12 Famous Witches Who Will Leave You Spellbound

Discover 12 famous witches and the enchanting vibes they brought into our world.

Broomsticks, bubbling cauldrons, potions, black cats, and maybe a crooked nose and warts thrown in for good measure – that’s what we often picture when we think of witches, thanks to books, movies, and the stories we’ve heard.

But in real life, witches are often just regular folks like you and me. They’re everyday people who happen to possess a special gift – whether it’s healing, divination, or something else altogether. There have been some famous witches throughout history who’ve worked their magic and left an indelible mark on the world.

Some of these famous witches are pretty well-known, while others might not be as familiar and are more rooted in folklore, but all of them have played a part in shaping the way modern witches practice their craft.

In this blog post, we’re going to take a closer look at the lives of some of the most influential and famous witches from both history and folklore, exploring why getting to know them is truly worth it.

Who Are the Famous Witches in History?

When it comes to folklore and legends, some of the famous witches from the following list are wrapped in mystery. They were often totally misunderstood and feared. Whether it’s the bone-chilling Baba Yaga or the heart-wrenching La Llorona, each witch brings her own story to the table, with secrets you don’t want to miss.

1.) BABA YAGA

Let’s begin with one of the OG famous witches in Slavic Folklore – Baba Yaga. She’s been around since ancient times and still pops up in Russian tales today. With her hut on chicken legs, she’s pretty creepy-looking, but don’t let that fool you.

Despite looking like something out of a nightmare, Baba Yaga got wisdom for days. She is like that tough yet loving grandma who’ll help you out or mess with you, depending on your courage.

Baba Yaga is not some one-dimensional villain. She’s got layers and will lend a hand to those who earn her respect. 

2.) LA LLORONA

I came across the story of La Llorona in this amazing book called “Women Who Run With The Wolves” by Clarissa Pinkola Estés, and it blew my mind!

La Llorona’s legend goes way back to Spanish colonial Mexico, and it’s one of those tales that sticks with you. She was a beautiful woman who, because of heartbreak and madness, ended up drowning her own kids. She’s immediately filled with regret, realizing the enormity of what she’s done. Instead of finding peace after death, she’s cursed to wander the earth forever, searching desperately for her lost children.

It’s like a cautionary tale, reminding us of how dangerous unchecked grief and despair can be. That’s why people often think of her as a witch – she’s got all these supernatural vibes, like appearing out of nowhere, hanging around water, and giving people major chills when they come across her.

3.) MARIE LAVEAU

One of the most famous witches in history to know about is Marie Laveau. Back in the 19th century, she ruled the witch scene in the heart of Louisiana, leaving a legacy that still influences the city today.

People from all over came to her for guidance and blessings, thanks to her legendary rituals and ceremonies.

However, Marie Laveau’s journey to becoming the voodoo queen wasn’t all sunshine and rainbows. Born into slavery, she faced enormous hardships and found strength in her deep connection to the spirits and her faith in magic.

Marie wasn’t an average sorceress – she was a symbol of resilience and strength. She was also engaged in the social and political scene of New Orleans. Using her voodoo queen status, she fought for the rights of the city’s marginalized communities, proving she was more than just a famous witch – she was a force to be reckoned with.

4.) LA VOISIN

Ever heard of La Voisin? She’s a big name in the world of famous witches from 17th-century France, ruling the Parisian underworld with her dark arts and alchemy. The elite couldn’t get enough of her potions and spells for power and wealth. But as she was craving more recognition, she dove deeper into the world of black magic and forbidden rituals.

Despite her shady reputation, she’s a complex figure, fighting her way through a society dominated by men. Her dark arts were survival tactics in a world of inequality, yet she also offered help to those in need. 

5.) MADAME BLAVATSKY

In the 19th century, Madame Blavatsky was a well-known face in the esoteric scene, standing tall among the ranks of famous witches.

Her teachings and writings about the mystical and occult not only shaped the vibe of her time but also left a lasting influence for generations to come. Madame Blavatsky’s journey to enlightenment started in her youth with mystical visions that shook her to the core.

