Witchcraft is a paradox. It’s raw, dangerous, untamed—and yet, it holds space for upliftment, love, and healing. Witchcraft has been under attack—not by outsiders (I mean that’s a whole separate conversation), but by the idea that it’s all peace, love, and moonbeams. Let’s get real: Witchcraft isn’t a feel-good Instagram post or a glitter-coated ritual kit from Etsy. Sure, there’s room for it all such as positivity, love, and healing, but there’s also blood, sweat, and danger. And it’s high time we reclaim the full spectrum of the craft, not just the pretty parts.
If you’re here to talk about real (ugh, I know, we hate when we say REAL anything but it paints the picture, you get what I’m saying, right?) magic—the kind that doesn’t flinch at the sight of a poppet or the reflection in the mirror—then welcome. But if you think witchcraft is all about turning the other cheek and chanting “marshmallows and Nutella,” prepare to be challenged. We’re diving deep into what it means to embrace both the wild and the soft, the dangerous and the healing. Because witchcraft, in all its forms, demands harmony, balance and to be honest… That will look differently for each witch. It will also look differently depending on the cycle or season that we are in with life.
The “Pussification” of Witchcraft: Let’s Call It Out
Here’s the truth: The craft is getting watered down. We’ve all seen it—the rise of witches who light candles for “positive vibes ONLY” but wouldn’t dream of casting a hex or diving into the shadowy parts of magic. They cringe at the very mention of blood magic, bodily fluids, or nitty-gritty spellwork. And somehow, they’re the loudest voices, claiming that anything outside of ONLY love and light is “too dark” or “dangerous.”
These are the same witches who have taken it upon themselves to make the craft palatable to society. They cherry-pick ideology from TV shows like Charmed, turning witchcraft into something sterile and marketable, attacking anyone who dares to charge for their services or work magic for personal gain. UGH—personal gain. It’s almost nauseating to even have to talk about it. The fact that this is even a debate shows how disconnected many are from the true history of the witch.
Witches were always born of necessity—political rebels, outsiders, standing with the marginalized, the oppressed, the ones society deemed too dangerous, too different. And yet, here we are with so-called witches—yes, I’m saying it—TERFs, misogynists, queerphobes, racists, spouting hate and lies. But this? This is not, and has never been, where the witch has stood. The witch is the marginalized, the minority, the one who crawls up from the dirt and makes power out of it.
Historically, witches bartered, traded food and other goods for services rendered. The only thing that’s shifted today is the currency. To deny the exchange of value for magical services is to deny a core part of our history. We weren’t just healers; we were the ones who helped people when no one else would—outcasts supporting outcasts, often in exchange for whatever the community could offer. And now we have witches looking down on those of us who continue that legacy, acting as if charging for our craft somehow makes us less authentic. Hypocrisy much?
Let’s be real: Witchcraft is messy, raw, and uncomfortable. It isn’t always pretty, and it doesn’t apologize for that. And frankly, I’m tired of seeing the craft get co-opted by those who want to soften its edges, like we’re all just here to manifest parking spots and send good vibes. Witches who can’t handle the raw truth of the craft aren’t practicing witchcraft; they’re practicing an aesthetic. And that’s the reality we need to face.
Witchcraft: The Balance of Power and Light
Before we go any further, let’s set the record straight. I know I’m speaking loudly about an aspect of witchcraft that makes a lot of people uncomfortable, and it might seem like I’m anti-love-and-light, anti-good-vibes-only, anti-whatever-you-want-to-call-it. But let me make one thing clear: I’m not. I find all aspects of witchcraft important. The problem isn’t love and light itself—it’s when we use it to escape from ourselves.
We have to be real with ourselves. Sometimes when we’re all wrapped up in “jollyloveylighthappygolucky” energy, it’s because we’re hiding. We’re running away from our actual feelings, and sometimes that’s fine—sometimes you need a break from the heavy. But if you stay in that space too long, it becomes toxic positivity. And let’s be honest, that weakens the witch. There’s absolutely nothing wrong with wanting to be happy, wanting to focus on feeling better—but we can’t do that at the expense of ignoring the shadowy stuff.
Magic is both the light and the dark. When I say Light and Dark I don’t mean Good/Bad.. I really wish we can distance ourselves from that mentality. I see light as the sun and what the Sun illuminates and Dark as the Moon and what she illuminates. It’s about knowing when to heal and when to hex (even if you choose not to, that’s acceptable). It’s about honoring the happy, glowing moments and allowing ourselves to grieve, mourn, and process the messier parts of life. That’s the balance. When we stay in this “love and light only” mode, it’s often an excuse not to deal with the real, nitty-gritty emotions we need to work through. That doesn’t help anyone, and it sure as hell doesn’t make you a stronger witch.
