 Being a witch is not just something I do; it’s the essence of who I am. It defines me completely. My car proudly displays witchy stickers, and even my license plate leaves no doubt that a witch is on board. Witchcraft has been my constant companion through every stage of life. As a child, it served as my guide. During my teenage years, it kept bullies at bay. In young adulthood, it helped heal the wounds of heartache. And now, as an adult, it's been my anchor through life’s highs and lows. Witchcraft has always been there for me, especially in my darkest moments, when I am gripped by depression and anxiety.
Having both depression and anxiety doesn’t diminish my identity as a witch. But it does often turn me into a recluse, pulling away from people while still craving connection and friendship. It makes me flakey—eager to engage, yet easily overwhelmed by the crushing weight of the world, causing me to cancel plans at the last minute. I may come across as distant, even unapproachable, when in truth, I’m just struggling to navigate social interactions. It fills me with fear at the thought of going to unfamiliar places alone unless I have someone I trust by my side. I’ve lost friendships because of my mental health, and I don’t blame them for it. I’ve missed out on promising opportunities, too. I have even missed out on family events, which hurts a lot. Living with a mental illness has taught me the painful reality of loss. While I might seem adventurous, inside, I’m trapped in a prison from which there is no escape. Does this mean I can’t create magick for myself or others? Absolutely not. I can still weave spells, create, and manifest magick—nothing stops me from that. Witches can practice magick even with anxiety and depression because magick is an inherent part of who we are. It doesn't rely on constant external perfection. In fact, magick can become a source of healing and strength for those dealing with mental health challenges. Casting spells, setting intentions, or performing rituals offer structure and meaning, helping witches reclaim a sense of control and connection to the universe. Magick is deeply personal and flexible—it can be practiced in moments of stillness, during emotional turmoil, or even through something as simple as lighting a candle. Anxiety and depression don’t weaken a witch’s power; rather, they can bring deeper layers of vulnerability, resilience, and insight, enriching the practice with a profound sense of transformation. Additionally, witchcraft can be a powerful and healthy practice for those with anxiety because it provides a sense of grounding, structure, and personal empowerment. Engaging in rituals, whether through spellwork, meditation, or working with natural elements, allows individuals to create moments of calm and control amidst the chaos of anxious thoughts. The act of setting intentions, visualizing outcomes, and focusing energy on a specific goal can help quiet the mind and reduce stress. Witchcraft encourages mindfulness and self-awareness, guiding practitioners to connect with their inner selves and the natural world, which can be incredibly soothing for anxiety. Additionally, the spiritual aspect of witchcraft fosters a sense of belonging and connection, offering emotional comfort and helping those with anxiety find meaning in their journey. Similarly, witchcraft can be a healing and empowering practice for those dealing with depression, as it offers a sense of purpose and connection that can help alleviate symptoms. Through spellwork, ritual, and meditation, witchcraft provides structure and focus, which can be particularly beneficial when depression causes feelings of hopelessness or lack of direction. Engaging with nature, setting intentions, and working with elements like herbs and crystals create small yet meaningful acts of self-care and mindfulness. These practices encourage self-reflection, helping individuals reconnect with their inner strength and reclaim a sense of control over their lives. Moreover, the spiritual aspects of witchcraft, such as connecting with deities or ancestors, foster a sense of belonging and support, which can be deeply comforting for those feeling isolated or disconnected. By nurturing the soul and mind, witchcraft becomes a tool for healing, helping to shift energy and invite positive transformation. Lastly, connecting with pagan deities during a depressive or anxiety episode can provide a profound sense of comfort, guidance, and spiritual support. When struggling with overwhelming emotions, reaching out to a deity can help ground you, reminding you that you’re not alone in your journey. Pagan deities, often associated with different aspects of life such as healing, transformation, protection, and strength, offer a direct link to ancient wisdom and energies that can soothe the spirit. This connection allows for a personal dialogue with the divine, where you can ask for clarity, courage, or simply for someone to witness your pain. The act of invoking a deity during these difficult moments creates a sacred space for release and renewal, allowing you to shift your focus from internal turmoil to spiritual growth. By connecting with these powerful forces, you tap into a timeless source of strength and compassion, which can bring emotional relief and a renewed sense of purpose amidst the storm of anxiety and depression. If you are a witch with a mental illness, you are not broken. You are not alone. You can still weave spells and practice magick. Be who you are. A witch.
