Tag: witchcraft

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History Ancient Practices

The history of witches can teach us a lot about ourselves

A person dressed all in black with a witch hat holding a jack-o-lantern in front of green foliage.
[Image description: A person dressed all in black with a witch hat holding a jack-o-lantern in front of green foliage.] Via Ksenia Yakovleva on Unsplash

I was a child angel for several consecutive Halloweens. Dressed all in white, with a halo attached to my head and gauzy wings sprouting from my shoulder blades, I smiled beatifically at the camera. It was what I wanted, in my heart of hearts, too: to be pure, angelic, and perfect.

I never would have been a witch for Halloween. Witches wore black, had tall pointy hats, warts on their noses, cauldrons in which they mixed up hateful potions. Witches are the antithesis of angels. At least until I grew a little older and started investigating my own feminism and realized: witches are just women with a bit of power. That’s why they’re scary. That’s why they’re “bad.”


Growing up, I was also under the impression that witches were merely fictional. That magic wasn’t real, and it only existed in TV shows, movies, and books. These days I know better. There are witches out there — I even know some — and rather than being wart-ridden, cackling wretches who exist to eat the hearts of pretty young maidens, they are genuinely some of the kindest, most caring people I’ve met. They just happen to have a deeper connection to nature and the spiritual realm than many of us. Though witches do not have to be women, many are (at least the ones in my circles) and I think that makes the fear glow brighter.

Witches are just women with a bit of power. That’s why they’re scary.

In America, we’re almost all familiar with the Salem witch trials. But it turns out people were being burned at the stake for witchcraft across the Atlantic even decades before those famous burnings. In Europe, over the course of approximately 400 years, as many as 60,000 people were killed for being accused of witchcraft. According to one theory, it was economically driven by the religious leaders of the day.

As someone who grew up in an evangelical household, I never questioned that negative view of witches, which was that anyone who did not follow God was, obviously, following the devil. It took years of unlearning for me to reach a place where I didn’t see the world through such black and white lenses. I’m now rather fascinated by witchcraft and witches. According to an article on History.com, “Many modern-day witches still perform witchcraft, but there’s seldom anything sinister about it.”

In my experience, witchcraft is often a pathway for people to tap into their deepest selves and to connect to the universe around them. There is also a legit religion, Wicca, whose believers practice witchcraft. 

“Many modern-day witches still perform witchcraft, but there’s seldom anything sinister about it.”

In pop culture, witches are sometimes seen as evil. I can’t stop thinking about the witches in Stardust, a movie I must admit I adore, who were power-hungry and willing to kill and destroy anyone in order to preserve their youth. Evil is in the name of the Wicked Witch of the West, too. 

Of course, pop culture witches aren’t all bad. Take Willow in Buffy the Vampire Slayer. Although she goes through a dark phase, she’s ultimately seen as fighting her evil urges in order to be good.

One of my favorite witches in pop culture is Wanda the Scarlet Witch of Marvel fame. To be fair, I’ve never read the comic source material, but the movie and TV show character, played by Elizabeth Olsen, holds a very special place in my heart. She does terrible things in her grief and pain, and frankly, I can relate. I watched (and sobbed through) Wandavision earlier this year because though I’ve never confronted the specific griefs Wanda faced, I have my own share of trauma I’m trying to deal with on my own, without hurting others.

Do you see the lesson we can learn from the way witches in pop culture navigate their powers? How their tales, whether fictional or real, can be relatable for all of us suffering grief, trauma, or depression?

I think, ultimately, that if you were an angel or a witch for Halloween, it’s fine, as long as you have respect. Respect for the choices of others that might be different from yours, and respect for the people populating our lives who look a little different, act a little different and connect a little differently.

Read A Discovery of Witches by Deborah Harkness!

For more Tempest History, check out our Ancient Practices series!

Categories
Book Reviews Book Club Pop Culture Interviews

Witches are at the forefront of the Suffragette movement in Alix E. Harrow’s “The Once and Future Witches”

Why have regular activists when you can have activist witches? I found the perfect combination of the two in Alix E. Harrow’s new novel The Once and Future Witches.

We’ve all heard the witch tales told to us as little girls – the Wicked Witch of the West was a popular one in my childhood. She is so widely hated by people because of the inconvenience she causes Dorothy, but I secretly liked her better. She made the story. Why are we taught that the witches are always the villains of the story?

Author Alix E. Harrow recalls tales told in her childhood, “There are witches in so many of our stories,” she says in an exclusive interview with The Tempest, “creeping along the margins, waiting at crossroads and hexing babies; I guess it was only a matter of time before we started dragging them out into the light.” And drag to the light she did.

The Once and Future Witches is a novel that centers around injustices that, sadly, are still all too familiar to modern-day society, legal, economic, social and racial. The story is set in 1893, during the time of the suffragette movement, and did I mention that the main characters are activist witches?

Harrow admits that the idea wasn’t entirely hers: “I wish I could say it came to me in a dream, but the honest truth is that I was trying really hard to come up with a new novel idea, and my husband said, ‘you should do witches, but like, activists.'” And from there, The Once and Future Witches was born; a story combining the modern understanding of witchery with the age-old movement of the Suffragettes.

The protagonists of the book, the three Eastwood sisters, display a sense of morality that isn’t heard of from witches in the tales stemming from centuries ago; they are activists fighting for their rights as women. But can they balance witchery and activism? 

There are so many characters that you come to love in this book; my favorite happens to be James Juniper, the youngest of all the Eastwood sisters, on a journey to leave her traumatic past behind. She also happens to be the most dedicated to her roots and a proud witch – something that is consistently frowned upon within the pages of this book and is a trait that makes her incredibly appealing in the new age of activism.


Juniper is the first to become involved with the women’s suffrage movement, later involving her sisters. However, the movement itself is not just for the rights of women, it also serves as a coverup for the Eastwood sisters’ own growing power throughout the city of New Salem; a force that reconciled the sisterhood of these three and brought forward a new sisterhood between the women of New Salem.

Agnes Amaranth is the middle sister and a solitary individual, and Alix Harrow’s favorite: “I had a newborn and a two-year-old while I was writing this book, and the idea of a character who found strength in motherhood, rather than sentimentality or weakness or softness is one that mattered a great deal to me.” 

Last but certainly not least, we have Beatrice Belladonna, the eldest of the sisters and the insatiable bookworm of the trio. Beatrice is bursting at the seams for knowledge of her ancestors and finds herself digging deeper and deeper into her emotions and knowledge about witchcraft with the aid of her new friend. Beatrice’s love of books resonates with many readers and although on the surface Beatrice has less going on in her life than her sisters, it is truly a wonderful experience to watch such an introverted character bloom into a powerful presence. 

My favorite thing about The Once and Future Witches happens to be how starkly different each of the Eastwood sisters are: there’s a part of everyone in each of these sisters, making them relatable to any reader. It is also quite refreshing to see the characters find pride in being women in a time where it was shunned.


But, throughout History, where there are women, there are injustices and at its very core, The Once and Future Witches is a story about all of these struggles whilst being a disliked member of society. As Harrow so wonderfully puts it,  “All of us grew up on stories of wicked witches. The villages they cursed, the plagues they brewed. We need to show people what else we have to offer, give them better stories.”

Witchery is an essential part of history and literature. From the tales in the literary canon and children’s books to the ones in crime history and newspapers, it’s fair to say that witches haven’t always been depicted as the most just beings. The author of The Once and Future Witches dives deep into the set of fears surrounding the inversions of the natural order. Witches are often portrayed as promiscuous rather than chaste housewives; they prey on children rather than bear them and they curse houses rather than keep them. The nineteenth-century nailed in the gender roles of our society with witches being the feminine form of evil – but not the protagonists of this book. 