Love and light aren’t the enemy. But let’s stop pretending they’re the whole picture. Healing and peace are powerful, but the raw, untamed aspects of witchcraft are just as important. When we elevate one side of the craft over the other, we lose the balance that gives us our power.
You want to heal with your magic? Beautiful. But don’t be afraid to hex when necessary. Or… At least don’t be afraid of understanding the Hex, don’t shy away from its contents even if that’s not how YOU choose to practice. Become an educated Witch. Don’t shy away from the tougher spells or the heavier rituals because they make you uncomfortable. Both are part of the path.
The Inherent Danger of Witchcraft
Now, let’s talk about something that often gets brushed under the altar: Witchcraft is dangerous. Full stop. If you think you can avoid that, you’re fooling yourself. The power we’re working with isn’t some neat, tidy little force that does exactly what we want. It’s primal, ancient, and unpredictable. Every spell you cast, no matter how small or benign it may seem, reaches into forces that don’t always play by human rules. There’s always a cost. I know I’m going to have some people mumble and grumble at me because I say there’s always a cost. Usually these people interpret the cost as dire. The cost can be anything, sometimes it’s the investment into the work you do, sometimes it is a lock of hair, sometimes it is getting off your ass and cooking for the spirits.
When I first started out, a more seasoned witch grabbed my hand, looked me dead in the eye, and said, “Witchcraft is dangerous. Whatever you do, there will be a response. You are now part of that tapestry.” She wasn’t wrong. Even the most harmless-seeming spell—like protection magic—can have unforeseen consequences. You protect yourself, sure. But at what cost? Sometimes, the very act of protecting yourself might mean someone else, who means you harm, gets hurt. That’s not something you can always predict. It’s part of the raw, wild nature of the craft.
But here’s the thing—I’m not telling you this to instill fear. Fear has no place here. I’m telling you this to paint the full picture. Witchcraft, by its very nature, carries risk. No matter what spell you’re doing, no matter how “light” or “safe” it feels, you’re stepping into an ancient current of energy that doesn’t necessarily care about your intentions. It just responds. That’s the power you wield as a witch. You don’t get to step into that current without accepting the wild, untamed chaos that comes with it.
The Consequences of Even the “Light” Spells
Take something like a simple protection spell. Seems harmless, right? You’re just shielding yourself, wrapping yourself in energy so that nothing can hurt you. But magic isn’t always that clean-cut. When you build a protective barrier around yourself, you might unintentionally redirect harm toward the very person who wishes you ill (maybe that was your intention).And while that might seem like poetic justice, it can be dangerous—for them.
That’s the thing. Witchcraft isn’t safeguarded. When you step into the role of the witch, you’re accepting that you carry a bit of chaos with you, no matter how refined or polished you make your magic. We walk with that spark of untamed power, a little wild flame that can ignite worlds. It’s beautiful, but it’s also volatile. And that’s why respect for the craft, for the energy we work with, is so important. You don’t get to play with fire and not feel the heat.
Accepting the Risks: Chaos as Part of the Craft
Witchcraft doesn’t come with guarantees. There’s no safety net, no spell that exists in a vacuum, no magic that’s risk-free. And that’s what makes it powerful. You’re not just manipulating the physical world; you’re weaving yourself into the fabric of something much bigger, something that doesn’t care about your need for comfort or convenience. You’re tapping into raw energy, and with that comes a willingness to accept whatever ripple effect you may cause.
Living as a witch means you carry that wild chaos with you. No matter how refined or sophisticated you make your spells, there’s always a bit of the raw, untamed in every act of magic. It’s not something you can escape. But that’s where the power lies—in the unpredictability, in the dangerous beauty of working with forces older and more powerful than we are. We honor that chaos, and in doing so, we honor the full breadth of our power as witches.
So, don’t think that because a spell is “light” or “positive” it’s free of consequence. You’re weaving a tapestry with your magic, and every thread you pull has an impact. You need to be willing to own that, to understand it, and to walk with that wild flame inside you. Because no matter how polished your practice, there’s always that spark of chaos—waiting, ready to ignite worlds.
The Myth of “Safe” Magic
Let’s kill this myth once and for all: There is no such thing as safe witchcraft. The idea that we can manipulate forces beyond ourselves without risk is laughable. And frankly, it’s disrespectful to the power we wield. Every time we cast, we step into the unknown, and there’s always a chance something could go wrong. That’s not something to fear—it’s something to respect.
If you’re walking this path to be “safe,” you’re in the wrong place. Magic is dangerous because it’s powerful. And if you can’t handle that danger, maybe witchcraft isn’t for you. But if you’re willing to step up, embrace the risk, and own your power—then you’re in the right place. Just know that you’re walking a line, and that line is thin.
