It is a question that is raised often, and particularly during an election year: is being a witch a political matter? The short answer is: YES. While Witchcraft itself is inherently non-political (in spite of what fear-based tropes might have you believe), witches themselves ARE political. Almost as if we must be. We do so for our rights, we do so for our planet, and we do in defiance of everything we were once persecuted for – being a woman, being queer, being on the “outskirts of society”, not bowing to or adhering to the Church, being a healer or midwife, having social influence, money, or land. Sound familiar? Is it any wonder then, that so many witches loudly and openly speak our politics and our opinions regarding the state of the World?
The question you may be asking is: why? Why would a group who already is, and has been, a target of social derision put themselves on the line and speak so boldly on such a hot topic as politics? Why would they so publicly “choose sides” and “alienate” half of their friends, family, clients, and the world around them?
The History of Activism and Witchcraft
Historically marginalized and demonized, witches identify with the struggle for autonomy, self-expression, and empowerment in a world that frequently seeks to suppress these ideals.
During the history of the witch trials, both here and abroad, the targets of witch hunts had the same things in common: lower socioeconomic status, healers, those who challenged societal norms of being married, having children, going to church, and those who were otherwise on the outskirts of society for various reasons. Witch hunts were a way to silence these differences and ensure that citizens towed the line.
Today, the practice of witchcraft extends beyond that of a majickal path and continues to challenge prevailing norms, advocate for social justice, and promote ecological awareness. They are in full resistance of both the “norms” and the harm they caused. Witches identify deeply with the history of the persecution of those society deemed “dangerous” and activism today is simply another way to stand in opposition and to reclaim the individuality and power that was once taken away or hidden in the proverbial broom closet by society. It is a public way to dissent and defend those who are now, what those who endured the trials so long ago, are now enduring.
The Landscape Today
At the very core of most practitioners of the majickal path, is an alignment with equality, social justice, environmental preservation, and balance. It’s a no-brainer then, that witches gravitate to political activism. Witches not only want to fight for what is right, but believe it is our solemn duty to do so. It is a part of many traditions and their Code of Ethics. It is part of the “giving back” that many traditions are involved with. It is our right and responsibility.
Indeed, one of the reasons that witchcraft is the fastest growing “religion” in this country is because it offers “asylum” from harmful organized religions, political or societal discrimination, and instead offers acceptance and a feeling of belonging. It offers a feeling of community and not “fighting alone”.
Many traditions today have also adopted more accepting language, with variations even to the more “traditional” male/female aspects of the path. It offers inclusivity. As such, gatherings and rituals offer support and a place to coordinate efforts, both majickal and mundane, to affect social change.
The Healing Affects of Majick
For those who have felt marginalized, witchcraft offers more than just acceptance within the Craft and a place to feel mobilized and empowered. It also offers tools for those who feel the mental health and emotional affects of today’s political landscape.
Visualization and meditation can help the anxious witch to calm down and focus. More than that, however, is the feeling, the KNOWING that they are not helpless. That they can do SOMETHING to help change the way things are. It gives them a sense of power in an otherwise often helpless situation.
While we know and understand that we cannot change the entire system, solve world hunger, enact world peace, and solve global environmental issues with majick alone, ew know that it can serve as another tool to aid in doing so.
The Majickal Path to Political Change
To be a witch is to be political. There is no other way. Simply put, so ingrained into society is the marginalization of witches, that we cannot help but continue to speak up and out for ourselves and for the world around us. We give power and a voice to the silenced and voiceless. We fight for the disenfranchised in an ongoing dedication to justice, equality, and global health – of the earth and her people. We know that collectively, we can be a force of dissent and ultimately, of change. It is our sovereign duty and responsibility.
As such, do your duty and responsibility and VOTE. All the majick in the world won’t alone fix it. Use the voice you have to be heard – for yourself, the world around you, and those who lost their lives trying to do the same.
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