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Facts About Being Wiccan That Will Actually Make You Want to Convert

Lindsay Weglarz
Updated September 24, 2021 67.8K views 18 items

Witches are real - and they're actually a lot more interesting than the black-cats-and-broomsticks legends we see in TV and movies. There are dozens of forms of paganism still practiced today, and witchcraft is found around the world.

Many witches you encounter in modern life are practitioners of Wicca, a pagan religion founded in the 1950s and based on ancient European paganism. Though paganism goes back to the dawn of human history, the Wiccan faith has revived and updated ancient practices for use in the present day.

With all the stereotypes out there, you might be surprised to learn about a real witch's approach to nature and spirituality, and the role that witches have played throughout history. Here are some of the strange and beautiful traditions of the Wiccan religion, and witchcraft in general.

  • It's True - Blood Is Used In Spells

    It's True - Blood Is Used In Spells

    Blood, as well as other bodily fluids like urine and semen, is viewed as a powerful bonding agent. Not only does adding blood to a potion make the witch more connected to its power, but it also helps protect the witch from harm. Generally, only a few drops of blood are used and the blood either comes from the witch who is making the potion herself, or from a friend who has voluntarily provided it.

    In some cases, practitioners of witchcraft will add menstrual blood to a significant other's food or drink. This is supposed to help strengthen their relationship, and ensure their partner doesn't stray.

  • Every Witch Has a Book of Shadows - and It's Burned When She Dies

    Every Witch Has a Book of Shadows - and It's Burned When She Dies
    The book of shadows (also called a grimoire) is more than just a spell book. Originally written in coded runes to guard against anti-witch hysteria, these books serve as a Wiccan's diary, where spiritual revelations, dreams, and research are recorded. In addition, every spell a witch casts goes into their book of shadows, along with information about potions and incantations. Each witch has their own book of shadows, and it is to be burned once the witch passes away.

  • Brooms Are Not for Flying

    Brooms Are Not for Flying
    Sorry, Harry Potter fans - flying on broomsticks isn't really a thing. Brooms do have an interesting symbolism for witches, however - they're commonly used to sweep away negative energy from the circular area where Wiccan rituals are performed. A broom is also used in hand-fasting ceremonies, a form of marriage ceremonies where couples participate in "jumping the broom" together. 

  • The Pentagram Isn't Evil - but It Is Powerful

    The Pentagram Isn't Evil - but It Is Powerful
    Far from summoning satanic forces, as some rumors claim, the pentagram has a positive spiritual significance for Wicca. Each point of the star represents the five elements: Earth, Air, Fire, Water, and Spirit. The pentagram was also used as a symbol in the earliest days of Christianity, representing the five wounds of Christ.

  • Men Can Be Witches - Just Don't Call Them "Warlocks"

    Men Can Be Witches - Just Don't Call Them "Warlocks"
    Thanks to Harry Potter and other magical myths, people might think men are referred to as wizards - or, even worse, "warlocks." The term "warlock" actually means "oath breaker" and is considered insulting to Wiccans and Pagans. Wiccan men are simply called witches, the same as women.

  • Wiccans Have Green Thumbs

    Wiccans Have Green Thumbs
    Not literally green, of course, even if cartoons like to portray witches with green skin. Gardening is a huge part of Wiccan practice, teaching adherents about patience and the powers of nature. The plants witches grow are often used for spells and potions, and they are always cut with a boline, a white-handled knife used for Wiccan rituals.