Lately there’s been a ton of interest in nature witchcraft and Cottagecore. And it’s got people wondering – are they basically the same thing? Or is there more to it? Well, let’s break it down!
What is nature witchcraft all about?
Nature witches are all about connecting to Mother Earth through spirituality and magic. Here are some of their key features: One way they achieve this connection is by finding balance with Mabon, a celebration that marks the autumn equinox and encourages reflection and gratitude for the harvest. This practice helps nature witches align with the rhythms of the earth and find inner peace.
- Loving on nature – You’ll find them soaking up the great outdoors – gardening, hiking, stargazing. Nature recharges their batteries.
- Caring for the planet – They try to live lightly – reducing waste, recycling, buying used. Protecting the earth is important.
- Magical practices – They use plants, crystals, moon cycles in rituals and spells. Herbalism, tarot, and astrology are common.
- Mystical style – Flowy dresses, cloaks, and natural jewelry represent their magical side.
And what is the Cottagecore look?
Cottagecore fans also appreciate nature and have some similar vibes:
- Outdoor living – Gardening, pressing flowers, picnics are popular pastimes. Natural materials rule their decor.
- Vintage vibes – Cottagecore romanticizes the past with influences from European country living.
- Homemaking – Baking, sewing, crafting are embraced. A cozy cottage is a must.
- Feminine style – Floral prints, frills, and aprons reflect a feminine aesthetic.
- Whimsical magic – Mushrooms, fairies, and woodland creatures add a touch of magic.
How are they different though?
While nature witches and Cottagecore babes both love nature and fantasy, there are some key differences:
- Spirituality – Witchcraft involves actual spiritual practices, while Cottagecore is mostly about hobbies and style.
- Darkness – Nature witches embrace skulls, graveyards, and other darker symbols. Cottagecore leans lighter.
- Wild vs tame – Nature witches love untamed spaces like forests and storms. Cottagecore prefers tidy gardens.
- Past vs present – Cottagecore romanticizes history. Nature witchcraft is about connecting to nature’s power now.
- Gender expression – Cottagecore is feminine, while nature witches can be masculine, feminine, or gender neutral.
So is nature witchcraft just Cottagecore after dark?
Given the similarities and differences, it’s clear nature witchcraft is related to Cottagecore but also distinct in many ways:
- It’s an actual spiritual practice, not just an aesthetic. Their beliefs shape their lifestyle.
- They embrace the dark side with shadow work and banishing spells.
- They find beauty in wild, untamed spaces – not just cute cottages and gardens.
- The focus is on tapping into nature’s raw power in the present moment.
- Magical practices incorporate astrology, herbs, crystals, moon cycles and more.
- Gender expression is flexible – feminine, masculine or neutral styles work.
Different types of nature witches
Just like with Cottagecore, there are many nature witch varieties. Here are some of the most popular:
- Green witches – All about the magical and medicinal uses of plants. Great gardeners and foragers.
- Hedge witches – Their magic involves protection spells and boundary setting.
- Kitchen witches – They cook and prepare food and remedies with magical intention.
- Cottage witches – Combine nature magic with cozy Cottagecore living.
- Crystal witches – Incorporate stones, minerals and crystals into their rituals.
- Sea witches – Connect to watery realms and the ocean in their practice.
Getting started with nature witchcraft
If this path calls to you, here are some easy ways to bring more magic into your daily life:
- Create an altar with items from nature like stones, acorns, feathers. Setting up an altar for the wheel of the year can help you honor the changing seasons and the cyclical nature of life. This practice not only enhances your spiritual connection but also brings a sense of harmony and balance to your daily routine.
- Learn about local plants. Forage and make magical teas or salves.
- Grow an herb garden, even just on your windowsill. Use them in spells or balms.
- Observe moon cycles and phases. Create moon rituals.
- Study astrology and make spells based on planetary positions.
- Find magic in nature walks – leave offerings, hug trees!
- Keep a nature journal with sketches, dried flowers, and seasonal notes.
The bottom line
While nature witchcraft and Cottagecore have some similarities, nature witchcraft goes much deeper into actual spiritual practices and connecting to nature’s wild magic. It’s truly a lifestyle and eco-spiritual path of its own!
Hope this helps explain the difference between these two popular aesthetics. Let me know if you have any other questions!
