Blog Post #4 - Exploring WitchTok!

 

Venturing deeper down the rabbit hole of magic, imagination, and belief to be found on TikTok, after my previous discovery of Ella and her practice of energetic medicine, I’ve decided to spend some time exploring WitchTok. My first stop along my journey was at the hashtag, #witchtok. At the very top of the list, there’s a heading almost like a ‘toast’: “Here’s to the entire WitchTok community.” I made a note of the use of friendly and inclusive language concerning ‘community’; it reminded me of a branch of discussion that we explored in Lexi’s and my presentation last week when we discussed the intertwined ideas of sisterhood and feminism in witchcraft and drew upon the importance of belief systems in drawing people closer to one another. It was exciting to see this practice – a practice that has, as we’ve seen, popped up since the beginning of mankind– manifested on social media. Reflecting on this friendly introduction to WitchTok, it was intriguing to think about how these witches are connecting, sharing, and celebrating their unique experiences and enjoyments across their screens across the world. 

WitchTok includes explaining and casting spells and charms, walking through the history of witchcraft, practicing ASMR, dispelling rumors and misconceptions about witches, and giving advice to novice witches. One account in particular that caught my eye was Ezra’s (@astralwitch). Ezra has a following of 404.6k, producing videos that cover astrology, spells, tarot, books, crystals, and the craft. In one of his videos, he walks us through a new moon manifestation for the New Year. First, we’re to cut an orange in half and stick a white candlestick into the middle. He explains that the candle is meant to represent us and that oranges are great for new beginnings, success, and motivation – helping to set us off on the right foot heading into the new year. Next, we’re to place cloves (which represent each of our goals for the year) into the orange in a circle around the candle. He likens it to planting a seed to sow the growth of that goal. Then, we’re to anoint the candle with spell oil and light it – and, while it’s burning, we can say affirmations, do some intention or gratitude journalling, or eat the other half of the orange. Many of Ezra’s videos are similar to this one – conversational, detailed, and open-ended to let his listeners personalize their experience.

Finally, as I explored WitchTok, I noticed how often a particular witch-related song was popping up in the videos that are being featured on my own TikTok 'For You' page. The song that I've most often noticed is “Which Witch” by Florence + the Machine, which is featured on her album “My Favorite Ghosts.” I’ve realized that, since I began this class this semester, I’ve been listening closer for – and actually, frequently hearing – the voices of witches and the themes of witchhunts in the songs that I listen to day-to-day. Florence’s song is highly imaginative and rich with emotion, expressing the “female rage” that is carrying deep sadness and anger and confronting the uphill battle of ostracism and persecution. It was interesting to end my journey on WitchTok with the reminder that the practice of (and persecution of) witchcraft is woven throughout more things in my life than I’d previously recognized; and, it was interesting to think more deeply about the interconnection between womanhood and witchcraft that is celebrated within the WitchTok community.