From Brews to Brooms: The Art of Witchcraft Street Scrapping

Witchcraft Street Scrappers Witchcraft has long been a subject of fascination and fear in societies around the world. From old legends to modern-day movies, witchcraft has woven itself into the fabric of culture. But what happens when witchcraft meets the urban environment? Enter the witchcraft street scrapper. The term "witchcraft street scrapper" refers to an individual who practices witchcraft in an urban setting. These modern-day witches have traded their cauldrons for concrete, their broomsticks for subway tickets, and their spell books for smartphones. This new breed of witchcraft practitioners has adapted their ancient craft to fit the fast-paced and chaotic nature of city life.

This new breed of witchcraft practitioners has adapted their ancient craft to fit the fast-paced and chaotic nature of city life. One could argue that practicing witchcraft in a city setting presents unique challenges and opportunities. The urban environment provides a constant source of energy and inspiration for these street scrappers.

Salem Street Portraits at Halloween Posted On 28th October 2021 To Stories & Street

To say that this project got away from me would be accurate. It morphed and changed as I shot more film, but the more film I shot, the more it changed. It wasn’t until the end that I could feel it becoming cohesive. I started out with a relatively easy goal. Take some basic street photos of Salem, Massachusetts and document how much it comes to life during Halloween.

Salem is best known for the witch trials that took place in 1692. Many people were wrongly accused of being witches and 14 women, 5 men were hanged and one man was pressed to death. It's a dark legacy and the city has embraced it while respectfully remembering who came before us. In recent years, it has created a culture that celebrates the occult and everything spooky and witchy year round.

The energy of Salem

I shot a few rolls and processed them. I process and print my own photos using the darkroom at Salem State University where I graduated with a degree in photography in 2001. I'm so happy to have the opportunity to teach and help out in various darkroom classes. And, recently I was hired to teach a community darkroom class there. As many darkrooms have disappeared, which is awful since I strongly feel they should be a part of everyone's photography education. I'm so lucky that I have access to this one.

I made some prints but they felt flat and really didn't capture the energy of Salem. Realistically, how many people can you photograph with a tiny witch hat on without it seeming generic? So, I started to talk to people in the street and then ask if I could take their picture. I realized without trying, I had switched to street portraits, which is NOT like me at all. I would usually rather lay down in front of a bus than ask someone if i can take their picture but I did it.

Behind the curtain

As I moved through the city, I was drawn to not just the tourists that come here but the people who run this city and make it a place that half a million people visit every October. The wizard behind the curtain so to speak.

I ended up wanting to photograph the people who guard the door to the shop and make sure each shop is at its capacity. The witch who happily lends her knowledge of spells and crystals out to people who want to learn. Tour guides who show why our city is famous and street vendors who spend time creating things to buy. The buskers who make their living performing on the street for the tourists. The tarot card reader, the waitress who feeds the hungry tourists, and the chef who cooks for them. There was an ease which came with photographing all of these people and once I started it was hard to stop. In fact, if it weren't for the deadline I probably would still be shooting!

Consistency

I tried to keep everything I could control consistent. For film I used Ilford HP5 PLUS 400 (which I develop in Ilfotec DD-X), and then I used a 50mm 1.4 lens which required that I be right in front of the person. I also used my Nikkormat which is totally manual so there was plenty of time for my subject to start fidgeting while I adjusted my camera.

A few times I had to apologetically explain to them that I had film in my camera and it was going to take a minute to get settings adjusted. There was a number of times where they would sort of shift and i would have to start focusing all over again. Not many people are used to having to hold still for a picture anymore.

I decided that I would try for a mid range f-stop. There would be some detail behind my subjects and give some context to their location but not enough to be distracting. It worked most of the time unless it was really sunny and then I ended up closing the lens down more than I wanted to but I'm learning to be less rigid when shooting for street photography. You definitely can't get it exactly how you want it all the time.

Amazing Humans

In the darkroom, I printed them on Ilford MULTIGRADE RC DL mostly matte but some glossy with a 2.5 filter in an old full frame negative holder and developed with Ilford MULTIGRADE.

All in all, I learned SO MUCH about taking street photos and how to shoot for the image even if it's not perfect. Most importantly, I loved meeting all these amazing humans in my own city during my favorite time of the year.

The shots I've shared here are some of my favorites from Salem during Halloween.

Images © Jessica Martineau

About The Author

Jessica Martineau

Jess Martineau is a black and white film photographer, darkroom printer and part-time teacher who lives in Salem, Massachusetts.

You can find and follow her on Instagram @maplesugarwitch

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only way this would be a problem is if you're absolutely broke and need cash NOW. as most tweekers/junkys tend to be.

The bustling streets, crowded subway cars, and towering skyscrapers all contribute to the energetic backdrop against which they perform their craft. The diversity and multiculturalism found in many cities also provide ample material for spellwork and rituals. However, these witches must also navigate the modern trappings of city life. They must find ways to incorporate their craft into their daily routines, often relying on discreet rituals and spells that can be performed on the go. For example, a witchcraft street scrapper may use a talisman as a form of protection while navigating the busy city streets or cast a quick spell for luck before a job interview. In addition to these practical considerations, the witchcraft street scrapper must also contend with the perceptions and misconceptions of those around them. Despite increasing acceptance of alternative spiritual practices in society, witchcraft still carries a stigma in many communities. These urban witches may face skepticism or judgment from friends, family, or even strangers who do not understand or appreciate their beliefs. Despite these challenges, the rise of the witchcraft street scrapper is a testament to the resilient and adaptive nature of witchcraft itself. Throughout history, witchcraft has evolved and transformed to fit the needs and desires of its practitioners. What was once seen as mysterious and exotic has found a home in the most urban of environments. Whether it be casting spells in alleyways, meditating in noisy coffee shops, or performing rituals on the rooftops of skyscrapers, the witchcraft street scrapper demonstrates the versatility of the craft and the determination of its practitioners. As urban landscapes continue to change and evolve, so too will the practice of witchcraft within them, ensuring that this ancient and enigmatic tradition remains relevant and vibrant in the modern world..

Reviews for "The Secret Lives of Witchcraft Street Scrappers: An Insider's Perspective on Urban Magic"

1. Janet - 2 stars

I found "Witchcraft street scrapper" to be an underwhelming read. The plot lacked depth, and the characters were one-dimensional. The writing style was also quite simplistic, which made it hard for me to become invested in the story. Overall, I was disappointed by the lack of originality and the overall execution of the novel.

2. Mark - 1 star

"Witchcraft street scrapper" was a complete waste of time for me. The book promised an exciting supernatural adventure, but it failed to deliver. The pacing was incredibly slow, and the action scenes were poorly executed. Additionally, the dialogue felt forced and unrealistic. I couldn't connect with any of the characters, which made it difficult for me to care about what happened to them. I would not recommend this book to anyone looking for an engaging and well-written fantasy novel.

3. Sarah - 2 stars

I struggled to finish "Witchcraft street scrapper". The storyline was predictable, and it felt like I've read this type of urban fantasy before. There was nothing new or original in the book that could make it stand out. The protagonist lacked depth, and the secondary characters felt like mere plot devices. The writing style was also unimpressive and failed to create a captivating atmosphere. Overall, it was a forgettable read that I wouldn't recommend to anyone seeking a thrilling and unique urban fantasy experience.

Casting Spells on City Streets: Exploring the Rituals of Witchcraft Street Scrappers