Have you ever wondered what it means to be a green witch? If you’re interested in exploring this type of witchcraft, then you’ve come to the right place. In this blog post, we’ll take a detailed look at what green witchcraft is all about, from its key principles to the everyday magical practices you can adopt to become a green witch.
So whether you’re new to the world of witchcraft or simply curious about this particular path, read on for everything you need to know about green witchcraft.
What is Green Witchcraft, and What Do Green Witches Actually Do?
Green witches are practitioners of herbalism and earth-based magic, connecting with the natural world to manifest their goals. They often have a deep and intimate understanding of herbalism and the plants around them, gathering herbs and often creating herbal oils and mixtures that can heal both physical ailments as well as emotional or spiritual issues.
Their connection to nature goes far beyond herbalism, however; green witches may also use meditation, rituals, and other forms of divination magic and communication in order to commune with the Earth.
Green witchcraft revolves around living in harmony with nature rather than attempting to dominate it. This means following natural cycles such as sunrise, sunset, the phases of the moon, and most importantly the seasons.
Types of Green Witch
There are different types of Green Witch, just like there are different types of cosmic witch. I find it helpful to break down the different strains of green magic into categories (though not all witches do this.
On the whole, a Green Witch practices most, if not all, types of green and earth-based magics. Green Witches often practice an eco-friendly lifestyle that seeks respect for our planet’s environment.
Naturalism is at the heart of green witchcraft; incorporating these practices into their everyday lives further strengthens their bond with nature’s forces.
If any of the above sounds like you, then you’re likely a green witch. Whether you choose to practice in a coven, or you’re more drawn to the life of solitary witchcraft, walking the path of a green witch can be one of the more fulfilling types of witchcraft for anyone looking to connect more deeply with Mother Earth.
Earth Witches
I see an Earth Witch as a practitioner who deeply connects with the Earth’s energies, focusing on the physical aspects of nature like soil, stones, and landscapes. Their practice often involves working with the land itself, honoring land spirits, and engaging in rituals that emphasize grounding and stability.
In my opinion, this path differs slightly from that of a Green Witch, who primarily centers their craft around plants, herbs, and the cultivation of living greenery. While both paths are rooted in nature, Earth Witches emphasize a broader connection to the Earth’s physical forms, whereas Green Witches focus more specifically on botanical elements.
Forest Witch
I’d classify a Forest Witch as a practitioner who immerses themselves in the energies of the forest, engaging deeply with its plants, animals, and spirits to perform their magic. This path emphasizes a profound connection to wooded landscapes and the unique ecosystems within them.
In contrast, a Green Witch focuses more broadly on plant-based magic and herbalism, working with a variety of plants regardless of their specific environment. While both paths involve working with plants, the Forest Witch’s practice is distinct in its dedication to the forest setting and its inhabitants.
Hedge Witch
A Hedge Witch is a practitioner who focuses on traversing the boundary, often referred to as the “hedge”—between the physical world and the spiritual or otherworldly realms. This practice, known as “hedge riding,” involves shamanic techniques to facilitate communication with spirits, ancestors, and deities.
Hedge Witches often incorporate folk magic and may work with natural elements, but their primary emphasis is on spiritual journeying and acting as intermediaries between worlds.
In contrast, a Green Witch centers their craft less on spirit work and more on working closely with plants, herbs, and the earth’s energies, deities, and correspondences. I believe the main distinction is that they focus a little more on the physical aspects of nature rather than spiritual traversal.
Herbal Witch
An Herbal Witch focuses specifically on the magical and medicinal properties of plants and herbs, dedicating their practice to understanding and utilizing these natural elements for healing and spellwork. This path involves deep study of herbalism, including the cultivation, harvesting, and preparation of herbs for various remedies and rituals.
While a Green Witch also works with nature, their practice encompasses a broader connection to the earth and its energies, engaging with a wide range of natural elements beyond just plants. In contrast, the Herbal Witch’s craft is more narrowly centered on the potent uses of herbs and plant materials in magic and healing practices.
The Tools of a Green Witch
Earth magics like green witchcraft may place less emphasis on tools and items than, say, ceremonial witchcraft, there are plenty of items that can aid you in your green witchcraft path.
Green witches usually own the same tools you would find in any witch’s toolbox, but with a heavier focus on natural things, like herbs and plants. Green witches will often use kitchen herbs in spellwork, so it’s not uncommon for a green witch to have an herb collection or apothecary box.
They may also use garden shears or even a boline knife to prune the landscape in order to gather certain plants and herbs for rituals and spellwork.
