Two witches in contrasting outfits.

Witches or Wiccans: What’s the Difference?

If you’ve ever felt drawn to spells, moonlight rituals, or the magic of nature, chances are you’ve stumbled across the terms Witch and Wiccan.

While they’re often used interchangeably, they’re not the same thing.

🌿 What Is a Witch?

A Witch is anyone who practices witchcraft, a spiritual or magical practice that can include spells, herbal remedies, divination (like tarot), energy work, or rituals as a way to commune with the energies of the universe. Witchcraft is a practice, not a religion.

You can be a Witch and follow any religion or none at all. Some Witches are Christian, Jewish, Pagan, atheist, or spiritual-but-not-religious. There are Green Witches who connect deeply with nature, Kitchen Witches who infuse magic into cooking, and Eclectic Witches who blend many traditions.

Witch in red witch hat.
Witches or Wiccans: What's the Difference? 4

In short:
🔮 Witchcraft is what you do as a practice. Your belief system is the framework you choose to practice under.

🌙 What Is a Wiccan?

Wicca is a specific religion that honors nature, the cycles of the moon, and divine feminine and masculine energies (often called the Goddess and God). Wiccans usually celebrate the eight Sabbats (seasonal holidays) and follow an ethical code known as the Wiccan Rede, which encourages “harm none.”

Wicca often includes witchcraft as part of its spiritual tools, so most Wiccans are also Witches.

Two women in elegant hats. A Wiccan with blond hair is in the forefront.
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In short:
🌕 Wicca is what you believe. Witchcraft is what you do as a practice.

💫 So, All Wiccans Are Witches?

Yes, because Wicca includes the use of witchcraft in its spiritual rituals. If someone identifies as Wiccan, it means they likely cast spells, work with energies, and honor nature through rituals, making them a Witch by practice.

But not all Witches are Wiccan.

Some Witches don’t follow any formal religion. Others may blend traditions, worship different deities, or simply work with energy and intention without needing a name for their beliefs.

🔯 Why This Matters (Especially If You’re Just Starting Out)

Understanding the difference helps you feel more confident in your spiritual identity. If you feel called to the earth, moon, and energy work—but don’t feel tied to any religion, you might be a Witch, and that’s more than okay.

If you crave structure, seasonal rituals, and a spiritual community with shared values, Wicca might feel like home.

Whichever path you take, you are valid. Your magic is real. ✨

🌑 Quick Recap

WitchesWiccans
Practice magic or energy workFollow the Wiccan religion
Can follow any (or no) religionCelebrate Sabbats and moon phases
Flexible, personal, intuitiveStructured, ritual-based
Not all are WiccanAll practice witchcraft

At Plentiful Earth, we support all paths to spiritual empowerment. Whether you’re just starting out or finding your way back to your roots, we offer tools, guidance, and community, without judgment.

🛙️ Need beginner tools? Try our Witch Starter Kits, Ritual Bundles, or Moon Phase Candles, each made with love, purpose, and your budget in mind.