Love, Blood, Light, and Shadows: The Real Balance
So, where does all this leave us? Right in the middle of the two extremes: love and blood, light and shadows, healing and hexing. Witchcraft isn’t about choosing one over the other—it’s about knowing when to use both. Again, if that’s your choice but still recognizing both or all aspects available. You can be the healer and the hexer. The witch who casts for peace and the witch who curses to protect.
For those who say magic should never be used for personal gain, let’s get real. Why are you a witch if not to manifest, to change, and to take control? This isn’t some airy-fairy spiritual path where we all just “let the universe decide.” Magic is power. And yes, sometimes that power serves us personally—and there’s nothing wrong with that.
The Rede and the Threefold Law: No Thanks
Let’s address some of the common misconceptions floating around about “safe” witchcraft, starting with the beloved Rede and Threefold Law. These principles are often held up like golden rules, but let me be clear: witchcraft isn’t a one-size-fits-all spiritual path, and shoving the Rede or Threefold Law in someone’s face is not only disrespectful, it’s laughable.
Let’s also fit in here that the Rede is a Wiccan Concept and even traditional Wiccans have expressed that it is not meant to be taken as literally as most of these people have taken it. Also, not ALL Witches are Wiccans.
The idea that “harm none” is some kind of blanket statement for how witches should live their lives is reductive at best and ignorant at worst. Witchcraft is power, and power has consequences. You can’t shield yourself from harm without understanding that sometimes, harm will happen as a result. Let’s say you cast a spell to protect yourself from an enemy—guess what? That protection might bounce back on them. Is that your fault? Maybe. But that’s the nature of energy work: it moves, it reacts, and it doesn’t care about your Rede.
And don’t even get me started on the Threefold Law—the idea that everything you do returns to you threefold. Really? If that were the case, witches would be walking around like saints, terrified to cast anything for fear of divine retribution. The truth is much simpler and much more complicated: magic creates ripples, and those ripples affect the world in ways we can’t always predict. But that’s the point of being a witch—we learn to navigate those waters, not hide from them.
Karma Isn’t a Witch Thing
Then, of course, we have the ever-popular Karma. Oh yes, the “universal law” that people love to throw around like a cosmic boogeyman. Apparently, even if you don’t believe in it, it believes in you. Sounds an awful lot like the Christian idea of God, doesn’t it? “SAAAAAVE ME JEEEESUS!” Oh, did that offend you? Too bad, because that’s the energy we’re dealing with when people misuse karma to try to scare witches into behaving.
Look, karma isn’t universal. It’s not some omnipresent force that’s out to get you if you put a little too much pepper in your hex jar. Karma comes from specific spiritual traditions, and unless you’re practicing within those traditions, stop throwing it around like a catch-all explanation for every misfortune that happens. Witches work with cause and effect, sure—but that’s not karma. That’s just life. Magic is about shaping those effects to suit your will, not bowing to some external force that’s going to knock you down for every little misstep.
And just because you have a couple of stories that seem to prove that karma (again an ignorant understanding of Karma) came for you or someone else, doesn’t mean that it’s suddenly an all-encompassing law of the universe. The fact that you got a flat tire after doing something shady isn’t some grand cosmic balancing act—sometimes a flat tire is just a flat tire. A lot of witches love to blow things out of proportion, making everything bigger than it really is. You saw a fly in your house? Suddenly, it’s “Oh no! There’s a demon infestation!” And sure enough, you’ll find others who’ve had a fly in their house and now, boom—flies equal demons. Demons equal flies.
But that’s dangerous data collection. Taking a few random occurrences and declaring them universal truths isn’t just lazy—it’s irresponsible. If your evidence for “karma” (and again, a westernized bastardization of what Karma actually is) is based on a few personal stories, that’s not enough to claim it as some cosmic law. Magic is nuanced, and so is life. We can’t just slap “karma” or “demon” labels on every little thing that happens and expect that to hold weight.
Magic as a “Last Resort”? Please.
Another thing that irks me is the idea that magic should only be used as a last resort. Why? Because it’s too powerful? Because it’s dangerous? Newsflash: life is dangerous. Every day, we make decisions that carry weight. Why would magic be any different? The idea that magic should be saved for only the most dire of circumstances is ridiculous.
If you’re a witch, you work with magic. That’s what you do. It’s not a tool you keep on a shelf and dust off when all else fails. You don’t say, “Oh, I’ve tried every mundane solution, now let’s see if I can whip up a little spell.” Magic is part of who we are, and if you’re only using it as a last resort, you’re not owning your power. You’re just scared of it.
THIS is so important. That is why having routine is necessary. A lot of witches will wait till they are dried up and struggling to even think about casting a spell but… If you cast spells to bring in, maintain and thrive you wont have to worry about these things. It makes things easier to cast when life gets a little challenging because you already have something in place to work with.
Personal Gain? Hell Yes.
