The phrase “a witch who cannot hex cannot heal” has become a point of contention within the witchcraft community. While some see it as a useful reminder of the balance inherent in the magical arts, others find it reductive and even harmful. The idea that a witch must be capable of both baneful magic (hexing) and healing magic is built on the notion that witches are inherently powerful when they wield both the capacity to create and destroy.
On the surface, it may seem to suggest a balance between light and dark, but when applied in practice, this saying often becomes a form of judgment, gatekeeping, and a way to measure power. In this blog, we’ll explore the deeper implications of this phrase, analyse why it’s problematic, and present an alternative understanding that considers the nuances of hexing, healing, and personal empowerment within witchcraft. We’ll also address how the phrase is often used as a power judgment that can discourage certain witches and limit their practices.
1. Alternative Interpretation: Hexing as Healing
When we dig deeper into the phrase “a witch who cannot hex cannot heal,” one alternative interpretation begins to emerge: that hexing, in some cases, is itself an act of healing. For many witches, the idea that healing is solely about soothing and fixing is a narrow view. Healing magic often requires confronting deep, sometimes painful truths and acting to correct injustices, and hexing can be a way to do that. The phrase can be re-examined in this light, where hexing serves not as harm, but as a tool for justice, protection, and restoration. In some folk magic traditions, hexing is not about revenge or maliciousness; it’s about breaking harmful cycles and empowering those who have been hurt.
For example, hexing someone who is perpetuating harm—whether it be an abusive partner, a manipulative boss, or a societal institution that oppresses marginalised groups—can be viewed as a form of healing. It doesn’t aim to inflict unnecessary pain but rather seeks to stop further harm, creating space for healing to take place. A hex placed on an abuser might not only stop them from causing further harm but also give their victim the freedom to begin their healing journey, unburdened by fear or manipulation.
Additionally, hexing can be a form of protection, which is itself a healing act. A protective hex can help prevent unwanted energies, spirits, or people from infiltrating a space, helping individuals maintain their emotional, mental, and physical health. Protection spells, while often classified as "positive" magic, can share the same magical intentions as a hex. A witch who casts a hex to stop someone’s harmful actions can create a healthier environment for themselves and others, thereby restoring balance and well-being.
In this alternative reading, hexing doesn’t necessarily contradict healing; it can be a necessary part of the healing process, especially when it serves to right wrongs or restore equilibrium. The true value of magic lies in the witch’s ability to decide when and how to use their tools to create the most positive outcome, even when that includes a hex.
2. The Phrase as a Tool for Gatekeeping
Despite its potential for deeper meanings, the phrase “a witch who cannot hex cannot heal” is often weaponised within the witchcraft community as a form of gatekeeping. Gatekeeping refers to the practice of setting arbitrary standards that exclude certain people or practices from being deemed “legitimate.” The phrase implies that those who cannot or choose not to hex are not fully-fledged witches or that they lack some essential power. This narrow view of witchcraft creates divisions, often excluding witches who don’t engage in hexing from the community or dismissing their practices as incomplete.
This gatekeeping mentality operates under the assumption that power is defined solely by the ability to hex. If a witch is unable or unwilling to hex, they might be considered "weak" or “soft” by others who hold this view. It ignores the diversity of magical practices and the fact that each witch’s path is unique. Some witches choose to focus exclusively on healing, protection, divination, or nature-based magic. These witches may have an immense depth of wisdom and power, yet their work is often devalued by those who uphold this phrase as an unchallengeable truth.
Moreover, it creates a hierarchy within the community, where those who hex are considered stronger or more legitimate than those who do not. This type of power play isn’t just divisive—it’s harmful. It fosters an environment where witches feel pressured to engage in practices they may not be comfortable with, either to prove their magical power or to avoid being marginalised. Some witches might avoid hexing because they feel it goes against their personal ethics, yet the phrase disregards their ethical stance as irrelevant or immature.
By holding onto this judgment, we reinforce the idea that strength is only measured by destructive capabilities, not by the wisdom, discipline, and care involved in healing and protecting. This view limits the potential of witchcraft and places undue pressure on new or developing witches to conform to an outdated and reductive standard.
3. The Ethical Complexity of Hexing and Healing
Hexing and healing are often pitted against one another as opposites in magical practice, but in truth, both are acts that require great ethical consideration. Hexing, in particular, operates in a grey area, where the witch must balance their desire for justice with the potential harm their actions may cause. The phrase “a witch who cannot hex cannot heal” fails to acknowledge the ethical complexities involved in both practices. It oversimplifies the magic and the responsibility witches carry when casting spells of any kind.
On one hand, healing magic is often seen as a more straightforward practice. It involves helping someone recover from illness or emotional trauma, mending physical wounds, or restoring balance to the body and spirit. Healing requires sensitivity, and the ability to listen deeply to the needs of others. The ethical framework of healing is based on nurturing and care, guided by compassion and empathy. However, healing magic also involves choices that may not be so simple. Some healing spells can feel intrusive, such as attempting to heal someone who doesn’t want help or attempting to change someone’s life path in a way that could infringe on their autonomy. There is always a level of complexity in the ethical considerations of healing.
