Reclaiming Witch

It’s time to set the record straight and return to a time where being called Witch is an honor.

The reference of Witch has a negative stigma attached to it. They are often portrayed as ugly, old spinsters with wort-ridden noses riding on broomsticks into the night. Or in stories luring children to them to be kidnapped and eaten. Or dancing naked under a full moon conjuring spells and partaking in animal sacrifice. What comes to your mind?

Before these negative associations became commonplace, Witch had a positive meaning and were respected. Witches were the healers, midwives, herbalists, respected members in their community. They lived close to the Earth and in tune with her rhythms. Powerful women who became feared.

In Max Dashu’s book titled Witches and Pagans, she dives deeply into the history and origins of the word Witch and lists these as alternates that were used: Wisewoman, Knower, Prophetess, Diviner, Enchantress, Doer, Maker, Shapeshifter, Old Woman, Fateful Woman.

As late as 1584, Reginald Scot could write in The Discovery of Witchcraft:

“At this day it is indifferent to say in the English tongue,

“She is a witch” or “she is a wise woman.”

Having been raised in a Christian household, I also had the negative association and incorrect teachings of who a Witch is and what she does. As a seeker of the truth, I have rejected what I was told and found out for myself what is real.

I now know many Witchy women, none of them sacrifice animals (in fact I’m vegan!) or worship the Devil. They honor relationships to Earth and the cosmos, notice rhythms and synchronicities, are deeply intuitive/sensitive/empathic individuals, and believe in the power of intention magnified through ritual.

My heart aches for the countless horrors done to women who identified as or were accused to be a Witch. I know it is a privilege to claim the title, and it is not one I take lightly. My hope is that more of us will be open to what resonates within ourselves, and question the outdated belief system built on fear and oppression. We are here, respected women in your community, living in relationship with the natural world and sharing our wisdom for the highest good of all.