What It Means To Be A Modern Day Witch

 What It Means To Be A Modern Day Witch

Source: Creativecomms @Kim, from Rome

 

‘’I draw sigils on my skin with perfume oils and burn herbs for what I want to bring in for that day…’’

 

When most of us hear the word ‘’Witch’’ we think of flying brooms, cauldrons and ugly green faces. 

 

However, this is just the stereotypical Grimm’s brother tale, in fact, a modern-day witch is just an average person.

 

There are many ways to practice witchcraft, which don’t revolve around potions with rat toenails and a magic wand. It’s much more ethical than that.

 

Depending on the type of witch, most witches use tools such as tarot cards and crystals to practice their craft, whereas others make spell jars for abundance with a mixture of herbs and other natural earth elements.

 

I interviewed Hope Bilkey, who practices spirituality, and her preferred method is ‘’I use oracle cards, crystals and the power of manifestation.’’ She said.

According to Hope witchcraft is rather easy and beneficial to incorporate into day-to-day life. It creates room for more positivity and gives you a moment of mindfulness throughout the business of the day.

 

‘’I incorporate it in my life by practising affirmations and trying to put out what I would want to receive.’’ She said.

 

To understand witchcraft itself it is important to note the history of witches, especially regarding the Salem Witch Trials. 

 

 Salem witch trials were a series of hearings and prosecutions of people accused of witchcraft in colonial Massachusetts between February 1692 and May 1693.

 

‘’The Salem Witch Trials was a horrific genocide because men feared powerful women!’’ Hope Said.

 

Although most of the women weren’t actually witches and were wrongly accused, it is important to know.

 

Salem has used the town since to embrace witch culture and have many stores selling divination and spiritual tools.

 

When looking at witchcraft has often been associated with satanism and to worship the devil.

 

I interviewed Elizabeth Keogh who also practices witchcraft and is a firm believer that spirituality is in no way associated with anything evil nor negative.

 

‘’If you choose to associate yourself with the devil then yes, but if not then no.’’ She said.

 

Witches do consider witchcraft to be a form of religion and in ‘Wiccan’ culture, they worship what is known as deities. However, not all witches do this.

 

A deity or a god is a supernatural being who is considered divine or sacred. Commonly known gods for example are Zeus and Aphrodite.

 

‘’I have deities wanting to work with me, but I haven’t done so yet so no.’’ Elizabeth said.

 

Witches do create spell jars, but they don’t contain toad skin and the hair of an enemy. Most commonly they will contain things such as dried flowers and herbs, as well as notes of affirmations and candle wax coloured with intention (pink for love)

 

‘’Spell jars (also known as "witch bottles") are spiritual tools that can help people identify—and pursue—their innermost desires.’’ Says Sarah Regan, a spiritual blogger.

 

I think the purpose of witchcraft is to bring happiness and manifest goodwill into one’s life, which is the opposite of the typical stereotype.

 

So, in order to become a witch? Do you need to be able to move objects with your mind or have an acceptance letter to a witchcraft school given to you by an owl?

 

Well according to Hope, she says that anyone can be a witch. ‘’I don’t believe there are any requirements to be a witch, but it’s preferred if you’re doing it for the greater good and not to interfere with anyone’s life in a negative way.’’ 

 

Just like any other religion witchcraft is a way of life, not just a label. Witches believe in what they’re doing and feel that it is their purpose.

 

‘’You don’t tell people how to do their craft, it’s a way of life not a label or personality trait … you do what you feel.’’ Said Elizabeth.

 

There has been an uprise in ‘’modern witches’’ throughout recent years and the #witch on Tiktok has trended numerous times since 2020. Which is now obvious why, it is a harmless way of life that brings happiness.

 

Whether you believe in it or not, one thing that is undeniable is that it is not a negative practice and anyone from anywhere can practice witchcraft.