Celebrating the Modern-Day Witch This Halloween
Several decades ago, Hocus Pocus star Kathy Najim shared some powerful words about witches. For those who don’t know, she starred as one of three famous witches who graced our screens in one of the most iconic witch-inspired movies ever.
The Sanderson sisters, one played by Najimy, were three evil sorceresses who were hell-bent on kidnapping children and finding the elixir of youthful life. It’s a fantastic film, but it also paints the witch as a grotesque, evil figure. Najimy, however, also believed that there was more to the narrative than meets the evil eye.
“I thought this is really perpetuating a stereotype about an evil ugly witch and I know that there are groups of really strong women who sort of bind together, within are very spiritual and powerful. I didn’t want to be part of perpetuating that myth,” she said in an interview.
After seeking further clarification from her peers such as Gloria Steinem, Najimy added: “She said that the interesting thing was that originally some of the women who were said to be witches were healthcare workers and midwives”.
“So that’s where the notion of baby eating came from because they would perform abortions sometimes. So the women would go in pregnant and come out not. So, that’s the gossip about baby eating, which is of course untrue. These were just health care workers.”
This perspective raises some powerful points about witchcraft. After all, strong women binding together is something that we celebrate. Contrary to the traditional narrative, there’s also been a rise in people reconnecting with nature, exploring natural remedies, and developing a more intuitive and spiritual connection with their bodies and inner power. So this Halloween, let’s explore the rise of the modern-day witch.
The shifting narrative of witchcraft
A lot of people are first introduced to witches either in history lessons or through films. The association of 'harmful magic' with witchcraft led to the execution of hundreds of women in the 17th century during the Salem Witch Trials. In short, male-dominated society often viewed powerful women as threats.
Although this perspective has largely evolved, many films still maintain the traditional idea of witches as 'baddies'. Take Hocus Pocus, The Witches, Blair Witch Project, and The VVitch, for example. All portray a terrifying idea that witches are bad for humanity.
Other films also offer a different take. Hermoine Granger from the Harry Potter saga is the best example of a good witch. However, even then, the world of witchcraft is completely separated from muggles and still consumed by an air of secrecy.
Science and medicine have helped to dispel the negative connotations of magic. And, as a result, society has (slowly) started viewing witchcraft in a different light. For some, it emerged as a symbol of empowerment inspired by this belief in ancient female wisdom. This development has created more space for the modern-day witch to explore connecting with the Earth, her cycle, and health.
The rise of the modern-day witch
Witchcraft now has 17.8 billion hashtag views on TikTok. Withcrafttips has a further 73.5 million views. So as you can see, the modern-day witch is not only social media savvy but it’s also a growing community.
The surge of interest in witchcraft reflects a broader shift toward embracing spirituality and the power of nature. Given the ongoing environmental crisis, a lot of people are becoming attuned to the role that nature plays in leading a beautiful and healthy life. Studies unlock the benefits of natural supplements and research helps people improve their diets and become better versions of themselves.
Today's witch community is exploring and redefining witchcraft. Women are finding strength in building female-led communities, hosting women’s circles, and empowering each other. Ladies, this isn’t magic and it certainly isn’t make-believe. This is women finally — after centuries — finding a level of strength and individuality that has been previously shunned by society.
This type of modern-day witchcraft also comes in many forms. For example, people are reciting self-empowering mantras to make themselves feel better throughout the day. Some ladies burn Palo Santo to cleanse their homes and realign their chakras. Others love crystal healing and some discover tarot and astrology. Herbalism also leads to modern-day practitioners concocting natural remedies harnessing the power of plants.
How to embrace your inner sorceress this Halloween
I firmly believe in my intuition and gut feelings. I consider the moon’s cycle when I feel certain emotions or struggle to sleep. I love the idea of foraging for mushrooms and making homemade teas from natural extracts. Does that make me a witch? Probably.
But it’s this connection to one's self and the wider world — an underlying female power — that I believe is crucial in our modern day. The path to embracing your inner sorceress is deeply personal so let your intuition guide you. But, if you need some tips, here are a few things you can think about this Halloween when exploring your very own journey with the witching season.
Meditation: Meditate to connect with your inner self, and explore your intentions and desires. Understanding your inner workings is the first step toward harnessing your innate power.
Nature walks: Connecting with nature can deepen your understanding of the cycles of life and the energies surrounding us. Take your shoes off and feel the earth beneath your feet (if it's safe).
Host a women’s circle: It’s difficult to explain the power you get from a women’s circle until you’ve been to one. Gather like-minded individuals together for a women’s circle to celebrate feminine energy and the witching season. You can share experiences, meditate together, and set intentions for the coming months. This could be done virtually if meeting in person isn’t an option.
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