Hexing, on the other hand, is more frequently viewed as a form of resistance, retaliation, or defence. Hexes typically operate without the consent of the target and often aim to disrupt or harm. However, when applied with intention and moral clarity, hexing can be an act of justice. A witch who hexes a harmful person or breaks a toxic cycle might feel justified, believing that their actions serve the greater good. Still, it is important to remember that hexing involves consequences—both magical and mundane. A witch who casts a hex without fully considering the impact risks creating negative or emotional consequences, which may end up hindering their own healing.
The phrase “a witch who cannot hex cannot heal” collapses these two very different magical practices into one simplified concept, making it seem like healing and hexing are equal, opposite forces. In reality, each requires careful thought and responsibility. It’s not just about being able to wield one or the other; it’s about knowing when and how to use both types of magic in ways that align with personal ethics and the needs of the situation.
4. Hexing, Healing, and Personal Empowerment
At the core of witchcraft is the concept of personal empowerment. The idea that a witch must be proficient in both hexing and healing to be truly powerful undermines this essential principle. Every witch has the ability to choose which tools they wish to work with and how they wish to shape their practice. Magic is deeply personal, and empowerment comes from knowing oneself, understanding one’s ethics, and aligning one’s actions with a higher purpose.
Hexing and healing are merely two of many magical tools, and not all witches need to use both. A witch who specialises in healing or protective magic can be just as powerful as one who also hexes. Witches are empowered when they recognise their strengths, whether in creating spells to heal the sick, protecting their loved ones, communing with spirits, or any other form of magic. The ability to practice in a way that aligns with personal values and ethics is where true power lies.
Moreover, there is something profoundly powerful in choosing to heal rather than harm. A witch who can create life-affirming magic, who can mend the broken parts of themselves and others, is demonstrating a form of strength that transcends destruction. By focusing on healing, protection, or nurturing, a witch can engage with the world in a way that fosters growth, peace, and connection. Their magic doesn’t need to be about hexing to be effective or valuable.
As witches, we are not required to live up to someone else’s idea of what constitutes power. Whether we hex, heal, or create in entirely different ways, we are powerful because we choose to live in alignment with our highest values and purpose.
5. Moving Toward an Inclusive Witchcraft
Witchcraft, at its heart, is an incredibly diverse and personal practice. Yet the phrase “a witch who cannot hex cannot heal” often undermines this diversity by promoting a rigid and exclusionary view of what it means to be a witch. By suggesting that witches must be proficient in both hexing and healing, it dismisses the countless unique ways witches contribute to their communities and express their craft. Moving toward a more inclusive understanding of witchcraft requires challenging this phrase and the assumptions it carries.
Inclusivity begins with recognising that there is no single, universal way to practice witchcraft. Each witch brings their own background, culture, experiences, and intentions to their practice, and these differences are what make the community so rich and vibrant. A witch who focuses on healing and protection is no less valid than one who embraces hexing and baneful magic. Both contribute to the broader tapestry of magical practice, and both deserve equal respect.
To foster inclusivity, it’s essential to create spaces where witches feel free to explore their craft without fear of judgment or pressure to conform. This means rejecting hierarchies that prioritise certain types of magic over others and encouraging open dialogue about the many paths witches can take. It also involves celebrating the unique contributions of all practitioners, from those who hex to those who heal, and those who specialise in entirely different areas, such as divination, herbalism, or spirit work.
Inclusivity also requires challenging the use of phrases like “a witch who cannot hex cannot heal” as tools for gatekeeping. While the phrase might hold personal meaning for some, its broader application often serves to exclude or diminish others. Instead of using such phrases to measure legitimacy, the community can focus on supporting witches in defining their own paths and values.
Ultimately, moving toward an inclusive witchcraft means embracing the complexity and individuality of the craft. It means recognising that there is no one way to be a witch and that the true power of witchcraft lies in its diversity. By doing so, we can create a community where all witches feel empowered to practice authentically and contribute meaningfully to the magical world.
6. Building Confidence in Your Own Magical Path
For many witches, especially those just beginning their journey, phrases like "a witch who cannot hex cannot heal" can feel intimidating or even discouraging. This saying implies that there is a "right" or "complete" way to practice witchcraft, placing unnecessary pressure on individuals to conform to practices that might not resonate with their personal values or spiritual goals. Building confidence in your magical path means understanding that witchcraft is not a monolith. Every practitioner brings their own unique energy, intentions, and strengths to their practice.
Confidence grows when witches focus on what feels authentic to them. For some, this might involve deeply studying the art of healing, creating spells and remedies that uplift and support others. For others, it might mean exploring baneful magic, diving into the ethical and emotional complexities of hexing or cursing. Both paths are equally valid, and one does not negate the power or legitimacy of the other.
