The ideas surrounding witches have been present since ancient times and continue to captivate people's imaginations. **Witches are often portrayed as mysterious and powerful individuals who possess supernatural abilities**. Across different cultures and time periods, the concept of a witch varies, but there are some common ideas. One prevailing idea about witches is their affiliation with magic and the occult. **Witches are typically depicted as practicing witchcraft**, using spells, potions, and rituals to manipulate the natural world and influence events. This connection to the supernatural often leads to the perception of witches as beings with extraordinary abilities beyond the scope of ordinary humans.
Located in a dark room within Second Sight: Witchcraft, Ritual, Power are three small prints. They are easy to overlook. Monochromatic and diminutive in size, they are not as attention-grabbing as some of the much bolder images on display. But I would urge viewers to look for these prints, as they are responsible for establishing some of the most important imagery that we still associate with witches and hold the key to understanding Second Sight.
The complete turnaround from derision, suspicion and death befalling witches in the 16th and 17th century, to the political associations of the Wiccan spirituality in the 01960s and 01970s, to the explosion of TikTok users on WitchTok today shows the linguistic and social transformation of the term, and a marked shift in acceptability for now. One strong connecting aspect of the witchcraft of the 15th century up until the present day, is that most so-called witches , both now and then, are women.
This connection to the supernatural often leads to the perception of witches as beings with extraordinary abilities beyond the scope of ordinary humans. In many mythologies and folklores, witches are seen as beings who can communicate and interact with spirits, ghosts, or other entities from the spiritual realm. **They are believed to have a deep understanding of the unseen world**.
From Witch Trials to WitchTok
Long persecuted and marginalized, witches are suddenly center stage in online culture.
Something strange is happening on TikTok. In one video, a white candle labeled “Her” and a black candle labeled “Him” are tied together with rope. They burn simultaneously until the rope catches fire, dropping between the candles and igniting the remaining length of the black candle. Another video shows a woman with bright green hair telling you to turn your broom upside down to make someone unwanted leave your home, or to put cinnamon sticks on top of your doorframe to bring abundance to your life. In yet another a woman sits on an armchair with a spoon spinning in her cup of tea while her hand makes circles in the air without touching the spoon. This is just a small sample of what you can find on WitchTok, an online community of witchcraft practitioners. It’s not fringe, either: the #witch and #WitchTok hashtags have tens of billions of views — more than #kimkardashian, #beyonce, and #donaldtrump. WitchTok provides a supportive group that Raven the Witch, a community member, describes as a place where “Everyone can be a witch, and every witch is beautiful.”
A few screenshots from the Witchtok Tag on TikTok. Courtesy of TikTok users b6byd6ll, eclectickarma, & emilyriboflavin
When most people think of “witches”, images of witch trials and innocent women burning at the stake come to mind. For centuries, witches were seen as evil, associated with the devil, prosecuted, and killed in the thousands. So how did the cultural meaning of witches change so significantly, enough that a generation of young witches could take over the internet?
To answer this question we must examine the history of witchcraft and the use of the word “witch.” In doing so, we’ll see how the seeds of today's WitchTok community were sown back in the 01960s, when a group of people known as Wiccans set out to revive what they perceived as an ancient witchcraft religion. In doing so, the Wiccans set in motion a process of reclaiming a term of oppression and giving it a new life, allowing the modern-day witches of WitchTok to build a positive and welcoming spiritual community.
This association with the supernatural gives them a sense of wisdom and knowledge that is beyond normal human comprehension. Unfortunately, throughout history, the idea of witches has often been linked to negative connotations. Witches have been portrayed as evil, malevolent, and associated with ill-intent. They are seen as practitioners of dark magic, using their powers to harm others. **This negative perception of witches has led to widespread fear and persecution, resulting in witch trials and witch hunts in various parts of the world**. On the other hand, there are those who view witches as healers, wise women, or spiritual guides. **In some communities, witches are revered for their knowledge of herbs, medicine, and their ability to provide guidance and help to those in need**. The practice of witchcraft, in these contexts, is seen as a positive force that can provide healing, protection, and support. In contemporary times, the idea of witches has evolved beyond the traditional image of a wicked sorceress or benevolent wise woman. **Witches have become symbols of empowerment and resistance**, particularly in feminist and LGBTQ+ movements. Many individuals embrace the title of "witch" as a form of self-identity, reclaiming the derogatory connotations and embracing the power associated with the archetype. In conclusion, the ideas surrounding witches are varied and multifaceted. **They encompass notions of supernatural abilities, connections to the spiritual realm, good or evil intentions, healing powers, and societal empowerment**. The perception of witches has changed through the ages, but their allure and intrigue remain strong in popular culture and imagination..
Reviews for "Embracing Your Inner Witch: Understanding the Ideas of Modern Practitioners"
1. John - 2/5 stars - I found "What are the ideas of witches" to be quite disappointing. The storyline lacked depth and the characters felt one-dimensional. I was expecting a more in-depth exploration of witchcraft and its ideologies, but instead, it felt like a shallow overview. The pacing was also quite slow, making it difficult to stay engaged throughout. Overall, I wouldn't recommend this book to anyone looking for a comprehensive understanding of witchcraft.
2. Emily - 3/5 stars - "What are the ideas of witches" had potential, but it ultimately fell short for me. While the concept was intriguing, the execution was lacking. The writing style felt disjointed at times, and I had trouble connecting with the characters. Additionally, the plot lacked a clear direction, making it difficult for me to fully invest in the story. I appreciate the attempt to explore the ideas behind witchcraft, but I think it needed more depth and coherence to truly captivate readers.
3. Samantha - 2/5 stars - I was disappointed with "What are the ideas of witches". The characters were underdeveloped and lacked depth, making it difficult for me to truly care about their journeys. The dialogue felt forced at times and didn't flow naturally. I was hoping for a thought-provoking exploration of witchcraft, but this book left me unsatisfied. The pacing was also inconsistent, with moments of intense action followed by long periods of stagnation. Overall, I found the book to be underwhelming and would not recommend it.