Are Witches Pagan? Well… It Depends!

One of the questions witches get asked sooner or later is: “Are witches Pagan?”

The short answer is: some are, and some aren’t.

Paganism is a broad term covering many different spiritual and religious paths. Wicca, Druidry, Heathenry and various modern traditions inspired by ancient religions can all fall under the Pagan umbrella.

Witchcraft, on the other hand, is a practice rather than one particular religion.

So you can be a Pagan witch, but you can also practice Witchcraft without considering yourself Pagan.

What About Wiccans?

Wicca is generally considered a modern Pagan religion, and many Wiccans also identify as witches. But not every witch is Wiccan – and not every Pagan is a witch.

Confused yet?

Don’t worry. Witches are quite accustomed to working with complicated things. Have you ever tried untangling a bundle of dried herbs?

Do You Have to Be Pagan to Be a Witch?

Absolutely not.

Some witches are religious, some are spiritual, and some don’t follow a particular religion at all. A witch might work with gods and goddesses, nature spirits, ancestors, herbs, the seasons, the moon – or simply with their own sense of intuition and magic.

No one will be checking your Pagan credentials before handing you a wand.

And that’s part of the beauty of modern Witchcraft. There is room to explore, learn and discover what feels right for you.

So, What’s the Answer?

Are witches Pagan?

Some are.

Some aren’t.

And some are still figuring it out – and that’s perfectly fine.

If Witchcraft has taught us anything, it’s that there is more than one way to walk a magical path.

So if someone asks, “Are you Pagan because you’re a witch?”

You can always give them the traditional witch’s answer:

“That depends… what kind of witch are we talking about?”