We’ve talked about the world of online witchcraft before. It’s pretty much common knowledge for witches these days that various social media sites are safe places to explore the craft – witchblr, WitchTok, and Instagram’s #witchesofInstagram are a few.
But as we saw this past summer, sometimes these social media outlets lead to drama, and can still be dangerous.
While way back when, witches were burned at the stake, drowned, and sometimes tortured, today witches are outed, bullied, and canceled across various platforms.
Scrolling through comments on today’s videos of witches on YouTube, you’ll still see hate-comments, accusing witches of being “satanic devil worshippers” and “evil beings.” It’s not uncommon to see similar comments on Instagram posts either.
Baby witches are finding that despite their best practices to stay “in the broom closet,” those who are against witchcraft will out them to others on social media, and get them “canceled” – or in other words, get the masses to unfollow, criticize, and possibly bully the innocent witch.
Some witches even thrive off the drama. After the whole “Did baby witches hex the moon?” blew over, there were rumors and talk that some of the participants said they only did it for a moment of internet fame.
Which, to witches actually trying to spread and encourage a more positive outlook on witchcraft as a whole, is extremely upsetting.
This treatment of witches is unfair and uncalled for, but witches across all platforms are trying to combat the negativity that’s easily spread on social media.
Which Youtuber Anais Alexandre has spoken many times on her experience as a witch in the age of digital magick. She reminds baby witches, and older practioners alike, that sometimes the words of malice tossed at witches say more about the accuser than the witch themselves.
“It comes from people who are deeply wounded,” Alexandre told CNet.
She, along with many others, reminds people about the positivity of witchcraft through videos of her favorite WitchTokers, and by creating online chat groups that focus on positivity and support.
So, while there still seems to be people who don’t understand what witchcraft is truly about, witches who suffer the backlash can still band together and combat the negativity. It’s about spreading a good message, and sticking with witches whose values line up with yours.