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In the world of witchcraft and spellcasting, tradition often emphasizes the importance of following specific rules and guidelines. These rules, handed down through generations, provide a framework that can help practitioners focus their intent and ensure the safety and effectiveness of their work. However, there are times when deviating from these established norms can lead to powerful, personalized, and profoundly transformative experiences. Here’s why you don't always need to follow the rules when working spells. One of the most compelling reasons to break away from traditional spellcasting rules is the power of personal connection and intuition. Magic is deeply personal, and each practitioner has a unique relationship with the energies they work with. Rigidly adhering to prescribed methods can sometimes stifle this personal connection, preventing you from fully harnessing your innate power. Trusting your intuition and allowing your personal experiences to guide your spellwork can result in more meaningful and effective outcomes. Magic is an art as much as it is a science. Creativity and innovation are vital components of effective spellcasting. While traditional rules provide a solid foundation, they should not limit your creative expression. Experimenting with new ingredients, incantations, or ritual structures can lead to the discovery of powerful new methods. By stepping outside the boundaries of conventional practices, you can tap into a wellspring of creativity that enhances your magical abilities. Many traditional spellcasting rules were developed in times and cultures vastly different from our own. As society evolves, so too must our magical practices. Modern witches often face challenges and circumstances that ancient practitioners could never have imagined. Adapting spells to fit contemporary life—whether by incorporating modern tools or addressing current issues—ensures that magic remains relevant and effective. Breaking old rules can be a necessary step in making your practice fit the realities of your life today. There is a profound sense of empowerment that comes from forging your own path in spellwork. When you take the initiative to modify or create your own spells, you assert your authority and confidence as a practitioner. This self-assured approach can amplify your magical intent, making your spells more potent. Believing in your own power is a critical component of successful magic, and sometimes that means breaking away from established norms to follow your own path. While some rules are designed to ensure safety—such as those involving the use of fire, sharp objects, or toxic herbs—many others are more about tradition than necessity. If certain rituals or ingredients make you uncomfortable or feel unsafe, it’s perfectly acceptable to modify them. Your comfort and sense of security are paramount in spellcasting, as anxiety and discomfort can interfere with your focus and intention. No two witches are alike, and neither are their needs. Spells are most effective when they are tailored to the individual practitioner. Adhering strictly to another’s rules can result in spells that are less aligned with your personal goals and energies. By customizing your spells, you ensure that they resonate with your specific desires and circumstances, making them more powerful and effective. While tradition and rules provide valuable guidance, they should not be seen as unbreakable laws. Magic is a deeply personal practice that thrives on intuition, creativity, and adaptability. By trusting yourself and your unique connection to the energies around you, you can create powerful, effective spells that resonate with your personal truth. So, don't be afraid to break the rules and explore the boundless possibilities of your magical practice. Remember, the most potent magic often comes from following your heart and trusting your inner wisdom. I always feel that it is important for me, as a spiritual person, to share with others that I am not always perfect. That I too have struggles that only make me stronger. This one of those stories I wanted to share.
