What does it mean to be a witch? From ancient folklore to modern-day witches of social media, we’ll open the broom closet and find out. Did you know that no one executed in the Salem Witch Trials was actually a witch? But there are a lot of witches in Salem today. We’ll examine that history and spotlight some of the most powerful and influential witches who changed the course of history. We’ll also examine quintessential tools like Ouija boards, tarot cards, and the zodiac, all of which have their place in the witch’s toolkit. Ready to manifest some magick yourself? Inside, you’ll find some spells and enchantments to try at home. It’s time to step into your power.
WITCHES • DISCOVER THEIR SECRETIVE & MYSTERIOUS PRACTICES
PART 1 WITCHES THROUGHOUT HISTORY • WITCHES HAVE PERFORMED RITUALS, VENERATED NATURE AND SPIRITS, AND SOUGHT PROTECTION FROM DANGER AND DISEASE FOR MILLENNIA.
Origins and Enduring Traditions • The rich history of witches and witchcraft reminds us of the ever-changing nature of human beliefs and the power of cultural narratives throughout time
European Witch Trials • The “Burning Times” lasted for almost 400 years.
Hangings in Connecticut • The first American witch hunt occurred in Connecticut—not Salem.
The Infamous Salem Witch Trials • Two hundred suspected witches were imprisoned, and the first accused were marginalized residents.
The Controversy Around Tituba: Who Was She Really?
PART 2 THE WITCHING WAY • FROM NATURE-BASED RELIGIONS TO WEST AFRICAN SPIRTUAL TRADITIONS AND MEXICAN-BORN RITUALS, DISCOVER SOME OF THE MOST POPULAR PRACTICES TODAY.
Wicca • This type of witchcraft is a protected religion under the First Amendment.
Hoodoo and Conjure • Most movies get this religion very wrong.
Brujería • Modern Latina and Latino witches are honoring the past.
PART 3 WITCHES MAKING HISTORY • THIS IS YOUR ESSENTIAL LIST OF LEGENDARY ICONS AND SPELLBINDING CELEBRITIES.
8 Iconic Real Witches • Without these noteworthy names, witchcraft wouldn’t be what it is today.
Spellbinding Celebrities • While some witches practice privately, others are in the limelight.
PART 4 ENCHANTED MOVIES AND TV SHOWS • GET OUT YOUR WATCH LIST—THESE WITCHY FAVORITES RUN THE GAMUT FROM CULT HORROR TO DISNEY CLASSIC.
Magical Movies for Witchy Inspiration • There is no shortage of films that will put a spell on you.
Top Entrancing TV Shows • Here’s a guide to shows to binge when you’re in a magical mood.
PART 5 THE POWER IS RISING: WITCHES TODAY • FROM “WITCH CITY” TO HOLLYWOOD AND “WITCHTOK,” THESE OUT-AND-PROUD PRACTITIONERS ARE MANIFESTING THEIR MAGIC FAR AND WIDE.
Spotlight on a Contemporary Witch of Salem • Leanne Marrama wants “baby witches” to embrace their power.
A Working Witch Opens Up About Her Path • I don’t have a pointy hat, but I do have a black cat.
A Puerto Rican–Cuban Witch in a Goddess-centric World • John Cardo is the owner of Persephone’s Pearl in Peekskill, New York.
Occult Consulting for the Silver Screen • Pam Grossman is riding the witch wave.
Creating Digital Magic • Witches of Instagram and #WitchTok are the new generation of witches.
Witchy Workouts • Work out your demons.
PART 6 DIVINATION TOOLS AND ASTROLOGY • OUIJA BOARDS, TAROT CARDS, AND THE ZODIAC MIGHT FIND A PLACE IN A MODERN WITCH’S PRACTICE.
What to Know About Ouija Boards • These spirit boards haven’t always been scary.
The Power and Insight of the Tarot • Laetitia Barbier’s career in tarot was foretold by the cards.
Astrology and the Zodiac • Hey, what’s your sign?
This Bath Is Bomb
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