🚩 Red Flags to Watch Out For

Fear tactics: Posts that make you feel cursed, doomed, or like you need to buy their service to “fix” your energy.

Gatekeeping: Anyone saying you are “not a real witch” unless you practice their exact way.

Pay-to-play spirituality: If someone’s entire pitch is that you can only be powerful if you buy their course, candle, or spell.

Over-promising: “This spell will make someone love you instantly” or “This ritual guarantees wealth.” Witchcraft does not work like that.

⚠️ Subtle Ableism in Witchy Spaces

Some posts look harmless but carry ableist ideas:

Saying you “can’t be a witch if you take medication” or that being neurodivergent makes you “less spiritual.”

Calling people “low vibration” if they are depressed, anxious, or struggling with trauma.

Shaming witches who cannot afford elaborate tools or rare herbs.

Real witchcraft is accessible. You do not need perfect health, constant positivity, or a big budget to practice.

🕳️ Hidden Dog Whistles

Be wary of creators who:

Talk about “purity of bloodlines” or “chosen people.” That is coded language that often ties back to racist or nationalist beliefs.

Push conspiracy theories under the disguise of “esoteric wisdom.”

Use terms like “starseed” or “indigo child” in ways that exclude others or feed into superiority complexes.

🕸️ How Online Witchcraft Spaces Can Slide Into Cult Territory

Witchy communities can turn harmful when:

One leader demands absolute loyalty and punishes questioning.

Information is tightly controlled or only given if you pay more.

Members are isolated from outside opinions or told everyone else is “asleep” or “less evolved.”

The group encourages secrecy, shame, or dependency on the leader.

When witchcraft stops empowering you and starts controlling you, it is no longer community. It is manipulation.