An Interview With a Witch #3 - Witches Of Essex Project

The following interview and images are part of my Witches of Essex project, an exploration of what it means to be a witch in Essex today.

What is your definition of a witch and how does that define your own witchood?

A Witch is many things, but ultimately a ‘walker between the worlds’, bridging the realms of spirit and form, inspiration and manifestation. One who works to heal the divide between nature and humanity…a healer, a diviner, a spiritual warrior…a conduit of magic. My Witchood is shamanic and based on the bardic Iife…words, music, stories.

Can you share a bit about your identity as a witch and your practice?

I am an ordinary Essex Witch, creating my own path through my own practices. Magic is experiential and I am an explorer…always open to and creating new ways from the old.

How do you feel being a witch enriches your life today?

Creating and discovering a magical life of abundance enriches me on all levels. Very apt, as it is in fact, the subject of a book I am writing at the moment!

Do you feel comfortable to declare yourself a witch in public or do you fear judgment and prejudice?

I am who I am. Judgement and prejudice is not something I fear, but it has often irritated and upset me. I have been on the receiving end of its ugliness many a time. It usually stems from ignorance. People fear what they don’t understand.

Have you suffered any prejudice for being a witch? If so, how as it affected you?

Yes, as I said above. I’m grateful that I live in the 21st century, as I probably would have suffered far more had I been born a hundred years earlier or more.

Are you aware of the history of witchcraft and the witch hunts in Essex and does this impact your identity or your practice as a witch today?

Honouring the Ancestors is an integral part of my practice and life. Healing the Witch Wound runs deep within and is probably one of the driving forces of my own personal development which is ongoing.

I want to thank Sheena for her support with this project and her time and energy answering my questions and allowing me to take her picture. You can find out more about Sheena at her website - https://sheenacundy.com/

If you are a witch, or know a witch who might like to be involved with the project, please do get in touch - https://leilabalinphotography.com/witchesofessex