Basic Witch

By Tui Lou Christie (she/they)

A humble review brought to you by a local Witch-aboutWellington. Reviewing the places and things that will help you develop your pagan practices, revel in your arcane knowledge, and ascend to your highest self. Rather than physical locations, here’s some of my internet “faves”. It’s probably quite lucky that I can only connect to the internet when the terrifying half-demon that decides the fate of my Macbook Air says I’m allowed to. He oozes through the screen, turns my Google Chrome widget into an upside down cross, and starts playing solitaire in the background of my scrolling. I am uncertain what the allegory is, but it’s definitely easier than dealing with Spark. He manages my access to the eternal unfolding brain system of the internet, the great chasm of knowledge, lest I become too powerful and an affront to God. Mainly, I play Farmville.

Facebook page:

Lower North Island Witch Friends

2 stars ★ ★

I was kicked out of this Facebook group for ‘stirring the pot’. I love stirring the pot, it’s how all the best potions are made! Despite their claims that it’s an ‘open and accepting group’ for witches of ‘all backgrounds and practices south of Taranaki’, I was shamed for using storebought eye of newt and the moderators did nothing to mitigate the behaviour. There’s also a group of junior witches trying to ‘cancel’ necromancy for some reason, which I find a bit culturally insensitive.

Online magazine:

WhichWitch

4 stars ★ ★ ★ ★

WhichWitch is an Aotearoa staple for any witch looking to keep up with the latest celebrity news. I love to peruse the latest issue to find out who Morwenna’s been dating/beheading lately, decide ‘who wore it wetter’ at the Bog Witches’ Wet Gala, and what Camilla plans to do now that she’s Hive Queen. I know some might call it a bit of a trashy publication, but I can’t help it, I love the gossip!

Blog:

Auntie Green’s cabinet of curios

5 stars ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Run by Winter Green, the boss witch behind the underground gossip rag WhichWitch, this is the go-to place to read about current trends in witchcraft, fashion or otherwise. Her recent post about seasonal dressing and trussing has been super influential on me. She also did a great write-up on ethics in bloodletting rituals, so mind-opening! I hadn’t realised how important it is to be critical of our consumption, and I’ve started sacrificing only local farm animals to reduce my carbon footprint.