The use of a besom – or a broomstick – to sweep away any debris and excess herbs or plant matter after creating an herbal blend or a potion is also the hallmark of a green witch. A besom can be used to properly cleanse the work area after a magical working, to make sure there are no residual intentions or energies left in the space.
A green witchcraft grimoire is also an important tool in the green witch’s toolbox. It’s a dedicated dossier to write down spells, keep herb cuttings and flower pressings, or simply jot down any research or musings about the craft.
Green Witchcraft Deities
While working with deities is never a requirement for any type of witchcraft, and Secular Witches will choose to avoid this side facet of the craft al together, some Green Witches may choose to work with earth deities like the Green Man, Gaia, or any other of the earth gods and goddesses from various cultures.
In ancient Celtic folklore, the Green Man was a figure representing the seasonal cycle and the spiritual unity of nature and mankind. Working with the natural world, he is an ally to those who practice nature-based magic.
Green witches may also call on the mother goddesses Gaia, Danu, or Ceres – each of which has a connection with the earth and Earth magic, and therefore can strongly influence the connection that green witches have with mother nature.
Crystals Used in Green Witchcraft
Crystals for green witches align deeply with both the essence and the aesthetic of green witchcraft. Since crystals are, by their very nature, a part of the earth, you could make the argument that every crystal is a great tool for the green witch.
However, crystals that correspond with the earth’s energy are the best options. Green witches can use stereotypically ‘earthy’ crystals, such as clear quartz, smoky quartz, moss agate, and tiger’s eye to proliferate the effectiveness of their earth energies.
These crystals act as magnets, collecting spiritual vibrations in the high-energy realms and then directing that energy outward. Crystal witchcraft, healing, and therapy is a whole topic in and of itself, so in the interest of brevity, a green witch would be smart to begin with these four crystals. So, in short:
- Clear quartz amplifies intentions
- Smoky quartz dispenses electromagnetic field pollution
- Moss agate helps to connect a person with nature around them
- Tigers eye is a conduit for the earth’s protective and restorative energy
All these earth crystals harmonize together, allowing the green witch to further nurture their craft.
How to Become a Green Witch and Start Practicing Green Magic
You don’t need to be born a witch in order to start pursuing a magical calling.
Becoming a Green Witch and diving into the world of green magic may seem intimidating at first, but it is a powerful craft that can bring great healing and connection to nature. The Green Witch’s path is one of the more popular types of witchcraft, so it’s actually quite simple, and easy, to get started.
Do you want to connect to green energy for grounding purposes? Or perhaps to work spells in aid of environmental protection? You can start practicing green magic through small everyday rituals that tie into your intention.
This could be as simple as meditating outdoors or working a simple spell once a week—there are plenty of baby steps you can take to begin practicing green witchcraft. Let’s take a look at some practical things you can do.
Begin With a Simple Green Witch Meditation
Starting a practice of green witch meditation is simple and easy. One way to practice is by earthing, which involves walking barefoot on the ground and connecting with its energy. This can be done in a park or other outdoor everyday space – the only requirement being that it’s safe for bare feet!
As you walk, focus your attention on the physical contact between your feet and the ground. After several minutes, observe how you feel. Are there any mood changes? What thoughts and visions come to mind?
Taking a few moments each day to practice this form of meditation can be incredibly liberating and grounding. You can also practice this green witch meditation by setting up a small altar outdoors and spending time focusing on the natural elements and the interconnection between all life forms.
The main goal of green magic is to engender healing in oneself and to help protect our planet, so it is important to remain mindful of those intentions whenever possible.
Discover Your Genius Loci (The Spirits of Your Land)
This is a fun exercise to do no matter what type of witch you decide to be. Discovering your genius loci – or the spirits of your land – is a great way to gain a deeper understanding of the place you live.
Worshipping the spirits of the land was common practice in pre-Christian Europe, and each area birthed its own unique set of genius loci.
Take some time to research the local folklore of your area. Learning to touch the other side and commune with beings on the ‘other side’ is a key element of hedge witchcraft, which in itself is closely linked with green witchcraft and folk magic.
But even if you identify as more of a skeptic witch, and aren’t interested in potentially communing with any fair folk, this can be an interesting exercise to help give you a deeper connection and understanding of where you live.
Googling your area and terms like ‘folklore’ or ‘spirits’ should be a good place to start, but you can also check out your local historical society for any information they might have on the subject.
