The Church of Witchcraft Doctrine

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At its core, witchcraft begins with you. This is the altar of the self—your body, mind, and spirit. Nothing outside of yourself is required to engage in witchcraft. Tools, regalia, and ritual items can support and amplify your practice, but the most essential element is you.

The Church of Witchcraft holds that the altar of the self is a foundational aspect of both witches and the craft itself. Your physical vessel is the conduit through which magic is received, transmuted by the will of the witch, and expressed as action in the manifest world.

Countless factors can influence this primary altar—some may hinder it, others may enhance it. It is the sacred duty of a practicing witch to tend this altar with care, honoring both their role in society (past and present) and their responsibility in maintaining the integrity and power of their own being.

The way we understand and define the word "witch" has varied greatly throughout history and across different cultures, regions, and family traditions. While individual interpretations may differ, the foundational elements most commonly recognized by witches are outlined below. This shared definition helps us build a unified understanding and strengthen our collective practice. 

Still, the meaning, purpose, and roles within witchcraft remain deeply personal and subjective. Because of this, we honor and accept all forms and expressions of witchcraft. This definition helps us unify our understanding and strengthen our communal praxis. The definition, function, roles, and other related practices of witchcraft are subjective and individuated. As such, we are accepting of all modalities (types) of witches.

1. Partner with the liminal (in between places).

2. Seek to increase their own potency and efficacy.

3. Intentionally manifest their will internally and externally.

Most forms of witchcraft, and most systems that incorporate witchcraft, tend to share a number of core qualities. The Church of Witchcraft strives to respectfully acknowledge and honor the diverse ways witchcraft is practiced across different traditions and perspectives. Through our work, we’ve identified several beliefs commonly held by practicing witches and magical practitioners more broadly. What distinguishes a witch, specifically, is the foundational definition provided earlier on this page. 

1. Magic is a fundamental universal force.
2. Spells and Divination are applicable and functional techniques.
3. Witches meaningfully configure magic through the first altar.
4. Witches have an altar or shrine (not necessarily physical in nature).
5. All witches engage in some form of ritual or ceremony, even if their practice doesn't follow formal or orthodox structures. 
6. Considerations of balance and imbalance are present in a witch's praxis.