The Multicultural History of Witchcraft in America with Author Via Hedera

On episode 66 of the podcast we’re going to talk about witches. Why? Because there is a growing number of women who are practicing witchcraft in the United States.  And because this is America, there is a racial divide in this increasingly popular witching community. Apparently, Black witches and white witches just can’t get along. Cries of cultural appropriation, questions of who gets to call themselves a witch, and how witches are portrayed in popular media are all discussions that are happening in the witching world and they are all discussions that require a multiracial perspective. 

They are also discussions that require an understanding and knowledge of the multicultural roots of witchcraft in America.

That is why I’m so excited to have Via Hedera as my guest for today’s show. Via is a sculptor, folklore enthusiast, writer and occult practitioner operating a blog dedicated to folkloric witchcraft in the Americas, modern animism and sacred art. Growing up in a multicultural and spiritually diverse community, she dedicates her time to the study of traditional witchcraft practices, ancestor veneration, and all things magical.

Via is also the author of  the just released book, Folkloric American Witchcraft and the Multicultural Experience and she is an expert in the multicultural history of witchcraft and witchlore in the United States. It’s a history that includes African, Indigenous and European cultures and it is fascinating. If you never stopped to think how witchcraft, magic and spirituality were part of the fabric of this country, prepare to have your mind blown. During our conversation, Via explains the multicultural roots of American witchlore, how her own multiracial background inspired her to investigate magic, folklore and witchcraft, and who gets to call themselves a witch in America today.

Warning, I think I use the word “fascinating” at least 10 times over the course of this episode and I apologize in advance, but have a listen and you’ll see, the whole show really is fascinating.

Literary Links from the Show

What I’m Reading Now: Libertie by Kaitlyn Greenidge

The delicious novel that sparked my interest in the multicultural roots of witchcraft in America: The Once and Future Witches by Alix Harrow 

 Multicultural Witchcraft Resources

To keep up with Via Hedera, or to order one of her statues like the ones pictured in the image above, visit her blog, ViaHedera.com

Grab a copy of Via’s book Folkloric American Witchcraft and the Multicultural Experience either on Amazon or on Bookshop.org

Books that Via recommended to further your journey into witchcraft

Jambalaya: The Natural Woman’s Book of Personal Charms and Practical Rituals

Working the Roots by Michele E. Lee

Healing with Herbs and Rituals: A Mexican tradition

Black Magic: Religion and the African American Conjuring Tradition 

Mules and Men by Zora Neale Hurston

How to Fight White Supremacy

In light of the recent increase of violence against Asian Americans, I promised to share some books specifically meant to help white people dismantle white supremacy. Here are some options that come highly recommended. If you don’t think you need these books yourself, buy one for a friend.

1. Me and White Supremacy

2. How to Be an Anti-Racist

3. Lies My Teacher Told Me

4. An Indigenous People’s History of the United States

5. What White People Can Do Next 

MAMP Podcast Episodes to Listen to Help You Fight White Supremacy

Don’t Be Racist, Use Your Voice 

Don’t Be Racist, Decolonize Your Mind 

Don’t Be Racist, Take Action 

Way to Support the Podcast

Please subscribe, rate and review the podcast on Apple Podcasts

Tell your book-loving friends about the podcast 

Do your online book shopping on the MAMP bookstore. You’ll find the books of all of our guests, plus a curated collection of multicultural books for adults and children.