Witchy Apparel

It has come to my attention that witches are vastly being labeled into modern day stereotypes. By this, I don't mean that we are being viewed as green faced, warty women with pointy black hats. We are being faced with an even shallower view of who we are. In fact, I get the comment quite frequently that I "don't look like a witch." What, pray tell, is a witch supposed to look like?

From what I've seen on the web, the media, and even in a lot of New Age stores, are the blue haired, gothic styled, pierced up and tattooed. I'm not saying there is anything wrong with this attire. In fact, I admire the courage that I certainly lack in my own appearance to do that. I'm very plain Jane looking to be honest. What I do have a problem with is how people are misconstruing this attire as being a defining factor for a witch. A witch cannot be defined by their appearance and should never be. It's a feeling. I have a knack for being able to read people who are witches and I'm sure I'm not the only one that has this heightened sense of intuition.

I do see people like this in the Pagan community and yes, there are a lot who follow this trendy, fashionable, and free style but to outsiders I want to say, that is not the stuff we are made of. Not only that, a lot of people who are ignorant towards Wicca and the Craft tend to think that because this is how we are portrayed that this clothing and appearance has somehow become synonymous with immature, foolish, and attention seeking -- a phase, if you will. And of course to them, all phases come to an end and therefore degrades the importance of our practices, skills, and spirituality.

No one should have to change who they are, how they dress, what they look like to fit in with social norms and this is where I want to reprimand those for believing that one has to "look" like a witch to be a witch thus indication that our spirituality is based solely on our appearance.

I am a Witch whether I appear "normal" by your definition or not! So are the blue haired girls, the pierced and tattooed boys, and those who are all of the above! It is not a phase and it will never be a phase. It is a spiritual path -- a spiritual movement. 

I may not wear my ritual robe everyday or run through the forests naked all the time but when the call comes, I do answer. It's something that the witch knows deep down in their soul. I also want to point out that just because I don't "look" like a witch doesn't mean I don't know what I'm talking about when it comes to the Craft. It doesn't mean I'm a "newbie" either to people who are in the Pagan community. I've astonished quite a few people in the Craft with my knowledge and my training because I did not share the "look". Don't underestimate people.

There were many well-known witches in the past who did not "look" like witches according to today's standards. If we keep up with this, then we may miss out on people who can help us grow spiritually.