Pagans and Witches: Best Places to Find Them

When thinking of witches, the image that will probably come to your mind is an old black lady hovering around on a broom. The pointed hat and the big pot of potions are other aspects of witches. Although Halloween developed this childish picture of a witch in our minds, there is more in the real world to know about witchcraft and paganism. These two terms have many things in common.

People are getting more interested in pagan societies for many reasons, including but not limited to the diversity of thoughts they offer. There are plenty of places around the world where you can witness pagan festivities and witchcraft activities.

What Does “Pagan” Mean?

The Latin term “Paganus,” which means “country dweller” or “a person who lives in the countryside”, is where we get the name “Pagan.” Rural residents generally honoured the ancient deities or local spirits known as “pagus.” Living in the country meant relying on the land for your livelihood; thus, things like observing the seasons and becoming one with nature were essential.

What Does “Witch” Mean?

“Wita” and “wis” are old English terms for counsellor and wisdom. Before Christianity entered the picture, a witch was seen as a wise counsellor who was a significant community spiritual leader and healer with a deep understanding of plant medicine.

The old English words for witch, “wicca” and “wicce,” are masculine and feminine. These evolved into the word “wicche” in the Middle Ages, referring to either a witch or a wizard. These words, as well as the word “heathen,” which was derived from the Old English word “heath,” meaning “uncultivated land,” initially had no negative connotations. It simply meant “one who lives in the heath or country.”

A person who lived in the country, worked the land, and engaged in spiritual communication with the earth was called a pagan or heathen. The word “pagan” was once considered dark and dirty by the church, but in reality, it was organic and natural.

A witch is a word that refers to a particular type of person, one who engages in magic, herbal knowledge, etc. The term is unrelated to any faith or spirituality.

Witches and Pagans use natural forces and elements to transfer energy and effect change, though to varying degrees. Witch in Russian translates to “the one who knows,” which is appropriate. Witches learn to manipulate natural forces to effect change, heal wounds, and discover new things.

What Does Paganism Refer to Today?

Shamanism, Druidism, Wicca (which has many traditions of its own, including Alexandrian, Gardnerian, Dianic, and Correllian), Goddess Spirituality, Odinism, and Eclectic Paganism are just a few of the various belief systems that fall under the umbrella of Paganism.

In terms of how people express and interact with their spirituality, each of these branches of paganism has its own distinctive beliefs and “language.” However, they are united by a standard set of essential principles.

Although many pagans revere various gods, they frequently see one of them as their principal god, guardian or patron. There are some polytheistic or even monotheistic pagans, though. Some pagans consider their Gods and Goddesses to be different manifestations or aspects of the same God or Goddess. Reconstructionist pagans, in particular, make attempts to revive earlier polytheistic cults.

Pagan Witches in the US

Today, when people refer to “witches” in the US, they frequently mean members of the pagan movement, a community of up to a million Americans whose activities combine elements of witchcraft and pre-Christian European faiths with those of Western occult and Masonic groups.

What Does It Mean to Be a Witch?

Pagan religions come in a vast variety; however, they all adhere to some basic principles. They worship nature, are polytheistic (meaning they have many gods and goddesses), and think that male and female powers are equally powerful in the universe and that the divine can be found everywhere.

There is no such thing as heaven or hell, yet some people believe in reincarnation or an afterlife place called Summerland. Others may pay homage to an unspecified god and goddess, while some may revere specific gods and goddesses like Athena or Isis. There is no such thing as sin, but there is the concept of karma: good and terrible things you do will eventually return to haunt you.

Can Anyone Be a Witch?

Yes! Anyone who wishes to become a witch can start a solo practice or join a group or tribe.

How Do You Become a Witch?

Initiation rites or hierarchical systems may be present in some paganisms, where new practitioners are greeted and instructed by more experienced ones. However, some witches believe that you can “initiate” yourself by merely choosing to be a witch.

