Sheridan's Witchy Blog

As we start our conversations on the Salem Witch Trials, it has led me to ponder on some examples of modern day witch hunts and witch trials. While there aren’t many situations to compare to in the literal sence, with those accused being hanged or murdered for their crimes, there are some that are similar in their core accusations and evidentiary basis. Most notably, I wanted to investigate the similarities and differences of modern “cancel culture” to that of the Salem witch trials; specifically looking at who is accused, why they were accused, and the consequences they face for these accusations.  I found an article that I believe portrays the two phenomena in a very insightful manner, here is my analysis of this article and the concept as a whole:  This article addresses the phenomenon of "cancel culture," which refers to the widespread trend of publicly denouncing and ostracizing individuals or entities deemed to have engaged in offensive behavior or held controversial v...

            Soaring through the skies on a broomstick, the prevalent depiction of a witch has long been ingrained as a predominantly female figure, so much so that it has become the default Halloween costume for women and girls alike. However, delving into the origins of this gendered stereotype unveils a historical narrative shaped by medieval perspectives on magic and the distinct behaviors attributed to men and women accused of engaging in the "crime" of witchcraft.           Examining a specific facet of the witch's portrayal in popular culture, namely her association with flight, reveals a shift in attitudes from the early to the later Middle Ages. In the 11th century, Bishop Burchard of Worms remarked on certain sinful beliefs: "Some wicked women, turning back to Satan and seduced by the illusions and phantasms of demons, believe that in the night hours they ride on certain animals with the pagan goddess Diana and a ...

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@nesti_home/video/7228153564546223362                One of my favorite activities as a child was “making potions” with my friends and sisters, pretending to be evil withces trying to poison a Princess or cast a spell on a King. We would collect our cauldron, usually a pink sparkly cup or a sand pail, and skip around the house looking for our ingredients. These typically included random soaps and lotions or an assortment of flower petals and leaves, and we would shout out made up names for these such things as we went along. “One mudroot leaf” or “two pumps of unicorn milk,” our imaginations were full of whimsical and wild ideas. We crafted "Glowing Goop Gels" with shimmering hand soaps and "Soothing Sleepy Mixtures" using calming lavender-scented bars. With each potion, we felt a sense of wonder and camaraderie, turning an ordinary day into a memory we would forever cherish. However, I hadn’t thought of this co...

     Celebrities have long been a source of fascination for the public, with their lives often scrutinized and discussed. In recent years, a curious trend has emerged – the public acknowledgment or speculation of celebrities dabbling in witchcraft and the occult. Here, I delve into some intriguing statements and incidents involving well known celebrities, such as Vanessa Hudgens, Gisele Bündchen, Lana Del Rey, Madonna, and Beyoncé, shedding light on their connections to the mystical world.      Vanessa Hudgens, in an April 2023 interview with Nylon, openly expressed her affinity for witchcraft. She acknowledged feeling drawn to the darkness, unknown realms, herbalism, and nature since her childhood. According to Hudgens, her awakening to witchcraft occurred during the filming of one of the Princess Switch movies. For her, being a witch involves connecting with angels, ancestors, spirit guides, and a spiritual brigade, coupled with the unique gift of "vision...

     In the late summer of 2018, the beauty giant Sephora made headlines by unveiling a collaboration with fragrance company Pinrose—a "Starter Witch Kit." However, the excitement surrounding this announcement quickly turned into a controversy, prompting the cancellation of the product by September due to extensive backlash on social media, particularly from the Modern Witch community. People took to Twitter in uproar with multifaceted debates sparked by Sephora's ill-fated foray into the world of witchcraft.      The discourse on Twitter during this period was marked by passionate expressions of dissent from the Witch community, specifically those who identified as Modern Witches. These individuals took issue with what they perceived as the appropriation and commodification of their sacred traditions. Simultaneously, outsiders entered the conversation, questioning whether Witches had the right to voice concerns about spiritual theft. The ensuing Twitter de...