Reclaiming Their Craft: How These Cheltenham Witches are Challenging Stereotypes

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[Image Description] An open hand against a dark background, the hand is holding an Amythest crystal next to another clear crystal and a few orange dried flowers. The picture is taken from a bird eye view and there is a blurred candle in the background. 

Bubbling cauldrons, broomsticks, and black cats are usually what we picture when we hear the word "witch." Yet witchcraft is a widely respected and meaningful practice that is often overlooked.

A generation raised on Hocus Pocus and Roald Dahl’s The Witches has been conditioned to see witchcraft in a negative light. The media's portrayal of witches has led to the stereotype that all witches are evil, practice black magic, or are ugly and haggard. The true story behind witches has been lost over time, and their extensive history often goes forgotten.

Witchcraft dates back to ancient times, when people practiced pagan traditions, such as nature rituals, as a source for good. However, the rise of Christianity led to the demonization of witches. The church spoke of witches as people who made pacts with the devil, claiming the craft was an act against God. This vilification of witches has left a lasting impact on how people tend to view those who practice the craft today.

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[Image Description] A dark blue book titled "Moon Magic," written in a white, spiraling font. Smaller gold text underneath reads "A Handbook of Lunar Cycles, Lore, and Mystical Energies." The book is placed on a wooden table surrounded by other objects, such as blue tarot cards, an array of crystals, rosemary, and a gold pendant.

Witches can also be seen as symbols of female empowerment. Historically, the persecution of witches often targeted women who didn’t conform to gender roles or who were perceived as a threat to a male-dominated society. The 16th-century witch trials are a prime example, with the majority of the accused being women who were independent from men or possessed knowledge of herbal medicine and healing.

Whether through religion, the patriarchy, or the media, witchcraft has been misrepresented throughout time. Modern-day witches want to change the perception of a craft that is so special to them. Sadie Castle (24) and Zoe Castle (21) are two sisters living in Cheltenham who practice witchcraft. “I think witchcraft is often seen in a negative light, like people are going to put a hex on you or something. However, I believe in most cases, it is used for the complete opposite,” Sadie says.

Zoe feels that people don’t truly understand the craft and associate it with how it is portrayed in the media. “I get a frightened reaction, but they don’t understand that they practice forms of witchcraft every day with their words.

I think because of the stereotypical depiction of witchcraft, people have an idea that it’s about cauldrons and black cats and flying on a broom, but it is so much more than that,” she explains.

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[Image description] A selfie of two Caucasian girls in their twenties. The girl on the left, Zoe is brunette, with her hair in a slick bun, and is wearing a black kimono with white splodges. The girl on the right, Sadie, is blonde, with her hair down, and is wearing a loose-fitting, orange and white patterned jumper.

Rather than casting evil spells and brewing harmful potions, the Castle sisters focus on bringing positivity and good energy to the world. “For me, it’s about channeling Mother Earth and acknowledging the guidance I can get from its power,” Zoe says.

Sadie talks about how using crystals and sage helps calm her. “It just gives me good energy and makes me feel more calm. It’s the same with using sage—it makes me feel safer and protected. It’s just like doing a skincare routine for me, an extra ritual to wind down.”

With Halloween just around the corner, most people are thinking about their fancy dress costumes or how to carve their pumpkin. Yet for modern-day witches, Halloween is a sacred time. “It’s a time when we celebrate. Witches come to the fore during this time. At this time of year, the veil between the physical and energetic world is thin, so it’s a celebration,” says quantum healer Jayne Cordell, from Gloucestershire. Some witches, like the rest of us, also see Halloween as a time to have fun with those around us.

Rachael Thorogood, a modern-day witch from Cheltenham, enjoys playing pranks on trick-or-treaters. “I get some sprouts, roll them in beautiful melted chocolate, and give them a lovely dusting of cocoa powder. I pop them in the fridge, and that’s my trick or treat. It makes me laugh so loud every year when I hear the children heaving, retching, and spitting sprouts out,” she jokes.

Witchcraft has long been a sacred practice and a popular form of spirituality, yet it doesn’t seem to have the same recognition as other faiths. Witches have helped people in many ways, from grieving loved ones to improving self-esteem and even treating physical illnesses. Despite the negative judgments and prejudice witches often face, they choose to stay strong in their power, remain true to themselves, and practice their much-loved craft, just as they always have.