100% That Witch: These voices will be silenced no longer

Witch. While I’m sure there are plenty of generations who hear that word and immediately start grabbing bottles of holy water and clutching their rosaries, witches are back — witchier than ever — and they’re taking a new stance on just what it means to harness power, cast spells and identify as a magical being. 

A little history: Witchcraft has been around for thousands of years. Originally, witches were seen as healers and pillars of the community. Not to get too word-nerd on you, but while there are debates as to where the word witch originally came from, scholar Michael Dilts argues that it translates from Germanic origin and believes its literal translation is “craft of the wise.” 

While there are dedicated religions that feature those who identify as witches (such as Wicca, which has its origins in the 1950s with immense expansion in the ‘60s and ‘70s), today’s witches don’t have to be spiritual or belong to a religion; there are even secular witches. Being a witch is about being a figure for resistance, for change and for a new feminist movement. In fact, I’m gonna invoke one of the greatest feminist icons of our time, cartoon-character Lisa Simpson, when she said, “Why is it when a woman is confident and powerful, they call her a witch?” 

Politicians seem to really love calling women witches and putting themselves as the victim of “witch hunts” (like, is it more PC than bitches? I really want to know) with Donald Trump tweeting that he’s been the victim of a witch hunt more than 200 times. A lot of conservative political groups (including Dave Kubal, president of Intercessors for America) claimed that Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez is a witch casting spells on the President. Hilary Clinton has received similar criticism. Of course, witches have been in the political limelight long before what we’re seeing now. The feminist group W.I.T.C.H., which stood for Women’s International Terrorist Conspiracy from Hell, was formed in 1968 by a group of women who believed that feminists should try to bring about wider social change in the United States. The group still has chapters across the country, including W.I.T.C.H Boston. While typically witches have been women – it is important to note that modern witchcraft is open to all and does not discriminate based on sexual identity or gender. 

Witches have also seen a resurgence in pop culture. Think “The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina,” the CW’s reboot of “Charmed,” but witches have been in entertainment and media for a while with “Bewitched” and “Buffy the Vampire Slayer.” On social media, hashtags like #WitchyVibes bring together a community that’s more widespread than ever before. And you know how I mentioned the far-right being terrified witches are casting spells to overthrow government? It’s totally happening. Check out #MagicResistance. 

Modern witchcraft has many looks, including practicing tarot, choosing the right crystals for protection and setting intentions to put out into the world. Many see it as a transcendental relationship with nature and communication with the planet. There’s also a resurgence of covens – groups of witches getting together to practice their crafts and support each other. Books, including spell books, podcasts (try Pam Grossman: “The Witch Wave”) and other media are topping bestseller lists. 

This “new” witchcraft is deeply personal, with witches making it be what they want it to be. Ava M, a resident of Providence, identifies as a secular witch and says of her craft, “For me, I think the appeal of it is it creates mindfulness in our lives, which our society has been going away from. It also brings a connection to nature, and moving away from technology – which I need. Plus, I know it’s a little radical to be a witch in today’s society, but witches have always been a sign of rebellion. That’s why they burned them at the stake.”

Rhode Island is embracing its witch culture with hotspots like October in downtown Providence, which often features Tarot readings and has a wealth of supplies for rituals. There’s also Strawberry Moon in Dartmouth (which also appears consistently at the Providence Flea during the summer – look for the crystals) that offers workshops and classes and has a beautiful storefront to help you with all your witchy needs. Past class offerings at the shop include workshops like Tarot for Beginners and Self-Care for Empaths. Brave Daughters in East Providence/Rumford also has classes on everything from Tarot to their upcoming March offering, “Spring Cleaning, a Vernal Equinox Space Clearing Workshop.” 

On March 13, Witches Night Out Market will convene at WaterFire Arts Center with vendors focusing on the spring – think magical herbalism and green magic. One of its organizers, Laura Tempest Zakroff, says of this seeming resurgence in being a witch, “You can connect it with the various waves of feminism — especially as a means to reclaiming personal power as well as the search for spirituality that is more connected to the body and the earth — and being able to see the divine as multi-faceted and accessible (not just some old white guy). What I believe is different today is that we’re seeing a much more diverse group of people interested in witchcraft — folks who are queer, non-binary, young and old, from many different backgrounds and experiences.” Proceeds from Witches Night Out go to the Rhode Island chapter of the Society of the Evening Star, who believe in promoting a “universal code of ethics” and uniting religions. 

What it comes down to is that witchcraft means empowerment – no matter what religion you embrace. Yes, you can practice magic, yes, you can wear a pointy hat and try the broomstick challenge, but what it is about is the fact that you – yes you – are in control. Modern witches are taking their power back in a world where their voices have been marginalized and silenced far too many times.