The Eastwood sisters alongside many of the other characters find themselves facing an age-old battle that women appear to be destined to fight for the longevity of their time. “I wouldn’t necessarily want to declare that it’s some sort of grand allegory for the #MeToo movement, which involves real women in the real world.” Harrows says, “But all the injustices my characters deal with – legal, economic, social, racial, are absolutely still with us.”

Whether it’s an issue of classism or the economical stance of women in society, Harrow taps into our innermost subconscious, allowing us to see an age-old story with modern eyes in the best way; through the lives of witches. “I think the thing that fantasy can do better than any other genre is literalize experiences that are metaphorical – it can make the invisible suddenly visible. Women’s sociopolitical power is an invisible, uncertain quantity that shifts according to class, race, sexuality, ability, and identity. But with witchcraft–I could make it visible.”

The Once and Future Witches was a great read for me personally: though I’ve never villainized the witches, I’ve never thought to put them in the position of the heroes either. I was surprised just how much I connected with the main character James Juniper – her wit and charm as well as her pride had me rooting for her the entire way through. And although witches have never been traditionally written as humane, this was the most human I’ve read them to be and definitely the most I’ve connected with them.

This book is eloquently crafted and depicts the long-lasting journey that women have been on since the beginning of time and fills you with a sense of righteousness. Remnants of beautiful yet powerful messages are hidden in the charming words you’d come to expect from an Alix E. Harrow’s story. “With my first book (the take away) was a sense of wonder and nostalgia. With this one, it’s righteous anger, and the thing underneath righteous anger, which is almost always hope.”

We are hosting a giveaway of the book on our Instagram, stay tuned! Or, if you absolutely can’t wait to read “The Once and Future Witches”, get it now on The Tempest’s bookshop supporting local bookstores here or on Amazon here.

Categories
History Forgotten History Lost in History

What the Blair Witch fable reveals about 17th-century women

Black background with white texts saying "The Blair Witch Project"
Blair witch from IMDB

In the spirit for more spooky stories? Check out our Halloween series!

The summer of 1999 was captured by The Blair Witch Project, a documentary-style movie that burst into theatres and enthralled audiences.

The Blair Witch is barely seen in the film, just as a towering terror that wipes out the lives of a few curious teens. But that’s not how the story began. Filmmakers drew the inspiration for the Blair Witch from the fable of Moll Dyer. The story did more than scare children, it revealed how women were portrayed in the 17th century.

The story of Moll Dyer

Moll Dyer was an elderly, single woman who lived on the outskirts of a small Maryland settlement in the late 1600s. We’re not sure exactly what she looked like, as there are very conflicting opinions. Some sources cite her as a “hag” while others recount her as a lovely older woman. All sources describe Dyer as exceptionally tall for a woman, with most men in the town barely hitting her frail shoulders. This difference already made her an outsider, and her oddities did nothing to remedy that.



Dyer’s exploits upset the townsfolk. She was not wealthy and so would seek out monetary contributions or request food. But for the other residents of this Maryland town, this behavior was not as concerning as her frequent incantations and habit for foraging for herbs.

Dyer was an outcast, so when the townsfolk experienced a frigid winter, they had an easy target to blame. The only explanation for this terrible season could be a vengeful witch. In 1697 an angry mob swarmed Dyer’s modest home. There was no trial and she didn’t even have a chance to explain herself. The mob set Dyer’s home aflame. But they didn’t stick around to see her burn.

Dyer fled her burning house and hid in the woods. However, due to the cold temperatures, she froze to death before she could make it to safety. Dyer was found with her hand reached up to the sky and knees perched on a rock. Dyer’s body stayed in this position for days, until someone found her petrified body.

From that point on the townsfolk believed Dyer had used her final strength to curse them. And they all lived in fear of what that curse would bring.

Moll Dyer may never have lived. It’s very possible that her story is all that ever existed of her. But the Blair Witch fable reveals cultural perceptions of women during that time, and for the years after when the story was shared around packed campfires.

“Witch” was a term thrown at women who existed outside of cultural norms. Women who were unmarried, divorced, widowed, childless, had too many children or were too outspoken. With that characterization, it’s easy to understand how Dyer was thrown into the category.

Throughout the fable, It’s clear that Dyer made a fatal mistake. She remained unmarried. This romantic choice meant she was already a social pariah. Dyer did not conform to traditional family values that ruled colonial society. Because she did not have a husband to support her she had to wander into the town to beg for sustenance. This reminded the townsfolk of her curious antics whenever she was in sight and placed an emphasis on her otherness.

Lasting impact

Women have been blamed for hardships since Adam and Eve, witchcraft claims were just the latest installment of a misogynistic trend. When men were unwilling to take responsibility for their failings or insecurities, they would project them onto women who were outside of their social circle. But these prosecutors wouldn’t have been successful without the willful approval of their female counterparts. Women turned against each other for the approval of their community. These fables are built upon settlers turning against the most vulnerable, and then controlling the narrative after they condemned the innocent.

In 17th-century terms, all of Moll Dyer’s actions may point to “witch,” but that’s not a 1999 thought. This story lived on for hundreds of years, retelling the same narrative. People in the 20th century anticipated vengeance based on irrational fears from 1697. The misplaced anger of a starving town has led to the continued tale of an exiled older woman cursing the innocent. Dyer’s true story has been erased by her persecutors.

Part of woman's face looking into camera while crying
“Blair Witch Project” still from John Squires via bloody-disgusting.com

The Blair Witch Project’s guerrilla marketing campaign left viewers confused about the authenticity of the film and led to a lasting impact on marketing and horror movies for decades to come. But the “real” Blair Witch left a lasting impact on the perceptions of women in American colonial society. 

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Categories
History It Happened Once

I Googled the Salem Witch Trials so you don’t have to – and they are hella confusing

This is a drawing of a court scene from the Salem Witch Trials. A woman wearing a black and white dress is standing on a stand in the middle of the court in handcuffs and is surrounded by spectators.
[Image description: A drawing of a court scene from the Salem Witch Trials. A woman wearing a black and white dress is standing on a stand in the middle of the court in handcuffs and is surrounded by spectators.] Via Washington Post

As a part of our Halloween series this year, since we’ll be mentioning witches a lot, let’s talk about the Salem Witch Trials and how the events that took place do not make any sense.

Honestly, after reading a bunch about the “trials,” I still do not really understand what happened or why it happened. Suggestions about fungus causing illnesses and other analyses on political issues within Salem at the time are speculations that are often used to try to explain the trials. But, you have to admit that there are a bunch of missing pieces in the story. The whole thing sounds like complete chaos to me!

I have so many questions. Like, why did they randomly believe the claims of young girls without any true evidence? Who really thought that allowing spectral evidence was a good idea? How were the accused supposed to prove to a court that they were not actually witches? And lastly, what were the true reasons and motivations behind this tragedy?

So let me explain what all went down in Salem, Massachusetts in 1692 and 1693.  It all began when the daughter and niece of Reverend Samuel Parris, the minister of Salem Village, began having violent fits, intense contortions, and uncontrollable outbursts such as screaming. After a local doctor in Salem could not find anything physically wrong with 9-year-old Elizabeth Parris an 11-year-old Abigail Williams, he diagnosed them and other young girls within the community that showed similar behaviors and symptoms with bewitchment. This first diagnosis of witchcraft led to the imprisonment of over 200 people and 20 hangings throughout Massachusetts.

