The New, New Age: Part 2 – Modern Witchcraft

In the Part 1 of this series we talked about how the entertainment industry has lead us into a new age of curiosity into witchcraft and mysticism. Now we will discuss some of the more real world impacts this trend is having.

Over the last few years, a renewed interest into paganism, spirituality, and the occult has taken root. Of course there are many factors that play into why now but one of the biggest is the trend toward individuality. Self expression is now celebrated and with the wide availability of the internet it’s easier than ever to find your tribe.

Social Media

The rise of social media has also given a larger voice to the modern witch. For those that are more isolated because of where they live; they can now connect to other people with similar practices regardless of their location. Online covens are now a reality. Meanwhile those that wish to be solitary witches can still share their experiences and easily reach out to others when they need to.

Video sharing sites like Youtube allow people to share their stories and experiences with others.

Fashion

When it comes to the fashion aspect, there’s a whole new look for the modern witch. There are clothing lines like Killstar that incorporate modern, gothic, and symbolism into their clothes. This is a trend that seems to be picking up steam from shows like American Horror Story: Coven. Some other clothing lines to check out are:

• Gypsy Warrior
• House of Widow
• Sisters of the Black Moon
• Titania Inglis

Podcasts

Podcasting has given a voice to almost everyone. There are plenty of great podcasts out there covering a variety of topics, however these are our current favorites.

• Which Witch Is Witch
• Modern Witch
• Desperate House Witches

Subscription Boxes

Subscription boxes have taken the world by storm. You can find one for almost anything today and the witches have not be left out! From highly specialized boxes to meet your specific needs to very general boxes to help get you started on your path; there is something for everyone.

There are a few of the subscription boxes we’ve found that look the most interesting to us. We would love to review all of these boxes for you however that’s a little out of our budget right now.

• Sabbat Box*
• WitchBox
• TarotBox
• MysticBoxx
• Box of Shadows
• The Moon Box

*There is a waiting list for memberships to this box. I was able to secure a membership this month so I will be doing an unboxing when I get my first one!

Conventions

A quick Google search will open up an entire world of pagan and spiritual conventions and retreats all across the country and throughout the world. Tarot, palmistry, grimore writing and more can be taught and found at these events, not to mention the myriads of covens that are beckoning the next fledgling witch to join their tribe. The Modern Witch podcast mentioned above even talks about a few on them in one of their recent episodes!

• Witchfest international and witchfest USA
• Hexfest
• The Festival of the Dead

Then Vs. Now

So what’s different between today and the last witch revival of the 90’s? From what I remember there was a focus mainly on Wicca and being part of a coven. There were fledgling communities online for those interested to find information and guidance. However there was still a lot to be desired when it came to accessing everything one might need to practice, let alone all of the different forms and paths your spirituality might take you. For a young teenager in the south that didn’t feel a connection to Wicca, this made things not only difficult but disheartening.

Fast forward twenty years and there’s a whole new spiritual world. Today there are clothing lines, books, online stores, forums, social media, podcasts, subscription boxes, and even conventions. These tools are giving more people the ability to look past the norm they’ve been taught growing up to ultimately find their truest and best form of self.

Times are Changing

Society at large is shifting. Whether its due to the political climate, the signs of climate change, or any other factor; it is obvious to see that things are changing. People want to be connected with their communities again. That includes not only people but the land as well. This is evident by the growth of urban farming and cleaner living. Gone are the days that everything we consume comes from a can. People are embracing old practices with food and medicine to try and better their lives. Rooftop and backyard gardens are flourishing all over the country; not to mention, people are growing their own herbs, canning jams and jellies, making skin care and cleaning products. I’d call that a little bit of kitchen witchcraft taking hold.

Being Yourself

Another shift that has really been embraced by the younger generation is acceptance. The push for inclusion of races, genders, sexuality, religions; it all ties back to looking inward and accepting yourself. Being an individual no longer ostracizes someone. It’s becoming easier to just be you without worrying about social norms. There is still a lot of work to be done but real change takes time and patience.

You might be asking what does all of this have to do with modern day witchcraft. The answer is simple. It all starts with being connected to yourself and your surroundings.