Witchcraft Today

    Throughout the semester, we have discussed witchcraft in primarily the historical setting; from the Salem Witch Trials to witches in the Southwest, we have analyzed their belief systems, practices, and punishments. We have discussed how those who were suspected of witchcraft were ostracized from society, forced to undergo strenuous trials, and slowly die in dismal prison conditions. Those accused of witchcraft were not looked upon as someone's sister, mother, or loved one. They were guilty of the worst possible crime, an agent of Satan, and an enemy to mankind.

Martha Corey and her prosecutors

    This sparked my interest in how the practice of witchcraft is perceived in today's society. When I think of witchcraft today, I think of middle-aged women gathering in an eclectic boutique shop to pour different ingredients into glass bottles to create a spell. My honest opinion is that most of today's witchcraft is a largely trivial and harmless craft that is primarily characterized by the sense of community it gives its practitioners. However, I also think this opinion is biased by my own experiences on social media and my position as young white female in urban Texas.

    However, I can also acknowledge that my perspective is glaringly affected by my own beliefs, particularly my questioning of religion as a whole. I personally think that religion/belief systems get their power from the people who believe in it. If people strongly believe in something, then it is real to them. What makes one religion or belief right over another? Perhaps witchcraft is real and online potions do have magical properties. I simply do not believe these questions can be definitively answered and thus we cannot say if something is real or not real. 

Witches pictured partaking in a female-only pre-Halloween event, Witches Bike Brigade Event

    After going through a retrospective analysis on my own perspective, I thought it would be interesting to ask my friends their beliefs and perspective of witchcraft in today's society. 

    One person stated that they think witchcraft in today's society is "within the sphere of aesthetics; it is less of a belief system, and more of a personality trait." 

    Another individual stated that "they don't believe magic is real, so [they're] not sure if witchcraft is real either." This same individual also had a female friend who mentioned they were going "to start practicing witchcraft" and that "witchcraft runs very strongly in [their] family." The individual stated that their thoughts at the time were very confused but still supportive of her close friend. One thing this individual brought up I found very interesting was the concept of manifestation. Is manifestation real or a way of explaining the unexplainable? Furthermore, is manifestation within the realm of witchcraft? 

    This then led me into a rabbit hole of what falls under the umbrella of witchcraft. I think that the spells, rituals, and potions that are considered witchcraft have evolved over time. As the beliefs and culture of society have changed, so as how society judges those who practice witchcraft (again biased towards American culture). No longer do we commonly torture and murder those suspected of witchcraft, however, I believe the practice of "othering" continues. While these individuals are not completely ostracized, most of society does not look upon the practices of witchcraft as a 'regular, everyday' hobby. Although I do not believe witchcraft will ever be as common or accepted as horseback riding, football, or friendship bracelets, I think its reputation as radically changed since the Witch Trials of 1500 - 1700.