What is a Witch?
While I was in university, I went for a routine dentist appointment. As we chatted, the conversation naturally turned to my studies. When I mentioned that I was studying the history of witchcraft, he laughed and said, 'I hope you're not a witch — not a nice girl like you!’
When you hear the word 'Witch,' it's easy to conjure images of old, gnarled women living deep in the woods, cursing children, and soaring across the midnight sky on broomsticks. Centuries of religious doctrine and popular culture have painted witches as sinister figures—agents of the Devil, intent on spreading fear and chaos.
Witches have been prosecuted and hunted for centuries, with an estimated 50,000 women, men, and children executed in Europe alone. These alleged crimes included —conjuring storms that ruined crops, casting curses that caused illness or death, and engaging in secret pacts with the Devil.
In reality, these accusations had little to do with magic and more to do with social prejudices, personal vendettas, or fear of those women who lived independently or practiced traditional healing.
For these Wise Women, simply being knowledgeable about herbs, supporting communities with the birth of children, acting outside societal norms, or even being too outspoken could be enough to seal someone's fate as a ‘witch.'
In modern times, witchcraft has experienced a powerful revival, with many—including myself—proudly reclaiming the title of 'Witch.' We embrace a way of life rooted in harmony with magic, nature, and the energy of the universe, integrating ancient wisdom and modern rituals into our daily lives.
From my personal experience and perspective, a Witch is someone who boldly embraces their magic and strives to live authentically and unapologetically. Witchcraft is a spiritual journey—one that seeks peace in the emotional body and nourishment for the spiritual body. This path is guided by living in harmony with nature, learning from the wisdom of our ancestors, and cultivating a deep understanding of one's own power.
As Margot Adler (Author and Wiccan Priestess) once said “The first time I called myself a ‘Witch' was the most magical moment of my life.”
Calling myself a Witch is not about gaining social media traction or adopting a quirky identity—it's a profound act of reclamation. It honours those who faced persecution and death for simply living in their truth and practicing ancient wisdom. For me, it’s a tribute to the lineage of wise, healing, and powerful women who came before me, and a declaration of my own commitment to live authentically, unapologetically, and in harmony with the energy that guide us.