Is It Normal to Feel Judged by Other Witches?

BY NICOLE LAU

Short Answer

Yes, unfortunately very normal. Many witches experience judgment from the community—for being too new, too eclectic, too traditional, not practicing "correctly," or simply being different. This judgment often comes from insecurity, ego, or gatekeeping mentality. It's painful but says more about the judgers than you. Your practice is valid regardless of others' opinions. Find supportive community, ignore critics, and remember: there's no one "right" way to be a witch.

The Long Answer

Why This Happens So Often

Witches judge each other because:

• Insecurity about their own practice
• Ego and need to feel superior
• Gatekeeping mentality
• Attachment to "the right way"
• Projection of their own doubts
• Elitism and exclusivity
• Fear of change or new approaches
• Hurt people hurt people

It's about them, not you.

Common Things Witches Get Judged For

Being a beginner:

• "Baby witch" used dismissively
• Told you don't know enough
• Criticized for asking questions
• Made to feel unwelcome

Being eclectic:

• "Not a real tradition"
• "You're just picking and choosing"
• "Cultural appropriation" (sometimes valid, often not)
• Told you need to pick one path

Being traditional:

• "Too rigid"
• "Gatekeeping"
• "Stuck in the past"
• Criticized for following rules

Your tools or lack thereof:

• Not having expensive items
• Using unconventional tools
• Practicing without tools
• Having "too much" stuff

Your beliefs:

• Being atheist or agnostic
• Working with certain deities
• Not working with deities
• Mixing pantheons

How you practice:

• Too simple or too elaborate
• Not celebrating sabbats
• Practicing inconsistently
• Doing things differently

Your identity:

• Age, gender, sexuality
• Race or ethnicity
• Neurodivergence
• Disability
• Simply being yourself

What Judgment Looks Like

Direct criticism:

• "You're not a real witch"
• "That's not how you do it"
• "You're doing it wrong"
• "You need to [do X] to be valid"

Subtle dismissal:

• Ignoring your contributions
• Talking down to you
• Excluding you from groups
• Eye rolls or condescension

Gatekeeping:

• "Real witches don't..."
• "You have to... to be a witch"
• "That's not witchcraft"
• Creating arbitrary rules

Comparison:

• "I've been practicing longer"
• "My practice is more authentic"
• "You're not as advanced"
• Superiority complex

How It Feels

• Hurt and rejected
• Questioning your practice
• Feeling like an imposter
• Wanting to quit
• Angry and defensive
• Isolated and alone
• Not good enough

These feelings are valid and understandable.

The Truth About Judgment

It's about them, not you: Their insecurity, not your inadequacy.

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

Your practice is valid: Regardless of their opinion.

They're projecting: Their doubts onto you.

Hurt people hurt people: They're likely hurting too.

You don't need their approval: Your magic works without it.

How to Handle Judgment

Remember it's not about you: Their judgment reflects their issues.

Don't engage: You don't owe them explanations or arguments.

Set boundaries: "My practice is mine" and walk away.

Find your people: Supportive community exists.

Trust yourself: You know your practice is valid.

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

Practice anyway: Don't let them stop you.

What NOT to Do

Don't change to please them: Your authenticity matters more.

Don't argue or defend: You don't need to justify yourself.

Don't internalize their words: They're wrong, not you.

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

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

Finding Supportive Community

Look for communities that:

• Celebrate diversity
• Welcome all paths
• Don't gatekeep
• Support beginners
• Respect differences
• Focus on growth, not judgment

They exist. Keep looking.

When You're Tempted to Judge Others

If you catch yourself judging:

• Pause and examine why
• Is it your insecurity?
• Does their practice actually harm anyone?
• Can you let them practice their way?
• Choose compassion over criticism

Be the witch you needed when you started.

What Other Witches Say

Common experiences:

• "I've been judged for being eclectic, too new, too different"
• "The witchcraft community can be surprisingly judgmental"
• "I found my people after leaving toxic groups"
• "I practice anyway, regardless of others' opinions"
• "Their judgment taught me to trust myself"

You're not alone.

Building Resilience

Know your worth: Your practice is valid.

Trust your path: You know what's right for you.

Find your people: Supportive community exists.

Practice confidently: Don't let others shake you.

Set boundaries: Protect your energy and practice.

Remember why you practice: For you, not them.

The Gift in the Pain

Experiencing judgment can teach you:

• To trust yourself more
• To be compassionate to others
• To stand firm in your truth
• To find truly supportive community
• To not judge others

It's painful but can make you stronger.

Your Practice Is Valid

Regardless of what anyone says:

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

Final Thoughts

Yes, it's unfortunately normal to feel judged by other witches. The community can be surprisingly critical and gatekeeping.

But their judgment says more about them than you. Your practice is valid regardless of their opinions. Find supportive community, trust yourself, and practice anyway.

Don't let judgmental witches take your magic from you. You belong here.

Their judgment is their problem. Your practice is valid. Trust yourself. You belong.

If you've ever felt that subtle sting of judgment from others on the path, remember that your practice is uniquely yours and no external opinion can dim the light of your authentic connection to the craft. To strengthen your confidence and deepen your personal magic, you might find clarity through the tarot journaling prompts 100 questions for self discovery to explore the roots of that feeling, or to gently cleanse any lingering self-doubt with the emotional filter ritual printable spell kit. And when you need to stand firmly in your own power, grounding your energy with the cosmic alignment ritual kit for syncing with the celestial flow can help you realign with the divine acceptance that has always been yours.