The archetype of the witch is as old as humanity. Typically, female, although not always, the witch is the one who brings healing through her use of powers connected to the deeper world. This, across cultures and times, has always been done in the spirit of rebellion against the so-called civilized world. Thus, the witch is the outsider, the one who resists conformity. Perhaps it is these two characteristics, that of connection to the unseen world and resistance to authority that are at the heart of the archetype of the witch. Discussing the archetype of the witch inevitably evokes Hekate, the ancient goddess viewed across history as a Queen of the Night, ruling over witchcraft, prophecy, and spirits. These are the gifts she bestows upon witches.

Archetypes are foundational forces that flow throughout the universe. They are numinous, nonrational, and primal. It is difficult to find, and express in words, the center of an archetype. Archetypes are different than constructs, which can be easily defined and understood. To know an archetype requires experience. Much like the witch, an archetype is many things that are difficult to describe with words. The witch is mysterious, and the witch pursues the mysteries. She goes deeper into the dark to find healing.

As with all archetypes, the witch has a shadow aspect which is entirely different than the healing found in darkness. It is the shadowy characteristics that have been extolled throughout history. Aspects such as baneful witchcraft, poisoning, seducing, deception, and trickery have been reinforced in western culture as a means of robbing the witch of her power. At times portrayed as a hideous crone, at others a beguiling temptress, the witch has been vilified. Those labelled as witches have been persecuted, tortured, and murdered. The witch is frightening because she insists on the truth that resides in the dark.

“Entering Hekate’s Garden: The Magick, Medicine and Mystery of Plant Spirit Witchcraft” can be purchased from major booksellers.

“Keeping Her Keys: An Introduction to Hekate’s Modern Witchcraft” takes the reader on a journey through 13 lessons that awaken the soul through connection to the Witch Mother.

Join the Keeping Her Keys Coven of Hekate school and network for lessons, community and live events: https://bit.ly/KHKfreetrial

Learn more about Lampadia: The Journey Through Darkness To Wholeness in Hekate’s Cave, a seven month training program in the healing keys of magick, medicine and mystery. BEGINS November 4. Get all the details at https://keepingherkeys.com/

Lost Goddesses of Early Greece: A Collection of Pre-Hellenic Mythology by Charlene Spretnak

The Book of Symbols. Reflections on Archetypal Images Hardcover by Archive for Research in Archetypal Symbolism (ARAS) 

Mysteries of the Dark Moon: The Healing Power of the Dark Goddess Kindle Edition by Demetra George

Witchcraft Medicine: Healing Arts, Shamanic Practices, and Forbidden Plants by Claudia Müller-Ebeling, Christian Rätsch, Wolf-Dieter Storl