Am I a Witch? Throughout history, the term "witch" has been associated with wickedness and supernatural powers. Whether using their abilities for good or evil, witches have captivated the imaginations of people all over the world. However, identifying oneself as a witch is a personal and often complex matter. In contemporary society, being a witch is more commonly seen as someone who practices witchcraft or follows a spiritual path that honors nature and connects with energies beyond the physical realm. This can include practices such as spellcasting, divination, herbalism, and ritual work. At its core, being a witch is about embracing a belief system that acknowledges the existence of subtle energies and the power of intention.
We Asked Real Modern Witches to Debunk Magick's Biggest Misconceptions
Are witches real? Yes, they are, and we're in the middle of a witchcraft renaissance. Whether you have a favorite TikTok tarot reader or are looking to deepen your practice beyond checking your horoscopes, you may have questions about precisely what it means to be a witch. All across the world, from Africa to North American Indigenous cultures, to the Puritanical attacks of the Salem Witch trial, the witch is a figure of hope and healing or evil and danger, depending on your point of view.
As a practicing witch and Allure's resident astrologer, it's vital to me to get the record straight about witches, who historically, have always been badasses. While unfortunately, Voodoo queen Marie Laveau is no longer living, there are plenty of witches still alive today who are down to talk about the craft. Kristen J. Sollée, author of Witch Hunt: A Traveler's Guide to the Power & Persecution of the Witch, cites Joan Wright, the first woman charged with being a witch in North America, as one of her favorite witches of all time. “She made the badass move of making light of the accusation and forgave her neighbors for speaking ill of her,” Wright says. "Although the verdict from her 1626 Jamestown, Virginia trial is lost [to history], historians believe she was most likely acquitted."
Witches have been paying the price for enjoying life — be it dancing naked or wearing lipstick — for far too long.
Despite the role of the witch as a healer capable of both great power and incredible forgiveness, society's fear of their power is deep-rooted. In medieval England, people associated makeup with Satan, and there are even popular myths about the government outlawing lipstick to combat witchcraft. The connection between cosmetics, perceived evil, and witchcraft is not unusual. Witches have been paying the price for enjoying life, be it by dancing naked or wearing lipstick, for far too long.
When asked about her favorite historical witchcraft moment in modern history, Sollée calls out Bri Luna's founding of The Hoodwitch website and community in 2013, which helped usher in the current witchcraft revival. Adding a witchcraft practice to your life can be a powerful act of rebellion, self-care, and even activism. But first, we must debunk some major myths lingering about witchcraft. (For instance, did you know that a person of any gender can be a witch, and that the whole black magick versus white magick thing is rather racist?) Keep reading, and regardless of your orientation, race, gender, or economic background, you'll see that you will always have a home with the witches.
At its core, being a witch is about embracing a belief system that acknowledges the existence of subtle energies and the power of intention. To determine if you are a witch, it is essential to explore your beliefs and interests. Do you feel a deep affinity with nature, finding solace and inspiration from its beauty? Are you drawn to the mystical, finding fascination in astrology, tarot, or crystals? Have you ever felt like you have an intuitive or psychic ability? While these qualities might indicate a potential alignment with witchcraft, they do not definitively make you a witch.
What is magick?
Witches are people who practice magick. Magick, which witches like to spell with a "k" to differentiate it from stage magic, is real, too. The practice of magick is about raising and directing energy to fulfill your intentions. Witches believe that everything contains energy: This includes nature, orgasms, and of course, yourself. Have you ever had a vivid dream about someone, only for them to text you the very next day? It's possible that your psychic intuition was burning bright. When you're overwhelmed and stressed, do you ever turn your bathtub into a cauldron by filling it with soothing salts, perhaps lighting some candles to set the mood further? That's a self-love spell. In today's busy world, finding a way to unwind, relax, and re-connect with yourself is a powerful spell indeed. Simply writing out gratitude lists or repeating a mantra is casting a spell, as it means you're injecting reminders of your self-worth into your life. The act of manifestation, and magick itself, is simply focusing energy to produce the desired effect, and it's much easier than you think.
Embracing witchcraft is a personal choice that requires extensive study, introspection, and dedication. Many witches choose to undertake a journey of self-discovery, delving into various spiritual practices, and exploring different traditions to find what resonates with them. It is crucial to remember that identifying as a witch does not require adhering to any specific rules or structures. Witchcraft is a highly individualistic and fluid practice, allowing practitioners to create their unique path. Therefore, there is no one-size-fits-all definition of being a witch. Ultimately, the decision of whether or not you are a witch lies within yourself. Reflecting on your beliefs, experiences, and connection to the spiritual realm can help guide you towards understanding your identity. However, it is essential to approach this self-discovery journey with an open mind, embracing the idea that a witch is not defined by outward appearance or glamorous stereotypes but by their inner connection and personal spiritual practice. In conclusion, being a witch is a deeply personal and individualistic journey. It requires self-reflection, study, and the exploration of various spiritual practices. Whether you identify as a witch or not, what matters most is finding a path that aligns with your beliefs, resonates with your soul, and allows you to authentically connect with the spiritual forces that surround us..
Reviews for "Witchcraft and feminism: finding strength in the witch archetype"
1. John - 2 stars - I was really disappointed with "Am I a witch". The plot was confusing and disjointed, making it difficult to follow along. The characters were underdeveloped and lacked depth, which made it hard to connect with them. Additionally, the writing style was often overly descriptive and bogged down the story. Overall, I found this book to be a frustrating and unsatisfying read.
2. Emily - 1 star - "Am I a witch" was a complete waste of time in my opinion. The story lacked a clear direction and the pacing was all over the place. The protagonist was unlikable and made choices that were difficult to comprehend. I also found many grammatical errors and inconsistencies throughout the book, which only added to my frustration. I would not recommend this book to anyone looking for a well-crafted and engaging story.
3. Sarah - 2 stars - I had high hopes for "Am I a witch", but unfortunately, it fell flat for me. The concept had potential, but the execution was lacking. The writing felt amateurish and the dialogue was stilted and unnatural. The plot twists were predictable and the ending was unsatisfying. It's a shame because with better editing and more attention to detail, this could have been a much stronger novel.
4. Mark - 2 stars - I struggled to get through "Am I a witch". The pacing was incredibly slow, and it took too long for the story to gain any momentum. The author's attempt at creating suspense fell flat, as I found myself losing interest several times. Additionally, the protagonist's motivations and choices were unclear, making it difficult to root for her. The overall execution of the plot and character development left a lot to be desired.