“You don’t have to follow every rulebook. You can burn the freaking rulebook and start again if you want to, because this is your path.”

Witchcraft. For many, the very word stirs something deep inside — the echo of ancient footsteps, the pulse of earth medicine running through wild veins, the whisper of the wind calling us home. Yet, if you’ve ever felt suffocated by the endless “shoulds” and “musts” of popular witchcraft, you’re not alone.

Let’s divesright into the heart of this paradox: Why does a practice meant to liberate our spirits sometimes feel just as restrictive as any dogma? In this blog, “Deconditioning the Witch,” I share my personal story and tears through the myths that keep so many magickal folk playing small.

The Myth of the “Right Way” to Be a Witch

At its core, witchcraft is about reclaiming your sovereignty and deepening your connection to yourself, the land, and the cycles of life. But even I found myself tangled in a web of rigid rules when I first discovered my path, whispering “witch” rather than shouting it. “You start exploring this path because it calls to you —something ancient in your bones, something wild in your blood. And then suddenly, it's like you're drowning in these shoulds.”

Books, online communities, and social media abound with advice about the “correct” tools, moon phases, or rituals. Instead of liberation, many witches new and old find themselves paralysed by a fear of “doing it wrong.” I call it for what it is: "complete and utter BS."

Five Common Witchcraft Myths—Debunked

Let’s lift the veil on five myths, inviting you to reject what doesn’t serve and to forge a path that is uniquely your own.

1. You Must Cast a Circle Every Time You Practise Magick

This is perhaps one of the most common rules floating around. While casting a circle can be a powerful way to focus, protect, and honour sacred space, it is not required for every spell or ritual. Do what feels right for you in the moment.

Some of the most potent magick happens in barefoot simplicity, around a fire, or whispered to the wind. The heart of your magick lies in your presence, not your adherence to ritualised rules.

2. You Must Cleanse Your Tools and Space With White Sage or Palo Santo

Cleansing is an important part of many witchcraft traditions, but this is a reminder to respectfully consider the plants we use, their origins, and environmental impact. If white sage or palo santo isn’t part of your lineage or doesn’t grow where you live, it’s perfectly valid — often more powerful — to work with locally grown herbs. For me, that’s mugwort, rosemary, and juniper.

And if you don’t cleanse at every opportunity, or forget to put your crystals out under the full moon? That is absolutely fine. You do you.

3. You Need Fancy Tools to Be a Real Witch

The commercialisation of spirituality is real, and the pressure to acquire the “right” wand, cauldron, or chalice can be overwhelming. In my practice, which gradually evolved over years, stands as a reminder: The magick is in you, not the tool. A wooden spoon can stir a potion, and a basic tealight is just as worthy as a beeswax candle. Your tools should resonate with your spirit, not your desire to “fit in.”

4. You Must Always Follow the Moon Phases

Moon magick is beautiful and can be deeply meaningful, but it should never be a prison. “The moon is a beautiful guide, but she is not the boss of you”. If you feel a powerful call to work magick outside the “correct” moon phase, trust that call. The most important ingredient is your internal fire, not the outer timing.

5. You Shouldn’t Charge for Spiritual Work

This persistent myth shames many spiritual practitioners, particularly women, into undervaluing their time and expertise. My years of training, international study, and dedication illustrate the immense value, effort, and lived experience that go into spiritual service. Charging for your craft is not unethical — it’s a recognition of your worth and the sacredness of energy exchange.

From Rule-Following to Intuitive Magick

My journey is a call to all witches, healers, and seekers: Your practice is your own. Magick is messy, intuitive, and alive. It’s about listening to your body, the land, and your own soul — not following someone else’s “approved” spells or Pinterest-perfect altars.

If you’ve been doubting yourself, holding back, or second-guessing your way, consider this your invitation to burn the rulebook. The only requirement for real magick is presence and trust in your unique journey.

Your Permission Slip

You don't need to be perfect. You don't need to know everything. You don't need to wait until someone gives you permission to do your thing.

So, fellow wild one — what do you need to unlearn on your path? What parts of the rulebook no longer serve you? Step into your intuitive, untamed magick. There is no wrong way to be a witch, and you’re exactly where you need to be.

Ready for More?

If this post resonated, I invite you to watch the full video on the YouTube channel, The Wild and Untamed Way. Let this wisdom inspire you to create a magickal path that is all your own.