It is because of politics that you can live and practice openly as a witch. During the Salem Witch Trials, (before the United States were formed), witchcraft was considered a felony. This is no longer the case today. In the United Kingdom, the Witchcraft Act was repealed in 1951, allowing people to live freely and openly as witches. Christian Nationalists still seek to undo all of this and criminalize occult practices. It is important that we continue to protect our rights to free speech and freedom of religion: any religion, not just Christianity. In our current political climate, we may wake up one day and find out these rights have been taken away. I don’t mean to sound alarmist, but we really can’t afford to pretend that will never happen. There may come a time when it is illegal not only to be a witch, but to own witchcraft books and materials. With each passing day, the United States drifts further into authoritarianism and fascist rule. Our government is shooting citizens in the street and tear-gassing cars full of children, while the so-called officials defend their heinous actions. None of this is okay. As witches, it is our DUTY to resist with every means possible, and that includes by using witchcraft. March, protest, banish, bind, curse and hex away until all the ice has melted and this corrupt government is removed. For those who say“But the Wiccan Rede…” here’s a newsflash: The Wiccan Rede is for Wiccans and I’m just not that kind of witch. It is your responsibility as a witch to speak out for the marginalized and the oppressed, and work against the oppressors. Throwing ‘love and light’ at them is not going to work this time. Yes, witches are also about peace and healing, but that does not mean we are doormats to be walked on. We do not “turn the other cheek”. We have been provoked. This is not the time for “love and light” and rainbows and unicorns. It is a time for resistance and fighting back. Our communities need us. They need our magic, our protection, our guidance. I’ve been hearing about “the awakening giant”, which means that people are finally waking up and coming out in full force to resist the evil that is happening. We as witches are part of the awakening giant. It is time for us to rise up and come forth in power.