Debunking real-life witches
A variety of lit candles sit on a small rectangular table, their warm glow is the main source of light in the room. Adorned across the table are a cauldron holding grass, a bowl of cleansing water, incense burning and a Brigid’s cross. Amanda Yachecak, leader of Avalon Grove, stands behind the altar, lighting the candles one-by-one. She is leading a song alone. The rest of the Avalon Grove witches are Zooming-in.
The witches are celebrating Imbolc, a holiday that recognizes the upcoming spring season via the goddess Brigid. The ritual takes place on February 1st, the halfway point in winter.
“What seeds have you sown in the darkness; do you know what will grow when the light comes?” Yachecak reads from a piece of paper.
Imbolc focuses on the fresh start of a new season. The use of candles and fire represent the lightening of the Earth as the days get longer. The positivity of the ritual may come as a shock to some since witches tend to possess a negative connotation. They’re often cast as satanic-worshiping, spell-casting individuals thanks to TV shows and movies. But this is far from the reality of Wicca.
Wiccans, or more commonly known as witches, believe the spirit of all living things stem from the goddess(es) and god(s). They worship nature and use the natural elements to create spells, potions and energies that will bring them happiness. They believe in “the wheel”- the cyclical nature of life mirrors the cycle of Earth. This includes reincarnation and a variation of karma. Yes, there are wands, pentacles and magic but not for evil. They utilize the tools to enhance a witch’s faith.
Unless a witch is part of a coven, each practices Wicca differently. Covens require initiation and require members to follow the same rules of practice. But communities like Avalon Grove accept all types of practicing Pagans/Wiccans. Yachecak’s group gives others what she desired when she converted to Wicca.
“I grew up Catholic,” Yachecak says. “I was very involved in the community, and that was something that I really missed when I moved over.”
Avalon Grove offers witches and Pagans the chance to perform rituals for holidays together without joining a coven. Wicca is a small religion, so it can be difficult to find a group. But the pandemic has made it more accessible. The move to virtual rituals means people no longer need to allocate time to travel to a location. They can participate from the comforts of their home.
“I would say [membership] is now beginning to increase,” says Reverend Starr RavenHawk, founder of the NYC Wiccan Family Temple in New York City. “Before we were only with New Yorkers, but online you have so many more options.”
Reverend RavenHawk started the NYC Wiccan Family Temple as a safe space to practice Wicca for families with children. Since the pandemic, she also has moved their rituals and one-on-one meetings online. She also keeps an active Facebook page to notify members when they’re hosting a virtual ritual.
The easy access to virtual events and increased social media activity allows witches to find communities to celebrate with. In a religion as positive as Wicca, it’s easy to find an accepting group of witches online.
“Wicca and Paganism are more accessible than other religions,” says Elhoim Leafer, founder of a Wiccan and Pagan Facebook group. “It puts you in a position that you’re in control of aspects of your life.”
Many people desire to feel in control, especially while navigating life in the pandemic. Witches believe in harnessing the power of nature to benefit themselves no matter the season. Since Wicca is an individual practice, it’s easy to tailor the spell, ritual or potion to fit perfectly into a witch’s life. When witches are unsure where to turn, they can easily ask a leader in their group for direction. The increase in online events and groups have made it easier for witches to do so and have given many the community they need to survive the pandemic.
“While the pandemic was a terrible thing, in aspect of the religion, it was good,” Leafer says. “You can do your rituals at home, you can practice with your friends online. It’s a faith that lets you practice in your home”