Is It Normal to Experience Gatekeeping?

BY NICOLE LAU

Short Answer

Yes, unfortunately very common. Gatekeeping in witchcraft happens constantly—people claiming you're "not a real witch" unless you meet arbitrary criteria, that certain practices are "required," or that you need specific credentials. This is wrong and harmful. There's no governing body of witchcraft, no required practices, and no one gets to decide who is or isn't a witch except you. Gatekeeping comes from insecurity and ego. Ignore it and practice your way.

The Long Answer

What Gatekeeping Is

Gatekeeping in witchcraft means:

• Creating arbitrary rules about who is a "real" witch
• Claiming certain practices are mandatory
• Excluding people based on superficial criteria
• Acting as self-appointed authority
• Policing others' practices
• Creating barriers to entry
• Deciding who "belongs" in witchcraft

It's exclusionary, elitist, and wrong.

Common Gatekeeping Statements

"You're not a real witch unless..."

• ...you've been initiated
• ...you work with deities
• ...you celebrate all sabbats
• ...you've practiced for X years
• ...you have a coven

"Real witches don't..."

• ...use LED candles
• ...practice eclectically
• ...charge for services
• ...share on social media
• ...practice inconsistently

"You have to... to be valid"

• ...study for years first
• ...have expensive tools
• ...follow a specific tradition
• ...be born into it
• ...have psychic abilities

"That's not real witchcraft"

• Kitchen witchery
• Tech magic
• Secular witchcraft
• Pop culture magic
• Anything they don't personally practice

Why Gatekeeping Happens

People gatekeep because of:

• Insecurity about their own practice
• Need to feel superior or special
• Fear of witchcraft becoming "too mainstream"
• Attachment to tradition and "the old ways"
• Elitism and exclusivity
• Projection of their own doubts
• Desire for control and authority
• They were gatekept and are repeating the pattern

It's about their issues, not your validity.

Who Gets Gatekept

Beginners:

• "Baby witches" dismissed
• Told they don't know enough
• Excluded from conversations
• Made to feel unwelcome

Eclectic practitioners:

• "Not a real tradition"
• "Just picking and choosing"
• Accused of cultural appropriation
• Told to pick one path

Solitary witches:

• "Need a coven to be valid"
• "Can't learn alone"
• "Missing out on real practice"

Non-traditional practitioners:

• Tech witches
• Kitchen witches
• Secular witches
• Anyone doing it differently

Marginalized identities:

• BIPOC witches
• LGBTQ+ witches
• Disabled witches
• Neurodivergent witches
• Anyone who doesn't fit the "norm"

The Truth About Witchcraft

There's no governing body: No one has authority over all witchcraft.

No required practices: You don't have to do anything specific.

No credentials needed: You don't need initiation or training.

You decide if you're a witch: Not anyone else.

All paths are valid: Traditional, eclectic, solitary, group—all legitimate.

Witchcraft is diverse: There's no one "right" way.

Gatekeeping vs. Boundaries

Gatekeeping:

• "You can't call yourself a witch unless..."
• Policing others' practices
• Creating arbitrary rules
• Exclusionary and harmful

Healthy boundaries:

• "In our tradition, we practice this way"
• Protecting closed practices
• Maintaining tradition integrity
• Respectful and specific

Boundaries are about protecting something specific. Gatekeeping is about excluding people.

Closed Practices vs. Gatekeeping

Closed practices (valid):

• Specific cultural or religious practices
• Require initiation or heritage
• Examples: Vodou, Hoodoo, some Native practices
• Respecting these is important

Gatekeeping (invalid):

• Claiming all witchcraft requires initiation
• Saying you need specific tools or practices
• Creating arbitrary barriers
• This is wrong

Know the difference.

How to Respond to Gatekeeping

Ignore it: You don't owe them engagement.

Set boundaries: "My practice is valid" and move on.

Don't argue: You can't logic someone out of ego.

Find your people: Supportive community exists.

Trust yourself: You know you're a witch.

Practice anyway: Don't let them stop you.

Educate if you want: But you're not obligated.

What NOT to Do

Don't internalize it: Their words don't define you.

Don't change to please them: Stay authentic.

Don't quit: Don't let them take your practice.

Don't become a gatekeeper yourself: Break the cycle.

Don't waste energy arguing: Focus on your practice.

Finding Non-Gatekeeping Community

Look for communities that:

• Welcome all practitioners
• Celebrate diversity
• Don't police others' practices
• Support beginners
• Respect all paths
• Focus on growth, not exclusion

Red flags:

• "Real witches" language
• Arbitrary rules
• Elitism
• Dismissing beginners
• Policing others

Standing Against Gatekeeping

You can help by:

• Welcoming all practitioners
• Calling out gatekeeping when you see it
• Supporting marginalized witches
• Sharing inclusive content
• Being the witch you needed when you started
• Creating welcoming spaces

What Other Witches Say

Common experiences:

• "I've been told I'm not a real witch more times than I can count"
• "Gatekeeping almost made me quit"
• "I practice anyway—they don't get to decide"
• "I found my people after leaving gatekeeping communities"
• "Their gatekeeping taught me to trust myself"

You're not alone.

Your Practice Is Valid

No matter what gatekeepers say:

• You are a real witch
• Your practice is legitimate
• You don't need anyone's approval
• You belong in this community
• Your path is valid
• You get to define your practice

The Harm of Gatekeeping

Gatekeeping:

• Discourages new practitioners
• Creates toxic community
• Perpetuates elitism
• Excludes marginalized people
• Limits witchcraft's growth and evolution
• Hurts people

It's harmful and needs to stop.

Final Thoughts

Yes, it's unfortunately normal to experience gatekeeping in witchcraft. People will claim you're "not a real witch" or that certain practices are "required."

This is wrong. There's no governing body, no required practices, and no one gets to decide who is or isn't a witch except you.

Ignore gatekeepers, trust yourself, and practice your way. Your magic is valid regardless of their opinions.

Gatekeeping is wrong. You are a real witch. Your practice is valid. Ignore them.

If you've felt the sting of being dismissed or sidelined on your path, know that your journey is uniquely yours and no external voice can truly block the wisdom meant for you. To deepen your connection with your inner knowing, consider the introspective prompts found in our tarot journaling prompts 100 questions for self discovery, or strengthen your personal boundaries with the emotional filter ritual printable spell kit to gently release the weight of others' judgments. For a more structured path back to your own guidance, the 30 day tarot practice workbook can be a gentle companion in reclaiming your intuitive voice.