About Us
In the depths of our souls, where the sacred meets the mystical and passion is infused with child-like wonder, WytchWood emerges as a haven for spiritual seekers and free spirits alike. We are not just a business; we are a collective of alternative souls on a profound journey of self-discovery and the exploration of the weird and wonderful. We are for the souls who wander the path less trodden.
Our Story
WytchWood was founded in October 2019 by Ben Wood, known affectionately as Benjamin WytchWood. Guided by his deep love for the alternative lifestyle, Ben set out to create something truly magical and original. His journey began with a vision to bring a product to market that represented the pure essence of nature in New England. He aimed to craft offerings that spoke to the deepest parts of our souls, embracing the wisdom of ancient traditions and the whispers of the natural world.
Ben is not just a business owner; he is a spiritual wanderer, a seeker of truth, and a devotee of the old gods. His heart resonates with the practices of Witchcraft, Wicca, Norse and Anglo-Saxon traditions, and Eastern philosophy. He weaves these sacred threads into his daily rituals, finding wisdom and inspiration in their ancient tapestry.
Born in London, UK, Ben's spiritual journey began south of the River Thames, in the Royal Borough of Greenwich. Raised by loving adoptive parents next to a large woodland area, he grew up with a soul thirsty for nature's embrace. Exploring the enchanting "Oxleas & Jack Woods" upon "Shooter's Hill" near his home, he discovered the magic that resided within the whispering trees and would often play around Severndroog Castle or visit Eltham Palace where King Henry VIII once resided. His love for spirituality, history, philosophy, tradition, fantasy, and magic blossomed, shaping the essence of his being.
Ben's path led him to embrace paganism in 2019 (at the age of 19) when he joined a UK-based LARP group and dabbled in re-enactment. Surrounded by like-minded individuals, he found inspiration in the ways of the beguiling Celtic tradition before stumbling upon the rich realms of Norse and Anglo-Saxon Heathenry some 13 years later in 2012. He then decided to start exploring Seidr & Galdr Magic three years later. This journey of spiritual exploration, rooted in nature's embrace and ancient wisdom, continues to shape his life and the vision of WytchWood. Ben, at the age of 44 (as of 2024), has now been a Pagan for 25 years and shifted his life across the Atlantic to Vermont. He spends his time partly caring for his 3-year-old daughter, exploring the Green Mountain State's many outdoor treasures with his fiancé Jessica, reading books, practicing yoga, meditation & mindfulness, exploring the spirit, playing games, hitting the gym, and training in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.
Ben's very being in the United States is due to the love he has for his daughter. WytchWood is the conduit that allows him to reside here. His visa is intrinsically linked to WytchWood, enabling him to be a present father in his daughter's life. So thank you for your continued support of this small business, because without WytchWood, he would have to return to Britain. This would be awful for his young daughter and heartbreaking for Ben.
About Benjamin WytchWood
Ben, is a Goth, a Gamer, and a lover of music. His favorite artists include Rob Zombie, Nine Inch Nails, Korn, Slipknot, Coal Chamber, Alice Cooper, Linkin Park, Static-X, Limp Bizkit, Clawfinger, as well as folk bands like Wardruna and Heilung. He is an avid player of Warhammer tabletop, World of Warcraft, The Witcher, and Baldur's Gate. A Live Action Role Player (LARPer), he loves Renaissance fairs, dressing up, and immersing himself in fantasy worlds. Ben is also a big fan of science fiction and fantasy books, movies, and TV shows. His favorite authors are H.P. Lovecraft, Anne Rice, Robert Jordan, J.R.R. Tolkien, and George R.R. Martin. Additionally, he enjoys anime, manga, and all alternative aesthetics.
Spiritually, Ben is a Heathen who does not conform to a specific religion. He practices a little magic, spellwork, and ritual when he has time. His practice is mainly private to him and he considers himself an amateur Warlock.