Puritan pioneers first settled in the Massachusetts Bay Colony in 1630. During this time, the Puritan communities established their own theocratic government systems. Theocracy is a form of government largely led and structured by those who believed to be divinely guided. The government and legal system are structured based on religious law.

You still with me?

The Puritans believed that the Devil could give individuals on Earth powers in return for their loyalty. (and that isn’t even the most ridiculous claim) Those who received powers from the Devil were called witches. The principle of witchcraft became prevalent in 14th century Europe, where between the 1300s and 1600s, thousands of people, the majority being women, were executed for accusations of witchcraft. Under the legal structure in Salem, an individual who consorted with the Devil was considered a criminal. The punishment for committing such a crime was hanging, yikes!

During the time of the Salem Witch Trials, the community was stressed and struggling. The King William’s War put a strain on the community’s resources. Additionally, there was a rivalry between wealthy families and the working class that depended on forms of agriculture. There was also an on-going smallpox epidemic and fear of attack from neighboring Native Americans. The stressful and anxiety-fueled climate of the community led to ongoing tensions and suspicions among the Puritan villagers.


After the diagnosis of bewitchment, a few of the “bewitched” young girls blamed three women for bewitching them. The first is Tituba, an enslaved woman from the Caribbean bought by the Reverend Parris. The second woman was Sarah Good, a homeless beggar.  And lastly, an impoverished elderly woman named Sarah Osborne. Of course, all three of the accused women were considered “outsiders” based on race and/or class. (Is anyone shocked?)

It remains unclear if the girls were persuaded or forced to accuse these three women. However, I think that the social statuses and positions of the women in society should be considered when trying to interpret the potential reasons that these three women in particular were actually accused of the crime of witchcraft.

This is where the whole thing launched full speed into a downward spiral to me. The imprisonment of the three women led to further paranoia in a society that already suffered from numerous stresses. Good and Osborne claimed that they were not guilty; while Tituba confessed and named other witches who were working along with her against the Puritans to receive repentance. In response to Tituba claiming other individuals were also practicing witchcraft, the governor of Massachusetts ordered the establishment of the Court of Oyer and Terminer to pass judgment on witchcraft cases.

The accusations of witchcraft continued to spread across the Massachusetts colonies against mostly women and a few men (which I did not know). Similarly to Tituba, those accused confessed and named others who practiced witchcraft. The court allowed testimony based on spectral evidence. This refers to evidence that is based on visions, dreams, and a person’s spirit. The testimony was based on witnesses claiming that they interacted with or saw a person’s spirit, in place of basing testimony on a person’s physical actions. The trails lacked focus on truth and investigation. Under religious practices, the courts preferred that the accused confessed, asked for forgiveness, and vowed to not engage with the Devil again.

After years and the (unlawful) deaths and imprisonment of so many people, the Court of Oyer and Terminer was finally replaced with the Superior Court of Judicature, the testimony of spectral evidence was no longer allowed, and the trials were deemed unlawful. In 1697, the General Court ordered a day of fasting and soul-searching due to the events that had occurred during the trials. Additionally, in 1711, the families affected received reinstitution and the restoration of the names. However, it was not until the 1950s that Massachusetts formally apologized for the event.

The whole story is definitely a lot to digest, but it did give me a lot to think about.

While many aspects of the Salem Witch Trails are perplexing, within this tragedy remains lessons that should be reflected on and questioned today. It remains crucial to have objectivity, to think about the consequences of unjustly punishing individuals, to be cautious of the use of fear within the justice system, and to foresee the damages of groupthink going unquestioned.

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Categories
Bollywood Movies Pop Culture

Netflix’s Bulbbul and the too common depiction of Bengali women as witches

The image shows a still from the movie Bulbbul with two women wearing traditional Bengali wear.
[Image description: Still from the movie Bulbbul with two women wearing traditional Bengali wear.] Via Bulbbul on Netflix

Content warning: mentions of rape and suicide. Also, spoilers.

Bulbbul is a Netflix original movie that is a hauntingly beautiful supernatural thriller. I deem it to be a fairytale, rather than one which delves more into the horror genre, because tackling the demons of patriarchy is honestly the fairytale we all deserve.

Bulbbul is the tale of a child-bride during the Bengal presidency in India, who is a victim to patriarchy, domestic abuse, and rape, subsequently dying of trauma. She eventually turns into a demon (but is deemed as a Devi or a Goddess) and slashes men who do women wrong. The entire movie with the red and pink overtones, the late 19th-century British regality and Bulbbul’s jewels and sarees is a feast for the eyes. The domestic abuse that is portrayed is triggering and heart-wrenching, but true in this modern society nonetheless. However, my article is not a review of the movie but a link to the relevance with modern Bengali society in current times.

I am sure Sushant Singh Rajput’s case is currently famous, not just because of the significance because of his mental health struggles but because it has become an entire conspiracy theory. I am not commenting on either the justification of making it into a conspiracy or even trying to argue about whether it is a murder case or not. I am simply going to direct the relevance of the case with the movie that is Bulbbul.

Rhea Chakraborty, who came forward as Sushant’s girlfriend right after his death in June, has been accused of aiding and abetting into the murder of Sushant, and consequently allegedly accused of money laundering and shifting his assets. Rhea is an actress who was found with huge lumpsum amount of money transferred from Sushant’s bank accounts. Sushant was believed to have been murdered for money. This whole conspiracy aside, I bring her name into this article for a legitimate reason. No, I am not going into the conspiracy takes, but talking solely about Rhea Chakraborty here. Rhea is a Bengali woman, who has been accused of witchcraft and dark arts solely because she is Bengali and an independent woman.

The sheer mass of comments against Bengali women in India (I am a proud Bengali) has left my mind numb. Bengali women are headstrong, opinionated, and independent and have been fighting patriarchy for the longest time. We women are raised in a familial household where we are taught to rebel. Since Raja Rammohan Roy helped abolish Sati (the burning of live women along with their dead husbands on the funeral pyre), Bengali women have come forward and advocated for women. Our community has managed to help and break through the patriarchal sociological roots, with the help of men and women alike. We are taught to embrace our sexuality, and encouraged to be whoever we want to be.

Characters in Bengali works created by women such as Mahasweta Devi, Ashapurna Devi, Leela Majumdar, etc are feminists and have been breaking patriarchal barriers for a long time. To accuse us of witchcraft and black magic because we happen to be strong is literally equivalent to witches being burnt alive in Salem.

This is why I decided to pen my incoherent thoughts into an article, because what else can a writer do?

Netflix’s Bulbbul depicts a child bride’s transformation into a young woman who gets brutally beaten up and raped and eventually transforms into a demon during a blood moon. Bulbbul and her brother-in-law Satya share romantic intimacy because they are closer in age, and frequently share stories about witchcraft and demons amongst themselves. Bulbbul who gets married to the very old Indranil at the tender age of five finds comfort in Satya who is almost a friend from the beginning of the movie. Their relationship, however, drives Indranil, Bulbbul’s husband, into a jealous, angry rage. He beats her mercilessly, mutilating her legs. While recovering from her grievous injuries, she also ends up raped by her other brother-in-law, Mahendra, and thus she ultimately dies.

So, we as viewers can equally predict that it is Bulbbul who has turned into a witch, Daayan, and is killing men around in the Bengali city. This prediction might be unsurprising but doesn’t fail to make our hearts ache.