Despite getting major side-eyes from both the scientific and religious communities of her time, she kept believing in the supernatural, challenging traditional beliefs.

One of her most notable works, “The Secret Doctrine”, is the ultimate guide to enlightenment and truth-seeking. It encourages people to think outside the box when it comes to understanding reality and spirituality.

6.) BEFANA

Let’s talk about another famous witch with a heart of gold: Befana. In the wild folklore of Italy, Befana is a magical lady who flies through the night on Epiphany Eve, spreading treats to all the children across the land. Picture her on her broomstick, lugging around her sack of goodies, bringing joy and laughter to every doorstep. Wouldn’t it be sweet to be a kid again?

7.) LAURIE CABOT

Another rock star among famous witches is Laurie Cabot. Her influence in the modern witchcraft community shaped the way we approach magic today. 

Laurie’s philosophy is all about that deep connection to nature and ancient traditions. She sees witchcraft as a sacred journey that transforms us from the inside out. Even today, Laurie inspires witches worldwide, encouraging us all to tap into our natural magic and embrace who we really are.

8.) TITUBA

When it comes to famous witches in history, Tituba is one name you can’t overlook. She lived during the 17th century in colonial Massachusetts, right in the middle of all the drama.

And by drama, I mean the infamous Salem witch trials of 1692 – a crazy time when everyone was losing their minds over witchcraft. Poor Tituba became a tragic figure in the middle of it all.

She was originally from Barbados and ended up being enslaved by Reverend Samuel Parris, who was a minister in Salem Village. She got accused of witchcraft and was forced to confess to things she didn’t even do! Practicing some folk magic, she basically became the scapegoat for everyone’s fears and prejudices at the time.

Her story is like a sad reminder of how dangerous ignorance and superstition can be.

9.) JENNY GREENTEETH

Jenny Greenteeth is a well-known character in English folklore, especially in regions like Lancashire, Cheshire, and Shropshire. Among famous witches, she stands out as the sinister spirit of waterways, haunting ponds and rivers to scare unwary passersby. Parents tell stories about her to make sure their children stay safe near water.

10.) MORGAN LE FAY

Morgan le Fay, also known as Morgana, was more than just King Arthur’s half-sister. She was a force of nature. Her legendary spells and shape-shifting abilities are the stuff of folklore.

What sets her apart from other famous witches is her diverse skill set – not only did she practice dark magic – but some stories say she knew a ton about healing herbs, too.

Beyond that, Morgan le Fay’s legacy is proof of women’s resilience in a male-dominated world, which makes her an icon in both folklore and literature.

11.) MOTHER SHIPTON

Mother Shipton, or Ursula Southeil as she was really called, is a big deal in English folklore. Back in the early 16th century, she was a well-known fortune-teller, predicting things that would make your hair stand on end.

Her prophecies were like a peek into the future – she even supposedly saw Mary Queen of Scots getting executed! They called her the “Yorkshire Sibyl” because of her ability to predict everything from natural disasters to political drama.

Unlike a lot of other famous witches, Mother Shipton didn’t meet some grim fate – she died naturally and was laid to rest on the outskirts of York in 1561.

12.) PAMELA COLEMAN SMITH

Pamela Coleman Smith, often overlooked in traditional witch folklore. But she is an important figure in the mystical art scene.

Pamela’s claim to fame lies in her awesome illustrations for the Rider-Waite-Smith tarot deck. Her drawings popularized tarot as a tool for divination and self-reflection.

So, while she might not stir cauldrons or chant spells, Pamela Coleman Smith still earns her spot among famous witches for being a total visionary in the realm of esoteric arts.

Famous Witches and Their Legacy

This list of famous witches and their stories shows us just how complex and deep a life can be. They faced all sorts of challenges, victories, and heartbreaks – as they journeyed toward enlightenment.

It is kind of amazing how the idea of famous witches still grabs our attention after all this time. In a world where magic sometimes takes a backseat to fear and misunderstanding, let’s take a cue from these famous witches in history and embrace our own inner spark. We’ve all got a bit of magic inside us.