Wanderlee is a weekly email from Akina Marie about finding the magic in the little things. Feel free to share excerpts from this newsletter with someone you think might enjoy it. Thank you for being here!
Hey Friends!
Do you consider yourself spiritual? Or perhaps, a modern witch in your way? If so – heyy, I see you! I used to think I was an oddball for taking an interest in witchcraft as a youngster. My dad would take me to the toy store, and I would go straight to the pretty rocks and pebbles that I would use to decorate my room. I guess that was my introduction to crystals, and I discovered that I was a witch in my unique way.
My first memory of a witch is Kiki from Kiki’s Delivery Service. I resonate with her even as an adult woman (maybe because my nickname is Kiki, and I have a black cat named Mugi 🐈⬛.) Kiki’s Delivery Service is a Studio Ghibli film about a 13-year-old witch-in-training who leaves her hometown with her sidekick cat, Jiji. Together they move to the cute town of Koriko, where she goes through an incredible learning experience of what it means to step into her power.
Whether you’re a witch, healer, medium, or psychic, this work isn’t easy and has many learning curves to it. As a Hedge Witch and Sea Witch, I learned that many of my powers rely heavily on being close to the water and understanding to work with the phases of the moon.
The Origin of Witches
Witches have been around for centuries, with each group having its unique history and practices. Believe it or not, the first known idea of a “witch” came about 931 B.C. and 721 B.C., after appearing in the Bible. It was written that King Samuel sought out the Witch of Endor to summon the dead prophet Samuel’s spirit in hopes of defeating the Philistine army.
Fast forward to the 16th century, where up to 80,000 witches were executed because they were considered wicked and the work of the devil, which continued into the 17th century Salem Witch Trials. The series of hearings and prosecutions from the trials resulted from family feuds, hysterical children, and church politics that led to the accusation of 200 people, of which thirty were found guilty and executed.
While some have vilified it over the years, witchcraft is now (and continues) to be practiced worldwide. It’s used today as a source of empowerment, healing, and connection to the divine. Since the pandemic, many have turned to tarot cards and astrology to help bring clarity to the unseen future and find the work to be “powerful and personal.”
With witchcraft now on the rise, the question stands – which witchy type are you?
What type of witch are you?
🐈⬛ Traditional Witch
The Traditional Witch is someone who follows a more traditional witchcraft path. No, they are not a cult, and they do not sacrifice animals, nor do they worship the devil. They may also use candles, herbs, and crystals in their work and adhere to the principles and guidelines of the Wiccan Rede or the Law of Threefold. Some traditional witches are Wiccan, but you do not need to follow this pagan religion to be considered a witch.
🫑 Kitchen Witch
The Kitchen Witch, also known as the “cottage witch,” considers their home and kitchen as their power place. Meal prep becomes a magical activity, and the foods they cook and bake can have a positive or negative effect on those who eat them. Some people believe that by cooking and baking with specific ingredients, herbs, and spices, we can attract good luck, ward off evil spirits, or bring about happiness and success.
🪵 Secular Witch
The Secular Witch identifies as a witch but doesn't believe in or follow any religious doctrine associated with witchcraft. They may use the same techniques and practices as other witches but don't attribute their power to any deity or magical being. For some, the practice of witchcraft is more about self-empowerment and using natural forces to create change in their lives. Secular witches often focus on witchcraft's psychological and spiritual benefits rather than any supernatural powers.
🔥 Elemental Witch
The Elemental Witch works with the elements of air, fire, water, and earth. Each of the four elements has its own unique energy that the elemental witch can tap into usually during ceremonies and ritual work. They may be attuned to the elements in their astrological sign. For example, an elemental witch with their sun sign in Leo would work with the fire element.
🌱 Green Witch
The Green Witch works with earth spirits and elements, herbs, foods, and the natural world. Unlike other witches, green witches hone in on their gifts by connecting and understanding Mother Earth. They open themselves to the energies and work with their green thumb to bring abundance into their lives and those around them. Their work is focused on raising and renewing energy by working with the assistance of the greens.
🔮 Cosmic Witch
The Cosmic Witch is someone who works with the stars and other cosmic energies. They may use astrology, tarot, and other divination tools to connect with the universe. From moon magic to birth charts, cosmic witches have a gift for understanding stars and planet placements to read into past, present, and future energies.
🪵 Hedge Witch
The Hedge Witch can be one of many things – a psychic, herbalist, healer, medium, counselor, and Shaman all in one. Like kitchen witches, they find magical intent in everyday activities and find themselves drawn to the natural world. They work with the spirits of nature to achieve their goals and often do it solo.
🌊 Sea Witch
Sea witches draw their inspiration and energy from the water and the moon. This type of witch centers their energies by using the body of water to cleanse, heal, and manifest. It’s an intimate relationship and connection that is very unique and requires a lot of grounding.
Keep in mind, you don’t need to label yourself as a witch to tune into your natural gifts and talents ✨
Let’s stand in solidarity with Ukraine 🇺🇦
The World Central Kitchen serves thousands of fresh meals to Ukrainian families and those on the frontlines fighting this war. Its overall mission is to provide meals to devastated communities in response to humanitarian, climate, and community crises. The organization is currently spread out across the borders of Poland, Romania, and even within Ukraine.
With love,
Akina