Four years ago today, while I was living in Tampa, Florida, I woke up to the worst panic attack of my life. I remember getting up, shaking, numb, and unable to move. Tears streamed down my face as I struggled to comprehend what was happening to my body and mind. It felt like a switch had been flipped in my brain, sending my flight response into overdrive. This marked the beginning of the most terrifying and traumatic depressive episode I have ever experienced. I felt like I had forgotten how to do everything. I remember getting into my car, and everything around me seemed to grow larger and close in on me. I attempted to drive, but as I pulled out, it felt like I had forgotten how to operate the vehicle. I had to stop and go back inside. The following weeks were a blur of sleep and exhaustion, with constant dark thoughts fluttering through my mind. I could barely eat and felt like an empty shell. Thankfully, my primary care physician was amazing, and I found a psychiatrist who, even though I had to pay out of pocket, helped me get on the right medications. It took me a full six months to recover from that depressive episode. It felt like my brain had been damaged, and my neurons needed time to heal. To this day, I gauge the severity of my depressive episodes against that experience in June 2020. While I’ve had other episodes since, nothing compares to that time. I remind myself of my strength and resilience, knowing that I never let the darkness consume me. I kept fighting and ultimately won, and I will always continue to fight and win. Remembering the Struggle and Celebrating the Victory Though I've had other episodes, nothing compares to the darkness I faced in June 2020. That time in my life serves as a benchmark for my resilience and strength. I remind myself daily that I never allowed that darkness to pull me under. I never allowed it to win. I kept fighting, and I won. And I will always win. Finding Hope and Strength If you are struggling with depression, remember that you are not alone. Seek help, reach out to professionals, and lean on your support network. It's a tough battle, but with determination and the right support, you can overcome it. Keep fighting, and know that you have the strength to win. Many of you have been wondering where I have been. I am now living in Richmond, VA with my husband and my menagerie. I have pretty much dipped out of the dance scene, save only for Snake Charming and I am entering the Crone phase of my life. I am after many years of struggling, redefining my identity. In October of 2023 I lost one my best friends and belly dance colleagues. Her passing really forced me to reevaluate my life and the idea of self-identity. My life had changed so much since living in Boston and I had lost so much of “who” I was when I left. I was trying so hard to recreate what I had in Boston and would find myself in depressive episodes when it never happened.
After many years, I have accepted that I have changed and shed my skin into a new identity. That of an artist and author. As the proprietress of Snake and Bone, I am enjoying the creative process of making new pieces for the shop. I have also written my third book and am currently working on my fourth as well as a secret project! I am excited to start vending in Richmond and beyond, bringing Snake and Bone out to the public where I can share not only my jewelry, but my handmade oils, incense and Spirit Bottles! One thing I have also been focusing on is the Tarot. I have been reading Tarot since I was 13, however, I never focused on them as spiritual tools. I have become a member of the Tarosophy Association and have been taking their in-depth courses on the Tarot and their spiritual significance. Needless to say, while I am not the Zehara I was 10 years ago---I am still Zehara, just on a new journey! Tarot cards have long been a tool for divination, self-reflection, and guidance. Traditionally, they are used to gain insights into various aspects of life, including relationships, career, and personal growth. However, one often overlooked aspect of tarot readings is how the cards can reveal issues with the querent—the person seeking the reading—rather than just focusing on the person in question or the external situation.
The Mirror of the Soul Tarot cards function as a mirror, reflecting the inner state of the querent. Each card holds a multitude of meanings, which can be interpreted in various ways depending on the context of the question and the querent's current life circumstances. When a querent asks about another person, the cards can often shed light on the querent's own feelings, biases, and influences to the situation. This reflective quality makes tarot an invaluable tool for self-awareness, personal growth and self-empowerment. Projection and Perception One psychological concept that explains this phenomenon is projection. Projection occurs when individuals attribute their own thoughts, feelings, or motivations to another person. In the context of a tarot reading, the cards can highlight these projections, helping the querent understand how their perceptions and emotions might be coloring their view of the situation. For instance, if a querent draws cards indicating betrayal or mistrust while asking about a partner, it may reflect the querent's own fears or insecurities rather than the partner's actions. The Role of the Tarot Reader The tarot reader plays a crucial role in interpreting the cards and guiding the querent to a deeper understanding of the reading. An experienced reader can help the querent see beyond the surface meanings of the cards and explore how their own thoughts and behaviors might be influencing the situation. By gently questioning and providing insights, the reader can encourage the querent to reflect on their own role in the issue at hand. Common Cards Reflecting Inner Issues Certain tarot cards are particularly indicative of issues within the querent: The Hanged Man: This card often suggests a need for a change in perspective. When it appears, it can indicate that the querent needs to consider how their own viewpoint might be contributing to the problem. The Moon: Associated with illusions and subconscious fears, The Moon can point to hidden anxieties or misconceptions the querent may have about the person in question. The Devil: While often interpreted as external temptations or bindings, The Devil can also signify internal struggles, such as unhealthy attachments or negative patterns of behavior within the querent. Five of Cups: This card reflects grief, loss, and focusing on the negative. Its appearance might suggest that the querent is too fixated on past disappointments, affecting their current relationships or situations. Using Tarot for Self-Reflection For those using tarot cards for self-reflection, it's essential to approach readings with an open mind and a willingness to look inward. Here are some tips: 1. Ask Open-Ended Questions: Instead of asking, "Is my partner unfaithful?" consider asking, "What can I do to improve my relationship?" This shifts the focus from blaming others to personal growth. 2. Journal Your Readings: Keeping a tarot journal helps track patterns and recurring themes. Over time, this can reveal underlying issues and personal growth areas. 3. Reflect on Emotional Responses: Pay attention to your immediate emotional reactions to the cards. Strong reactions can indicate areas that need deeper exploration. 4. Seek Professional Guidance: Sometimes, an outside perspective can provide clarity. Consulting with a professional tarot reader can offer additional insights and support. Tarot cards are more than just a tool for predicting the future or understanding others; they are a profound instrument for self-discovery. By reflecting on the querent's own issues, thoughts, and emotions, tarot readings can promote greater self-awareness and personal growth. Embracing this reflective aspect of tarot can lead to more meaningful insights and, ultimately, a more empowered and enlightened approach to life's challenges. The Tarot AddictSince the age of 13, I have been reading Tarot Cards and started professionally reading them when I was in my twenties. I have done both private and corporate events as well as reading for clients who found me via my website or picked up one of the many business cards I leave lying around whenever I am out and about.
