With the rise of New Age materials and the increasing spread of witchcraft items into big corporations such as Hot Topic, Spencer’s, and Five Below, we have found that “witch materials” are more accessible. The issue of course with the adoption and distribution of these items in these stores creates a disconnect in our craft. These books are rarely written by educated resources The crystals are lacking in ethical sourcing. The items they sell are often fake or appropriative. This is not to say that a witch who has obtained items from any of these stores is less adept at their craft or a less legitimate witch. However, as a witch, we have a unique connection to the universe and as a thank you for the power it grants us we owe it to restore balance.
Shopping small and ethical can be an expensive undertaking. This is usually why many practitioners (including myself) have obtained items from cheaper alternatives. I try to prioritize smaller businesses and brick-and-mortar witch shops, but when we commit ourselves to only shop small we often find that many craft items, books, and other resources are fiscally inaccessible. This seems to create a dilemma of accessibility to the craft.
The Problem with Limited Accessibility
Spirituality is a deeply personal experience; religion is not. Religion is often organized, and many involve particular tenants, rules, or rituals, which individuals are made aware of from birth/youth. This makes individuals feel inclined to practice what they know rather than explore their horizons. I am of the rather unpopular belief that everyone has a spiritual path that works for them and that the best way to find it is to expose children to multiple belief systems and practices. However, many religious individuals are prone to more bigoted ideologies which can lead to an unwillingness to hear other ideas, leading their children to feel disconnected from their three selves for the majority of their lifetimes.
Witchcraft is one such spiritual path that I believe may be home to the souls of many individuals who are trapped within their religion. However, the pool of misinformation surrounding the topic is overflowing. It is no secret that witchcraft is a harder pill to swallow for many individuals. It wasn’t until 2021 that the U.N. took strict action to demand an end to persecution through witchcraft accusations. In fact, witch hunts are still continuing even today. The term “witch” was used to create an otherness, place the target on the backs of individuals, and instill fear. Even if you are not in a country where witchcraft is still prosecuted, the understanding of witches is often limited in scope, either through the lens of fictional magical in media, or through the lens of Christian Ideals and fear. However, if you manage to make it past all of that red tape you still find yourself at the crossroads we brought up at the beginning of this article: ethical craft vs. affordability.
Social Media and Accessible Craft Building
Witchcraft Content Creators can be broken down into two identities: The Mentor and The Teacher. The mentor is the creator who answers questions directly in the platform, consistently responds to comments, and gives out most if not all of their information and research for free. The teacher is the creator who answers limited to no questions directly in the platform and instead markets their services. Social Media is a good resting stop for both of these content creators. However, this of course contributes to inaccessibility in its own way.
I am a strong defender of baby witches and witchlings having a safe space to ask their questions. Sadly, when potential practitioners and novice practitioners go to “Spiritual Influencers” they are met with judgment or paywalls. (I briefly recall a TikTok and Instagram Influencer who consistently replied Google is free to every question they were asked before the world found out they were racist and uneducated themselves, but I digress.) This is not to say I believe influencers are obligated to give out information for free, I completely understand wanting to turn witchcraft into a financial prospect for capital gains. However, when everyone refuses to answer any questions, spiritual and witch books are increasing their price tags, and metaphysical shops are limited and hard to research, just the thought of learning about witchcraft can be intimidating. This makes learning from the Teacher Archetype difficult to access.
The Mentor is often an identity taken on by trendsetters and influencers looking to rise in following, which means that quantity begins to take priority over quality. Videos may be shorter with less information, or the information may not be reliable at all. I try to combat this by balancing long-form and short-form content. Short-form content to beat the algorithm, and long-form content to make sure my followers actually find the information they are searching for.
Solutions
You have limited to no money, cheap witchcraft books drown in inaccuracies, free influencers are prone to misinformation, and craft items are either unaffordable or unethical. What is a witch to do?
Covens and Communities: Some of the best information sources are digital witch communities that you can find on Facebook, Discord, or Reddit. You can ask your questions openly and will find that more than one practitioner is answering your questions.
Fact-Checking: If you find some creators you really enjoy watching be sure to fact-check them. You can do this by researching topics they have talked about on Google, or you can ask the same questions to multiple creators and see if the answers vary. I know on my TikTok I have had people correct me or present ulterior information. Experienced practitioners are just as capable of faults as novices. I’ve personally learned a lot from my witchlings and vice versa.
Local stores: Did you know you can buy most of your witchy ingredients at your local grocery store? Herbs, Fruits, and candles can be bought from your pharmacy or grocery store, where you can shop small and give back to your community. The items are usually way cheaper there than at a metaphysical shop.
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