105: Witch City USA - The History, Hype, and Heart, of Salem Massachusetts

Many witches dream of making a pilgrimage to Salem, Massachusetts; the so-called "Witch Capital of the USA," where the echoes of history, magic, and commercialization all blend together in a way that is uniquely, well… Salem. But is it truly a witch’s Mecca? And is it worth making the trek?  

In this episode Laylla and Chelle unpack the real Salem, the history, the hype, and what it means to visit as a practicing witch. They share their favorite historical sites, from the somber Witch Trials Memorial to hidden gems that go beyond the tourist-trap veneer. They also give the lowdown on the best places to shop, the ones that actually cater to witches rather than just Halloween-loving tourists.  

But Salem is more than just a fun weekend trip, visiting as a witch can be a powerful act of remembrance and honorfor the victims of the 1692 Witch Trials, none of whom were actual witches but all of whom suffered from fear, superstition, and the brutal power of accusation. Laylla and Chelle discuss how modern witches can hold space for these lost souls while embracing the magic that Salem has come to represent.  

The conversation also expands beyond Salem to address witch discrimination today because witches and magical practitioners still face real persecution, the shadow of history still looms large in today’s world.