The topic of witchcraft used to be shrouded in mystery and fear, often associated with persecution or exposure. However, in contemporary society, there’s a noticeable resurgence in its popularity, including right here in Alberta. It’s worth exploring what’s driving this public interest and taking a closer look at the Alberta Witches Association. For more insights, Calgarynka has the details.
The Resurgence of Witchcraft’s Popularity
Several factors explain this growing interest:
- The modern world is increasingly moving away from traditional religious institutions. As a result, more and more people are seeking alternative paths to fulfill their spiritual needs, and witchcraft is one such option. It particularly appeals to those looking to find a deeper connection with nature, the universe, and their inner selves.
- Historically, witchcraft has been a powerful female archetype, and in the modern context, it’s being reinterpreted as a path to female empowerment. The “modern witch” is often associated with independence, self-determination, and a challenge to societal norms.
- A significant number of modern witches consider themselves guardians of the Earth. They feel a strong connection to nature and utilize practices that promote harmony with the environment.
- TV series, films, and books have also played a significant role in fueling interest in witchcraft.
The Alberta Witches Association offers a safe space for sharing experiences, learning, and forming deep connections with like-minded individuals. This community is actively working to demystify its activities, pulling back the curtain on what witchcraft truly entails.
The Alberta Witches Association
This association is a prime example of how modern witchcraft is thriving in Canada. Its members not only provide opportunities for practicing witches and enthusiasts but also work to dispel common myths. They are dedicated to spreading accurate information about the spiritual practice of witchcraft.
One of the founders of the Alberta Witches Association and its Facebook group is Lynzi Jackson, a mother of two living in Taber, Alberta. According to Lynzi, the community’s membership has grown from 150 to 1200 people in just one year. The group includes individuals from diverse religious and cultural backgrounds. Lynzi Jackson clarifies that by “witchcraft,” she doesn’t mean transforming someone into a toad. Instead, it’s about harnessing the natural forces around us to bring about change. She sees it as a way of life that involves connecting with nature and the Earth’s energies, then using those forces to manifest intentions—whether for creativity, peace, financial stability, or love. She believes there’s a little bit of the witch in all of us.
Lynzi Jackson’s Witchcraft Journey
Lynzi is convinced that every witch will answer the question “what makes a witch a witch?” differently. While some may follow specific traditions, lunar cycles, or pagan religions, witches aren’t constrained by rigid rules. For instance, Lynzi Jackson doesn’t adhere to step-by-step instructions. She much prefers to invent things and do what feels right on the fly. As a child, she’d concoct “potions” from mud, grass, and flowers. Later, her practice evolved to include candle magic for setting new intentions, smoke cleansing with herbs to clear negative energy, and meditation.
Lynzi Jackson also works with crystals and stones, and practices magic.
Paige Thompson – A Calgary Witch
Paige Thompson, a mother of two, often walks through Griffith Woods Park in southwest Calgary, feeling a deep connection to the place. She uses her practice to help others. This Calgary witch’s story perfectly illustrates how witchcraft can blend ancient traditions with personal intuition and a modern worldview.
Paige Thompson works with women facing infertility issues. On two occasions, she used fertility spells, after which the women became pregnant. She emphasizes that her spells are always adapted to the specific problem at hand.
Paige Thompson has been practicing witchcraft for over 13 years. She grew up on a farm in Saskatchewan, where her intuition and connection to nature were evident even then. Over the years, she has studied and practiced witchcraft, experiencing eerie encounters with animals. For her, witchcraft isn’t just a hobby or belief; it’s a profound self-awareness.
Paige Thompson’s story is a wonderful example of how modern witches find harmony and wholeness by following their intuition, learning ancient practices, and using them to help themselves and others.
Myths About Witchcraft
The Alberta Witches Association was founded with the goals of education, community support, and breaking down negative stereotypes. Here are some of the most common myths they address:
- Witches flying on brooms: This is one of the most widespread and vivid images associated with witches. This idea is purely folklore, originating from medieval legends and fairy tales. Actual witchcraft practices do not involve flying on brooms. Today, a broom might be used as a ritual tool for cleansing a space or symbolically sweeping away negative energy, but certainly not as a mode of transport.
- Black cats: For centuries, black cats have been associated with witches, seen as their loyal companions. This led to black cats being considered embodiments of evil or assistants of the devil. This is a myth; there’s no magical connection that grants black cats special properties in witchcraft. Witches love animals, including black cats, just like anyone else.
- Pointy hats: This is a product of popular culture, especially in cartoons and movies. Modern witches wear ordinary clothes and do not have a unified “uniform.”
- Cauldrons and spells: In some rituals, witches might use a cauldron, for example, to prepare herbal mixtures or potions, but its role is often exaggerated in mass culture. The same can be said for spells (poetic or rhyming formulas) which help focus intention and energy. Modern witches also practice meditation, visualization, and other techniques to achieve their goals.
- The characteristic cackle: This cackle, used to create an image of a sinister and dangerous figure in fairy tales and movies, is another fabricated stereotype. In reality, there’s no special “witchy” laugh.
- Black magic for harmful or evil practices: Most modern witches adhere to principles based on ethics and doing no harm. According to this, witchcraft is not about inflicting harm on others, but rather about personal development, connection with nature, and using energy for positive change.
Witchcraft in Alberta
The Alberta Witches Association has become a hub for thousands of Albertans seeking self-discovery, a stronger connection with nature, and personal empowerment. By gaining a better understanding of the association’s activities and its contribution to the modern perception of witchcraft in the province, Alberta residents will have a much clearer picture of who modern witches truly are.
After learning about the Alberta Witches Association, it becomes clear that witchcraft is far from a horror movie trope; it’s a spiritual path that demands responsibility, knowledge, and respect for the world.