It’s also important to note that witchcraft is a lifelong journey. A witch who currently feels uncomfortable with hexing might find themselves drawn to it later in life when they feel more equipped to handle its complexities. Similarly, a witch who hexes freely now might later focus exclusively on restorative practices. Confidence doesn’t come from doing everything at once; it comes from trusting the evolution of your own path and knowing that you are enough as you are.
7. Challenging Harmful Narratives in the Witchcraft Community
The witchcraft community is a microcosm of larger societal dynamics, and it’s not immune to the influence of harmful narratives. The phrase “a witch who cannot hex cannot heal” is just one example of how rigid ideas can infiltrate magical spaces and create unnecessary divisions. Challenging these narratives requires collective effort and open dialogue.
One way to push back against the harmful use of this phrase is to engage in conversations that challenge its validity. Instead of accepting it at face value, witches can ask questions: Why do we equate hexing with power? Why is healing undervalued? What does balance actually look like in a magical practice? By encouraging critical thinking, we can begin to unravel the toxic assumptions that underlie such phrases and create room for more inclusive perspectives.
Another way to challenge these narratives is by sharing personal experiences. Witches who have chosen not to hex, or who specialize in healing magic, can contribute their voices to the conversation, showing that their practices are just as powerful and meaningful. Similarly, witches who do hex can share the thought processes and ethical considerations that go into their work, demonstrating that hexing is not about reckless harm but about intentional, often difficult decisions.
Finally, fostering spaces where witches can explore their practices without fear of judgment is essential. Online communities, workshops, and local gatherings can serve as supportive environments where witches feel empowered to learn, experiment, and grow. When witches feel safe to explore their craft on their own terms, the community as a whole becomes richer and more diverse.
8. Redefining Balance in Witchcraft
The concept of balance is central to many interpretations of witchcraft, and it is often invoked in defence of the phrase “a witch who cannot hex cannot heal.” Proponents argue that a balanced witch is one who understands and wields both the light and dark aspects of magic. However, this idea of balance is often oversimplified, reducing it to an arbitrary measure of a witch’s ability to hex and heal. True balance in witchcraft is far more complex and deeply personal.
For some witches, balance might mean mastering both hexing and healing, using each as the situation demands. For others, balance might involve focusing on one practice while acknowledging and respecting the other. A healer might not hex, but they can understand and appreciate the role that baneful magic plays in certain contexts. Likewise, a witch who specializes in hexing might not engage in traditional healing work, but they can still bring restorative energy into their spells by addressing injustices and protecting the vulnerable.
Balance doesn’t mean doing everything equally; it means finding harmony within your own practice. It’s about understanding your strengths and limitations, working with your values, and cultivating a sense of alignment between your actions and your intentions. When witches define balance on their own terms, they free themselves from the constraints of externally imposed standards.
9. Embracing Complexity in Magic
One of the most beautiful aspects of witchcraft is its complexity. Magic is not black or white, good or evil, healing or harming—it is all of these things and more. The phrase “a witch who cannot hex cannot heal” fails to capture this complexity, reducing witchcraft to a binary that does a disservice to the depth and richness of the craft.
Magic is inherently multifaceted, encompassing a wide range of practices, intentions, and outcomes. A single spell can contain elements of both hexing and healing, such as a curse designed to break an abuser’s power while also empowering their victim to heal. Similarly, a protection spell might carry an undercurrent of baneful energy, creating barriers that repel harm while fostering safety.
By embracing the complexity of magic, witches can move beyond simplistic phrases and explore the full spectrum of their craft. This involves not only learning about different types of magic but also engaging in introspection, questioning your motives, and understanding the ripple effects of your actions. It’s a process of constant growth and refinement, one that honors the diversity of witchcraft and the individuality of every practitioner.
10. Encouraging Ethical and Inclusive Witchcraft
As witches, we have a responsibility to approach our craft with integrity and mindfulness. This means not only examining our own practices but also considering how we contribute to the larger witchcraft community. The phrase “a witch who cannot hex cannot heal” has been used to create divisions and hierarchies, but it can also be an opportunity to foster dialogue about ethics, inclusion, and the diversity of magical practices.
Ethical witchcraft begins with self-awareness. Every witch must decide what aligns with their values and what doesn’t. For some, hexing will be a necessary and empowering tool; for others, it will feel misaligned with their purpose. Both choices are valid, and neither makes a witch more or less powerful. By respecting the decisions of others and refraining from judgment, we can create a community where all witches feel valued.
Inclusion is another key aspect of ethical witchcraft. This means embracing the many different paths that witches walk, whether they focus on healing, divination, spirit work, baneful magic, or a combination of these practices. It also means challenging narratives that exclude or diminish certain practices, like the idea that hexing is the ultimate measure of power. By celebrating the diversity of witchcraft, we can create a community that is stronger, richer, and more supportive.