The Confusion Between Cottage (Core) & Green Magick: Why Research IS Important
Many young practitioners feel drawn to the culture of internet “witchcraft”. As more information becomes available to us, so too does more confusion. Many “Witchtok” creators and novices alike use terms interchangeably that’re similar, but do not mean the same thing. Have you seen the terms “green witchcraft” and “cottage core”? Chances are you have, especially if you have been on Tumblr or TikTok in the last few years. They do not mean the same thing! I know, it's shocking. Many videos that have interlinking topics such as herbalism and hearthcraft often use both of those mentioned tags above. I am here to explain the subtle differences between the terms.
First off, before I even explain the differences there is one thing to note. These are paths of the greater ENERGIES that people use to identify with. These paths may be all they practice. There is no wrong way to practice witchcraft, but please do be wary of appropriation within your chosen path. Many of these paths were affected by Wicca centric books, materials, authors, and public figures who are predominantly white. Do look into your own cultures interpretations of green and cottage witchcraft!
What is Green Witchcraft?
Well in its simplest explanation, green witchcraft is terra focused. It focuses on plants and the natural world around us. Many green witches may identify also as herbalists, healers, and any cultural term for a person who heals or uses natural remedies. They also typically work with animals, spirits, and other entities tied to the land they reside on. This is very much a personalized path as many people choose different levels of environmental interaction. I myself am an eclectic practitioner as I come from different cultural backgrounds, but green witchcraft is very much a vital path in my practice. As a certified herbalist myself I find this path to be very tailored to my own personal upbringing and experience but surely not the only experience.
What is Cottage Witchcraft?
A cottage witch (also sometimes called a hearth witch) is bing bing bing! A practitioner of cottage magic! This path prioritizes domestic craft using your home as the main place you practice and where you hone your gifts. This is a considerably modern path compared to its more ancient counterpart the green witch path. The cottage witch will prioritize family, house spirits, well being of the home, and definitely into self-care. These are although very general observations of both paths and practitioners that I have run into that practice these paths exclusively.
Similar paths to look into if you like these paths!
Kitchen witchcraft
Specific cultural folkloric witchcraft
Eclectic witchcraft (be mindful of the appropriation)
Crystal witchcraft
Lunar witchcraft
Forest witchcraft
Elemental witchcraft
Both of these paths can be tailored to your specific cultural upbringings on the vast topics pertaining to both paths. These were just a general beginners explanation of the differences between the two. In my own opinion, I believe you can be able to intertwine both nicely together! Happy researching!