I have my regulars. The ones I read for on a regular basis. Usually every three to six months or so. However, since the pandemic started last year, I have begun to notice a trend in my clients that I actually had to put the breaks on. Maybe it was the lockdowns, the unemployment worries, the constant bombardment of news that left everyone in a state of constant anxiety. I can't say that I myself was not affected by the pandemic stress. Whatever it was, I noticed that some people were becoming Tarot addicts. They wanted a reading every week or month. At first, I didn't think much of it. Different issues needing some guidance. But there was more to it. There was this weird sense of urgency and need. I realized, that receiving Tarot readings had become a type of drug for some people. It was an itch they needed to scratch. It wasn't that they were asking for guidance--it was that they were feeling unable to make a rational decision for small problems. Or needed to hear that, what they knew was the right thing to do, from someone else. It was unhealthy. I felt like I was becoming a drug dealer feeding a habit. Except for their drug of choice was my beloved Tarot deck! I knew inherently, that COVID-19 was partially to blame for this. When we were struck with the pandemic, it left us all in a state of unknowingness. We all needed some direction in a future that seemed blinded by doubt. Since then, I have had to set clear boundaries with all my clients, past, present, and future. For starters, no new readings on a new issue for a month. If you come to me for a reading on a specific issue, you need to wait three months before I do another reading on it. Three months is enough time to see if things pan out. As always, I tell my clients' readings are not set in stone. They offer guidance on a situation only. They are not predictions for the future and things can always change. I also offer spell work -- if in three months, things don't work out or you need more guidance-- I am happy to do another reading on the issue. The truth is, as a Tarot Reader, I am not helping anyone by feeding their addiction. Some would see it as a monetary loss. But I believe as a reader, I am here to offer assistance, and by filling a void by doing constant readings for the same person for the same issue--I am not doing anyone any favors. Yeah, sorry .... no. The words "medium" and "mediumship" get tossed around way too much nowadays with nearly everyone with some type of claire-psychism claiming to be a medium. You may be a psychic-- but you are not a medium. I am not saying real, genuine mediums do not exist. They do. Absolutely. I just do not believe that they exist to the point where there are many of them that you can type in the word medium and pull up thousands of results. And people claiming to be mediums may have psychic abilities but they are not true mediums.
I discuss this in my book "Grave Spirits." There are three types of psychics: Clairaudient (means you can hear the dead), clairsentient (you can feel the dead), and clairvoyant (you can see the dead). Unless you have ALL three--- you are NOT a medium. You can have one or two. But you need all three to be a medium. It is why I have never in my life claimed to be a medium. When people hear the word medium, they immediately think of big names like John Edwards and James Van Praagh. Both of whom, I have seen in person and both of whom I can say are true mediums. It is not ok to toss around the word medium. And the reason is simple. It brings false hope to those who need reconciliation. Imagine the pain of losing someone close. I recently lost my mother in law who was single handly one of the most influential women in my entire life. If I were not already connected to her in a spiritual way and did not have a healthy relationship with death, you better believe that I would be reaching out to anyone who said they were a medium to get in contact with her. And what about those families who have lost a child to murder or suicide? Claiming the word medium is claiming a major responsibility. It's more than just stating whether or not someone Uncle Joe left them a thousand dollars in a box in the attic somewhere. It's claiming that you can literally without a doubt, 99% communicate clearly with the dead. As a clairsentient, I feel the dead. I feel their presence. They will send me impressions of things-- like the feeling of wearing a sweater or impress upon me the feeling of love or anger. I can pass that message onto someone. But I can not hear them directly or see them. Therefore, I am not a medium. Frankly, I do not want to be a medium. I do not want that responsibility. And if you are not a medium, you should not want it either. On August 20, 2021, despite being vaccinated, I tested positive for Covid-19. I have asthma. The first two days were frightening as I was coughing and having difficulty breathing. I thought for sure I would end up in the hospital. However, the dreams began.