The witch Bulbbul, who has imbibed within herself the fearlessness and blood-lust of Kali, is killing men to save the women, because that is what she has become reduced to. Her death brings her the solace that she never received in her otherwise destructive marriage filled with marital abuse. She kills her rapist and to see a woman get justice brings us unequivocal happiness because we can’t stand torturous depictions of patriarchy even in movies. It is satisfying to see the men get what they deserve.

Why Bulbbul stands true in modern times, despite being set 200 years ago is because patriarchy hasn’t faded, even though centuries have passed. Women who can think and fend for themselves are still called a “fucking bitch”. Bengali women are still being termed as witches. I can’t deny Rhea’s involvement in Sushant’s case, and I won’t comment about the entire murder/suicide spin. But you can’t take this situation to paint an entire community of women in a disgusting light.

Unlike the movie’s portrayal of Bengali women, not all Bengali women are witches. Yes, we are independent and strong, vocal and determined. And, we want to destroy rape culture, and protect women. However, we don’t use our dark magic powers to dominate males. Like Lady Lazarus, “…we eat men like air.” And, if all of us had the power to manipulate magic, we would have ended misogyny, sexism, and solved problems of climate change long ago.

Our community boasts of unapologetic women, witches even, like the ever-powerful Ipsita Roy Chakraverti. We are not ashamed of what we are and who we are. Perpetuating misogynistic stereotypes and enforcing the idea that Bengali women are witches is disgusting. Again, little else can be expected from the rape culture normalized society like ours. However, like Bulbbul, our pain as women living under misogynistic shrouds rings through and every day we try to be better feminists.

Bulbbul is a devastatingly beautiful tale of a predictable story but with a supernatural, beautiful twist. With fantastic acting by Tripti Dimri, Avinash Tiwari, Paoli Dam, Rahul Bose and Parambrata Chattopadhyay, and wonderful direction by Anvita Dutt, it will make your heart ache.

Watch it on Netflix because it will move you to tears by the end of it, and make you want to believe in magic so you can destroy the evils of patriarchy. So you can stop womankind from being called “witches” in a derogatory way.

 

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Categories
Movies Humor Books Pop Culture

23 things that set a Potterhead apart from regular fans

[Image description: A young trio stand in a busy mess hall. They're dressed in school jumpers and comprise one light brown-haired girl on the left, a dark-haired boy in the middle, and a red-haired boy on the right. They're all white.] Via Warner Bros
[Image description: A young trio stand in a busy mess hall. They're dressed in school jumpers and comprise one light brown-haired girl on the left, a dark-haired boy in the middle, and a red-haired boy on the right. They're all white.] Via Warner Bros

Similar to many 90s babies, I too credit J.K. Rowling for sparking my love of reading. One fateful day in 2001, my eldest sister sat me down with Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban. Little did she know that that one act would turn her youngest sibling into a raving Potterhead.

Since, I’ve lived and breathed anything HP-related. I read the series countless times, I held debates with my siblings over why the order of birth should not be taken into consideration when deciding who gets to read the newest release first, I dropped references into everyday conversations, I memorized the spells, and so much more.

So, whether your love (read: obsession) is anything like mine or not, here are 23 signs of an absolute Potterhead.

1. You’ve read the series multiple times

A white, young cartoon woman swings around in joy with a book in hand. She has brown hair, tied in a ponytail, and is dressed in a white-and-blue dress. She is outside in a village setting.
[Image description: A white, young cartoon woman swings around in joy with a book in hand. She has brown hair, tied in a ponytail, and is dressed in a white-and-blue dress. She is outside in a village setting.] Via Tenor

This one’s a given. After all, why would a Potterhead deprive themselves of any chance to jump back into the world of witchcraft and wizardry?

2. You’ve also read the three supplementary titles that were released

A white, young animated woman enthusiastically picks three books off her shelf. She has long blonde hair, is in a pink dress, and has a green chameleon on her right shoulder.
[Image description: A white, young animated woman enthusiastically picks three books off her shelf. She has long blonde hair, is in a pink dress, and has a green chameleon on her right shoulder.] Via Tenor

Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, Quidditch Through the Ages, and The Tales of Beedle the Bard. Just waiting on good ole’ J.K. to release the much-longed for Hogwarts, A History.

3. You’ve read, and perhaps written, your own fanfiction 

A white woman in a turtleneck and pinned-back hair sits in a dark theater. Through tears, she says "It's so beautiful."
[Image description: A white woman in a turtleneck and pinned-back hair sits in a dark theater. Through tears, she says “It’s so beautiful.”] Via Tenor

From one-shots and full-fledged novels spanning crossovers, AUs and continuation arcs, the Internet is rich with Harry Potter fanfiction. You’ll find every ship – Jily, Dramione, Drarry, Luneville, and Hinny – sailing, and perhaps have even set sail to your own.

4. You know your acceptance letter was lost in the mail

A white, young cartoon boy in a yellow-and-black ensemble checks his mailbox only to find it empty. He then sighs in sadness.
[Image description: A white, young cartoon boy in a yellow-and-black ensemble checks his mailbox only to find it empty. He then sighs in sadness.] Via Tenor

As magical as it is, owl mail isn’t exactly all that reliable. So yeah, definitely lost, yep. No other reason at all. Please, don’t @ me.

5. Yet, despite never attending Hogwarts, you know which House you belong to

A young white man in glasses and a blue scarf is saying "I'm a Ravenclaw, I value wisdom and learning and I'm known for-", and is interrupted by another white man, in a red-and-yellow scarf, jumping in front of him, excitedly stating "Gryffindors are super popular and always the focus of everything."
[Image description: A young white man in glasses and a blue scarf is saying “I’m a Ravenclaw, I value wisdom and learning and I’m known for-“, and is interrupted by another white man, in a red-and-yellow scarf, jumping in front of him, excitedly stating “Gryffindors are super popular and always the focus of everything.”] Via GIPHY

The closest you can get to an official Sorting is this quiz on Pottermore. Though deep down, you know you’re more of a mix – Ravendor? Griffinpuff? Slytherclaw? You know yourself.

6. You often wonder what you would see in the Mirror of Erised

In a black-and-white animation, a man stands over his bathroom sink and looks into a fogged-up mirror. He then wipes his hand across it to reveal the burning lights of the cosmos.
[Image description: In a black-and-white animation, a man stands over his bathroom sink and looks into a fogged-up mirror. He then wipes his hand across it to reveal the burning lights of the cosmos.] Via GIPHY

Receiving your letter? Ending patriarchy? A massive Potterhead convention? Perhaps some wool socks? Fun fact: Erised is Desire spelled backwards.

7. You’ve tested out your broom for other capabilities besides sweeping

A man dressed as an old lady hops and slides into a room, pretend-playing the guitar on a broom. After landing on his knees, he sweeps the floor.
[Image description: A man dressed as an old lady hops and slides into a room, pretend-playing the guitar on a broom. After landing on his knees, he sweeps the floor.] Via GIPHY

It’s not you who’s not magic, it’s the broom. Let’s stick to using it as a guitar for now.

8. You’ve tried to speak Parseltongue

A young white boy with dark hair and round glasses hisses at a snake. The snake then turns around and hisses back.
[Image description: A young white boy with dark hair and round glasses hisses at a snake. The snake then turns around and hisses back.] Via GIPHY

Haashhaaaasssss… maybe Duolingo will add in a course down the line. There are definitely enough Potterheads in the world to get a petition going.

