Since the beginning of time, witches were looked as single, lustful women in cahoots with the Devil, conjuring spells for the sake of torturing others. In popular culture, witches blended in with humans, hiding their identity due to the fear that they would be misjudged or persecuted for their ‘powers.’ However, now the term ‘witch’ has become a rather empowering statement for women all over the world who are self-proclaimed healers in today’s society.

The Origin of Witches

There is no clear data that shows when witches first appeared. However, one of the first documented witch was in the Bible-the book of Samuel, between 931 B.C. and 721 B.C. (https://www.history.com/topics/folklore/history-of-witches). The story touches on the Witch of Endor summoning the spirit of the dead prophet, Samuel, per the request of King Saul. But it wasn’t until the mid 1400s in Europe, where witch hunts became all too common. Many were executed by burning of the stake or hung. Women targeted were often single or widowed. By the late 1600s, witch hunts traveled to the New World and kicked off the very well know witch trials in Salem, MA. During the Salem Witch Trials, 150 people were accused and 18 were executed. Shockingly, these numbers included 6 men, who were also convicted and executed.

Modern Day Witches

Yes, they do exist. Just not in the way you are used to perceiving them. They don’t have warts, or fly on brooms, or stand in front of a cauldron with oozing, green liquid spilling out of it. Wicca became a US religion in 1985. It is practiced by witches or wiccans, as a spiritual system that fosters the free thought and will of the individual, encourages learning and an understanding of the earth and nature thereby affirming the divinity in all living things. ‘Power’ is derived by the Earth and all of its natural resources. If you believe in the power of stones and crystals, this is a way of practicing witchcraft. If you utilize sage to rid negative energy, this is a way of practicing witchcraft. What is often associated as evil or against religion, is the opposite. This belief system is used to help and heal others. As a matter of fact, “Harm None” is the whole of the law in Wicca. Also, witches are not Satan worshippers because they do not practice Christianity, and Satan is a evil symbol based in Christian religion. However, they do believe in good and bad sources. The usual goal of a wiccan is to influence the greater good. But honestly, Wicca barely scratches the surface. There are many other pillars that exist within the modern witch’s belief systems.

Witches and Halloween

Witches don’t necessarily celebrate Halloween. Instead, it is usually observed as a time to honor loved ones who have passed on, much like Day of the Dead that is celebrated in Mexico. The reason behind this is because the veil between the living and the dead is the weakest, making it primetime to communicate to spirits.

My Opinion of Witches…

Personally, I like to dabble in research. I believe that certain people on this Earth have been granted ‘gifts.’ Abilities to know the unknown and predict future events. I fully trust my intuition and the internal power I have within me to change certain circumstances. My crystals are sacred to me. My sage and Palo Santo stays stacked in my household! I burn incense on the regular. I believe in the power of manifestations. My beliefs don’t fit in one box. I thank God and the Universe. I believe both are very powerful forces in my life. I believe it is all connected. But that’s just me! I would never force beliefs on anyone else and I do not tolerate others to do the same to me. I don’t often speak on my beliefs because I come from a Catholic family. Anything out of the norm and misunderstood, normally gets a bad rep. And I rather not have to defend my beliefs or make anyone else understand why they are my beliefs. I just know what works for me and makes me feel whole. Do I consider myself a witch? Mm, I don’t know. Lol I would like to be considered that cool! What I do know is that I am a lover and believer of magic and miracles. I believe in the healing powers of natural herbs. I believe in the power of energy and frequencies. I believe there are so many unexplained forces in this world that we cannot even begin to wrap our heads around. I am open minded to all possibilities. But more importantly, I love the idea of women coming together to celebrate their feminine divine power. There is so much beauty in that alone.

I’m curious to hear from all of you. What is your take on witches? Do you think you can be labeled a modern day witch? Or do you think it’s just all a bunch of Hocus Pocus? Would love to hear from you all! Stay witchy, my friends. Have a safe and happy Halloween!

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