I am no stranger to fevers. I was sick constantly as a child, and having chronic asthma, I am prone to yearly bouts of bronchitis. But Covid fevers are high and mighty. My temperature ran anywhere between 101 to 103F. Sometimes Tylenol would help, sometimes it did nothing. I would lay in bed sweaty and disgusting and ultimately slip into a feverish slumber But I was never alone. For seven consecutive days, I would have the same dream, but different scenarios. I was in a cave, where, I am not sure. There were seven Shamans with me. The Shamans were all from different cultures: A Native American, an African, a Siberian, a Japanese, an Australian, a Celtic, and a Germanic. Only three spoke directly to me: the Native American, an older man with a large nose, wrinkly face, and long braided gray hair, the Siberian, an older woman with no teeth dressed in deer skins, and the African a thin gaunt man with glasses. I was partially naked in the cave, only wearing underwear. I was filthy, caked in mud and dirt. I was cold and I remember how badly I just wanted to be clean. But they told me I could not be clean. Not yet anyway. The dreams were strange. Every night they were different. One night, I dreamt that they made me lay in a mud-shaped egg. It was cold and damp. I had to be in there, quiet. I remember clearly hearing the water dripping in the cave. I wanted to leave. "You are not ready to leave," the Siberian woman said. So I stayed in the mud egg, shivering. However, the scariest and strangest part of the dreams was towards the end of my illness. The part that sticks with me the most and has left me still, in a weird state. I have always been able to communicate with the dead. I have always been able to "see" the other side. But what the Shamans showed me in my dreams was not what I have ever seen. After my fevers went away and weeks after my illness, a part of me still feels like I am not completely in our world "You must go," the Native American said to me, as he pointed to this hole in the cave floor. It was small and I remember being scared. I did not want to go. But he insisted. I had to go, even if I did not want to go. My muddy dirty and cold body shimmied down the hole and I was hit with the smell of death. This was not the spirit world that I am used to seeing. It was not the spirit world I deal with daily. This was not the land of the Ancestors that I work with. This was altogether something darker. People were trying to pull themselves out but could not. The sludge prevented them. The dark black oozing sludge. I suddenly felt pulled back up and was back in the cave with the Shamans. The Siberian woman was laughing, and then placed her palm, covered in red, onto my chest, leaving a red handprint over my heart. The Native American man said, "Now you can go." "What if my fever comes back?" I said. For some reason, I had this fear--if my fever comes back, I am going to have to go back to the scary place from whence I was just was. "It's not going to come back," he said smiling. I woke up. After seven days, my fever had finally broken. But, 20 days later, I still do not feel right. A part of me is still in that cave. A part of me is still in that dark murky place. Was I supposed to see that place to understand that not all spirits move on to the place of the Ancestors? Why didn't the other Shamans speak to me? What is the lesson I was meant to learn? In Voodoo, there is a Spirit who has white skin, bright eyes and fiery red hair. She is the wife of Baron Samedi, the spirit of the cemeteries, and protector of women and children. Fowl-mouthed and always seen drinking rum infused with hot peppers, she is far from her original homeland of Ireland. Maman Brigitte, to some, may seem like an outsider in an African Traditional Religion, but her hold within the spiritual system of Voodoo is strong and how she ended up within the Diaspora is a weaving of ancient myth and religious history. Maman Brigitte’s early roots are found within Celtic mythology. As one of the most favored Goddesses in Celtic mythology, Brigid was the daughter of Dagda and a member of the Tuatha De Danann. Her name, meaning the “Exalted One,” Brigid was the Goddess of Healers, Poets, Smiths, Fertility, Childbirth, and Inspiration. She was the main protector of women and children, and when she was not serving as a personal protector she was acting as an inspiration to many writers and poets throughout Ireland. Additionally, the Goddess Brigid was known as a fire Goddess with a strong connection to the sun, dawn in particular. Imbolc became Her sacred holiday as it mirrored the sun’s return to the world. She also dedicated a lament for the dead, reflecting her status as a Goddess of life and death and protector of cemeteries, which would later reflect in Her aspect as Maman Brigitte. Various cemeteries throughout Ireland have images of the Goddess Brigid serving as a protector. In 453 C.E. Brigid was transformed by the Church into St. Brigid and became known as the Saint of farm work and protector of the household. It was believed that St. Brigid was the daughter of Dubthach, a Druid who