9. You’ve had Duels (and you’ve kicked ass!)

A young, white woman with blonde hair begins to cast a spell as she waves her wand. She is dressed in a school uniform consisting of a blazer and tie.
[Image description: A young, white woman with blonde hair begins to cast a spell as she waves her wand. She is dressed in a school uniform consisting of a blazer and tie.] Via GIPHY

Personal favorites of mine include stupefy, petrificus totalus, and expelliarmus. The Unforgivable Curses are a big no-no in my Duelling Club.

10. The Battle of Hogwarts still has you bawling like a baby

A black man in a black sweater lies sideways on a couch with his hands resting underneath his face. He is crying heavily with his eyes shut, his body wracked with sobs.
[Image description: A black man in a black sweater lies sideways on a couch with his hands resting underneath his face. He is crying heavily with his eyes shut, his body wracked with sobs.] Via Tenor

“And Percy was shaking his brother, and Ron was kneeling beside them, and Fred’s eyes stared without seeing, the ghost of his last laugh still etched upon his face.” *heaving sobs*

11. You’ve had lengthy, passionate discussions with other Potterheads on the symbolism of the series

In an animated clip, two Minions - tiny, yellow, and oval beings of varying widths - carry out a slap fight as they yell at each other.
[Image description: In an animated clip, two Minions – tiny, yellow, and oval beings of varying widths – carry out a slap fight as they yell at each other.] Via Tenor

Did Hedwig’s death symbolize the end of Harry’s innocence? Do different wand woods hold special meaning? Things get pretty heated up in the Potterhead forums.

12. You’re a calm and rational pe – WHAT DO YOU MEAN YOU HAVEN’T READ HARRY POTTER?

In an interrogation setting, a handcuffed white man sits across the table from a younger brown-haired, white woman. The door opens and another brown-haired, white woman enters and tosses a book at the man's face. The clip features the tag #readthebook.
[Image description: In an interrogation setting, a handcuffed white man sits across the table from a younger brown-haired, white woman. The door opens and another brown-haired, white woman enters and tosses a book at the man’s face. The clip features the tag #readthebook.] Via Tenor

It’s unfathomable. What have these people been doing with their lives?

13. Harry Potter and the Cursed Child doesn’t exist for you

A black woman with short black hair shakes her head as she vehemently says "No, no, no, no, no, no..."
[Image description: A black woman with short black hair shakes her head as she vehemently says “No, no, no, no, no, no…”] Via GIPHY

Similar to the Ministry of Magic’s refusal to believe in Voldemort in Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, you too refuse to acknowledge the existence of That Which Must Not Be Named. Just, no. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows was the last instalment of that series – all was, and is, well.

14. You’ve had, and crushed, a Harry Potter movie marathon

In a cartoon clip, day turns to night and then back into day as a brown bear sits in front of his computer watching some form of video playback. As time passes, he collects food and beverages on his desk, moves through several positions, and wraps himself in a blanket.
[Image description: In a cartoon clip, day turns to night and then back into day as a brown bear sits in front of his computer watching some form of video playback. As time passes, he collects food and beverages on his desk, moves through several positions, and wraps himself in a blanket.] Via Tenor

Don on your robes and grab all the butterbeer and chocolate frogs, because you’re not moving off this seat for the next 20 hours.

15. This scene both amuses and irritates you

An elderly white man rushes across the room to a startled younger, white boy. The man grabs him by the shoulders and fervently asks "Harry! Did you put your name in the Goblet of Fire?!"
[Image description: An elderly white man rushes across the room to a startled younger, white boy. The man grabs him by the shoulders and fervently asks “Harry! Did you put your name in the Goblet of Fire?!”] Via GIPHY

To this day, I still question Michael Gambon’s definition of calm. I also wonder why no one on set went “Hey Mikey! Soooo, the book says Dumbledore said these words calmly…?”

16. You’re still holding out for the TV show

A dark-haired white man in a brown suit and red tie stands in the middle of a field of rapeseed, waiting. He checks his watch and then scratches his ear.
[Image description: A dark-haired white man in a brown suit and red tie stands in the middle of a field of rapeseed, waiting. He checks his watch and then scratches his ear.] Via Tenor

It’s almost been a decade since the movie series ended and Potterheads have been toyed with enough. Will J.K. ever succumb to our demands? Signs say no, unfortunately.

17. You know the fan theories and have a few of your own

A short, dark-haired white man in a half-sleeved button-down shirt and striped tie speaks in frustration and animation, gesturing his hands. Behind him is a wall filled with pinned-up papers interconnected with red lines.
[Image description: A short, dark-haired white man in a half-sleeved button-down shirt and striped tie speaks in frustration and animation, gesturing his hands. Behind him is a wall filled with pinned-up papers interconnected with red lines.] Via Tenor

Neville was bad at magic because he was using his father’s wand, and not one which chose him. Crookshanks was the Potters’ cat. J.K. is actually Rita Skeeter. And Harry Potter is immortal – there are hundreds of theories floating.

18. You’ve searched out the toughest HP-themed trivia quizzes, and aced them 

A white, dark-haired man in a black T-shirt - featuring a melting Rubik's cube - gently pats his forehead while saying "Good brain."
Image description: A white, dark-haired man in a black T-shirt – featuring a melting Rubik’s cube – gently pats his forehead while saying “Good brain.”] Via Tenor

I’m talking deep, obscure trivia like knowing that there are 142 staircases in Hogwarts, that 700 fouls can be made in Quidditch, and who Wilkie Twycross is (Apparition Instructor).

19. Hence, you’re the designated expert in your group. 

In a cemetery, an animated duel commences between a young, dark-haired wizard and an older snake-like one. The older wizard uses "Abracadabra" to turn the younger one into a bunny. The younger one then proceeds to correct his older rival by telling him "Avada Kedavra" is the spell to use. This leads to the older wizard exploding.
[Image description: In a cemetery, an animated duel commences between a young, dark-haired wizard and an older snake-like one. The older wizard uses “Abracadabra” to turn the younger one into a bunny. The younger one then proceeds to correct his older rival by telling him “Avada Kedavra” is the spell to use. This leads to the older wizard exploding.] Via CHEEZburger

Oh, so you’d like to know how to make a Polyjuice Potion? Simple! All you need is lacewing files, leeches, powdered Bicorn horn, knotgrass, fluxweed, shredded Boomslang skin, and a bit of the person you want to turn into.

20. What’s a Potterhead without their swag?

A blonde, white man in a blank tank looks content and pleased as he pulls on a brown, fur jacket.
[Image description: A blonde, white man in a blank tank looks content and pleased as he pulls on a brown, fur jacket.] Via GIPHY

I’m talking pajamas, socks, scarves, hoodies, candles, notebooks, pillows, bedspreads, mugs… there’s no such thing as “too much merch”.

21. There’s no question as to what your kids’ bedtime stories will be

A balding, yellow cartoon man in a white shirt grabs and sits his baby daughter on his lap as he leans back into his brown couch. He says to her "You're going to listen to my story."
[Image description: A balding, yellow cartoon man in a white shirt grabs and sits his baby daughter on his lap as he leans back into his brown couch. He says to her “You’re going to listen to my story.”] Via GIPHY

Between the canon works and fanfiction, there is enough material to carry you all the way to their adolescence.

22. You’ve hosted Harry Potter-themed parties

A set of red-haired white twins high-five as they fly past each other on brooms. Around them, fireworks explode and students watching from below cheer and clap. There are papers strewn about.
[Image description: A set of red-haired white twins high-five as they fly past each other on brooms. Around them, fireworks explode and students watching from below cheer and clap. There are papers strewn about.] Via GIPHY

Do you have a Pinterest board pinned with said themed ideas? DIY-decor, baked treats, posters… because I do.

