"At a time when participation in traditional religions is declining among Americans, the practice of witchcraft is said to be on the rise.
CBS2’s Ali Bauman went inside the secret world of modern-day witches to explore why so many say they’re falling under its spell.
“To be a witch is incredibly relevant in today’s society,” Anton Stewart explained.
Nestled in the heart of the Hudson Valley is the Church of the Eternal Circle, the only legally recognized Wiccan Church in the state of New York.
“We follow the tradition of the craft of the wise — witchcraft — and we are witches,” Stewart said.
It’s estimated that as many as a million people identify as being a witch in the U.S. with 20 percent of that population said to be in New York.
They say magic is simply the belief that you can make anything happen.
“It’s kind of like prayer,” Lisa explained.
There is no devil worship, only a love for the goddess of creation and inspiration along with the antlered god of all things wild and free they say.
But what about the broom?
“It’s for sweeping your circle, and clearing the energy,” Lisa said.
A somber celebration marked the start of winter. Known as the night of souls, it’s when witches honor their ancestors." CBS
CBS2’s Ali Bauman went inside the secret world of modern-day witches to explore why so many say they’re falling under its spell.
“To be a witch is incredibly relevant in today’s society,” Anton Stewart explained.
Nestled in the heart of the Hudson Valley is the Church of the Eternal Circle, the only legally recognized Wiccan Church in the state of New York.
“We follow the tradition of the craft of the wise — witchcraft — and we are witches,” Stewart said.
It’s estimated that as many as a million people identify as being a witch in the U.S. with 20 percent of that population said to be in New York.
They say magic is simply the belief that you can make anything happen.
“It’s kind of like prayer,” Lisa explained.
There is no devil worship, only a love for the goddess of creation and inspiration along with the antlered god of all things wild and free they say.
But what about the broom?
“It’s for sweeping your circle, and clearing the energy,” Lisa said.
A somber celebration marked the start of winter. Known as the night of souls, it’s when witches honor their ancestors." CBS
There shall not be found among you ...a witch,
Deuteronomy 18:10
