It used to puzzle me as a child, plugging in my parent’s Practical Magic Blu-Ray DVD, watching the Owen Sisters utilize the power of spell-work during the summertime. It did not compute in my eight year old mind that magic could prevail through empty cerulean skies, and frying rays that pierced through every childlike fantasy.
Adults taught me that witchcraft thrived buried in grim shadows, in fearful murmurs, and history books of trials and fire.
The media had told me that the witch survived in the cold and nurturing breast of autumn, that smelled of pumpkin spiced lattes and spirit halloween. They also taught me that the witch only survived in periods of transition, where unconventionality was welcomed but not over the 16 week span of Fall.
Then of course came the obvious aesthetic choices filtered through a crimson gaze of long stiletto nails, lush velvet fabrics, and blazing fires as a potion lit up in a swirling cauldron (which we love the aesthetics but…). As for the witch herself her gaze was pointed and icy, as she bellowed maniacal laughter of doom.
We have long outgrown the stereotype of the menacing witch in long pop culture, with cult classics such as The Craft, Practical Magic, Hocus Pocus, and The Love Witch it is clear that “the witch” has transformed from a brooding figure embraced by the darkness of fall into a label that acknowledges the sovereignty, sisterhood, and freedom inherited by all who desire to be agents of their destiny.
The act of setting intentions, manifestation, glamour work, being in tune to the vibrant energy of our environment, leaning on community and being agents of story is upheld in a variety of spiritual practices so why must we limit our awareness and embrace unconventionality only when our trees are amber?
Not when we perform rituals by the sea?
Or honor the sun by slowing down and basking in every minute as the solstice cradles us?
With light comes awareness: awareness to truth, the cycle of life, and most importantly new beginnings. As they say, anything done in the dark will be brought to light. No longer banished to a horror catalog on a streaming service; no longer limited to an Insta feed in October.
As we head into the second mercury retrograde of the year, and undergo emotional reclamation, strong reflection, and strengthened connections, Summer is the Season of the Witch. Jupiter in Leo prompts us to embrace the exhibitionist side of Leo: own your brand of weird, recharge in the sun, and let yourself be visible.
The sun has been waiting for us to embrace the “little witch” in all of us that is grounded and intentional, regardless of the time of year.
“You can't practice witchcraft while looking at the moon, Gilly. It's the sun you have to watch out for." — Sally Owens, Practical Magic