirals, or a similar symbol with three protrusions. The triskelion has been found in many ancient civilizations, most often in Malta (4400-3600 BC). The meaning of this symbol comes from Greek and is associated with three legs bent at the knee. However, the symbol can be found all over the world, including Japan, Tibet and Korea. It is a traditional symbol of Sicily, Italy and the Isle of Man in Great Britain. The Celtic spiral acts as a biogenerator - it has very strong harmonizing and calming effects. By applying it to certain places on the body, it is used to positively influence life energy.

Nowadays, the Celtic spiral is used as a means of replenishing and directing energy, suppressing harmful radiation, etc. It is supposed to give the body vitality and stabilize vital functions.

Celtic Shield Knot - This is an ancient symbol of protection. This knot was placed near sick people or on the shields of warriors to ward off evil spirits and other dangers. It can have different designs, the uniqueness is in the four different corners. Usually this symbol is shaped like a square, or a square inside a circle. The Celtic knot is a symbol for strength, determination and protection.

Seven Circles of Peace - an ancient symbol signifying perfection, representing the peaceful unity of all nations and faiths.

Wheel of the Year – Spiritual Practices Connected with Nature

The wheel of the year is a cycle that represents the natural transition of the seasons, which we commemorate with eight major holidays that celebrate different aspects of life, growth, death, and rebirth.

Imbolc – celebration of the return of light and hope, the beginning of spring

The holiday is celebrated on February 1st and is a Gaelic holiday. It is associated with the time when lambs are born. In Wicca, this holiday is understood as a holiday of light and fire, associated with Virgo, which is one of the aspects of the Triple Goddess or Great Goddess, who represents the central deity of Wicca. She is associated with fertility, nature, the Moon, life cycles and the planet Earth. She has three forms – the Virgin, the Mother and the Crone, which are closely associated with the lunar phases of the waxing moon, the full moon and the waning moon. It reminds us that just as the Moon waxes and wanes, so do our lives and experiences. The symbol encourages us to accept our individual phases of life, empowering us to support growth, creativity and wisdom within ourselves.

Ostara – spring equinox, celebration of the balance of light and dark, planting season

The holiday is celebrated from March 20th to March 23rd in some Germanic Neopagan and Wiccan traditions. Ostara is the Germanic goddess of spring. It celebrates the awakening of nature and the Goddess.

Beltane – a celebration of fertility and the power of life, focused on creativity and connection with nature

The holiday is celebrated from April 30 to May 1 and is associated with the driving out of cattle to pasture and the lighting of fires. It is the opposite of the holiday of Samhain, when cattle are driven from pasture. Beltain is celebrated by Wiccans, Neo-Druids, Celtic reconstructionists, and also Neo-Pagans.

Litha – summer solstice, celebration of the peak of sunlight

The holiday is celebrated from June 20 to 23. Litha is the name for the months of June and July and the holiday period between them.

Lammas – harvest festival, celebration of the harvest of first fruits, grain, abundance and gratitude

The holiday is celebrated on August 1, also called Lughnasadh. Bread baked from new wheat is blessed.

Mabon – autumn equinox, celebration of the balance of day and night, celebration of the second harvest

The holiday is celebrated from September 20th to 23rd.

Samhain – celebration of the end of the harvest and the beginning of winter

The celebrations take place from October 31st to November 1st. It is a time to think about and remember our ancestors. It is a time that is the pagan New Year. It is associated with the belief that the souls of the deceased return to the surface of the earth and the living can visit the underworld.

Yule – winter solstice, celebration of the rebirth of the sun, the shortest day of the year

The holiday is celebrated between December 20th and 23rd, depending on the astronomical position of the Earth. It is a traditional winter holiday within pagan and neopagan traditions such as Wicca, celebrating the days that are beginning to lengthen. It symbolizes the return of light and preparation for a new season of life. It is full of symbolism such as fire, light, the eternal cycle of life, when after darkness comes light again and after winter comes spring.

Modern witch practices cleansing rituals

because he knows that it is necessary to remove negative energy not only from space, but also from objects or the body.

A universal method of purification is fumigation . The use of fumigants has a long tradition. The most famous are white sage, lavender or cedar to cleanse spaces and objects of negative energy.