Create a Green Witch Altar
Another great exercise for those who want to start practicing green witchcraft is creating a Green Witch’s altar. This is a dedicated space where you can meditate, engage in spellcraft, pray, leave offerings to deities, and also display your green witchcraft tools, crystals, and any curiosities.
In order to create a green witch altar, start by choosing items that correspond with the Green Witch aesthetic, and that are conducive to the practice of green witchcraft. We’ve already discussed the crystals and herbs that you might choose to work with as part of your practice, so these make great candidates for placing on your altar, but you can also step a little outside the box.
Along with those already mentioned, some popular green witchcraft crystals that you can use on your altar include green aventurine, green jade, and green tourmaline. You can also place green candles and decorative items like a bouquet of herbs or an ornamental besom.
Once you’ve gathered your supplies, set up your altar in a quiet space where you can focus on connecting with the elements and nature spirits.
Learn Some Basic Herbalism
Herbalism is an ancient practice that can be used to support physical, mental, and emotional health. Although herbalism is often viewed as a complex practice, it can actually be learned by anyone with an interest in natural health remedies.
In order to get started practicing herbalism, you’ll need to gather some basic supplies and learn about the properties of different herbs. If you’re a visual learner, like me, then I absolutely recommend The Illustrated Herbiary by Maia Toll. It’s a great place to start, because it gives you a rundown of different herbs and their properties, with gorgeous illustrations.
It’s easy to become overwhelmed when starting with herbalism, but I find this book is a lot less like a textbook, and more like scrolling a beautiful Instagram feed (while learning something, of course). This makes it a perfect entry-level book to help stir up your curiosity around the subject.
If you’re looking for something more vocational, with actionable steps to get practicing herbalism, then a perfect accompanying book is The Art of Herbal Healing: Herbalism for Beginners by Ava Green. This book takes a much more practical approach to the art of herbalism.
A great beginner-friendly exercise you can do is to pick one herb and then research as much as you can about that herb. Pick something easy, and that you have easy access to – such as herbs you have in your garden or that you already have to hand in your kitchen. You can then begin using herbs to create teas, tinctures, and other remedies that can help support your health goals.
Plant a Witch’s Garden
Any Kitchen Witch worth their salt will tell you that a witch’s garden is more than just an herb garden or a ‘kitchen garden’. It’s a place where you grow your supplies, but also an outlet for channeling your energies and fine-tuning your green magic abilities.
In order to create your own witches garden, you will need to start by choosing a space in your yard or garden that gets plenty of sunlight. Once you’ve chosen a space, start by planting some herbs that can be used in different aspects of witchcraft. Bonus points if they’re easy to grow!
Some popular herbs for a witch’s garden include:
- Rosemary: Great for mood and memory. Rosemary is especially good for clearing the third eye chakra, promoting spiritual clarity.
- Lavender: Helps to aid relaxation. Lavender has been shown to be effective in treating anxiety, depression, and insomnia.
- Thyme: Thyme is a versatile herb that has been used for centuries to support physical, mental, and emotional health. The essential oils found in thyme have antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal properties, making it a great choice for treating respiratory infections and other illnesses.
- Mint: Used for protection, healing, and luck. Mint not only has multiple culinary and magical uses, it’s also incredibly easy to grow, making it a great choice when planting a witch’s garden.
What is a Green Witch Aesthetic?
You’ve probably heard the term ‘green witch aesthetic’ being thrown around on social media, or even in terms of fashion or home decor. While the overall aesthetic of a particular type of witchcraft does not matter, it can still help to have a visual representation and understanding of the different types of witches, in terms of how they’re represented in media.
So, what does the green witch aesthetic actually look like – and is it an integral part of green witchcraft, or a separate entity of its own?
Explained very basically, the Green Witch aesthetic is all about using natural fabrics, materials, and elements and a neutral, green, or earthy color palette to create a look that echoes the natural world.
A green witch’s home decor will include plenty of natural materials and creative ways of bringing the outdoors indoors in terms of their interior design. This might include using wood instead of plastic furniture, hanging tapestries or paintings of landscapes or nature scenes, or using plants as decoration (such as fresh flowers or potted plants).
When I think of the green witch aesthetic, I picture something between Professor Sprout’s greenhouse in Harry Potter, and Radagast’s house in The Hobbit, but there are plenty of other takes on the green witch aesthetic out there.
If you feel a strong connection to nature and the natural world, green witchcraft may be the perfect path for you. Green witches use plants and herbs for their spells, potions, and rituals – often with the intention of helping others. They also have a close connection to animals, striving to live in harmony with all creatures.
If you’re interested in becoming a Green Witch, the above are just a few ways to get started.
