The magic of wonder is a phenomenon that transcends the ordinary and awakens a sense of awe and curiosity within us. It is a powerful force that has the ability to captivate our imaginations and inspire us to explore the unknown. Wonder has the ability to transform the mundane and ordinary into something extraordinary. It allows us to see the world through fresh eyes and appreciate the beauty and intricacies of our surroundings. Whether it be a majestic sunrise, a breathtaking piece of art, or the vastness of the night sky, wonder has the power to transport us to a place of awe and amazement. The feeling of wonder can also act as a catalyst for creativity and innovation.
She hopes more women will join in on the witchy lifestyle.
Instead of shopping for a new black hat last week which I desperately need to do before the Sanderson Sisters Convention , I found myself reading article after article about SEO strategy for fun. Lunadea Each witch has their own speciality, but I jokingly call myself a computer witch , because I m behind the computer a lot, writing courses and workshop materials.
The feeling of wonder can also act as a catalyst for creativity and innovation. When we are curious and open-minded, we are more likely to question the status quo and think outside the box. A sense of wonder encourages us to explore new possibilities and push the boundaries of what is considered possible.
I Make £3,000 a Month as a Professional Witch
Historically, witches haven’t been treated all that well: scholars estimate that 40,000 to 50,000 people were executed for “witchcraft” in Europe and the American colonies between the 15th and 18th centuries.
However, now we no longer persecute witchcraft – in most countries, at least – there seem to be more and more people calling themselves “witches” the world over. The hashtag #witchesofinstagram has 5.4 million posts attached to it, while a Google search for “witchcraft course” yields 35 million results. Clearly, the once secretive art of witchcraft has gone both commercial, and online.
AdvertisementTo find out how you make a living as a modern witch, I met up with Lunadea Jankiewicz a professional witch and successful entrepreneur. As the 38-year-old laid out her tarot cards, we discussed her business model, witch fashion and the increasing competition in her field.
VICE: Hi, Lunadea. What’s a typical day in the life of a witch?
Lunadea: Each witch has their own speciality, but I jokingly call myself a “computer witch”, because I’m behind the computer a lot, writing courses and workshop materials. Essentially, I’m a teacher. Aside from that, I start the day with a ritual to honour my ancestors.
I do this by placing a small portion of my meal next to an altar, alongside incense and candles. This morning, I offered some cornflakes and coffee. When I have lunch, I add some bread. When you’re a witch, your ancestors are very important. You honour them, so they help you reach your goals.
Lunadea publishes a 'witch calendar' every year.
What does it mean to be a witch?
Witchcraft is a way of life: a combination of being in touch with nature, commemorating the changing of the seasons and finding your own primal strength. Modern witches don’t wear black robes or fly around on broomsticks, but they are connected to their own spirituality. In my case, I teach other witches what witchcraft entails in workshops and classes. I’m always working on one of my witchcraft books and a witch calendar I publish each year.
And you make a living doing this?
Yes, but I also organise a yearly witch festival and I’m ordained to perform ritual witch marriages. On top of that, I sell witch starter kits. All of that combined, I bring in a little over €3,000 (£2,715) a month..
Do you have many expenses?
I employ my boyfriend as a copy editor. I pay him €500 (£452) a month. I’ve also spent a fair amount on all of my web domains, so potential customers can easily find me when they do a Google search for “witchcraft course”, for instance. There are also costs associated with shipping, software and location rental for my workshops.
What do people learn when they do one of your workshops?
How to make ritual candles, how to clear negative energy out of a room or how tarot cards can help you answer life’s big questions. It’s all pretty practical. For €600 (£543) you get ten workshop evenings. An online witch course costs €23 (£20) and comes with 20 pages of information I’ve written myself.
Lunadea with her tarot cards.
Do you ever get strange requests because you’re a witch?
Yes. I get asked probably once a week to lift a curse that has been placed on someone. I send those people to see someone else, because I don’t have time for it and it’s not my expertise.
How do you set yourself apart from other witches, commercially speaking?
Competition in the field of witchcraft has definitely been increasing, but I’m also one of the most visible witches on social media. It takes a lot of time, but it pays off. I’m mostly active on Facebook and Instagram.
Do you ever hop on a broomstick, just for fun?
The image of a witch on a broomstick was invented by the artist Pieter Bruegel [in the 16th century]. He was the first to depict witches as women flying on broomsticks, stirring pots and having black cats.
Even though it was made up by a late Medieval painter, the image is still very popular – even among witches. I don’t sit on broomsticks, but because this idea of witches still exists, my courses on herbs are very popular. Most witches do dream of living in a cottage in the woods, by the way.
Thanks, Lunadea.
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Furthermore, wonder has the ability to connect people across cultures and generations. It is a universal language that transcends language barriers and allows us to find common ground with others. Through the shared experience of wonder, we can cultivate empathy and understanding, fostering a sense of unity among humanity. As children, we are naturally inclined towards wonder. However, as we grow older and become more focused on the practicalities of life, we often lose touch with this innate sense of curiosity. The magic of wonder lies in its ability to reignite that spark within us, reminding us to pause and appreciate the beauty and mystery of the world around us. In a world that often feels overwhelming and fast-paced, the magic of wonder offers us a respite from the chaos. It invites us to slow down, to observe, and to be present in the moment. It reminds us of the power of small miracles and the joy that can be found in the simplest of things. In conclusion, the magic of wonder is a precious gift that can enrich our lives in countless ways. It has the power to transform our perspective, ignite our creativity, foster connection, and bring us back to the present moment. By embracing a sense of wonder, we can unlock the extraordinary in the ordinary and experience the world in all its awe-inspiring glory..
Reviews for "The Wonder Lab: Experiments in Awe and Astonishment"
1. Emily - 2 stars - I was really excited to read "The Magic of Qonder" after all the hype, but I was left feeling disappointed. The plot was predictable and lacked the depth I was expecting. The characters felt one-dimensional and I couldn't connect with any of them. Overall, it was an underwhelming read for me.
2. David - 1 star - I couldn't get through "The Magic of Qonder". The writing style was unnecessarily flowery and convoluted, making it difficult to follow the story. The pacing was extremely slow, and it felt like nothing was happening for the majority of the book. I found myself losing interest and ultimately gave up on it.
3. Sarah - 2 stars - "The Magic of Qonder" had potential, but it fell flat for me. The world-building was confusing and hard to grasp, making it difficult to fully immerse myself in the story. The dialogue was unrealistic, and the relationships between the characters felt forced. I was left feeling unsatisfied and didn't find the book compelling.
4. Michael - 1 star - I found "The Magic of Qonder" to be an incredibly boring and tedious read. The plot dragged on and lacked excitement, and the writing style did nothing to engage me. The narrative jumped around too much, making it hard to follow the story. I was hoping for a captivating fantasy read, but unfortunately, this book missed the mark for me.