brought her from Ireland to be raised on a mysterious island referred to as Iona, sometimes called the “Druids Isle.” As a young adult, Brigid performed several miracles including healing. In one instance after giving away all of her mother’s food store to the poor, she prayed for hours, and miraculously, the food store was replenished as an answer to her prayers. It was said that she also had the ability to heal headaches with touch, blessings barren gardens and fields, which would later grow fruit and vegetables in full and turn water into beer! Brigid’s influence, as both a Goddess and Saint, would travel across the Atlantic and find a new home in the deep south of New Orleans, Louisiana. After the 1791 slave revolt in Haiti moved to New Orleans, many slaves and freed people of color infused their spiritual practice of Voodoo with the local Catholic population. Concealing their Voodoo Lwa behind the Catholic Saints, enslaved West African and freed people could freely practice their spirituality without fear of persecution. New Orleans Voodoo became known as Voodoo-Catholicism, easily merging into the everyday local religious life. And what better Saint to represent a Spirit whose purpose is to protect women, children, and the dead, and assist in healing than Brigid! Saint Brigid became the fiery, smart-talking, rum-drinking Lwa Maman Brigitte, one of the few Caucasian spirits found in Voodoo. Her spicey personality and symbolism of protection and assistance with the dead led her to become the consort of Baron Samedi. A fierce fighter, she is often called on by women to assist with fertility, assist with domestic violence issues and assist with the protection of children. One of her most powerful workings is her ability to help heal the sick and ease the pain of those who are suffering. From Goddess to Saint to Lwa, Brigid’s Feast Day is February 1st Below is a ritual to Maman Brigitte, which can be done on Imbolc or anytime you wish! It is a ritual to ask for good health and wellness as well as to honor those who have passed over. You will need an offering of tobacco for Papa Legba, the Gate Opener, who must be called before any other Lwa can be called in. You will also need some of Maman Brigitte’s favorites for offerings which can be any of the following: rum, hot peppers, rooster feathers, purple and black candles. Please note that the Lord’s Prayer is used in the beginning as New Orleans Voodoo does merge with Catholicism, if you are uncomfortable saying this, you can omit it. Additionally, parts of the ritual are in Creole as that is the language of the Voodoo Spirits! Ritual to Maman Brigitte Opening Prayers Our Father Prayer Our Father, Who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name; Thy kingdom come; Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us, and lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil. Hail Mary (in Creole) Je vous salue, Marie, pleine de grâce. Le Seigneur est avec vous. Vous êtes bénie entre toutes les femmes, et Jésus, le fruit de vos entrailles, est béni. Sainte Marie, mère de Dieu, priez pour nous pauvres pêcheurs, maintenant et à l'heure de notre mort. Ainsi soit-il Calling in Papa Legba Papa Legba, ouvre le barrier por moi passe Papa Legba, open the gates so that Maman Brigitte and her husband Baron Samedi may enter our world in love peace. For this we leave you an offering of tobacco. Welcoming in Maman Brigitte We welcome you Maman Brigitte, and your husband Baron Samedi. The offerings placed on this altar are yours, given with the highest intentions and purest of heart. Maman Brigitte, you who are the Lwa of the dead are also a gifted healer, blessed with the gifts to bring health and wellness to those who seek it. We ask you Maman Brigitte, to help those who are suffering from illness now. As the Lwa of the dead, help guide those who have lost their lives in this pandemic. Help to heal and guide those many thousands whose life hangs in the balance. Give strength to the workers who risk their own lives to save many. Maman Brigitte, Baron Samedi, we ask that you help those families who have lost loved ones. We all understand that out of death comes Life and out of Darkness comes Light. Help to guide those of us who are in good health, to recognize the sacrifice of our freedom and our comforts at this time to save lives. Give us the wisdom and guidance to emerge with more compassion. Moment of silence to pray Maman Brigitte, Baron Samedi, we thank you for your presence and your blessing. We thank you for bringing the love of thousands that brought us life and allowing us to be a flame in the dark. Please stay as long as you like and leave when you are ready. (first published in Witch Way Magazine February 2022)   It is a cold raining day in Florida-- we have been getting a lot of those down here lately-- and I decided to do one of my favorite things on days like this, visit one our many metaphysical shops. We have so many here, each with their own unique feel and personality. I was in the mood for a new book. I am picky when it comes to books, so I spend quite awhile looking at them.