He dreams of building a WytchWood Retail Village in Vermont, an immersive medieval fantasy world externally but with diverse alternative interests internally, from spiritual to fictional shops. Ben also aspires to make enough money to help charities as the WytchWood brand grows, aiming to assist those less fortunate, the sick, and the infirm. He envisions making a small corner of Vermont a more attractive tourist destination, bringing smiles to people's faces through various fantasy aesthetics, and supporting numerous charitable causes.
Our Mission
At WytchWood, our mission transcends the boundaries of commerce; it is a calling to serve the community and make a positive impact. We believe in the interconnectedness of mind, body, and spirit, recognizing that true well-being arises from nurturing all aspects of ourselves. We aspire to create a world where every child experiences a magical and golden childhood, free from harm and filled with love. Thus, we have committed ourselves to philanthropy, supporting charities that aid children in need. At checkout, you too can donate to Alex's Lemonade Stand, a charity for children fighting cancer. We believe that by using our platform and financial stability, we can help create a brighter future for the young ones who deserve our love and care. This care also starts from the womb, as WytchWood employees benefit from excellent maternity and paternity leave policies.
We also care considerably and deeply about the natural world around us and are always trying to update our practices to better serve our planet and its environment for all creatures great and small.
Our Vision for a WytchWood Village
At WytchWood, our vision extends beyond the boundaries of traditional commerce; we are on a mission to create a magical and immersive experience for all who seek a connection to the spiritual, mystical and the fantastical. Inspired by the charm and craftsmanship of Tudor architecture, our dream is to build a WytchWood Village - a pedestrianized haven where every corner exudes enchantment and wonder.
Imagine strolling through winding pathways lined with authentic Tudor buildings, each meticulously designed to reflect the beauty and strength of this historical style. Each building containing a different themed shop from a fellow small buiness owner or a themed restaurant with delicious food and culinary treats!. Surrounding you are walkways bursting with flowers and lined with majestic maple trees, their leaves whispering tales of ancient magick. Water features, including a charming wishing well, invite you to pause and make a wish under the canopy of a talking willow tree, a friendly guardian of the village.
"A combination of Salem, MA, Sleepy Hollow, NY and Mystic, CT with all the fun of a Renaissance Fair and Cosplay shenanigans!"
WytchWood Village is a celebration of all things whimsical and fantastical. It is a place where dragons watch over you, where you can take a photo with a fairy or explore a hobbit hole. Every element is thoughtfully curated to offer something for every dreamer, gamer, bookworm, and movie fan. From the enchanting realms of Alice in Wonderland and Peter Pan to the dark allure of the Addams Family and Beetlejuice, there is a corner of the village for every imagination. For those who embrace the eerie and the macabre, Dracula and horror-themed attractions await.
Our aesthetic draws from Witchcore, Goblincore, Gothcore, Fairycore, Cottagecore, and beyond, ensuring that there is a perfect nook for everyone who visits. We also honor the old gods with a Viking-styled temple and a Greek/Roman-styled temple, offering spaces for spiritual reflection and reverence.
WytchWood Village is more than a destination; it is a community built on the ideals of love, kindness, and the celebration of diverse passions. As our vision comes to life, we remain committed to making a positive impact on the world, supporting charities, and creating a sanctuary where joy, creativity, and fantasy thrive.
Join us on this magical journey as we bring WytchWood Village to life—a place where dreams become reality, and every visit is a step into a story waiting to be told.
So, dear kindred spirits, join us in this mystical journey as we honor ancient traditions, awaken our inner child, dabble in our magic, and embrace the wonders of the natural world. Let WytchWood be your guide, your sanctuary of exploration, and your beacon of light in a world seeking deeper meaning and connection while exploring all the fun of the fantastical.
May your path be illuminated by the infinite possibilities that lie within, and may you find solace and inspiration within the embrace of our magical community.
Remember, consideration to others, positivity and a lack of ignorance are the key to happiness.