23. You consider the entire series as self-help

A white woman with short blonde hair is standing and talking. She says "When you read a book as a child, it becomes part of your identity." She is dressed in a white shirt and a teal, velvet cardigan.
[Image description: A white woman with short blonde hair is standing and talking. She says “When you read a book as a child, it becomes part of your identity.” She is dressed in a white shirt and a teal, velvet cardigan.] Via GIPHY

You wouldn’t be a Potterhead if your life hadn’t changed after reading the series, and it’s a guarantee that you picked up some life lessons along the way.

There are many gems to pick from, but my top two include: “Anything is possible if you’ve got enough nerve,” and “it does not do to dwell on dreams and forget to live.”

Categories
Movies Pop Culture

Here’s why I absolutely cannot wait for the reboot of ‘Charmed’

Image description: A screenshot from the show 'Charmed'. The three Halliwal sisters - Piper, Phoebe and Page - are standing in their attic. via The CW

’90s babies can rejoice at the fact that a reboot of Charmed is nearly here. When I heard the news, I was incredibly excited – after all, Charmed was my favorite childhood show ever. I was also worried: the Rocky Horror reboot was a fuckup, and I don’t want my dear Halliwell sisters to be disrespected in the same way.

But so far, the reboot looks promising. The CW has promised that the fresh take on the ’00s classic will be more feminist, which is already interesting. The cast of the reboot includes Madeleine Mantock, Melonie Diaz, and Sarah Jeffery. This is exciting because the three main actors are Latina – which is quite a change from the previous cast, which wasn’t diverse at all. More excitingly, it looks like Diaz’s character is entangled in a romance with a detective played by Ellen Tamaki. The original show looks pitifully white and straight in comparison to the reboot. Not to mention that it includes Rose McGowan who’s seriously such an asshole nowadays.

[bctt tweet=”The ‘Charmed’ reboot will include people of color and queer women – making the original look pitifully white and straight in comparison.” username=”wearethetempest”]

Growing up, Charmed was one of my favorite shows ever. It ran between 1998 and 2005. Since every show hit South Africa slightly later than it hit the states, I watched it when I was about 7 to 12 – meaning Charmed was a huge part of my childhood. Now that I’m a practicing witch and Pagan myself, my love for witchy things has only deepened.

Jessica Lange in 'American Horror Story: Coven'. She's putting on a pointy witch hat and saying, "Who's the baddest witch in town?"
Image description: Jessica Lange in ‘American Horror Story: Coven’. She’s putting on a pointy witch hat and saying, “Who’s the baddest witch in town?” Via GIPHY

Firstly, something I love about Charmed is the clothing. Every time I re-watch an old episode, I feel like I got sucked in a time machine and landed in the early ’00s. The Halliwell sisters often take advantage of the vampish, witchy fashions that were popular at the time. They often sported crushed velour, scalloped hems, chokers, cowboy boots and slip dresses – and, because of the cyclic nature of fashion, those looks were really in last year. I envied the Halliwell sisters’ wardrobes, and I still do.

My love for Charmed goes deeper than the sartorial choices, though. The show was an exciting mixture of action and drama. On the one hand, the Halliwell sisters had to navigate normal social issues, like their careers, their relationships with one another, their romantic lives, motherhood, and grieving over their sister. On the other hand, they were badass witches – the most powerful witches in the world, in fact – working together to save the world and protect their loved ones from evil supernatural beings.

[bctt tweet=”The appeal of Charmed is just like the appeal of witchcraft itself. It epitomizes power within femininity.” username=”wearethetempest”]

The appeal of Charmed is just like the appeal of witchcraft itself. It epitomizes power within femininity. It combines nurturing and action, femininity and toughness, emotionality and a willingness to fight. The sisters have men in their lives who care for them, but they’re more than capable of protecting themselves.

A GIF of Rose McGowan playing Paige in 'Charmed'. She's saying, "Power's good. I like power."
Image description: A GIF of Rose McGowan playing Paige in ‘Charmed’. She’s saying, “Power’s good. I like power.” Via GIPHY.

For example, think about Piper – she stops at nothing to protect her family from harm, she manages to manage a club and then a restaurant, she’s a great mother, wife, and sister and a brilliant witch. She’s tough, brilliant, and matriarchal – and I love complex multi-dimensional female characters. None of the witches are forced to choose between their magic ancestry and their families, as for them it’s one and the same. They all go on to have three children each while maintaining their identity as witches. Essentially, they end up passing their magic onto future generations.

Something I love about witchcraft is that it shows us how magic in the traditionally ‘feminine’ crafts – potion-making, cooking, herbalism, nurturing. Scrying, which is using a crystal to find someone or something, is such a mom activity – if anyone can find something I lost in my room, it’s my mom. At the same time, it rejects notions of traditional femininity because it contradicts the idea that women should be powerless. While femininity is often seen as weaker than masculinity, magic suggests that there is a power beyond societal oppression – a power that can be on the side of the marginalized. Magic isn’t limited to women – most traditions allow men and non-binary people to practice – but it certainly subverts gender roles.

[bctt tweet=”Witchcraft shows us how magic in the traditionally ‘feminine’ crafts while rejecting traditional notions of femininity.” username=”wearethetempest”]

That’s something that I’d really love to see from the reboot of Charmed – more feminism, more gender-role-challenging, and more bold clothing choices (really, I don’t want to seem shallow, but the clothing is really important to me). The original Charmed was praised by critics for its pop-culture timing, and it looks like the reboot has the timing right too. Now that both representation in pop-culture and witchcraft are timely topics, the show looks like it’s primed to do well. Let’s hope the reboot doesn’t disappoint!

Categories
Gender & Identity Life

22 things every millennial witch totally understands

Witchcraft is becoming increasingly popular among millennials. Many millennials are identifying as witches in terms of culture, religion or spirituality. More and more of us are leaving atheism and monotheistic religions in favor of Paganism, Wicca and other forms of witchcraft. In 2009, ABC noted that 342,000 people identified as Wiccans, compared to 134,000 in 2001. In more recent years, the #witchblr tag on Tumblr and the #witch tag on Instagram have both become incredibly popular. News outlets from The Guardian to the Pacific Standard have noticed the increase in people who identify as witches, particularly young women.

Why is it so popular? It could be because we’ve come to associate witchcraft with feminism and equality, or maybe because we’re looking to the otherworldly to solve the problems faced by our generation. It could also be because iconic pieces of pop culture like Harry Potter, The Craft, and Charmed have piqued our curiosity when it comes to magic. Either way, witches are all over social media, and more and more people are becoming interested in the esoteric.

All witches are different because there are so many different traditions, factions, and philosophies – but most of us still have a great deal in common! If you’re one of the many millennials who’ve come to embrace witchcraft, you’ll probably relate to most, if not all, of these situations.

1. When someone breaks your BFF’s heart, you have to resist the urge to curse them.

A GIF from the movie, "The Love Witch", where the main character is about to kill and sacrifice a man.
Pinterest

Most witches don’t believe in cursing others, but karma spells are usually fair game. Don’t test us!

2. Your skeptical friends bash astrology – but then lose their keys and hook up with their exes during Mercury retrograde.

Oprah Winfrey shrugging as if to say, "I told you so".
Tenor

I TOLD YOU SO.

3. You’ve had to postpone a spell because you can’t seem to find the right materials anywhere.

A GIF of Winifred from the movie 'Hocus Pocus'. She's making magic over the cauldron.
Giphy

How am I meant to make a dreaming tea if mugwort is never in stock in my town?

