Carrie Acree explains that she has been practicing witchcraft for over 30 years now, April 27, 2018. Acree owns a store called the Dragon’s Mantle in Akron, OH, that sells tools and books about witchcraft and the Paganism religions.

Paganism is an umbrella term that means any non-Abrahamic religion, said Acree. Wicca is where most beginner witches start because it is the law book that is easily accessible for beginners called the “Wiccan rede”. It follows laws such as harm none and keeps balance in nature, by taking care of it. Witchcraft is not what Hollywood portrays it to be.

“It has a lot to do with the earth and using the natural elements”, said Acree, “herbs, gemstones and your intuition.”

In witchcraft, some believe in white, black and red magic. White magic is the good and pure magic. Black magic is darker and red magic is referred to as “blood magic”.

“Magic is neutral, it’s grey if you will, it is the intent of the user that makes it black/white or good/bad,” said Acree

There are many stereotypes in witchcraft. Acree talks about the damage Hollywood has done to the reputation of witches.

“We do not steal babies in the middle of the night,” Acree said.

When referring to the blood magic (red magic), Hollywood has made it out to be, needing bloodshed or sacrifices. “We do not slash throats or anything. Blood magic is a prick of the finger that is it” Acree said.

Another stereotype is that witches worship Satan and the Paganism beliefs often get confused with Satanism.

“One of our main symbols is the pentagram, it doesn’t stand for Satan, there isn’t a Satan or devil in paganism religions,” Acree said.

The pentagram is a star with a circle around it and is the symbol of witchcraft. It doesn’t mean anything evil or devil related.

“Five points of the pentagram are the five elements,” said Acree, “earth, air, fire, water, spirit and the circle around it is what holds it all together.”

The witchcraft traditions are based on nature and the use of tools such as tarot decks, pendulums, crystals or even a favorite necklace can become a protection item. It is about giving back to nature and protecting yourself and your loved ones.

“Witchcraft is first and foremost a nature religion,” Acree said.

Witchcraft tends to be a personal religion but there are also covens that can have up to 12-13 witches or some may have 2. Traditional covens have very close relationships and often have rituals within only their coven.

As the owner of her shop and a knowledgeable witch, Acree hosts rituals that welcome all sorts of witches whether they are Wiccan, Celtic, etc.

“30 to 40 people come to our rituals,” Acree said.

It is a community and they work together to perform rituals and spells or come for learning aspects.

“Anybody can become a witch,” Acree said.

Sometimes it is passed down through generations but anybody can become a witch if they put their heart into it, Acree explained.

“It becomes a way of life,” Acree said, “it’s something you do every single day.”