The intense camphor herbal scent of white sage , one of the most sacred herbs ever, invaluable for cleansing rituals, the aim of which is to suppress negative energy. Its scent refreshes the air, brings relief from colds, rhinitis and respiratory diseases. The magical atmosphere it conjures is suitable for meditation, relaxation and rest.
By fumigating with white sage, you cleanse your crystals of negative energy and prepare them for charging with sunlight or moonlight or another suitable method.

The floral scent of lavender with fresh citrus-camphor notes is used in aromatherapy to promote falling asleep and peaceful sleep, to suppress stress and tension. This fragrant herb has been a part of love potions since ancient times. In cloth bags, lavender is placed in the wardrobe as protection against moths. During the plague epidemics, it was used to fumigate plague houses and hospitals, and the oil was part of the protection against tomb robbers.

Rituals with crystals and herbs

These rituals have cleansing and harmonizing properties, they will help us get rid of stress and restore energy balance.

A universal cleansing stone is a crystal that brings energy into harmony. It is an ideal aid for meditation and visualization of cleansing intentions.
Black Tourmaline – scoryl , a protective stone against negative energy. We can carry it with us or place it near the door to create a protective shield.

Selenite, named after the Greek goddess of the moon Selene, is a stone of protection and purity. We can cleanse spaces of negative energy with a selenite crystal or a selenite mat , which can serve as a beautiful decoration or a mat for a glass or mug.

Amethyst – a stone of peace, intuition, understanding and humility. It should be in the room where we meditate, rest or sleep, it can be worn as a talisman to increase protection and intuition.

A simple way to harness the energy of crystals is to prepare and drink crystal water.

Herbs for cleansing and harmonizing

In addition to white sage and lavender, the modern witch uses Palo santo - holy wood . You will be enchanted by the pleasant atmosphere for calming the mind, a scent suitable for meditation, relaxation and stress relief. Smoke it to support spirituality. Its sweet coconut scent suppresses negative influences and helps you achieve peace and balance.

As a symbol of love, beauty and perfection, the rose promotes kindness and balance in relationships. Rose petals can not only be smoked, but also scattered around a space or as part of a ritual bath.

The rituals of modern witches are highly personal and tailored to their individual needs and goals. A key aspect is working with intention, symbolism, and natural forces to help achieve a specific outcome.

Herbs play a vital role in the practice of modern witches, as they are considered to have healing and magical powers. Modern witches use herbs in various forms – for rituals, potions, amulets, fumigations, or in everyday care for health and well-being. These traditions stem from ancient practices where herbs were seen as a bridge between humans and nature.

How does a modern witch work with herbs?

First and foremost is fumigation , which is used to cleanse spaces and objects of negative energy, to protect and restore energy. This is done using fumigants , their mixtures , or fumigation bundles or sticks .

Traditionally, infusions, decoctions, tinctures, extracts, essential oils and elixirs are prepared from herbs. Sage, lemon balm , passionflower, lavender, hops, valerian are used for restful sleep, and rosemary or lemongrass are used to boost energy.

Amulets and herbal sachets: herbs are placed in sachets or amulets to protect against witchcraft, to attract love, or to scent a space.

Rituals of Intention

Their goal is to attract love, abundance, protection or support personal development. For this type of ritual, magic wands are used, through which the ritual is performed. Do not forget that even magic wands must be cleansed of negative energy in order to help fulfill the intention.

Rituals of manifestation

Manifestation is the practice of believing that thoughts and intentions can become reality if we focus on them properly. It can include visualizations, where the intention is translated into a form that can be perceived with the eye, writing affirmations (from the Latin affirmo, I assert) – assurances, assurances that something is true or will become reality, meditation, and working with crystals.

Sound cleaning

Instruments such as chimes , room fountains and singing bowls can be used to encourage harmony, promote positive mood and increase concentration. Ritual gongs, bells and bowls are used to begin and end meditation, marking a time when one focuses on one thing. The positive result is a deep sense of peace and reduced mental and emotional stress.

A modern witch is a woman who combines traditional magic with everyday life. She uses crystals, herbs, spells, and rituals for various purposes, such as healing, enhancing energy, and promoting spiritual growth. Unlike witches of the past, she incorporates modern approaches into her practice, maintaining a balance between magic and mundane duties, and often seeks a connection with nature.