Podcast Summary
Exploring the Use of Technology to Connect Communities in the Digital Realm: A Podcast Episode: Technology connects people with shared interests, even in marginalized communities, through innovative means like virtual rituals. This use of technology fosters a sense of belonging and inclusivity in the digital realm.
Technology is being used to connect people with shared interests and beliefs, such as those who practice witchcraft and magic, in new and innovative ways. This was explored in a podcast episode where the hosts participated in a virtual ritual led by Meera Raman, who had researched the topic in college. The ritual, which aimed to connect participants to the divine and the elements, was facilitated through Zoom and involved the use of household products. This use of technology by marginalized communities is a testament to its power to bring people together and create a sense of belonging, even in the digital realm. The BBC podcast provides a platform to share such stories, inspiring listeners to think and explore new perspectives. Shopify, a global commerce platform, also supports the podcast, enabling businesses to sell effectively online.
The Emergence of Cyber Witchcraft in the Digital Age: Cyber witches practice witchcraft in the digital realm, using technology as a tool for casting spells and connecting with others, while distinguishing themselves from techno pagans through their approach to technology and traditional practices.
The concept of witchcraft and the supernatural is not limited to ancient texts and relics, but also exists in cyberspace. With the emergence of the Internet in the 1990s, a new group of cyber witches emerged, practicing their craft in online cyber covens. Techno pagans and cyber witches are related but distinct. Techno pagans are associated with 1990s alternative culture and neo-paganism, while cyber witches integrate traditional magic with modern technology. Some cyber witches use technology as a medium for casting spells, while others use it as a platform for connecting and practicing with like-minded individuals. The fascination with cyber witchcraft and its history began with a popular Buffy the Vampire Slayer episode featuring a techno pagan character. The distinction between techno pagans and cyber witches lies in their approach to technology and the intersection of modern technology and traditional witchcraft practices.
From Religious Household to Cyber Coven: A Witch's Journey: The human need for community, spiritual growth, and connection to something bigger transcends physical boundaries and continues to evolve in the digital age, as shown by the longevity of cyber covens like Jaguar Moon.
The concept of witchcraft and paganism, with its focus on interconnectedness and manifesting reality, has found a new home in the digital world through cyber covens. Lisa McSherry, the leader of Jaguar Moon, shares her personal journey from growing up in a religious household to discovering her affinity for the natural world and the supernatural through Starhawk's "The Spiral Dance." Inspired, she started practicing witchcraft and, in the late 1990s, was called by her deity to create Jaguar Moon, a cyber coven that has continued for over 20 years. Despite criticism from traditionalists, Lisa and her community have found a way to connect, learn, and practice their beliefs in the digital realm. This shows that the human need for community, spiritual growth, and connection to something bigger transcends physical boundaries and continues to evolve in the digital age.
Technology's Impact on Modern Witchcraft: From floppy disks to emojis, technology has transformed traditional witchcraft into a more accessible and convenient practice, allowing practitioners to reach the astral realm through cyberspace.
Technology has become an integral part of modern witchcraft, transforming traditional practices into cyber witchcraft. From the early use of floppy disks with digital images of herbs to the more recent trend of casting spells using emojis, technology has made magic more accessible and convenient. The astral realm, once only accessible through physical gatherings, can now be reached through cyberspace. The novelty of cyber witchcraft may have waned in the mid-2000s, but it experienced a resurgence in 2015 with the viral article on emoji spellcasting. This shows how technology continues to shape and evolve the practice of witchcraft.
The Cyber Witch Movement's Origins in the 2016 Presidential Campaign: The cyber witch movement emerged during the 2016 presidential campaign as women used online platforms for activism and spiritual practices, blending feminism, politics, and technology.
The rise of cyber witchcraft, a modern form of magical practice, can be traced back to the 2016 presidential campaign of Donald Trump. Cyber witches, primarily women, used online platforms to express their frustration and opposition to Trump through spells and activism. The practice gained popularity as the internet became more accessible and community-based, leading to a blurred definition of what it means to be a cyber witch. While some prioritize the spiritual and religious aspects of witchcraft, others see it as a feminist and politically-charged symbol. This intersection of feminism, activism, and technology has shaped the modern cyber witch movement.
A Tech-Savvy Approach to Ancient Spiritual Practices: The Journey of a Cyber Witch: Cyber witchcraft combines ancient spiritual practices with modern technology, using apps and social media for spell casting and intention setting.
Cyber witchcraft is a modern and tech-savvy approach to ancient spiritual practices. Siax, a cyber witch, shares their journey of discovering witchcraft in college and the unexpected challenges they faced during their first spell casting attempt. Despite the initial disappointment, Siax was drawn to the energy and possibilities of spirituality and began incorporating technology into their practice. They use apps like Instagram to cast glamour spells and believe that setting intentions behind posts can make them more powerful. Siax's path to becoming a cyber witch evolved over time, and they now view magic as a form of technology and technology as an extension of our relationship with the world around us. The cyber witch aspect of their practice is about communicating with technology and understanding its role in our lives. This innovative approach to witchcraft shows that there's no one way to practice magic in the digital age, and that curiosity and experimentation can lead to new discoveries.
Exploring Alternative Spiritualities in the Cyber Witch Community: The cyber witch community, a large and diverse group on TikTok and Reddit, offers a non-traditional spirituality and a sense of connection for those drawn to its inclusivity and empowerment, utilizing technology for global access and self-affirmation.
The cyber witch community, as represented by the popular trend of "witch talk" on TikTok and the subreddit "witches versus patriarchy," is a large and diverse group of people, many of whom may not be practicing witches but are drawn to the community for its inclusivity and empowerment. This community, which has its roots in the nineties and has grown with the rise of social media, offers a non-traditional spirituality and a sense of connection for people who might not have access to traditional witchcraft practices due to physical or mental limitations. The cyber witch community provides a safe space for self-affirmation, meeting like-minded individuals, and exploring alternative spiritual modalities. The use of technology, such as social media platforms and virtual covens, allows for a global community that transcends geographical boundaries.
Connecting Witches Online: The internet allows witches from around theworld to connect, learn, and practice together, providing a sense of community and control in the face of historical persecution and isolation.
The internet has provided a new sense of community and connection for individuals who identify as witches or practice witchcraft. Historically, witches have faced persecution and isolation due to their beliefs and practices being seen as different from mainstream society. However, with the rise of digital communities, witches from around the world can connect and practice together through various online platforms. Despite the supernatural aspects of their beliefs, there is a fundamentally human desire for connection and control that drives many people to identify as witches. The internet has made it easier for these individuals to find community, learn from each other, and even cast spells together through technology. This shows how digital communities can blur the lines between traditional and modern forms of connection and provide a space for individuals to come together around shared interests and beliefs.