I know we’ve mentioned this already but if you haven’t noticed in this post, I’m really going over the things that are important. Over and OVER and Over again lol so hopefully it will sink in.
And let’s talk about personal gain for a second. Apparently, there are some out there who believe that witches should never use magic for personal benefit. HA! Have fun with that one. Why are you practicing witchcraft if not to take control of your own life, to manifest what you need, to protect what you value? This idea that we should only use magic for others or for some greater good is nonsense.
Let’s get real: Witchcraft is power, and power is meant to be wielded. If you’re not using it to make your own life better, what’s the point? Sure, you don’t want to use it irresponsibly or selfishly without thought for the consequences, but denying yourself the right to use magic for personal gain is denying a core aspect of what it means to be a witch. The witch was always born of necessity, always a political rebel, always standing with the marginalized and the oppressed. To use magic for personal survival, for personal strength, is not only acceptable—it’s part of the legacy we inherit.
The Danger of Toxic Positivity
Let’s circle back for a minute to the idea of love and light. I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again: there’s nothing wrong with love and light—until it becomes an excuse. Toxic positivity is a thing, and it’s real in the witchcraft community. There’s nothing wrong with wanting to feel better, with focusing on positive energy—but if that’s all you’re doing, you’re running away from the shadow side of yourself.
Magic is about balance, and that means making space for both the light and the dark. If you’re ignoring the messy, painful parts of your life, you’re not doing the work. You’re just slapping a “love and light” sticker over it and hoping it’ll disappear. Spoiler alert: it won’t. And pretending like everything is always positive isn’t just unhealthy—it’s weakening you as a witch. Witches aren’t afraid to face the hard stuff, the gritty emotions, the chaotic forces. That’s where our strength lies.
Own It: Reclaim Your Craft, All of It
At the end of the day, witchcraft is about power, but it’s also about balance. You don’t have to pick a side between love and blood, between light and dark. You’re not here to be boxed in by someone else’s idea of what witchcraft should look like. Real magic exists in the space where the wild meets the refined, where the healing spell and the hex coexist. The truth is, magic isn’t simple—it’s messy, it’s chaotic, and it’s full of complexities. A Paradox.
The problem comes when we try to deny parts of the craft—whether it’s the softer, gentler side of love and light, or the raw, shadowy power of blood magic and binding. You don’t have to reject one in favor of the other. The witch walks between worlds, after all. The real magic happens when we weave both paths together, acknowledging the beauty in healing and the necessity in destruction, understanding that one cannot exist without the other.
Witchcraft doesn’t owe anyone an explanation. It’s not about proving that you’re a “good” witch because you refuse to cast for personal gain or steer clear of the shadowy stuff. It’s not about following a Rede, the Threefold Law, or worrying about whether or not karma is going to come knocking at your door. It’s about standing in your full power—unapologetically.
Stop apologizing for your witchcraft. Stop pretending it’s supposed to be neat, clean, or easy. Witchcraft is dangerous. It’s as raw as it is beautiful, as chaotic as it is healing, and that’s exactly what makes it powerful. We carry that spark of chaos, that unrefined wildness, no matter how polished we make our craft. And honestly? That’s the point. That’s what makes us witches.
The Dangerous Beauty of Witchcraft
Witchcraft was never meant to be sanitized, stripped of its grit, or reduced to a feel-good spiritual practice. It’s a path of risk, power, love, and blood. The witch doesn’t shy away from the storm—they walk right through it, knowing that magic comes with consequences and that those consequences are part of the process.
Witchcraft is transformative, yes, but transformation is never easy or safe. It requires us to face the darker and deeper aspects of ourselves, to accept the chaos that witchcraft brings into our lives, and to wield that chaos with intention. It’s not about sending out “positive vibes only” or avoiding personal gain to stay on the so-called “right side” of the craft. It’s about taking full responsibility for the energy you put into the world and owning the ripple effects of your spells.
So, whether you walk in the positive, the chaos, or somewhere in between, the important thing is that you own it. Embrace your magic in its entirety—don’t just lean into the parts that are comfortable. Recognize that every spell, every intention, every drop of blood, every whisper of protection carries weight. And with that weight comes a responsibility to honor the craft as it truly is: raw, beautiful, dangerous, and full of power.
Stop apologizing for the witchcraft you weave. Own the wildness. Embrace the beauty of it all. And never forget that being a witch means standing at the intersection of light and shadow, unafraid to embrace the storm and the calm that follows.
The Witch Has Always Been a Rebel
The witch has always stood as a political rebel, siding with the oppressed, the marginalized, and those forced to the fringes. It would be wise for all of us to remember: witchcraft is about claiming power, not playing it safe. It’s about walking with both light and shadow, knowing that magic is messy, dangerous, and transformative. And as witches, it’s our responsibility to embrace that wildness fully—because that’s where true power lies.
Marshmallows and Nutella