I am sitting in the book area of the shop, pulling out certain books that pique my interest, when three teenage girls are chattering non-stop looking at stones. One of them wanders off towards where I am sitting and opens a large cabinet containing an array of various oils. I hear her say, “Hexing oil!” and her friends quickly come over and giggle. “How do you use hexing oil?” I keep my mouth shut because, well, I do not work in the shop, nor am I the seller of the product. She asks again. Finally, I say, “well there are many ways, you should check with the cashier when you check out.” Why did I say this? All while I was there, she (the cashier) was assisting customers with their questions on how to use various stones, which candles work best for what, etc. I assume it was her responsibility to tell the customers how to use things. After a while, no book to be found, but chime candles held happily in my hand (because you can never have enough chime candles!), I stood behind the three teenage girls in line. They bought a pendulum; did not know how to use it so the cashier showed them. They bought two different colors of calcite; the cashier explained what one did what. They bought……. HEXING OIL! “How do you hex someone?” I hear again the mousy sweet voice of a baby witch. The cashier immediately changed her tone, “We do not hex people here. We only do white magick. The manager said we only do healing work here. Bad things happen to people who hex and people who hex are bad people.” Um….” Well, I hex, and I am not a bad person. And some practices hex and nothing bad happens to them because they know how to do it right.” Sorry, I had to stick up for myself. Yes. I hex. Responsibly and only if needed. The cashier looked frightened. Like I was going to suddenly going to explode into a pile of flying bats or something. She continued talking to the girls, but in a lower voice and closer, “While that maybe true, there are other ways to stop people from doing bad things.” Since I had not burst into a bunch of vampiric blood thirsty bats, I had to interject one more time. “You claim that your manager states you only do white and healing magick here, and yet you sell products specifically used for the purpose of hexing and other forms of manipulative magick” I went ahead and listed a few of the items I saw around, “And now you are selling a product which specifically says, ‘hexing oil’ to a teenage girl and not explaining to her how to use it or not use it. Rather, you will sell it to her, and let her walk blindly out of the store with a product she has no idea what to do with.” Crickets. I stopped. I let the transaction happen. Bought my freakin’ candles and left. And then I let the event cycle in my head for twenty-four hours before I wrote this. Witch shops, metaphysical stores whatever you want to call them, they have a responsibility to the customers they serve. For starters, if you want to be an all-white magick shop, do not sell products that counter that—like hexing oil. I can not think of any healing rituals or spell work that would require hexing oil as a healing element!? If you want your shop to just be an occult/witchy/metaphysical shop—then do not push for the “we only do (insert color of magick) here.” Just sell the products you feel are worth selling and do your thing. Moreover, you have a responsibility towards the community you are serving. If you are selling products that promote healing and positivity and are willing to assist those customers in finding the correct items, they need to have their desires manifested--- then you owe it to those who are buying other products that may have a completely different purpose to assist them in answering their questions to. Sorry. Otherwise, do not sell those types of products in your store. Most of us are well aware that teenage girls are using hexing oil for some mundane reason like a bad break up or to get back at someone, which hexing really is not necessary for. As the shops responsibility it would have been better if they addressed the issue and talked the girls out of buying it. I understand the store needed a profit, but we need more educated baby witches out there. Ones that think things through are rational and can tell when a real hexing needs to be done. |
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