4. You invite your Tinder dates over to read their tea leaves or tarot cards.

A GIF from the movie, 'Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban'. Professor Trelawney is encouraging Ron to read his tea leaves.
Imgix

Witchcraft and chill. What better way to get to know your date?

5. You try to sneakily find out your crush’s time of birth so that you can calculate their natal chart.

Kim Kardashian lurks behind a bush. She looks like she's sneaking or eavesdropping.
Popsugar

Just ask them straight up, and tell them you’re into astrology. Their reaction will be more interesting than their rising sign, I promise.

6. … and then you cry when you realize their chart is totally incompatible with yours

A scene from Baz Luhrman's 'Romeo + Juliet'. Romeo, played by Leonardo di Caprio, is crying and shouting, "I defy you, stars!"
ShareGIF

I believe wholeheartedly in astrology, except for when it tells me some hard truths.

7. You have longed to find a coven of your own.

A GIF from 'American Horror Story: Coven', wherein the coven of witches are walking down the street, dressed in black.
Digital Spy

Some witches, known as solitary witches, practice on their own. The rest of us prefer practicing magic with a coven.

8. You get annoyed when people call the #MeToo movement a “witch hunt.”

A GIF of model Naomi Campbell saying "Don't compare yourself to me ever".
Giphy

Abusers are not witches. Comparing a time where women were abused and murdered to a time when abusers were being held accountable is ridiculous.

9. You spend all year looking forward to Halloween.

From the movie, 'A Nightmare Before Christmas'. The character is saying 'There's only 365 days left 'til next Halloween!'
Tumblr

It’s the most wonderful time of the year! Not only is Halloween around the time of some sacred witchy festivals, it’s also a great opportunity to be surrounded by spooky, otherworldly aesthetics.

10. You have to hold yourself back when a guest puts their keys or coffee mugs on your altar.

A gif from 'Bridesmaids'. A child is sitting on a couch, saying 'You're making me uncomfortable.'
Giphy

It’s not a table – it’s a super sacred space! Don’t pollute it with your bad energy.

11. Lana Del Rey’s new space witch persona truly speaks to your soul.

Lana Del Rey in her music video for 'Love' from the album, 'Lust for Life'. She winks and smiles at the camera.
Imgur

The idea of Lana living in the Hollywood sign and blessing us with intergalactic, witchy tunes is so comforting. Nothing but respect for MY president!

12. You panic when you suddenly remember that the moon is full – and you haven’t left your crystals out to recharge.

A GIF from the movie 'Practical Magic'. Nicole Kidman's character is saying, "Blood on the moon. Where's my tiger's eye? No, no, no."
Tumblr

Waiting for a whole new month to cleanse and recharge your crystals is too inconvenient.

13. Your bookshelf is full of esoteric books and witchy fiction.

A shot from Snow White, where the evil queen is looking through her bookshelf of magic-related books.
Tumblr

The ultimate dream is to own a library full of books about runes, Paganism, Wicca, tarot, herbs, astrology, sigils, numerology, moon phases, candle magic, crystals, and more.

14. You wanted your cat to be a familiar… but they keep knocking things off your altar.

A big, fluffy cat knocks a glass off a coffee table.
Huffington Post

They might not always be great sidekicks when it comes to magic, but cats are truly some of the best companions ever.

15. You spend too much time scrolling through the #witchblr tag on Tumblr.

A GIF from 'New Girl'. One character, Nick Miller, is saying "It is perfectly fine to go on Tumblr all day."
Giphy

…and mentally bookmarking spells, rituals, and books to try.

16. When it’s Friday the 13th, you’re both excited and scared.

Michael Scott from The Office saying, "I'm not superstitious, but I am a little stitious."
Tumblr

I never know whether I should feel very lucky or very unlucky. Either way, I’ll definitely pet a black kitty if it crosses my path!

17. You love casting protection spells over your friends and watching them live their best lives.

A GIF from the movie 'Practical Magic'. Sandra Bullock's character is blowing a candle before a spell.
We Heart It

Even if your friends don’t believe in witchcraft, there’s something beautiful about lighting a candle for them while wishing them well.

18. You’re tired of people using the word “witch” as a pejorative.

A GIF from The Simpsons. Lisa Simpson is dressed like a witch. She is saying, 'Why is it when a woman is confident and powerful, they call her a witch?"
Giphy

If you call me a witch, I’ll take it as a compliment. Thanks!

19. Meeting other witches brings you an infinite amount of joy.

A gif from the movie "Monty Python and the Holy Grail". The scene is set at the Salem Witch Trials. A character says, "More witches!"
Imgur

There’s nothing like coming out of the broom closet to someone who’s also witchy.

20. There’s nothing more satisfying to you than getting a spell just right.

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Not to mention how smug you feel when you figure it out!

21. Misrepresentation of witches in the media upsets you.

The witch from The Wizard of Oz
Giphy

Most of us aren’t remotely evil or even scary. Plenty of witches try to use their powers for the greater good!

22. You have a loving, supportive community.

A GIF from 'Sabrina the Teenage Witch' where three witches are performing a spell around a cauldron.
Tumblr

Even if you practice witchcraft without a coven, there are plenty of witches out there who care about you. The community can be the most magical thing about witchcraft.

Categories
Love Life Stories

Yes, I’m a witch and I have a coven. The truth behind that will shock you.

A young woman with closed eyes, red lipstick and flowers in her dark hair tilts her head toward the sky.
[Image Description:A young woman with closed eyes, red lipstick and flowers in her dark hair tilts her head toward the sky.] @larm via unsplash.com

Growing up in a non-religious household made it hard for me to connect with kids whose families went to church, prayed before dinner, or celebrated religious holidays.

I’ve been inside a church exactly once in my life: when I was 10, after the sudden death of a classmate, for his memorial service.

When I share this bit of information, especially as an adult, the reactions I get vary from disgust to shock to horror.

My family never asked me to lean into any particular faith, despite some members of my family being very religious, and though I wasn’t cognizant enough to appreciate it then, I am now.

I’m glad they didn’t push me.

Otherwise, I wouldn’t have discovered and fallen in love with witchcraft as a teenager, and I wouldn’t have my coven to connect with now.

“The blood of the covenant is thicker than the water of the womb,” from the book of Exodus, has been frequently misinterpreted and re-adapted to the more common phrase, “blood is thicker than water.” According to Thought Catalog, the original quote talks about soldiers on the battlefield, whose bloodshed in battle connects them more deeply than genetics.

“Covenant” also refers to a spiritual power of agreement — much like “coven”, which refers to a gathering of any kind, though we now use it to discuss groups of witches.

In the 1920s, Egyptologist, archaeologist, folklorist, anthropologist, and historian Margaret Murray popularized the term “coven” with her claim that witches across Europe gathered in groups of 13, called covens. Though Murray’s ideas are widely disputed, she helped give rise to the neo-paganism movement we call Wicca and provided “historical validity” to witchcraft as something beyond female hysteria and attention-grabbing.

According to Murray’s hypothesis, covens were made up of women who joined of their own free will and were never more than 13 members. Each one devoted themselves to “The Master:” a god who could take on many forms, including animal and human.

Covens would worship him, sacrifice to him, and honor him in various ceremonies.

My coven doesn’t worship a man. We don’t sacrifice animals (in fact, many of us — including myself — are vegan), don’t dance naked in the woods (though some of us absolutely would), don’t swear blood oaths (because it stains).

Those images of witches we see in Shakespeare and on occult-focused TV shows are typically sensationalized and based on myths that have surrounded witches for centuries. Some of us don’t identify as women, and there aren’t 13 of us (though we recognize the power of that number, and The Rule of Three, and the importance of pairs for creating balance).

