Stepping into Power: Witches as Activists, Disrupters and Changemakers
I’ve lost count of the number of times someone has asked me ‘what’s the definition of a witch?’
Why do we feel the need to categorise and define each other, as if we can neatly fit into boxes? The reality is, you can't confine witches to a box any more than you can confine women. Society may attempt to do so, but it will ultimately fall short.
For many, the definition of a witch is personal, as is the act of witchcraft. It’s also complex and steeped in history, tradition and stigmatisation. There’s no one-size-fits all approach… in my opinion.
To me personally, the witch is a feminist icon (although that doesn’t mean the witch is bound by gender). The fact that the resurgence of feminism and the popularity of the witch are rising at the same time is absolutely no coincidence. I’m from a lineage of strong women such as suffragettes and political activists, so it’s always felt important for me to carry that flame and empower women as best I can. That's why advocating for gender equality is a fundamental value embedded in the ethos of SLC. I’m deeply committed to supporting women to step into their power, which looks different across all areas of the business – from supporting women in mining in Africa with training to eliminate exploitation, to holding space for women to grow, heal and learn within our diverse community.
So, in line with this theme, and to celebrate International Women’s Day, I felt called to shine a light on three of my favourite sisters and witches who are leaning into their own personal wisdom, knowledge and intuition as a force for good within society. They dare to be different, dare to speak up, and dare to disrupt. The world needs these women.
"They dare to be different, dare to speak up, and dare to disrupt. The world needs these women. "
Tree Carr – Advocate of Activism
Tree Carr is a familiar face in the SLC community, especially for the old-school Hackney crew who might recall her from the late nineties when she helmed a cult film shop in Shoreditch. I’ve had readings from Tree that have quite honestly been transformational, not to mention feeling so held by her throughout lockdown when she really showed up for us all in the digital realms – which is unsurprising really to anyone who knows Tree! Musician, artist, witch, psychic, death doula, and lucid dreamer, are just some of the hats that Tree Carr rocks. But more recently, she has given us insight into a part of her life that has always had an underlying and constant presence. Her life as an activist. A part of her life that has always run deep, intertwined with her world of magick and compassion for human rights. To be a witch and an activist are in no way mutually exclusive. Surely the two go hand in hand? Tree speaks of her awakening into mysticism activating her awakening into activism.
She is using her voice and platform to educate, support and protest – a true defender of the Earth. No stranger to a protest, Tree went to her first protest in 1987 aged 15. Incidentally, that same year she first identified as a witch.
Since then, she has visited countless countries - not only to stand in solidarity and use her voice to impact positive change – but also to learn from the ground up. She speaks of her trip to Palestine in 2016 as being a pivotal moment, which she says led her on ‘a journey that would forever change my perspective’.
To learn more about this incredible human and to support her work, give her a follow at @Tree_Carr. You can also catch her every Sunday in the digital realms for her free Grief Space, and every New and Full Moon here at SLC for Moonspace.
Chloe Pierre – Disrupting the Wellness Industry
One of the many significant outcomes of the Black Lives Matter movement was the spotlight it placed on the wellness industry, exposing its glaring lack of diversity. On a personal level, as a white business leader within this industry, I have had to do a lot of unlearning, listening, reflecting, adapting and evaluating. On a business level, the responsibility becomes even more profound because I am entrusted with other people’s wellbeing, safety and representation. To hold this space takes a lot energetically, so I tune into the wisdom of those who inspire me in this field, and one of those people is Chloe Pierre.
"Here is a woman who truly understands the dynamics and progressive attitudes needed to impact positive change."
Chloe Pierre is the Black female founder of ‘disruptive wellness platform brand’ thy.self and author of Take Care – The Black Women’s Guide to Wellness. Her mission is to make wellness more inclusive, relatable and welcoming to black women. She has taken her own experiences and transformed a challenging period of her life into a positive force for good… and we’re here for it big time! For Chloe, it’s about long lasting change, accessibility, representation and approachability. It’s inspiring to see Chloe supporting and advising brands and wellness spaces on their journey of transformation and diversity. Here is a woman who truly understands the dynamics and progressive attitudes needed to impact positive change. Keep up the incredible work Chloe! Besides reading Chloe’s book, you can catch her at various events at thy.self, including some upcoming workshops with us here at SLC.
Erica Feldmann – Queer Magick
I met Erica back in 2019 when she visited us in Hackney for the launch of her new book – HausMagick. Her brand values resonated with me so deeply back then, and they continue to do so today.
As the visionary behind HausWitch, a contemporary metaphysical space nestled in Salem, Massachusetts, Erica's mission stands out for its unwavering commitment to fostering a space that embraces individuals of all genders, sexualities, ethnicities, and abilities. It's a sanctuary where anyone seeking support and safety in our ever-evolving world can find solace.
Growing up in the 80s, Erica, would’ve experienced a world where being queer wasn't as accepted as it is today. I vividly recall the dread of Section 28 in the UK and the immense shame and fear it instilled, especially as I witnessed its impact on my older brother, who courageously came out at a young age. It was a different era, and while we still have a long road ahead, trailblazers like Erica are lighting the way forward by using their voices and platforms to educate, uplift, and infuse the queer witch community with joy and acceptance.
In addition to being queer-owned, HausWitch proudly features products predominantly from queer-owned businesses, providing a platform for marginalised communities to shine. At SLC, championing positive social change has always been paramount, and amidst the crystal industry's rapid growth, it's heartening to witness others striving to revolutionise mindsets, culture, and industries from within.