Modern Witchcraft Revival Brings Ancient Practice into Mainstream
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The Broom Closet Is Open: What the Modern Witchcraft Revival Reveals About Us
The pandemic has accelerated many things, from vaccine development to bread baking. It’s also brought about an unprecedented rise in interest in modern witchcraft. For centuries, witchcraft was shrouded in secrecy and forced underground due to persecution or ridicule. Now, with social media and online courses bringing this ancient practice into the mainstream, people are seeking something more.
Academics point out that periods of upheaval often lead to a search for self-empowerment. This is no surprise – when chaos seems uncontainable, we naturally seek ways to exert control over our lives. Witchcraft offers a way to do just that by emphasizing connection with nature and personal empowerment.
At its core, witchcraft is not about casting spells or invoking dark magic; it’s a practice centered on the natural world and personal growth. Alexandra Raquel Hughes, a Toronto business owner and leadership mentor who also practices witchcraft, explains: “What rooted me in witchcraft was a connection with the earth… I had nothing to do, wasn’t seeing other people, and so I sought to fill that space differently.”
The rise of #WitchTok on social media platforms like TikTok is one manifestation of this trend. With over 9 million tagged videos, many are drawn to the aesthetic and spiritual aspects of witchcraft. Tua Broom, a “witchfluencer” from rural British Columbia, notes: “I think women specifically are attracted to witchcraft because it gives them a sense of power.” In a world where patriarchy still holds sway, any practice that offers women agency and control is worth examining.
Not all interest in modern witchcraft is genuine. Some creators use the #WitchTok phenomenon as an opportunity to sell goods and services with little regard for regulatory oversight or safety. Colleen Derkatch, a professor at Toronto Metropolitan University, notes: “I think consumers might want to ask who’s benefiting in this scenario?” This question is crucial – while some practitioners may be sincere in their spiritual pursuits, others are using the trend as a way to make a quick profit.
The modern witchcraft revival also raises questions about education and regulation. Kiki Keskinen’s Canadian Witch School offers courses on herbal magic, shapeshifting, and tarot reading, all legitimate aspects of witchcraft practice. However, without proper oversight or standards, it’s easy to see how the spiritual movement could be exploited.
The modern witchcraft revival is a complex phenomenon that reflects our desires for control and connection in an uncertain world, as well as our darker tendencies towards commercialization and exploitation. As we move forward, it’s essential to examine these motivations carefully – not just for the sake of witches and pagans, but for the health and well-being of society as a whole.
The broom closet is indeed open – but what lies inside will depend on how we choose to approach this modern witchcraft revival. Will we use it as an opportunity for genuine spiritual growth and empowerment, or will we succumb to the temptation of easy profits and performative posturing? The choice is ours, but one thing is certain: our understanding of what it means to be a modern witch is changing with the times.
Reader Views
- TGThe Garage Desk · editorial
While the rise of modern witchcraft in mainstream culture is undeniably fascinating, it's worth noting that this newfound interest often overlooks the nuanced complexities of the practice itself. The article correctly identifies a desire for self-empowerment and agency behind the trend, but what about those who engage with witchcraft out of curiosity rather than conviction? How do we ensure that this growing popularity doesn't trivialize or co-opt the deeply personal experiences of actual practitioners, rather than inviting genuine exploration and understanding? A more critical examination of the line between cultural fascination and genuine spiritual pursuit is long overdue.
- MRMike R. · shop technician
It's interesting that the article focuses on witchcraft as a tool for self-empowerment during times of chaos, but glosses over the practical challenges many beginners face. As someone who's seen a surge in clients seeking guidance on magic and spirituality at our local occult shop, I can attest that actually putting these principles into practice isn't always easy. Most modern witchcraft resources focus on the surface-level – crystals, spell-casting, etc. – but neglect the hard work of building an actual spiritual practice.
- SLSara L. · daily commuter
It's fascinating to see modern witchcraft gaining mainstream acceptance, but we should be wary of commercializing what is essentially a spiritual practice. The proliferation of #WitchTok has created a cottage industry of influencers and creators selling "witchy" merchandise, often without genuine knowledge or understanding of the craft. To truly embody the principles of witchcraft, one must cultivate a deeper connection with nature and themselves, rather than simply buying into the aesthetic. It's essential to separate genuine practitioners from those exploiting the trend for profit.