Feeling scared or hesitant about exploring magic?

Worship a man? Eww, never!

In all seriousness though, some people (often from religious backgrounds) worry that magic and witchcraft is linked to stuff like devil worship, but this is a huuuuge misconception. Witchcraft is purely about working with intention, energy, and your own personal power.

Historically, it was framed as evil to control and silence those who practised intuition and creativity. In reality though, witchcraft is gentle, reflective, and completely normal.

Just like any walk of life, some people are good and some people suck, but most witches are kind, thoughtful, and if anything, aggressively normal and overly cautious with their energy.

I highly recommend this amazing BBC Podcast called The Witch if you’d like a thorough and informative look into the history of witchcraft and how witches aren’t all as they seem (in fact, you may find yourself identifying with a lot of it!)

Nope. You don’t need a pointy hat, flowing robes, or a broomstick to be a witch! Most modern witches just wear regular clothes, although you might spot a crystal necklace, a rune ring, or a tattoo here and there. Witchcraft is about intention and mindful practice, not dressing the part or buying expensive “magic props.”

Absolutely not! Witchcraft and/or magic is open to everyone, regardless of sex or gender. Historically, it was usually associated with women because of societal fear and suppression, but anyone with curiosity or a desire to bring a little magic into their life can practice.

Not even close. Popular culture loves these ideas (and they are fun!) but most magic is about personal growth, reflection, and mindfulness. Rituals and creations can be practical, symbolic, or just a way to focus your energy, set intentions, and create small magical moments to romanticise your everyday life.

No way, magic is totally flexible and so personal. The beauty of it is that you can work with any tools, rituals, or methods that feel right for you and there truly is no rule book.

Something as simple as having your daily cup of coffee or journalling is a ritual many partake in as part of their practice. And even though that isn’t super exciting sounding, a lot of “magic” is just creating small moments of peace and beauty in the mundane.

This might surprise you, but when I say anyone can practice magic or be a witch, I mean anyone! Many people that practise magic are Christians, Muslim, Jewish, Atheist, or follow other faiths (or none at all!)

Magic itself is not a religion, but a set of practices that can be a beautiful complement to your spiritual path, no matter what you do (or don’t) believe in.

Totally! Magic isn’t just about spells and rituals, it’s woven into everyday, mundane life. Lighting a candle, celebrating seasonal festivals, journalling your thoughts, or even cooking a meal with intention can all be magical acts if you make them so! Magic is really about awareness and noticing the little wonders in the ordinary.

Well actually, you probably do, more than you realise! Many traditions and everyday practices that feel completely normal have roots in paganism or magical rituals. Here are a few examples that might surprise you…

Christmas
The Christmas tree, festive decorations, and exchanging gifts are not just “modern traditions”. They come from ancient pagan practices celebrating the winter solstice. These customs were originally about honouring the cycles of nature, protecting your home, and celebrating the return of the light. So yes, even trimming a tree is a tiny magical act passed down through centuries.

New Year’s Day
Making resolutions and celebrating the start of the year has its roots in intention-setting rituals. People have long marked the turning of the year with reflection, protective charms, and symbolic acts to invite good fortune. Your fireworks, parties, and resolutions are the modern echoes of this ancient magic.

Easter
The chocolate eggs and bunnies are more than just sweets. They trace back to pagan spring festivals that celebrated fertility, renewal, and the rebirth of life. When you enjoy these symbols of spring, you are connecting with centuries-old rituals of abundance and growth.

Halloween
Trick or treating, costumes, and spooky decorations all come from ancient practices designed to honour the dead and protect the living. Pagans believed in creating protective spaces during times when the veil between worlds was thin. Every pumpkin, every candle, every spooky costume is a nod to these protective and magical traditions.

Birthdays
Blowing out candles, gathering friends and family, and cutting a cake are not just celebrations. Ancient pagans lit candles to carry prayers and intentions to the gods and formed protective circles around the birthday person to shield them from negative energy. Even the birthday cake itself was originally a ritual offering. The next time you make a wish before blowing out candles, you are participating in centuries-old magic.

Weddings
The bridal veil originates from pagan traditions, where it was worn to protect the bride from evil spirits during her transition into marriage. Today, veils still symbolise protection, transition, and blessing, even if we no longer think of them as magical. Every ceremony, every protective charm, and every symbolic act carries echoes of ancient magic.

No (well, not usually!)

Hexing is rare and generally only for serious situations (I’m certainly not that kind of witch unless absolutely necessary.) Most magic is about protection and self-care. Cosy spells over curses any day!

Energy is precious, and for the most part, yours is best spent being used for positive, nurturing, and protective purposes.

Absolutely not! Dragon scales and eye of newt are for the movies. Most spells only require you and your intent. Candles, herbs, crystals, or other trimmings are just tools to help focus your energy, they’re not essential. In fact, most witches use ingredients straight from their pantry or garden! Salt, cinnamon, oils, kitchen herbs - mostly anything can be magical when used with intention.

Truthfully? No.

Magic is a collaboration with intention, energy, The Universe, and most importantly, you.

Sometimes outcomes take time or are unexpected, or things don’t unfold quite the way you imagined. That’s not failure, it’s all part of a greater pattern or bigger plan… you just might not be able to see it quite yet.

The beauty of magic is in the practice itself: in the connection, the ritual, and the focus it creates. With patience, trust, and openness, even the smallest act of intention can ripple outward, shaping your life in ways you might never have dreamed.