Facts About Witches

Women and men who identify as witches or pagans do not always flaunt their piercings, tattoos, and gothic attire. They do not have magic wands or sharp black hats. Because they work for the government, have children, reside in a conservative neighbourhood, or are merely concerned that the term “witchcraft” still has too much stigma, some witches prefer to remain “in the broom closet,” as they phrase it.

The Satan of Christianity is a god that many pagans would argue they do not even believe in; hence, they are not interested in worshipping him. It is unjust and untrue to assume from horror films that anyone who calls themselves a witch is trying to do bad things to other people. The Threefold Law, which states that any action you perform will be returned to you three times over, is the moral code this community upholds.

Many men also describe themselves as witches. The community appears to be equally split between men and women because pagans think male and female energies govern the universe.

While many other religious groups are interested in converting you to their belief, witches are not. They think it is impolite to do so. The general understanding is that there are many different spiritual paths that you might take; you are not required to follow theirs. From their point of view, it is excellent if your belief matches theirs. But it is also entirely acceptable if it does not.

Places for Those Who Are Interested in Witchcraft

If you are into witchcraft or paganism and wish to join one of their communities or even just experience some of their magic, there are some places you can visit. The following list is famous for housing pagan communities that might interest you:

Catemaco, Mexico

In addition to its stunning waterfalls and natural beaches, Catemaco’s biggest draw for tourists is its ancient tradition of sorcery, which is primarily practised by male brujos. Black and white magic is available throughout the year, but there is a constant argument among the populace regarding who is a fraudster and who is genuinely a follower of shamanism.

Harz Mountains, Northern Germany

According to some historians, the Brocken, the highest point in the Harz Mountain range, was the site of sacrifices made to the prehistoric Saxon god Woden (Odin of Norse legend). On Walpurgisnacht or Hexennacht, the evening of 30 April, the mountain was also rumoured to be the location of the witches’ gathering.

New Orleans, USA

Thanks to its long history of Voodoo and Hoodoo, New Orleans is the true birthplace of magic in the United States. Since the 1700s, the city has maintained its distinctive blend of West African spirits and Roman Catholic saints, mainly due to the lingering legend of Marie Laveau, a well-known healer and voodoo priestess. Her legacy is so famous that only guided tours are available to visit her ultimate resting place since many people still want to mark an ‘X’ on her grave in the hopes that she will grant their desire.

Siquijor, Philippines

Siquijor, which Spanish colonisers called the “Island of Witches” in the 1600s, nevertheless upholds a significant history of native healers (mananambal). The conclusion of seven weeks spent gathering natural materials every Friday during Lent is the mananambal’s enormous Healing Festival, held the week before Easter. As a result, rituals and readings are also available, along with popular love potions or medicinal herbs.

Another allegedly magical location is under a 400-year-old Balete tree. It is the largest and oldest tree of its kind in the province, and a spring is just beneath its tangled roots. Nowadays, souvenir vendors are more common than the rumoured rituals and mysterious monsters that once roamed the area.

Blå Jungfrun Island, Sweden

According to mythology, this is the site of Blkulla, an island where witches allegedly met with the devil and was once only reachable by air. Offerings were frequently placed on the island’s shores to satisfy any weird creatures that might reside there. It is now a national park and contains a fascinating stone labyrinth and caves where archaeologists have lately discovered evidence of ancient altars and ceremonies.

Lima, Peru

In Peru, shamanism has a long history and is said to have developed alongside the tradition of erecting spectacular temples all around the nation. These days, there are tour organisations that promise to connect you with a shaman and provide a secure environment for you to experience this for yourself. Traditionally, shamans would employ natural hallucinogens to communicate with the spirit world and gods.

Lima’s Mercado de las Brujas (the Witches’ Market), located below Gamarra Station, offers visitors a look into shamanic practices. Here, vendors provide a wide range of conventional and folk remedies, including a surprising number of treatments using llama fetuses, frog guts, and snake fat.