Cursing and hexing, what a loaded topic. Many who are curious about witchcraft—and those who fear it—tend to be apprehensive. Set aside the Hollywood witches and sci-fi nonsense for a moment because that’s not reality.
When discussing hexes and curses, let’s first talk about justice. I highly recommend learning about Hermetic Principles, especially cause and effect. That’s usually what people new to the craft worry about—karma. Many people ask what is good or evil. I get it. This topic comes up a lot our metaphysical store, come visit!
Society has ingrained the idea that hexes and curses—or even jinxes—are inherently evil. That belief depends entirely on your perspective. Your view of the world comes from experience, and that means your perception will differ from someone else’s. This topic is no exception.
Cursing and Hexing: Karma
Good and evil remain subjective concepts, but let’s talk about karma for a moment. In the West, people treat karma like a joke, a sarcastic meme that gets thrown around daily. I’ll admit, some of those are hilarious. But dig deeper, and you’ll find that Eastern philosophy views karma differently. Karma unfolds naturally based on character, behavior, and choices.
If you kick a sleeping dog and it bites you, you caused that outcome. I don’t buy into the magical version of karma, like the Threefold Law in Wicca. I’m not Wiccan—I’m just a regular witch. If you harm a witch or someone they love, and they throw a curse your way, your own actions led to that. However, when it comes to cursing and hexing, I strongly believe in two things: the principle of cause and effect and justice. Sometimes, witches are the karma.
Hexing or Cursing for Justice
Some people refuse to retaliate, and that’s fine. Binding spells offer a non-aggressive option, but they rarely hold long enough. Some say cursing or hexing is evil, but let’s be honest—if someone tried to harm your child, would you meditate on love and light? Or would you act?
A lion doesn’t hesitate to protect its cubs. Some argue witches should always avoid harm, but no one can predict every danger. Some live quiet, safe lives, while others walk a much rougher path. I believe in doing protective, preemptive magic for myself and my loved ones. That alone prevents so much harm, both coming and going.
I don’t go about cursing and hexing for fun, but I do protect what I love. My motto is “Do no harm, but take no s**t.” That’s why I favor “return to sender” spells—perfect for those worried about karma. Stay tuned for future articles on this magic.
While some may wish pure misfortune on others, I believe intention matters. The punishment should fit the crime and teach a lesson. My hope is that offenders learn, not suffer. The why of hexes and curses matters more than the how. Don’t hex just because you’re feeling petty—you don’t want that karma.
Witches should focus most of their magic on protection, healing, and blessing others. I believe the Universe is rooted in love, but I also see nature’s savage balance.
When Are Hexes and Curses Justified?
That’s a tricky question. I can’t tell you what to believe, only what I believe. I encourage people to consider every angle before taking action, especially for cursing and hexing. That applies to magic and everyday life.
Think about real-world justice. Should a rapist walk free? Is three years in prison enough for someone who ruins lives? How about a murderer getting out in ten years? What if a predator avoids indictment due to lack of evidence? What if they hurt even more people before finally being caught?
How many times have police officers said, “Until they do something, we can’t intervene”? Legal systems range from ineffective to extreme. As a witch, I ask—why wait? When harm has already been done, and the law won’t help, why let the guilty walk free?
If a friend suffers abuse from a narcissist but feels too broken to leave, should witches just sit back? What if the law refuses to intervene?
In the end, I teach my coven members to think. I don’t tell them what is good or evil. That’s their decision. However, I provide them with the tools to develop their own moral compass.
The World of Cursing and Hexing
A curse, hex, or jinx is basically a spell packed with negative energy and fueled by anger, fear, or spite. Unlike most magic, it doesn’t even need a conscious effort to take effect. Sometimes, all it takes is pure rage and a passing “Ugh, I hate them” to send bad vibes someone’s way. Because of that, these spells are particularly dangerous. They don’t require rituals, fancy tools, or even magical knowledge. Anyone with a strong enough temper tantrum can accidentally unleash one.
Obviously, a spell of cursing or hexing cast by an actual witch will be far more precise and effective. But don’t underestimate the power of raw, unchecked hostility. The evil eye is real, and sometimes all it takes is an intense glare to shift its focus.
Relax, You’re Probably Not Cursed
Before you panic, let’s be realistic. Most people will never be cursed or throw a curse themselves. It takes a ridiculous amount of anger and focus to unconsciously be cursing and hexing someone. Most people can’t hold that level of rage long enough to do any real damage. While anyone can cast a curse, it remains rare. I get asked “am I cursed”?” more often than you’d think, this pops up in tarot readings a lot. Much of the time, the answer is no, but in a way you’ve kind of cursed yourself. It’s usually a matter of lacking healthy boundaries, poor choices and stubborn refusals to learn and grow from lessons.
But if you’re here for details, let’s break down the different levels of magical misfortune.
Jinx: The Mild Inconvenience of the Occult
While cursing and hexing are a greater extreme, a jinx is the magical equivalent of tripping over thin air at the worst possible moment. It’s annoying, but it won’t ruin your life. Jinxes usually follow patterns, appearing under specific conditions. Think of it as Murphy’s Law with a supernatural edge—every time you need things to go smoothly, they won’t.
Jinxes are hard to notice because they’re so minor. Your phone dies when you need it most, you spill coffee on yourself every morning, or every light turns red when you’re late. Annoying? Yes. Life-destroying? No.
Hex: A One-Time Magical Wrecking Ball
Of curses and hexes, a hex is a powerful, single-use spell that delivers a targeted blow. Think of it like stepping on a rake—painful, sudden, and completely disorienting. It doesn’t ruin everything, just one very specific area of your life.
For example, a hex could make sure you bomb an important speech or presentation. It won’t sabotage every public speaking opportunity forever—just this one. Maybe your voice cracks, your mind goes blank, or you spill water on yourself mid-sentence. Whatever the case, the hex ensures that this one event doesn’t go your way. It’s nearly impossible to detect unless someone warns you or you check through divination. Hexes are sneaky, waiting until just the right moment to strike. By the time you realize it, the damage has already happened.
Curse: The Absolute Worst
Of curses and hexes, curse is the magical disaster you never want to deal with. It has the targeted damage of a hex, but it doesn’t go away after one hit. Unlike a hex, a curse follows you, infecting a specific area of your life.
A curse could ensure every relationship you have ends in heartbreak or that every financial opportunity turns to dust. It doesn’t just ruin one moment; it ruins every moment connected to that aspect of your life. The worst part? Curses are the hardest to remove, and they don’t just disappear over time.
If you’re cursed, you’ll know. The signs aren’t subtle, and the bad luck doesn’t stop. Unlike a hex, which is a single unfortunate event, a curse keeps making your life miserable over and over again.
So, if you suspect you’ve been cursed, maybe it’s time to look into reversing it. Or perhaps consider making amends with whoever you angered enough to hex you in the first place. Either way, good luck. You’ll probably need it.
Stay tuned for future articles on breaking curses, hexes, and jinxes. Connect with us for more on Instagram, Facebook (Meta) or TikTok.
Thank you for clarifying the difference between the three. Very good knowledge to have.