Here’s what we do: support each other; lend magic to each other when one person speaking their needs and desires into the universe simply isn’t enough; communicate about our successes, failures, desires, and concerns; provide spell tips and tricks when we can’t spend time face-to-face working through things as a group.

By the traditional definition, we don’t fit the mold of a coven at all.

However, if you set aside those technicalities, then it’s clear that our coven is strong, fierce, and powerful. Our individual abilities bring the group together in often unexpected but always wonderful ways, and the force with which we storm through the world is revolutionary and terrifying.

Our friendships are also tighter because we open up our rawest, most vulnerable selves with each other. Sharing a spiritual practice with other people places you into a particularly vulnerable position—the trust required is immense because these people have the ability to hurt the deepest parts of you: the parts that are faithful to an outside power.

Our coven has come together slowly, across miles and jobs and more. Sharing my magical practice with others began with my partner.

We discovered, not long after we first met, that we have both been dabbling in witchcraft for about the same amount of time. Our house is protected by our combined energy, regular smoke cleansing, purification spells, and love.

Last year, when nightmares claimed me night after night, my partner made a small sleep charm to put on my pillow to help me rest. We chose the ingredients together, and they imbued it with love and good intentions and warmth.

It still helps me fall and stay asleep, even when my dreams are strange.

A friend of mine who also acts as my witchy mentor worked with me once upon a time in a crappy retail job. She taught me how to hone my practice and in the process, we became much, much closer than just coworkers or even casual work friends. I opened up to her about the trauma I had yet to process myself, let alone share with others, and she guided me through it with patience, understanding, and advice that I still hold dear.

We live states apart now, but we talk regularly. I rely on her guidance and trust her with closely guarded secrets, and she has never betrayed that trust.

Other members of our coven met through mutual friends.

The first time we all spent time together as a group, we cast a protective circle, asked each other deeply personal questions, and settled in for a night of tarot, smoke cleansing, and group intention-setting. Since then, we have rarely been able to coordinate schedules to hang out — but we still take time to check in when we see each other struggling, through social media posts or in person.

We are brutally, painfully honest with each other about bad habits, mental health, family strife, relationship woes, and trauma. We constantly share our trauma, then work through it as a team, and the feeling is one of utmost, brightest healing, even when it hurts like hell to speak the words or write them down.

Sometimes, we drift. That’s okay.

We accept that things don’t always stay the same.

I never expected to feel so powerfully connected to this group of people, especially as a young teen when I was first exposed to practical magic. Practicing witchcraft — both on my own and with others — has taught me that the universe moves on its own axis.

We have to let it.

Categories
Love Life Stories

I tried to ease my anxiety with witchcraft

www.tumblr.com

I first came across the witchcraft community on Tumblr, nestled on my dashboard between cat gifs and political musings. These witches not only posted spells from Wiccan writer Scott Cunningham’s famed grimoires, but created their own. The community was made up of mostly young women and girls, unsurprisingly, and after poking around, I found that there was a fairly low barrier to entry.

Herbs were one of the few elements I found to be within easy reach of me. Living in a black family, my pantry was filled with tons of spices, even if most were two years old. I hoarded these herbs for incenses, spells, you name it.

My main objective at the time was to find a job. Because I have social anxiety, I had communication with DARS, a Texas-based agency that helped people with mental and physical disabilities secure employment. They understood my plight and worked with me just fine, but I felt, like always, that I needed an extra boost. Maybe, I thought, a little success magick was what I needed.

I got on Tumblr again and began to compile all the info I needed into a secondary blog. I gathered items—a green candle, basil, cinnamon oil–for a prosperity spell I created. I set up my circle—where my magick would be cast—in my bedroom closet, made up acorns and paprika and incense. I stared into the candle with deep attention. I visualized, I chanted. “I am worthy of having money,” I repeated to myself while mixing my herbs and oils in a china bowl (sorry, Grandma). I decided to leave the bowl on the closet floor overnight.

[bctt tweet=”‘I am worthy of having money,’ I chanted while mixing herbs and oils in a china bowl.”]

Days later, my job counselor Mary took me in for another interview. Compared to my last interview, when I struggled to hold a panic attack at bay as I was surrounded by Mary, the manager and an associate, I managed this time to have more confidence in my voice and what I said – and I snagged the job. I would like to believe how that maybe, just maybe, that day I just happened to be well rested that day. But things…just worked out.

Next thing I tried to get into was crystals. The idea that crystals could protect you while driving (turquoise), make you feel more feminine (moonstone) and get you horny (carnelian) fascinated me. I wanted to work efficiently so I got a tiger’s eye, commonly noted for courage, from Etsy. Metaphysical and magick shops are so common there that the online marketplace seems to have banned selling spells altogether. Ebay made a similar move to ban intangible supernatural services and “advice; spells; curses; hexing; conjuring; magic; prayers; blessing services; magic potions; healing sessions” in 2012.

Sure, it cost me a few dollars. But in a time where people are always looking for the next thing to improve themselves and make their lives totally fulfilled and magical—self-help books, motivational speeches, programs, dares, mantras—crystal magick interested me enough for me to say, “screw it, let’s test this out.”

I wore the tiger’s eye in the pocket of my shirt. I didn’t have some golden aura visibly enveloping me, but I did feel it. After a while, I started thinking about this life enhancing thing: what about the days I forget my tiger’s eye? How can I get the feelings I want from within?

Some days, I would leave the eye at home to see any differences. But I folded. I knew I needed those external forces to work efficiently and be confident in my abilities. I went to Etsy again to buy a rose quartz pendant to help me with relationships. The pendant broke when I tried to put it on before work. I messaged the shop to get a refund. What I got: “Welllll, it wasn’t our really our fault.”

I entered a slump in my witchcraft. I had wanted to get many crystals; now, not having much spare money to waste, I was scared they may not be the real thing. I decided to collect rocks from parks and use them as alternatives.

Broke witchcraft has now become one of my hobbies. I don’t have a set-in-stone program or credo that I go by. I take my time to decide what I want to do. Sometimes I don’t. Despite not trying to do everything by set rules, I still try to make myself more disciplined because at some point I have to (I’m not going to be in my early twenties forever). I still keep tabs on the witches on Tumblr, a community that I’ve found to be open to people of all genders, sexualities and races.

One thing you’ll often hear they say is that witchcraft is a life enhancer, not a replacement for any work. You still gotta push forth with the resumes and the sales pitches. And any young witchling whose asks for spells to help with period cramps or scars and rashes will often get the response of “I’m not a doctor.” I find that to be quite funny, as witches will claim many ‘cures’ for mental ailments like anxiety: chamomile tea for restless thoughts and insomnia, amethyst to ward against nightmares, lavender for just about anything.

When I came across a certain site that said crystals could help with schizophrenia, I wanted to laugh. My brother has had schizophrenia since his teens and I could only wish that arming him a crystal could ease him. I can’t say if witchcraft is ‘curing’ me of my anxiety. Maybe it could work as a placebo for those dark times.

As I’m writing this, I have a letter from a psychologist sitting in front of me. It’s a referral for an evaluation to see if I have ADHD. I don’t know what to really expect from these results. I just know this is something that needs to be done. There is so much I would like to do in my witchcraft. It’s a vast open book of charms, spells, chants that I’m still researching and trying to gain access.

I’ve since quit the job that I ‘gained’ from my spell. Naturally, it didn’t work out. Magick can help you get your foot in the door, but keeping you in that room, takes much more work.