When you think of witches, there are many stereotypes of what people think they are. They are usually described as old, haggard women with warts and pointed hats riding broomsticks with an evil cackle that would send a shrill down your spine.
Amanda Sharpe, a local witch based in St.John’s, feels the stigma of only doing the devil's work is not what being a witch is all about.
“Witchery is about finding your connection to a source through nature, feeling the trees, the wind, the elements, and working with them to use your magic.”
Sharpe said she always felt like a witch and that her grandmother inspired her. She also derived inspiration from spending time in the woods, bridging with nature, which made her realize she was connecting to the source of her witch roots.
“I lost my path for a while, but about six years ago, I found myself back on the witch path. Honestly, it was a calling—such a strong calling. I can't explain what I felt or heard, but I knew I had to tap into that part of me again. Then came Newfoundland Witch Co about four years ago, and I’ve been sharing my witch life ever since.”
Some of her daily witch rituals include reciting affirmations, drinking lemon water, and standing barefoot on the grass for 10-15 minutes to ground themselves for the day.
“I do mindful movement, walk in the woods, meditate, journal, and get on with my day. People might not envision a witch sitting by a tree journaling, but that’s a big part of it for me. I also pull tarot or oracle cards to see what the energy has in store for me. It's all about growth and spiritual ascension, staying connected to the source so I can help others. If I’m not grounded, I’m not playing with the magic of the earth.”
Sharpe said herbs and crystals are part of a witch's craft. She said crystals are on her daily—in her pocket, purse, or around my house. Her favourite is black tourmaline, which she places behind her front door and wears for protection.
“I often wear black crystals and clothes because witches use black for energy protection. As a chartered herbalist, I turn to herbal remedies as much as possible—teas, medicines, and whatever I can forage. I truly believe nature provides everything we need to survive. It's about getting back to the roots and the old ways.”
The moon also plays a massive role in her spellwork, says Sharpe.
“I have an ebook called Sacred Lunar Ritual Guide. I started following the moon daily about six years ago. Knowing where the moon is and its phase is key for me. Full moons are for releasing, new moons are for attracting, and each phase brings a different energy. Once I began following the moon, my cycle synced with it,” she said “I’m what you call a Red Moon witch—meaning I bleed with the full moon. The lore around the Red Moon cycle is that it signifies a warrior, whereas the White Moon cycle (new moon) is more nurturing. I also make moon water, charging it (and my crystals, divination tools, and myself) under different moon phases. Moon bathing is pure magic.”
The most challenging part of being a witch is convincing family and friends that witchery is her lifestyle and passion.
“One side of my family understands and secretly relates to what I’m doing, while the other side has cast a lot of judgment. I’ve lost connections with people I thought were soulmates—witches are like mirrors; they reflect your shadow side, and some can’t handle it.”
She said a lot of her family's judgment comes from the Christian side of my family, and it shouldn’t be that way when you’re coming from a place of God.
“I believe in and follow Jesus; He’s a big part of my practice. Christ's consciousness is what I strive for. Some people don’t see it like that, but you learn to walk away from judgment when you know you’re coming from a place of wanting to create positive change in the world. Bringing us back to the old ways. It is a part of that.”
Sharpe said her first spell was about five years ago and focused on something she wanted to expose.
“Witches stand for justice and rise against corruption. I didn’t know much about spellcasting then, but it flowed naturally like I had done it a million times. The next day, the news came out with articles across Canada about what I had felt was wrong.
She also believes that the only way to continue to learn and grow in your practice is never to start learning.
“I’m obsessed with learning. I feed off knowledge about the occult, spirituality, witchcraft—you name it. I’m also a Chartered Herbalist, a spiritual coach, and a certified alchemical astrologer. I’ve studied esoteric, medical, quantum, herbal astrology, and energy work. I’m a Reiki Master Trainer for animals and will finish my Reiki Master certification for people next month. I’m also a certified meditation teacher and have studied subconscious work, my latest passion.
When asked what advice she would give someone new to witchery, she said grounding and earthing are the first things she preaches.
“If you’re going to work with magic, you’ve got to be grounded. Please research, find mentors, and learn the history of witchcraft and its elements. And, of course, understand your birth chart! Trust the universe—what will be, will be, witches.”
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