What It Means To Be A Witch: The Rise of Witchcraft, The 'Witch' Label, Religion & MORE

In this video, Thorn Mooney and I discuss what it means to be a witch in today's day and age.

You can find Thorn Mooney's YouTube channel here:
@drawingKenaz

Thorn's Instragram:

Thorn's Website:

Books Mentioned:
- Witches Among Us: Understanding Contemporary Witchcraft and Wicca
- The Witch's Path: Advancing Your Craft at Every Level

You can find all my links here:

Timestamps:
00:00 Introducing Thorn
02:45 About Thorn's New Book
06:12 Is Witchcraft a Religion?
12:55 The "Witch" Label
17:29 "Advanced" Witchcraft
21:41 Thorn's Personal Practice
25:37 "Witching" In Online Spaces & Feelings of Inadequacy
35:26 The Rise of Witchcraft Popularity
37:49 AI Book Rant
46:15 Why Still Be A Witch?
51:24 Show-And-Tell

[st.bedlam]

As a lone practitioner, these are the conversations that I am desperately craving. 🖤

[breannaanglin]

I love what Thorn said about the conversations we don’t have.. I had friends of mine tell me I was a seer, and I thought, no way, they don’t get what I’m trying to explain to them, because I don’t see things with my literal eyeballs. A couple years later a friend actually explained what many people mean when they say they “see” things, and the lightbulb went on for me! I am autistic and I take things LITERALLY 🤦🏽‍♀️😂 I wish more people would go into depth about the things they see/hear/experience, and exactly how that works for them specifically.
Anywhoo, great episode as always!! ✨🤍✨

[robertlamoureux]

Two of my favorite witches. For me it's like Star Wars and Star trek coming together. I was so excited to see you both together. So many excellent points. Thanks for doing this!

[thepeonyreign]

I love Thorn. Her first book was my first book on witchcraft and what helped me become a witch. Great conversation Ivy!

[scorpion_witch]

I screamed! I 🖤 Thorn! My favorite collab yet. You both are so insanely intelligent and I enjoyed every minute of this conversation! Thank you ✨

[Honore]

Absolutely loved this conversation! Wasn’t familiar with Thorn before but found her perspective on religion and witchcraft so eye-opening and nuanced. Great video 🙏

[PumpkinMozie]

Two of my favorite witchy YouTubers! Thorn is a legend.

[katiepylman]

Thorn's comments about being neurodivergent and how it influences communication with spirits blew my mind. Is THAT why it's so hard? Because I'm using my neurodivergent coping skills that barely work in HUMAN relationship building?

[henry]

FanTASTIC conversation. It was so honest and vulnerable with great moments of laughter interspersed... Tbh, I forgot about the sword by the time it reared its head and watching Ivy's face in that moment where Thorn whipped it out was priceless.

This produced that particular satisfaction that you get when hanging out with the coolest people you know.

[kylaallen]

Dear lawd! I had so many medium experiences as a child, but have not had that capability as an adult. I was also diagnosed neuro-divergent 2-years ago at 62 and Thorns comments at 32-34 minutes are SO danged obvious once it's been stated. Thank you thank you!

[CLMTY]

Just have to say, I have the hugest academic crush on Thorn 😂 I was a PhD student myself and she reminds me so much of the professors that I worked with and it makes me miss those grad school conversations. I've followed her YouTube channel for a few years, and I'm currently reading The Witch's Path. She's just someone that I vibe with and look up to so much. Thank you for having her on your channel, Ivy. I really enjoyed listening to 2 people interact that I've followed separately for a long time.

[MichaelaBennison]

The point about giving people with a secular upbringing 'religion' really hit home. Great conversation x

[LennanSmith]

WITCHES AMONG US right here! I enjoyed this immensely. The topics, the honesty, and the humor engaged me so much. Thanks and love to you both.

[ostera]

Thank you for access to a wonderful conversation!💚

[willowthewanderingwitch]

Re-listening to this crossover episode because it’s that good. Thanks for continuing to share your knowledge and energy to this worldwide web of witches ✨

[guelkaratas]

So good to have listened to you two❤ Thorn is such a great creator. Thank you Ivy🧿

[Asoka_]

I, too, have been connecting to the trees here, particularly oak, which is a protected tree in my state. Milton came through, and a few oaks fell and lots of big branches. I've been collecting what I can find and plan to use. I even found a 5-foot branch (which is also my height) that I'm using as a walking staff. I've connected with it, and it brings me joy and protection when I hold it.

[elainecouch]

Very cool video! I am an older woman that has dabbled on and off for years. I am starting again but this time I’m more dedicated. I do sort of have to hide my practice, so the online community is great for me. These conversations are so inspiring, so thank you to you both!

[thistle.thieves]

I was sooo freaking excited to listen to this! Thank you so much Thorn & Ivy! 🖤🩶🤍

[ZelenyPisces]

This was a fabulous interview! Thank you for hosting & to Thorn as well for such great conversation. I found it so intriguing. Very thought provoking as well. You always have such great interviews. Looking forward to who you chat with next. 🔥🧙🏻‍♀️